This high-performance lens was designed with portability and handling ease in mind. One Super UD-glass element, whose characteristics are similar to fluorite, and one UD-glass element result in sharp pictures from corner-to-corner. The lens also has a built-in hood and a detachable tripod mount.
18High-performance L-series lens with portability and easy handling
Super UD and UD glass elements
Sharp pictures from corner-to-corner
Built-in hood and a detachable tripod mount
Pros: super sharp, light weight, decent autofocus, affordable
Cons: high min aperture, loss of auto focus with convertor, very long minimum distance, lack of weather sealing
I would rather own a EF 400mm f2.8 IS ll USM, however then I won't get my new motorcycle. Every thing TommyP said and more. I also shoot motorcycle racing and this lens is great. It is light weight as compared to the above lens and is about as sharp as you will see in this price range at 400mm. Just look at the MTF published here. What you see is what you get. The only issue is that for use with the 1.4X convertor you loose auto focus on all but the 1D series ( wow, then I definitely would not get my bike). Shot some bike races after a 30 year hiatus and the results were nothing less than spectacular.Crisp, clear, no CA and detail was extremely fine even at ISO 400. Shot at 400mm to retain auto focus, you just have to get closer. Great landscape lens when you can't get close. Good with birds with the 1.4X (560mm) except for manual focus the results remain tack sharp. Have shot with 2X (first version Canon) and results were very sharp. At this focal length (800mm) there are many other factors to control which affect sharpness. Manual focus is an advantage when shooting nesting birds. If you use this lens within its limitations you will be ultra satisfied, however if you are expecting it to be the lens I mentioned earlier go out and get yourself a motorcycle: you will be far less disappionted. Please remember my listed cons are limitations and not detractions. Owned since 2004.
I bought this lens around 4 years ago. I use it mainly for Air Shows and Motor Sport events. I have used a number of other similar lenses and still find this the one to use.
With its lightning fast focus and stunningly sharp image quality it makes using it seemingly a doddle. I have tried the 500mm f4 lens and could not manage hand held, the 400mm is just about right in my opinion and I have never used monopod or tripod. Handholding is very easy making it very versatile and portable (compared to other super telephotos).
Cannot really think of many cons with this lens other than it being 5.6 and not performing quite as well in low light but thats what you get for the money.
IS would be nice but again this lens would be out of my price range if it had it. I have not really had any problems without it at all.
If there was only one lens I could have, it would be this one.
I purchased this solely because of the price and needing a longer zoom than my 70-200 2.8. I was shooting pro baseball, and purchased the lens 2 days before my trip. This lens beyond my expectations! The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that it is a little lighter than I like making it more unstable in light wind. The optics are great, and the pictures were wonderful. It truly is a great lens, and for the price you just can not beat it! It shoots well in action sports like baseball and football with fast auto focus. It performed well in night games under stadium lights, even at only being a 5.6. The tripod mount on the lens I purchased seems to come loose easily, but I got used to it quickly and haven't had it become an issue. Overall, the best lens long zoom lens for the money anywhere. I highly recommend it to anyone that does not absolutely require a 2.8. Thanks Canon for another home run! Now, can I try a 1200mm f4 or 5.6 anytime in the future??
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
This was one of my first two Lenses I purchased 4 years ago with my Body only XTi, and has given me excellent Moon shots and Long range shots from cliffs over looking Rivers and Lakes. Put an Extender on this and you'll see what a man is eating on a Barge from a great distance with great clarity. I mostly use it with a Tri-Pod to get the best shot and since I've added a remote it is even better. But of course I didn't have all this at first and still got great photo's, but as you go along you learn what to do in taking better Photo's as read and continue to learn in photography. You just keep learning and want to do better. It is fast and a great long Lens, I have 8 Lenses and use each for a different occasion. I do have the 70-200 f/2.8L IS but makes since to use it for when I'm taking shots with allot of movement plus it doesn't have the range even with the extender, but the 400mm can still be hand held don't get me wrong. Since I have added the 1Ds Mark lll it would just be to much weight to try and use these two products together without a Tri-Pod, I can't believe the shots I'm producing with the 1Ds with the 400mm. This is a great product and I'll never get rid of it.
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