Tips for new toy (400 f/5.6)
Hi folks. I have just bought a new toy..The Canon 400 f5.6L as the Sigma 135-400 was really getting me down. Just wondering if anyone has any advice that is relevant to this lens that I might find handy to know before it arrives next week. Just things people find they do differently with their technique etc when using it. It's winter down here, the birds have migrated north and the weather is poo, so actual bird outings will be limited for a while.
I am very keen to do BIF shots as the Sigma was absolutely hopeless in 98% of my earlier BIF efforts.
Thanks in advance.
I am very keen to do BIF shots as the Sigma was absolutely hopeless in 98% of my earlier BIF efforts.
Thanks in advance.
0
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Somebody must know something about this lens.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Just a couple things I do to make life easier in BIF shots.
Learn to use the focus limiter switch..sight unseen. What I mean is when holding the lens..... find a comfortable holding position that allows you to keep a finger on the limiter switch. Get accustom to switching it on and off without looking at it. I keep it in the long range (eliminating the shorter distance/range). This greatly helps in the quickness of the autofocus system. When you have a close subject...getready to switch it back the other direction (activating the short focus range).
The other thing is I seldome use the tripod mount on it. Of course...when hand holding this . The weight isn't much..but after hodling the lens up all day...it makes a bit of difference on your shoulders and elbows.
One more note of caution. the sliding lens shade can cause you problems if you are not careful. It tends to stick and get caught between closed position and open. I rotate it and LIGHTLY move it to the out/shade engaged position slowly. If it doesn't move easly without resistance..keep spinning it in the closed (in) postion. It will almost fall out if it's spun correctly. You can force this too hard and lock it up and have a heck of a time getting it closed again. I've heard some have had to send it back to Canon. Just be smooth and carefull when moving the lens shade.
Let me explain this shade things a little better. ust played with my lens. With camera and lens in somewhat a hooting position. Body towards you...lens pointed away. Gently spin the lens shade to your left. This loosens/disengages the mechanism (friction/felt). If you spin the shade left you can then move it in and out. I get in the habit of spinning it continuously as I move it in and out. If it starts to grab...back it off (back in/toward s you) and keep spinning the shade...then try and push it back out again. When you get the shade fully extended...then spin the shade to your right to lock it in place. When you are done..then again...spin the shade to the left and once it is free...slide it back in slowly. I find if you hold the lens up (pointing towards the sky) you can spin the shade to the left and it will fall down on it's own...smoothly and not hang up. Sounds like a sill thing...but this shade can be a pain. I don't extend / close my often. I leave it out and tight all the time and keep it in my bag that way. You may be pressed for room/length in your bag..and then will need to collapse the shade.
Enjoy.
"Osprey Whisperer"
OspreyWhisperer.com
IQ is very good coming from the sigma 50-500mm, so you should see even more of a difference since you were using a sigma 135-400.