Customer Reviews

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM Super Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras 

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I consider this lens indispensible for the photography I do (action and sports). It has paid for itself in photographic sales many times over with images that no other lens can take. I combine it with good camera support (Gitzo 1325) and a Wimberly head. With a 1DMk2 body, we're talking over 15 lbs, and that's not something you want to hand hold. The images at f/2.8 are sharp and contrasty. When I nail a shot, the shallow depth of field is breathtaking. It's ability to stop action and to work in low light is amazing. I've had someone ask me how often I use this lens, and the answer is "every chance I get." You want to know how Sports Illustrated Photographers get their shots? This is part of their toolkit.

This lens is the tool to get images that jump out at the viewer. As a sports lens I don't know if there is a better solution. It is a lot of weight to pack around, but after one or two games you get used to moving it around. A mono-pod is required for shooting any more than a few shots at a time. Since I purchased this lens it has been attached to my camera exclusively with the exception of one wedding shoot.

I consider myself to be a very privileged amateur wildlife photographer simply by being able to own one of these amazing over the top lenses! Its heavy, no mistake, and needs a monopod - I use the Manfrotto 681B.

Only own it if you feel able to throw yourself under it to protect your investment! I consider this ethical issue most early mornings when descending down slopes or climbing over rocks. A sturdy monopod has prevented many serious issues and I have yet to have a hard impact.

I go out early in the morning with it set to a default of F2.8/ISO800 and as the sun rises steadily move to F4/ISO200 ready for quick snaps. I keep a Canon EF 1.4x Extender in my pocket so that I can take small bird shots at 560mm. The extender does reduced the percentage of "keeper" photo's from say 25% down to 10% in typical use.

I have a 24-105/F4, 70-200/F2.8, 400/F5.6, but this is the lens I use for 90% of the time. I often have the 24-105mm or a 10-22mm in my pocket to capture wider shots, but they don't give the mind blowing shots that can only be achieved by one of the big telephoto's.

I considered the 500/F4 because its lighter, but I like the flexibility of 400/560mm and using every last bit of light that's available early in the morning.

Beautiful piece of glass. Bought it pre-owned. Previous owner had kept it in immaculate condition.
Lens is a tad heavy, but that is to be expected given the amount of glass inside.
Image quality is OUTSTANDING. The sharpness is to die for. A must have for sports and wild life shooting.
I mount it on a Manfrotto frame for large lenses, and it gives me all the stability and flexibility I need.
Will be travelling to Japan in the winter to take snow shots. This lens is definitely coming with me.

I purchased this lens a few months ago. It is absolutely incredible for sports photography and wildlife/nature photography. Fast focus, incredible sharpness, rock-solid feel. I can't think of any negatives. It's a bit heavy, so be prepared to hold it securely or invest in a high-quality monopod.

I have had the lense about 6 months. I have used it in wildlife photography in state parks and at Yellowstone/Grand Teton. The performance of the lense is very good. It has worked well in low light and for long distance shots. I watched wolves at about a mile away in very early morning light, but they were obviously small in the photos. I have used it with 2x converter for some shots. Positives are it is easy to use and the optics are very good. Negatives are weight and size. It is possible but difficult to take hand held shots and I am a pretty big/strong guy. I did get some shots of raptors in flight but a high percentage were lost due to my not being bale to hold the camera and lense still enough. The ones that I held still are great shots though. Working off a tipod or bean bag gave me good stability but the tripod needs to be strong enough for the weight.

Overall I am pleased and I got what I paid for.

Mid level photographer in TX

This is the most expensive, but most impressive lens I own. Produces amazing sports/nature shots. I could gush and gurgle about it all day, but the bottom line is if you want the long range lens to have this is it. Add the 2x converter and you have an 800mm lens.