The Unicorn of camera lenses
I've had this lens now for about 2 yrs and I've had plenty of time to test it for photos and video. When used for photography the images have a certain look you can only get with this lens. It's a different look that I'd say that's even more special than the 50mm shot wide open at 1.2
For video this lens will give you a huge leap ahead of the competition due to the focal length and compression. When used on a 1.6x body for video you get even crazier results. I'm amazed and can only hope this lens will last my entire lifetime. It's truly the Unicorn of all camera lenses.
August 2, 2012
Cannot do without it!
I use this lens mostly but not exclusively for aerial photography.
Beginning with the 5D Mark II then the 1D Mark IV (520mm equivelant) the 7D (640mm equivelant) I have done HD video shooting in addition to stills with this lens.
Everything works well and the 14 pound combined weight is handled by a 30 lbs.capacity Cartoni Gamma fluid head with a gimbal head mounted on top.
The thing I would change is the fabric and leatherette dust cover to an faster to mount cover.
The OEM lens case is not capable of be shipped without damage so figure in the cost of a proper Pelican case if you need to move it a lot.
July 10, 2010
A Lot of Lens
This is a very well built lens, though on the heavy side to say the least. I bought a 2X extender by Canon which works very well with this lens. I did a lot of reading on this lens and I find that most every thing I read is right on the money. Presently I am using this on my 5D and it seems to be a good match. I have only taken a hand full of shots with it so far and I'm still figuring out the best and fastest way to get it from my truck to ready to go. With this lens you bring to camera to the lens and not the lens to the camera. You will need a Tri-pod that can hold some weight or Mono-pod. I have used both and found that the Tri-pod works best for me. It is possible to hand hold it but it is a hand full.
June 5, 2010
UNREAL!!!
This lens is OFF-THE-CHARTS!!! If you can get past the insane price tag, I promise you will not regret the purchase. This lens would be ideal for any Sports or Wildlife photographer. The max aperture is super fast when outdoors and the auto-focusing is FAST. The image stabilization is great. YOU ARE GOING TO NEED A MONOPOD OR TRIPOD. This lens is a BEAST!!!
The above sample image does not do the lens justice. I think Canon should supply a sample image of an action shot for sports or wildlife. After all, I feel like that is their target audience. If you look at any amazing NFL telephoto picture, chances are they shot it with this lens.
The bokeh at f/2.8 is smooth and wonderful.
April 27, 2009
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