I currently shoot with a 400L F5.6 and while I am very happy with the lens there are two things that bother me a little ... 1) it has no IS so low light and hand-held shots are a bit more challenging and 2) it is f5.6 which renders a Canon 1.4x useless (yes I do have a Kenko with pins taped - but I don't like it) so it is sometimes a little short for birds.
So after a little bit of reflection I have decided that I need to splash out on a better (much more expensive:( lens). I am going to consider the following two, and would appreciate it if people who have used these lenses could give me some feedback.
1 - Canon 500L f4.0 IS USM
- I like the extra reach
- I like the IS
- I like the f4.0
- I like the BOKEH
- I don't like the extra weight
- I don't like the fact that it is difficult (but not impossible) to use hand-held.
2 - Canon 400L IS f4.0 USM DO
- I get the same reach but now have a 1.4x option (and still be at f5.6)
- I like the IS
- I like the f4.0
- I have never experienced this lenses BOKEH
- I like the low weight
- I like the fact that it is possible to use hand-held.
- BUT I don't know any one who has one so I would not know what it's like (can't really compare)
I use my 500f4 with 1.4x TC almost always handheld. It takes a bit practice and technique but is certainly an option if you have no back problems or other health issues.
I have never used the 400DO but Artie Morris does and as far as I remember he likes it. For me the extra reach of the 500 was the main point when I decided what long lens to get.
I have used both lenses side-by-side and own the 500/4. Both are very, very good. For me the costs of the 500 (weight and bulk) are outweighed by the advantage of the reach, which I could not do without. I think on paper the 400 DO is not quite as good optically than the 500 but the products from each lens seem equivalent.
I owned a canon 500mm f4 and a 400 f4 DO, and I have taken them both away on trips , invariably it was the 500 mm that got used the most by a ratio in excess of 10:1. In the end I sold the 400mm lens. The 400mm was small (relatively) and light but this advantage did not outweigh the extra reach and sharpness of the 500mm.
I used the 400mm hand held (which was the main reason for buying it) and was mainly disappointed with the results, I have hand held a 500 mm and achieved better results. I achieved better hand held results using a 300mm f2.8 (with and without a 1.4 converter).
I upgraded from a 100-400 Canon to the 500 mm f4 and have been happy with it. I often use the 500 hand held and most frequently with a 1.4x TC. I've tried taping the pins with a 2x TC, but it doesn't lock focus; at least with a 50D. I think the extra reach would be worth the penalty of the added weight.
I own the 500 f4 and love it. The reach is great and the performance with both the 1.4 and 2 X TC is great as well. I have a 1 D series body so AF is possible with the 2 X TC. While the 500 is the heaviest lens I own, it doesn't take too long to get used to it. While I hand hold it on rare occasion I do use it with a RRS BH55 and Sidekick. Having 500, 700, and even 1000 mm available when using the TCs is just fantastic.
Thanks for all the feedback folks ! Seems there is nothing bad being said about either lens, so I guess I would be happy with either ... mmmm .... decisions, decisions.
Victor lens for lens I would pick the 500 but if your primary intention is hand holding would go for the 400 D0.
There is no way you will get as sharp a image hand holding. If you are going for fast action then the DO will have a notch since it weighs four pounds without the lens collar vs eight + for the 500.
Only thing to do is use both and see what suits you. btw as far as hand holding I have some Family Jewel Keepers hand holding a 600 but only out of necessity. Nothing like using a tripod :)
I went for the 500mm thanks to "Bill Me Later". I have used it with my 1.4x and 2x TC for many shots and find that it is not overwhelming to handle as I first imagined. I also find that I can hand hold it and get great results. You will find numerous opinions to sway you one way or the other but I for one am not sorry I took the 500mm plunge.
Hey Victor, I own and use both regularly. Actually, I rarely use the 500 anymore since I got the 800 f/5.6. IAC, the 400 DO is a killer great lens and if you like to handhold it might be the best choice for you (depending a lot on where you live and what you photograph....) What is your camera body?
Check the Bulletin Archives on www.birdsasart.com from the past few years and you will see lots of great images created with the 400 DO (including many with a pro body and the 2X TC....) Linda Robbins has borrowed mine a bunch and loves it.
The image here was created with the 50D and the handheld 400 DO (despite internet reports that the 400 DO is not a sharp lens and that the 50D cannot focus....)
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