I got my Canon just before Christmas and finally had a chance to use it today.
So far so good, I am still getting my head around this AF thing and missed a couple shots because of my inexperience in the "process".
This copy new in the case.
I really wanted the IS version but figure this will hold me untill the new light weight version comes out.
By than hopefully, I will have learned how to use the AF .
I really need to get another body ASAP especailly since I still don't know which way directions the lenses come off.
It's also really apparent I am also shot on a decent carry bag so today it sat on my lap while driving.
Some of these images where hand held , and for other's used my new manfrotto mono-pod and my old Wimberly. I hate using mono-pods with long heavy glass, but having the Wimbery makes it tolerable.
The first shot should always be a cat shot. Good work
So this is the original non-IS 400 f2.8 or the Mk II non-IS? I had read some time back that the original was not known to be razor sharp, but the Mk II was significantly improved. I don't know how accurate those reports really were. They're all out of my price range!
Nice captures! So, you started venturing into Canon now, huh? BTW, just FYI, the new 400mm f/2.8 IS Mark II has come out and it is available at some dealers in Canada at a price lower than over here south of the border. The reduction in weight from 5,370g to 3,850g is unreal and the 4-stop IS makes it really hand-holdable, albeit for a short period.
AG, Thanks for the the kind words and the info. Yes I was aware of Canon new light weight 400 2.8 IS but I wasnt aware it was shipping already.
Saying that, I am very great full of having this one and I got it for decent price and so far I am really happy. Not that I wont mind having less weight to carry around. But I can already tell the lens focus is right on the nuggets and although it's heavy, I have no problem hand holding this lens for short periods of time.
And because I don't have to focus, When hand holding, I can keep my left hand alined with my wrist. Hopefully in time, my nagging wrist injury will heal.
NikkorAIS wrote:
AG, Thanks for the the kind words and the info. Yes I was aware of Canon new light weight 400 2.8 IS but I wasnt aware it was shipping already.
Saying that, I am very great full of having this one and I got it for decent price and so far I am really happy. Not that I wont mind having less weight to carry around. But I can already tell the lens focus is right on the nuggets and although it's heavy, I have no problem hand holding this lens for short periods of time.
And because I don't have to focus, When hand holding, I can keep my left hand alined with my wrist. Hopefully in time, my nagging wrist injury will heal.
Greg,
Holding the lens/camera combo is one thing but getting sharp images on a consistent basis with that combo is a different thing. That's where the reduced weight and especially the 4-stop IS comes in a big way. There are a few folks up that that own the new lens already. Again, in the US, the availability of that lens is still scarce, for whatever reasons.
Canon 400 2.8 EF L on 7D Taken @ 2.8 At 1/1250 second ISO 1250 Tripod Wimbery.
Sorry Iv negleted the FM forum for the last week. Iv been busy shooting the Mac's AAA midget Hockey Tournament. Shooting hockey from 9.00 in the morning to 10.00 at night. I have to say the 400 2.8 was the cats meow. Really love the lens. With this one event it will pay for it self.
No need for IS and I so glad I got it the version and copy I did.
I rented a couple of 5D2 for the forst couple of days and than went out and bought a Canon 7D. I havent had time to read the owners manual but .. so far so good. mount on the Canon 7D much of the magic is cropped but it's still pretty fantastic.
I will get some more shots up when I finish some editing and get some sleep.
Are you shooting the hockey from an upper bowl of a two tier arena? An issue I think with the 400 on a APS-C body that the ~600mm equivalent crop is so tight you need to get really far back. A used 1DIIN would let you shoot from the back of the lower bowl for a slightly lower perspective that doesn't feel like you're looking so much straight down, if that makes sense.
BTW, I owned the 400 2.8 II non-IS between 1997-2004 and it was a great lens. I updated to the IS version, but not because the Mark II non-IS was optically inferior. I'd say the two are pretty much on par. The new IS version looks very nice, and the weight savings is attractive... but I'm holding out for the proposed 200-400.
You should see if you qualify for CPS membership... here in Canada it gets you book net on L lenses and certain higher end cameras (generally just the 1 series) and better equipment service times. But the old 400 and 200 1.8 don't qualify towards membership and are no longer supported by Canon... It might be worth it though if you think you'll do a big ticket purchase.
Did you sell off all your Leica gear (and didn't give me first dibs?)
Hey Ron, Yes all the Leica gear is gone. Most of te Nikon gear as well. Still got the widelux and the Rollie twin. But professionaly, I am shooting Canon now.
Yes I know about the crop of the 7D. I just needed a moter driven camera to get me by untilll the new IDX in a couple of months. For this tournament I rented two more 5D2 bodies, but a couple days in I bought a 7D. I heard some good things about it, and my pal Ryan who brought it over to me sight unseen to the Mac's tournament. Thanks Ryan. I appreciate it.
As far as the first image I posted, It was taken at the final game after about 20,000 other's taken from more tradional angles. I was looking for something differnt, And if you ask me it's my vantage point really helps make the image. I post anoter one from the same sequence. but
I still have 5 8 gig cards to go through, but the keeper rate is really not that bad. Considering I was using the 5D2 on the 400 2.8 L and often time shooting through 1 inch of plexi glass.
And while it is pretty tight, It was really fun shooting with the 400 2.8 and the 7D from ice level of or just around the opposite blue line. I really want to get the faces of the players which is always tough when there wearing the cage.
NikkorAIS wrote:
Hey Ron, Yes all the Leica gear is gone. Most of te Nikon gear as well. Still got the widelux and the Rollie twin. But professionaly, I am shooting Canon now.
...
Gregory
So, we need a new FM user name for you. Instead of NikkorAIS, do you need to change to CanonFD? Trying to think of what the closest equivalent would be...
Nice Gregory. I like the 400 at ice level too. You can get some nice charges coming at you along the boards or up the middle from the opposite blue line, but often the crappy glass softens things a lot. I agree, for that collision you were in the best location. It wouldn't have been nearly as good at ice level.
Kinda sad I missed out on your Nocti...
dwweiche: I believe Gregory changed his avatar... he's coming out of the darkness, over to the light side
The fact is I am not wealthy man, and have at times had to sell/trade one system for another. Beside, sometimes owning gear can start to feel like, the gear owning you.
I have no problem letting camera's/ lenses go. It's only stuff.And over the years that willingness to change, has allowed me use some amazing gear.
Ron , I didnt know you wanted my Lecia Noct. who knew?
As far as changing my my Nikkor AIS handle, it's not going to happen. I got way to many post/images posted under Nikkor AIS. Not to mention over the years, I have used Pentax 67/Pentax LX, as well as the Canon FD , Leica M digtial/film, as well as currently using the Rollie twin and widelux along side of my New Canon gear. A Some bought used like my much loved 200 1.8 L . And the 4X5 Speed Graphic is still waiting for me to bust out.
I think as my self as a photographer. The camera in front of me is only part of the image chain. The most important link is always the photographer.
This whole darkside/lightside is lost on me. But what ever, I am having a blast shooting with Canon EOS digital and have my name on the list for a 1DX.
NikkorAIS wrote:
David , All B+W work done in light room. However, shootig in B+W in camera is a good idea..
Gregory
Not really. other than to give you an idea of how a scene looks in mono when you veiw the rear screen..
If you shoot RAW (and you should) then you dont get B&W output anyway. DPP will show you a B&W image but thats only the default settings used from the camera , you still have all the colour info.
if you shoot Jpeg then selecting in camera B&W locks you in to the cameras version of B&W .
B&W in post yeilds much better results.
Loverly images by the way. shows that a 400/2.8 can do other stuff beyond sport
. 
