p.1 #1 · Appropriate appendage for the 1DX - the 400mm f/2.8 IS II ..
The 1DX is in a happy mood now that it's mated with someone of its own social class - the 400mm IS II at last arrived today. They were immediately coupled together with the 2.0X III in between. There was time for a few late afternoon maiden shots, with the help of the 5DIII/24-105mm.
Hopefully the weather tomorrow will allow better testing conditions.
DB
1DX + 2XIII + 400mm f/2.8 IS II
ABout 20 feet away.
About 12 feet away, Depth of field extremely small.
p.1 #3 · Appropriate appendage for the 1DX - the 400mm f/2.8 IS II ..
Congratulations, Db. That is probably the fastest telephoto combo on the planet what you've got there. Well, it's almost $20k, so it better be good.
The hummer images show a good pedigree already.
I would also suggest you start testing-shooting with the bare lens first in order to establish the performance baseline, and then escalate to the TCs.
p.1 #4 · Appropriate appendage for the 1DX - the 400mm f/2.8 IS II ..
PetKal wrote:
Congratulations, Db. That is probably the fastest telephoto combo on the planet what you've got there. Well, it's almost $20k, so it better be good.
The hummer images show a good pedigree already.
I would also suggest you start testing-shooting with the bare lens first in order to establish the performance baseline, and then escalate to the TCs.
Thanks, Peter,
Yes. Life in the fast lane indeed.
Because of the narrow window of light, I was applying somewhat weird logic for the maiden voyage: all other combos will perform well if (and only if) the 1DX+400+2X combo performs well enough. So tonight's performance should only be bettered in good light. So some bare lens tryouts planned for tomorrow.
Also, I discovered that I could barehand this heaviest combo well enough for short periods, hopefully for some accommodating BIFs. I'm missing the agility of the 400 f/5.6 already, so no plans to retire it.
p.1 #5 · Appropriate appendage for the 1DX - the 400mm f/2.8 IS II ..
Yes, I also think that is a smart move to keep the 400 f/5.6.
I think with practice you should find 400 II to be tolerably heavy for handheld use.
The other day I was having it in my arms constantly for four hours, until my back started to ache...then I had to wrap it up.
The 400II + 2xTC III AF performance improves significantly on the upper focusing distance limiter setting. It is still far from perfect, but I have found mine to be surprisingly good for a 2xTC based combo.
p.1 #6 · Appropriate appendage for the 1DX - the 400mm f/2.8 IS II ..
PetKal wrote:
Yes, I also think that is a smart move to keep the 400 f/5.6.
I think with practice you should find 400 II to be tolerably heavy for handheld use.
The other day I was having it in my arms constantly for four hours, until my back started to ache...then I had to wrap it up.
The 400II + 2xTC III AF performance improves significantly on the upper focusing distance limiter setting. It is still far from perfect, but I have found mine to be surprisingly good for a 2xTC based combo.
Keep us up to date on your findings.
Thanks for the crib sheet Peter. I'll experiment and install the lens strap to have my neck assist in the weight distribution, but the tripod is packed to go.
Curious about the focus limiter setting.
It appears that my copy of the 400 is one that need the firmware upgrade. Will read more about this before committing.
p.1 #7 · Appropriate appendage for the 1DX - the 400mm f/2.8 IS II ..
Have you big white canon shooters ever thought of using something like this?
They're out of stock, but I've been in contact with the designer, last I checked he still had a few + parts.
I've wanted one for awhile but at $500...well that's a nice gimbal head...there's one on craig's list for $200 that I just spotted, we'll see if I can pick it up, I'm thinking it will be another option for my wheeling issues, it's got a ball head/swivel at the bottom...might help when I move from the 300f4L 1.4x to the 400 5.6?!
p.1 #8 · Appropriate appendage for the 1DX - the 400mm f/2.8 IS II ..
StillFingerz wrote:
Have you big white canon shooters ever thought of using something like this?
They're out of stock, but I've been in contact with the designer, last I checked he still had a few + parts.
I've wanted one for awhile but at $500...well that's a nice gimbal head...there's one on craig's list for $200 that I just spotted, we'll see if I can pick it up, I'm thinking it will be another option for my wheeling issues, it's got a ball head/swivel at the bottom...might help when I move from the 300f4L 1.4x to the 400 5.6?!
Jerry
Hi Jerry,
I've seen something like that before and was even thinking of devising one of my own. It reminds me of the contraption that flag bearers use to support the flag while marching in a parade. This came up in Google:
Well, it's almost $20k, so it better be good. 