Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
Username  

  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Canon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1
       2       end
  

Archive 2014 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?

  
 
johnvanr
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


I used to have the Canon 100-400mm, but mostly used it at its 400mm setting (don't we all). I'm not really into bird or wildlife shooting, but I used it mostly for landscapes. I tend to want to isolate subjects in landscapes, so it made sense. I sold it because I needed to free up some cash for other gear, but looking back through Lightroom, it's clear I used that lens a lot.

I don't want the 100-400mm anymore, as I'm trying to lower the weight (also replaced my 70-200 f/2.8 IS with a f/4 IS). I'm thinking of getting the 400mm f/5.6, but I'm not sure how much I'd use it. I also have an Olympus MFT setup and the 300-600mm equivalent lens for it, but I'm sure it's not as sharp as the Canon L. I could also use the Canon with my Sony A7r.

So, for those who have the 400mm and use it beyond BIF, how would you rate it? Worthwhile having it or one of those pieces that sits in the closet 99% of the time? Better to have a 70-200 and 1.4 converter and crop a bit?

(please don't suggest renting, as this would be one of those lenses I'd throw in the car and just see if I find a need for it, instead of going out specifically to use it; like yesterday when I passed a scene that I needed a super tele for, while I only had 50s in my bag...)




May 08, 2014 at 07:25 AM
RogerC11
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


You also might want to take a look at the 70-300L. Sounds like a good fit for what you want.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx



May 08, 2014 at 07:43 AM
alundeb
Online
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


Like you I am into landscapes with long lenses, and used to have the 400 5.6 L when Canon was my main system. What is really nice about it is that you can use a 1.4 teleconverter on it and get to 560 mm with good quality. If you only go to 400 mm though, and stop down to f/11, the 70-200 F4 IS with the 2X teleconverter mk III is almost as good. It has to be the generation III teleconverter.



May 08, 2014 at 07:55 AM
johnvanr
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


RogerC11 wrote:
You also might want to take a look at the 70-300L. Sounds like a good fit for what you want.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx


Looks like a nice lens, but only offers 100mm more than what I have and gets very slow with a converter. Not sure it's worth the money in my case.



May 08, 2014 at 08:07 AM
OntheRez
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


John,

I have an old but utterly functional 400 f/5.6L. I consider it one of Canon's better lenses. I got mine used at a very reasonable price. Like you it is used mostly for landscape. I don't quite understand why people insist that only UWA are landscape lenses. Partially I guess it's that I live in the Sonoran desert and the FOV of the 400mm allows me to bring definition to parts of the vast whole that get lost in something shot at say 16mm. I also get good service shooting birds - if I can bring it to bear fast enough - and other wildlife from rattlesnakes to desert big horns. It is always in my bag when I'm going out to shoot but it's definitely not a "carry around" sort of lens. Still it is light, has excellent IQ, reasonably priced, durable. The only knock people can make on it is that it is slow at f/5.6 but faster would be heavier and much more expensive (read 400 f/2.8) I generally shoot it from a tripod or monopod. It is a challenge for me to keep it steady enough to reduce camera blur. You'll find me wedged up against most anything to help get the shot. Folks talk about wanting IS on it but that would double the price, increase weight by at least 50% and well just wouldn't be the same thing. I love mine and think for what you want to do, you'll be very happy with one. I got mine used here on FM. If you watch for a bit you should be able to get a good deal.

Jim Colwell's used lens spreadsheet - I think I have the latest - lists them between ~$900 and ~$1100 via fleabay. I think they're about $1400? new. I got a nice copy a few years back for just over $800. One of the best values in Canon lenses and the only way mere mortals will ever afford the 400mm FL.

I can't speak to the 100-400 as I've only handled it a couple of times and just didn't like it. Others swear by it. I should think you could sell it and come out close to even for a 400mm f/5.6. I couple mine with a very old 300mm f/4.0L and get excellent results. My IQ is limited only by my technique. The challenge of course is that the lens is fairly slow, but I've learned that a combination of a newer camera with excellent higher ISO and tripod/balancing have allowed me to shoot in many relatively dark situations. I've never used it in my sports work because it's just too dark out there.

I think you'll love the lens for the purpose you've described. Make sure you share some shots.

Robert



May 08, 2014 at 09:02 AM
krementz
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


It sounds like a good fit for you. Do it, and sell it if it doesn't work for you.


May 08, 2014 at 09:04 AM
jasonpatrick
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


If you take 100 owners of the 400mm 5.6 and interviewed them as to what their main use of their lens is, I doubt you'd get 5 of them that use it primarily as you intend to.

That doesn't mean it won't do what you want it to do, it just means that not very many people think of the 400mm 5.6 that way. I do see a lot of people using a 100-400 for landscapes though. The primary reasons I see people buying a 400mm 5.6 is for it's outstanding IQ, relatively long reach compared to price and lightning fast autofocus. It has a poor MFD, is slow wide open at f/5.6 and can only AF with with a non canon teleconverter - unless you have a 1D series or 5D3.

The good news is that the lens holds it's value well and sells all the time on the buy and sell board. Buy it and use it. If it's too limiting or doesn't get the job done, sell it.






May 08, 2014 at 09:05 AM
johnvanr
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


Thanks all. The used prices on eBay are on the high side at the moment, esp. since new it has a $120 rebate. On the B&S forum here, they seem to go for $950, a good price, but it seems they also go very fast.

I do have a 5D III, so a converter is an option if I need even more reach.



May 08, 2014 at 10:54 AM
Invertalon
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


I would vote the 300mm f/4 IS for best "all around" telephoto. Can use well with a 1.4x to get 400mm, it has some form of IS at least and has amazing macro ability with its great MFD.

I prefer it over the 400, personally.



May 08, 2014 at 10:55 AM
Imagemaster
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


johnvanr wrote:
Looks like a nice lens, but only offers 100mm more than what I have and gets very slow with a converter. Not sure it's worth the money in my case.


One of the best zooms out there. AF is NOT slow with a TC. Works well with a Kenko 1.4x TC:

Purple Martin is a small and fast bird. Large crop.












May 08, 2014 at 11:26 AM
Bsmooth
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


I know its expensive but the 300 2.8 seems to be a very good overall lens. Its fast not too heavy, and works well with both the 1.4 and 2 teleconverters.
Personally I've talked to a few people who use the 70-300L, for both birds, widlife and general landscapes.
I have a 100-400, but right now I'm looking at getting a 400 5.6 too for small fast moving birds.
I do use my 100-400 though sometime for seascapes, or to get somewhere I can't walk to.
I second or third the 70-300L



May 08, 2014 at 11:37 AM
Imagemaster
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


Bsmooth wrote:
I know its expensive but the 300 2.8 seems to be a very good overall lens. Its fast not too heavy, and works well with both the 1.4 and 2 teleconverters.


Hardly a good choice for someone that shoots mostly landscapes. Far more expensive compared to other options, and lots heavier than other options.



May 08, 2014 at 11:44 AM
Thorsten
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


I got the 400/5.6 recently when I switched to a Canon and it became one of my favorite lenses. But I use it for wildlife. For your landscapes, I'd probably rather go with a 70-300, for the composition flexibility alone.


May 08, 2014 at 11:47 AM
3iron
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


My 100x400 has been my most disappointing lens to date. Not that it is always bad, but because it is not always good. There are times when the lens just does not do well for me. Photos are oof or poorly lit.
My 400 fixed, 70x300, 70x200 and other zooms have been to the other extreme. They make me look really good. The 100x400 imo is a capable lens, but you can do a lot better with the others.
If good photos are really important to you, the 3 and 400 fixed 70x200, 70x300 will work very well. If you get a bad shot you will know it was your technique or set up, not from the lens itself.



May 08, 2014 at 11:51 AM
surf monkey
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


If weight is an issue, why would you want to carry a 70-200f4 & a 400?
I know that you sold it, but wouldn't the 100-400 be a better solution?
There's only a 4 oz. difference between the 400 prime and the 100-400, which doesn't seem like much of a weight savings.

My personal choice for how you want to use it would also be the 70-300L.



May 08, 2014 at 12:39 PM
Guest

Guest
p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


A used Sigma 100-300/4 might be another viable option. I've only heard good words about it, apart from lack of IS, but the 400/5.6 doesn't have it either.


May 08, 2014 at 01:37 PM
Imagemaster
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


3iron wrote:
My 100x400 has been my most disappointing lens to date. Not that it is always bad, but because it is not always good. There are times when the lens just does not do well for me. Photos are oof or poorly lit.


And you are blaming the lens



May 08, 2014 at 02:19 PM
StillFingerz
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


Invertalon wrote:
I would vote the 300mm f/4 IS for best "all around" telephoto. Can use well with a 1.4x to get 400mm, it has some form of IS at least and has amazing macro ability with its great MFD.

I prefer it over the 400, personally.

Ditto here

Why...
- bare it's a gem, sharp, light weight and has IS, easily hand-holdable.
- it takes a T/C quite well; I prefer the Mark IIIs but the IIs work near the same; AF and IQ take a hit as expected, but when a bit more reach is needed/wanted and the budget isn't 'fat' it's a nice alternative.
- it takes extension tubes and makes for a great close-up lens, the extra working distance is wonderful, combined with a 1.4x TC you get just enough reach so as to not scare those tiny fliers; butterflies, away.

The 400 f5.6L is on my list, only rented so far, I'm just waiting to see if Canon updates it with IS, for now the 300 fits the bill quite well.

Edited on May 08, 2014 at 02:37 PM · View previous versions



May 08, 2014 at 02:36 PM
Richard Nye
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


The 400 is a nice lens. Very light with good IQ (but not great like like supertele IQ). The built in lens hood is a nice plus!


May 08, 2014 at 02:36 PM
Perdu
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Canon 400mm f/5.6 as all-round tele?


I'm sure its a nice lens but for what you want what's wrong with the 100-400 as an all rounder


May 08, 2014 at 08:26 PM
1
       2       end




FM Forums | Canon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1
       2       end
    
 

You are not logged in. Login or Register

Username       Or Reset password



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.