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Archive 2015 · 400 DO II Initial Test

  
 
ccougar
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · 400 DO II Initial Test


I finally received my 400 DO II from B&H and have spent the past several days testing it with both a 7D2 and a 1DX. This lens is a perfect match for the 7D2. Since my primary interest is in birds, I’m finding it not so useful on the full frame 1DX.

Here are three images, one from just the lens, the other two with x1.4 III and x2.0 III extenders. All were hand held. I am very impressed with this lens. It is every bit as sharp as I had hoped, it is a reasonable weight for hand holding and carrying in the field, and the IS is the best of any lens I have used. The lens focuses very quickly, even with the x1.4 extender - not so much with the x2.0 III. I notice a greater decrease in sharpness and AF performance with the x2.0 III extender than I expected. Performance with the x1.4 III seems as good as with no extender at all. I also wish the tripod foot was removable like on the original 400 DO.

PS: By request I have added a forth image taken at 400mm wide open at f/4 with no extender.

Anyone interested can download the original RAW files from the following links. You will need Canon Digital Photo Professional 4 to open the files.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73535106/8W8A1483.CR2

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73535106/8W8A1617.CR2

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73535106/8W8A1965.CR2

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73535106/AU1V5375.CR2





















Edited on Feb 08, 2015 at 08:45 PM · View previous versions



Feb 06, 2015 at 01:46 PM
NCAndy
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Quite nice. This combination is very tempting for me. I shoot wildlife so seldom so buying a 500 II seems overkill. I can see using the 400 DO II for day football games on the 1Dx and on a 7D2 with extenders when I do want to chase animals.


Feb 06, 2015 at 01:52 PM
Methodical
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Isn't it great to have choices and good ones at that? I would definitely use this lens for football games, handheld even. But, no $7k lens in the future for me. I just recently purchased the 600II.

Edited on Feb 07, 2015 at 02:16 AM · View previous versions



Feb 06, 2015 at 01:56 PM
mogul
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · 400 DO II Initial Test


It seems very sharp, but the background looks as if it was shot with my Sony 500 reflex especially the Pelican photo.


Feb 06, 2015 at 02:13 PM
NCAndy
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · 400 DO II Initial Test


mogul wrote:
It seems very sharp, but the background looks as if it was shot with my Sony 500 reflex especially the Pelican photo.


I noticed that too but maybe the heat waves on the beach contribute to some of it. I can see the highlight circles often associated with DO optics in the pelican shot but they aren't too bad.



Feb 06, 2015 at 02:19 PM
lowside67
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Can you post a sample for us at native 400 wide open at F4?


Feb 06, 2015 at 02:24 PM
ccougar
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Per lowslde67's request, I added a 4th image to my original post shot at native 400 wide open at f/4. I think the bird may have been moving slightly because the vine shows better sharpness.


Feb 06, 2015 at 02:40 PM
rprouty
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · 400 DO II Initial Test


How do these images images compare to posted images taken with the 7D II and 100-400 II? I don't believe they're any sharper but I'm old and my eyes aren't that great


Feb 06, 2015 at 07:59 PM
wtlloyd
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Hey, how's the fit on that?
Does it have enough travel forward and back with and without extenders?

Thx


rattlebonez wrote:
You can remove the foot part if you take out the 4 screws holding it on.

I bought one of these RRS replacement feet for my 400 DO IS II
gives you swiss arca plate

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/EF-400mm-f-4-DO-IS-II-USM/





Feb 06, 2015 at 08:55 PM
rattlebonez
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · 400 DO II Initial Test


wtlloyd,

The fit of the RRS plate is excellent. It uses the four screws in the original plate. It is essentially the same shape as the original foot but adds a swiss area plate. Yes, it seems to have enough travel to move back and forth and achieve balance even with a 1D X and 1.4X III.



Feb 06, 2015 at 10:38 PM
ccougar
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · 400 DO II Initial Test


I also installed the RSS replacement foot. Rattlebonez is correct; it fits perfectly and provides plenty of travel for both a x1.4 and x2.0 extender mounted on a 7D2 or a 1DX. I also use a Wimberly flash bracket which attaches to the foot. It is a little tight, but it fits and the lens will balance on a Jobu Gimbal head. I find however when the wide carrying strap which comes with the lens is attached and slung over my shoulder, every time I take it off, the strap gets tangled in the foot. Removing the foot every time I go to the field is a pain. I just wish Canon had used the same detachable collar as in the first version of the lens? It was a much better design. Oh well, I guess we can't have everything, even at $7K.


Feb 06, 2015 at 11:17 PM
ccougar
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · 400 DO II Initial Test


rprouty wrote:
How do these images images compare to posted images taken with the 7D II and 100-400 II? I don't believe they're any sharper but I'm old and my eyes aren't that great


Good question. I don't think the images are _any_ sharper. The advantage is the 400 DO lets in twice as much light as the 100-400. This can be a big advantage in a lot of situations, including the use of extenders. On the other hand, the image quality and price of the new 100-400 is hard to beat.




Feb 06, 2015 at 11:25 PM
Methodical
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · 400 DO II Initial Test


ccougar wrote:
I also installed the RSS replacement foot. Rattlebonez is correct; it fits perfectly and provides plenty of travel for both a x1.4 and x2.0 extender mounted on a 7D2 or a 1DX. I also use a Wimberly flash bracket which attaches to the foot. It is a little tight, but it fits and the lens will balance on a Jobu Gimbal head. I find however when the wide carrying strap which comes with the lens is attached and slung over my shoulder, every time I take it off, the strap gets tangled in the foot. Removing the foot every time
...Show more

Curious. Why do you need to remove the foot when you go into the field?




Feb 07, 2015 at 02:14 AM
wtlloyd
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · 400 DO II Initial Test


thanks for the replies!


Feb 07, 2015 at 02:39 AM
ccougar
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Without the foot, this lens is easier to hand hold, which is the way I plan to use it most of the time. The first version had a removable collar which I thought was a better design than the permanently attached foot. It looks like Canon simply copied the 300/2.8 which I'm sure I can get used to.


Feb 07, 2015 at 11:48 AM
CheshireCat
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Thanks for sharing. This really helps.
I am currently undecided between this lens and the 500/4 II, and I am especially concerned about AF and IQ with the 2x III extender.

If you have a Gmail account, you also have Gdrive and you could share the RAW files with us.



Feb 08, 2015 at 09:16 AM
ccougar
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · 400 DO II Initial Test


CheshireCat: I am not completely happy with the AF and IQ of my 400 DO II when used with a x2.0 III extender. I checked the micro focus and found it right on, so that is not a problem. I should add that this lens is tack sharp wide open with a x1.4 III extender and focuses very fast on both a 1DX and 7D2.

I have compared the 400 DO II on a 7D2 and a x1.4 III extender with the 400 DO II on a 1DX and a x2.0 III extender. The IQ was better on the 7D2. Based on Canon's predicted performance with a x2.0 III extender, I find this a little surprising. I think the x2.0 III extender is going to be something that one uses when the image can not be gotten any other way - not something to use continuously.

The reason for going with the 400 DO II was to lighten the load when in the field and to make hand holding less stressful to the shoulder I had replaced a few years ago. The new 500/4 would certainly be lighter, but the size is still there. I can't get over how small the 400 DO II is.

For comparison, my previous birding setup consisted of a 1DX, a 500/4 (previous version), a x1.4 extender, and a Gitzo tripod with a Jobu gimbal head - focal length 700mm, weight 20.5 lbs. The new 400 DO II mounted on a 7D2 (easily hand holdable) - focal length 640mm, weight 7.5 lbs. Image quality - equal below ISO 1600. My thinking is that the 400 DO II is going to be a very good match with the 7D2.

Even considering my few complaints, the more I use this lens, the more I like it. For me it is a keeper.


Edited on Feb 08, 2015 at 07:41 PM · View previous versions



Feb 08, 2015 at 02:33 PM
Tenn.Jer
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · 400 DO II Initial Test


I'm very interested in anything you can reveal about the new 400 DO II, since I'm seriously considering supplanting my 500/4 IS with it. I have the first 400 DO, and use it predominately since back problems have made the 500 so difficult to lug around. Even when I'm in the truck the DO is so much easily and quickly deployed out the window. My only complaint with it is softness at f/4, and there are several even smaller and cheaper alternative ways to get 400mm at f/5.6 and up.

If the 400 DO II lives up to expectations, I'd be willing to spend enough to upgrade - if I sold the 500...I hate to say goodbye to that one, because I know I'd never be able to buy another; that purchase was made before I had two daughters in college...

Thanks for your insights...
Jerry



Feb 08, 2015 at 03:00 PM
ccougar
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Tenn.Jer, I know how you feel. I am not ready to give up my 500/4 either, but since I've been using the 400 DO II with a 7D2, I think my 500/4 and my 1DX are going to be spending more time in the closet.

I rented the original 400 DO several times and fell in love with its size and weight. The new one has addressed every shortcoming of the old one.

Edited on Feb 08, 2015 at 07:44 PM · View previous versions



Feb 08, 2015 at 03:24 PM
martines34
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · 400 DO II Initial Test


Thanks for sharing your initial experiences with the lens.


Feb 08, 2015 at 03:33 PM
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