Canon EF 400/2.8L IS USM - anyone here using it?

FatNakedGuy

Hello all you super clickers!

I ran into a little unexpected cash recently and am wanting to know your thoughts on the Canon EF 400/2.8L IS USM lens.

I've been shooting primarily baseball, motorcycle racing, concerts, and dance with my 70-200 2.8, but am finding that I want to get a lot closer to the action (especially the baseball and racing). I do own a 1.4x converter but it still leaves me short.

The monopod I have is the Gitzo G1588 Mountaineer and that is what I would be mounting this lens to.

For those who have owned or rented this lens, I'm interested in getting your thoughts and opinions before laying out the cash.

Thanks!


Rick
http://rickweller.com

wxwax

Can I borrow it?

pathfinder

The Canon 400mm f2.8 IS L weighs 11.7 pounds.

To put that in perspective, the 500mm f4 IS L which is a horse to deal with, only weighs 8.53 pounds and the 600mm f4 IS L weighs 11.8 pounds.

I do not know of anywone who uses the 600mm f4 IS L on a monopod for any length of time. With a 1 Series body, that will weigh about 15 pounds, and is definitely into tripod territory.

The 400mm f2.8 is a big chunk of glass, and will need support of some kind, monopod if you are strong, or a tripod or windowsill mount if you are not.

In comparison, the 400mm f4 DO IS only weighs 4.3 pounds and can be carried and shot hand held easily. Just a thought.

Uwe Steinmuller of www.outbackphoto.com chose a 400mm f4 IS DO as his lens for Birds in Flight

This was captured with a 400mm f4 DO IS at f8. The 400 DO works well with a 1.4x TC as well



if you need that last f stop of light at f2.8, the 400 f2.8 IS L has an excellent reputation for sharpness and clairity of the image. At $6,700 it certainly ought to.

According to ReallyRightStuff.com the G1588 should be up to the weight of the 400 + body - http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/index.html