400 f/5.6L

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400 f/5.6L

Steven Evans
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p.2 #1 · 400 f/5.6L

I see the 100-400 dominate at airshows. 400 all the way for birding and probably surfing as I often see big glass on the beach.
I was really happy with my 300 f4 IS that offers macro ability. It all comes down to what you want to shoot. All are good, each is great for something specific.

Jan 16, 2013 at 11:33 PM

CW100
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p.2 #2 · 400 f/5.6L

I also use the 100-400 for surfing, sports, and other events. Much more versatile than the prime

Jan 17, 2013 at 12:17 PM

Pixel Perfect
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p.2 #3 · 400 f/5.6L

timbop wrote:
I owned a 400L, and have used a 100-400 quite a few times. The 100-400 is simply more useful than the prime. Why would you want to have to swap lenses on the beach, when you could just use the zoom with the same IQ?

Mostly AF speed. I owned 400L for a year or so and have had the zoom for 5 years. Prime wins hands down for AF speed for action work. Otherwise they are similar in IQ.

Jan 17, 2013 at 09:54 PM

sirimiri
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p.2 #4 · 400 f/5.6L

Another thing for anyone's consideration is that Canon's Digital Photo Professional has an advanced lens module for the 100~400 zoom, but not the prime (at present).

Those modules are really sweet.

2013 © sirimiri

Jan 17, 2013 at 10:14 PM

abqnmusa
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p.2 #5 · 400 f/5.6L

The 400mm F5.6 does not need distortion correction.

Jan 18, 2013 at 02:48 AM

mikeinctown
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p.2 #6 · 400 f/5.6L

sirimiri wrote:
Another thing for anyone's consideration is that Canon's Digital Photo Professional has an advanced lens module for the 100~400 zoom, but not the prime (at present).

Those modules are really sweet.

What does the advanced lens module do? I think I saw this when working in DPP or maybe it was when I had the USB connected to my 5D. Anyway, what exactly does it do

Jan 18, 2013 at 03:55 AM

Pixel Perfect
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p.2 #7 · 400 f/5.6L

mikeinctown wrote:

What does the advanced lens module do? I think I saw this when working in DPP or maybe it was when I had the USB connected to my 5D. Anyway, what exactly does it do

It's supposed to be able to undo a bunch of lens aberrations and the effect of the AA filter (on the 5D III?) and improve IQ.

Jan 18, 2013 at 04:05 AM

sirimiri
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p.2 #8 · 400 f/5.6L

abqnmusa wrote:
The 400mm F5.6 does not need distortion correction.

DLO modules really aren't about distortion correction.

Have you tried the workflow on other lenses that DPP has modules for?

As a rather poor example, here is a 100% crop shot at f/1.2, near the minimum focus distance. It's not high contrast so you won't see much in the way of benefit in that department.

2013 © sirimiri

Jan 18, 2013 at 07:41 AM

diverhank
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p.2 #9 · 400 f/5.6L

timbop wrote:
I owned a 400L, and have used a 100-400 quite a few times. The 100-400 is simply more useful than the prime. Why would you want to have to swap lenses on the beach, when you could just use the zoom with the same IQ?
I've always heard that the prime beats the 100-400 IQ @ 400. This is the first time I've heard that they are the same. Since you have both, you ought to know.

This review says otherwise
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/forgotten-400.shtml

Edited on Feb 06, 2013 at 05:26 AM · View previous versions

Jan 21, 2013 at 01:16 AM

jasonpatrick
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p.2 #10 · 400 f/5.6L

I've had both. I have the 100-400 now. The 400L has excellent IQ - it also autofocus's noticeably faster the zoom. I switched, honestly, because I found a 100-400 for a great price. I thought that if I didn't like the zoom that I'd go back to the prime....so far I'm keeping the zoom for 2 reasons. The IS and the MFD. I keep this lens at 400 most of the time (I just lock it there). Once spring and summer hits, I'll use this while I'm out looking for birds to do some semi macro work (dragon flies/flowers etc.).

The 400L has better IQ, but you really have to be at 200% or better to even notice. It's really only even noticeable on a test chart. I haven't seen any real world differences. If you stop down the 100-400, it gets better too. I shoot at f/7.1 all the time. The 400L is basically as good as it gets wide open.

Jan 21, 2013 at 03:06 AM

kkennardis
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p.2 #11 · 400 f/5.6L

I have a friend who has shot surfers with the 400l and they turned out great. I have never regretted the purchase of the 400 l. I still won't sell it even after buying my dream super tele (500 f4 is).

Jan 22, 2013 at 12:20 PM

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