gailb wrote:
Let me see if I can answer one of my own questions. All things being equal, if I had a lens with a longer reach, I could have captured more detail. Am I correct?
Not necessarily, since long lenses require a much better and disciplined shooting technique, not to mention the much higher cost.
My rental lens arrived today, the 400mm L lens. It is lighter than the 100-400IS L I tried the other day but still challenging for to hold steady. I removed the tripod color and used it hand-held for about 1/2 hour before the sun went down.
I'm going to give it my best the next two weeks.
I only got an handful of suitable test shots out many, but they were taken at extremely high shutter speeds. Clearly, if I'm ever to use a lens like this regularly, I'm going to have to build up my hand, arm and upper body strength.
My two other first impressions: love the image quality and the speed of the auto focus.
I don't understand if you know what your problem is (shaky hands) you insist testing out len's hand holding them...that is not a good way to test a lens out.
Can I ask a question? Was the Gator image hand held or shot with a tripod. How about the recent in-flight shots? How much were these images cropped?
I'm only asking to try and understand and help. I shoot with other photographers that refuse to use a tripod/monopod. They rely on a burst mode to get a decent capture...tossing the first two out of the burst becuase the lens was achieving focus, keeping one towards the middle of the burst and tossing out the rest becuase they started moving loosing focus on their subject.
I never understood this type of photography....actually I did until I started using a tripod 99.9% of the time...oh, and I shoot on the go the majority of the time. I do miss some captures setting up but I know I will have another opportunity soon enough.
My rental lens arrived today, the 400mm L lens. It is lighter than the 100-400IS L I tried the other day but still challenging for to hold steady. I removed the tripod color and used it hand-held for about 1/2 hour before the sun went down.
I'm going to give it my best the next two weeks.
I only got an handful of suitable test shots out many, but they were taken at extremely high shutter speeds. Clearly, if I'm ever to use a lens like this regularly, I'm going to have to build up my hand, arm and upper body strength.
My two other first impressions: love the image quality and the speed of the auto focus.
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Hello gailb,
I have read this thread since your first question on Jan.18th. Your last sentence proves you have been listening to the advice so freely given by all the talent here.
400mm f 5.6 L and adjust ISO to obtain high shutter speed, AIServo is the way to go. You live in USA, look for a used 40D to compliment the 400 f5.6 L whenever you make the plunge. With the 1.6x crop factor you have 640mm at f 5.6. I have the 70-200 f4 L, the 300 f4 L IS, and the 400 f5.6L with the 1.4x and the 2x, and each piece has it's uses. Only buy Canon glass for your Canon, you will find the AF and the optics are all made to compliment each other. As others have said earlier, it is expensive to have to buy the same focal length twice just because you saved a few bucks by buying another brand.
Regards.
Jim.
Imagemaster wrote:
Well how about for static subjects then, when timing does not matter.
You mean wildlife doesn't move and you don't want to catch that moment with just the right expression? When I shoot stills, I am almost always waiting for the right moment to fire the shutter. And what if it move - you are out of luck with the self timer.
Duane N wrote:
I don't understand if you know what your problem is (shaky hands) you insist testing out len's hand holding them...that is not a good way to test a lens out.
Duane, I've done a poor job at explaining. I haven't developed the skills to hold a heavier camera in my hands without shaking. I can see movement as I look through the viewfinder and see the focus point jiggle back and forth over the subject. Even when I think I've nailed it, I often don't (I often check focus points in ZoomBrowser).
I was thinking as I walked with the 400mmL lens yesterday, that I should start using my husband's hand weights to gain strength in my arms and hands. Ironically, I rec'd an email from a gal who recently got a 100-400mm IS L, and she wrote: "I might do some arm strengthening exercises so I can carry that lens longer and more easily."
Was the Gator image hand held or shot with a tripod. How about the recent in-flight shots? How much were these images cropped?
That particular photo was taken when the 100-400mm was on a tripod. The owner of the lens had it set up and was taking photos when I arrived. So I didn't even think to look at the settings. The one's I took hand-held were too blurred from camera shake.
Is to the images, they are about 50% crops.
I shoot with other photographers that refuse to use a tripod/monopod. They rely on a burst mode to get a decent capture...tossing the first two out of the burst becuase the lens was achieving focus, keeping one towards the middle of the burst and tossing out the rest becuase they started moving loosing focus on their subject.
I use burst mode. Should I not? I thought it was necessary when using AI Servo.
I admit, I do not like using a tripod; never have. But I also realize that if I want to use 400mm lenses, I may have to, though my preference would be not to. I have a monopod that I may try later this week.
Unfortunately, I may find that I can not handle lenses of this size and weight. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Right now, I want to try my very best to get it to work.
I started using a tripod 99.9% of the time...oh, and I shoot on the go the majority of the time. I do miss some captures setting up but I know I will have another opportunity soon enough.
Can you tell me something about the type of tripod you use? What type of head? I assume it has a quick release? I have very inexpensive tripod so if I get a heavier lens, I'll have to invest in a better tripod.
One other thing...so many of you have better, faster cameras with more sophisticated features, improved performance and speed for burst mode, etc. Maybe even your AI Servo modes perform better than an entry level camera like mine. If so, I may have an equipment disadvantage for bird photography.
Hello gailb,
I have sent to you an email regarding an adaptor from Manfrotto for to use on your monopod with long lenses. If I can find the # and the name I will post it here.
Regards.
Jim.
PS: Lets see if I can paste this link.
Manfrotto Long Lens Monopod Bracket
Here is a link I hope.... http://www.adorama.com/BG3421.html
More From: Bogen Imaging, Inc.
Item #: 462044
Mfr. Part#: 3421
Availability: On Order
Est. Ship: Call for Availability
Thanks Jim! I've responded to your email. Every time I read a post in here my equipment keeps getting heavier and heavier.
I went out this afternoon with the 400mmL - Day 2 with it.
There were mostly clouds but now and then the sun peeked out. I got a few shots bracing myself against a tree. I didn't get focus locked in the right place for every shot, but at least think I've taken another baby step forward in getting some detail and learning to hold the lens a tad steadier.
Gail, those shots look sharper. Try and brace your lens against any solid object that is nearby. Do not let people talk you into getting a tripod and all the assorted gear, if that will make taking the photo more of a burden for you. While using a tripod is great for some people, it just puts others off enjoying a more spontaneous type of photography, which is hand-held.
Try to keep your shutter speed at 1/800 or faster, even if it requires shooting at ISO 800 or 1600. You can always reduce noise in post-processing, but you can't reduce blur. So what would you rather have, a little noise that often won't even show up in a print, or an image that you can't use because of blur?
Let me put a little disclaimer, I am not a pro so take everything I say with a bit of salt. However if you search my post in the Wildlife section of the forums youll see the results I have gotten with this lens.
I am kind of on the scrawny side so I understand your difficulty in hand holding these lenses. I can tell you that you will adapt it just may take a good year or two!
I also want to second getting a monopod! In low light they are indispensable! I also want to recommend getting a 100-400 IS. I know people I am going to get flack for this, but the 100-400 is every bit as sharp as the 400 f/5.6 (I have had both) and it has the advantage of IS. Granted IS is not the end all be all to your problems. However It really does help. You still have to have good hand holding technique. Have you ever tried bracing your lens on your fore arm with your fist braced against your opposite arm? Also make sure you breathe out, not in and then hold your breath. Works wonders. You might want to consider switching to decaf or cut out coffee altogether. I find caffeine to be my bane when it comes to photography!
Just make sure you test your 100-400 before you buy it and make sure there is little to no difference in sharpness between f/5.6 and f/8 if they are comparable you got yourself a good copy that could be as sharp as the prime.
Finally If you want to see some excellent examples of what the 100-400 can do look up Keith Reeder and view his website, simply stunning stuff!
Imagemaster wrote:
Do not let people talk you into getting a tripod and all the assorted gear, if that will make taking the photo more of a burden for you. While using a tripod is great for some people, it just puts others off enjoying a more spontaneous type of photography, which is hand-held.
I think using a tripod will take some of the enjoyment out of it. I primarily take photos during casual walks.
The 400mm is a beast for me, but I'm not yet going to give up. It's a humbling experience for a darn lens to make you realize that you're out of shape. ;-)
I wasn't going to admit it, but I've simultaneously been doing research on the Canon 70-300mm IS. But from all I've read, it doesn't seem like a good lens for much of the type of photos I like and hope to take. For birding, I'm learning that fast focus is very important.
dragonfly5 wrote:
Hello gailb - just posting this on behalf of my friend Jim. Just thought I'd share the image of his setup for the 400. Jim is the good looking gentleman on the right keeping his eye on some GBH nesting. I'm the one looking at my 70-200 with Jim's 2x wishing I had a 400.
I much appreciate the photo (boy is it ever sharp and clear; taken presumably with an L lens?).
You're both good looking...but not as good looking as the two lenses in the photo. lol
I shoot with the canon 400 F/5.6 and i must say although there is no IS, this lens is very sharp and it gets the job done. Some of My Nikon Friends are wishing they had Canon because of this lens. The 400 F/5.6 is the best lens that I own.
take 400mm 5.6 keep your shutter higher along with ISO .. i shoot most of the time shutter 1250 with ISO 400 in bright light hand held most are the pictures comes with 100% details ......
have also done 400mm 5.6 with 1.4x kenko/canon on 1D (focus was accurate and no hunt)
I looked up Keith Reeder as per your suggestion... He has some good shots, and a wicked temper! His birding site is full of rants and hatred for dogs. That's cool though, it's good to see some passion out there!
