Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens USA

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

If you're browsing this product, reading the reviews, you've probably read many others as well. Well, here's another to tell you it's all true what you've read before. This lens is sharp as anything you'll ever use, distortion-free, aberration-free, solid construction, costly (you practically have to donate one of your organs), heavy and expensive. The last two are relative, yes this thing weighs more than 8 pounds but it's light versus anything that came before it given its specs. Expensive, well yes, but the image quality, construction, stabilization are all better than anything that came before it.

While it might seem crazy, I have only used this lens handheld - I use the shoulder strap and am able to remain quite mobile for many hours without tiring. The images are astounding at every aperture, bokeh to die for, depth of field that is wafer thin, sharp, sharp where you chose it to be. Just a crazy lens.

Recommend getting a lens coat and insurance to protect your investment - it is substantial one! A ThinkTank Street Walker Pro will fit this lens attached to a camera body very nicely (even a 1DX, snug as bug).

For more examples of pics, you can check out the flick-site, look for my ID there, same as my nickname on this review. I have a set dedicated to images using this lens.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I tried to hand hold the lens with the 1.4 extender III and couldn't do it. The lens is enormous, and really heavy to hold (8.3 lbs doesn't sound too bad but the weight is concentrated at the front). Get the Wimberley WH200 and enjoy a great lens. Or line up a good chriopractor. The Wimberley foot makes the lens difficult to fit into the enclosed case.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

The 400mm f2.8L IS was the gold standard for field sports until this version arrived. I'd used the old one for years but the II is better--significantly better. First and foremost is the weight difference. Losing over 3 pounds makes for a huge change in fatigue at the end of a day of moving up and down a sideline. It feels like a slightly bigger 300 rather than a lens twice its weight. This lens is a joy. The bokeh remains legendary.

The performance is also a treat. Granted, there was nothing wrong with the old 400mm version but this iteration is slightly sharper, focuses instantly on a 1D X (or a 1D Mark IV) and very fast with the 1.4x TC III. I never liked using the 1.4x TC II with the previous version due to the slower focusing rate and lower accuracy but now that is not an issue for me. Yes, image quality takes a small hit but is still excellent.

With the change from 1.3 FOVCF to FF on 1 series bodies, I was considering moving to a 500mm or even 600mm f/4.0 lens but this lens gives me f/2.8 when I need it and still allows the longer focal length (560mm equivalent) at f/4.0 with very good quality when mated to the 1.4x TC III. The top notch build quality remains a given in this class of lens.

Mode 3 image stabilization is perfect for sports shooters like me. I'd shut off IS for sports shooting with the earlier version. The performance boost is detectable. Bravo Canon.

The best got better and the weight improvement alone is worth the extra $$ to me.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I use this lens for Sports and Horse Photography...

This is an amazing lens, very very sharp, the AF is lighting fast and the height is much better than the older one.

A great investment with you want the best of your work.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

Wildlife Photograhpy

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I use this lens for wildlife photography and the sharpness is absolutely amazing. I use it on a 1DMKIV and 1DX bodies. The focus is fast and the quality of the wildlife photos is absolutely over the top. I bought this lens rather then a 500 or 600mm lens as it gives me options with the new 1.4 extender. Even with the extender on the lens the focus is fast and there is little difference if any in sharpness. For those that can afford it you will be glad you invested in this lens. In combination with the 1DX, I can now take great shots in low light situations that are sharp without noise.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

It took me quite some time to decide on which new lens I should buy to replace my old 500mm/f.4.0L workhorse, for sports and wildlife. I thought the older 400/2.8L was too heavy and I had the same thoughts of the 600/4.0L. Even though I do not handhold very much, I still want to be able to do so and the stuff needs to be carried. The 28% weight reduction on the new 400, with the f/2.8 max aperture, combined with 1.4X III and 2.0X III extenders and a 5D MkIII and 7D house, gave me in my view maximum performance and maximum flexibility. I also use a Gitzo GT3542LS tripod, with a Wimberley Gimbal head II and a Gitzo GM5561T monopod. Combinations very hard to beat.
The new IS system is exceptional and the optical performance is as good as it gets. I am also very impressed with the AF speed and accuracy with both the 7D and the 5DMkIII. Build quality is second to none.
I´ve used it for 3 weeks now and not a single negative experience so far.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

To give you a background, I've used a lot of Canon lenses. I mainly shoot sports, and I used to shoot with the 300mm 2.8 IS I. This review will be based on bird and sports photography.I purchased this lens over the 400mm 2.8 IS I mainly because of the weight. I never used the version I, but I can't imagine myself lugging 11+ pounds of glass around.The AF accuracy on this thing is amazing.+ fast+ accurateThe AF reminds me of the 200 2L, which is also dead on accurate.The IQ is amazing.+ very sharp+ out of focus regions are just creamyAgain, this reminds me of the 200 2LWeight:I can actually handhold this lens. When I got this lens- it was surprisingly lighter than expected. However, I suggest getting a very good monopod. Construction:In order to reduce the weight, Canon decides to remove the protective glass in the front- so now the front is an actual element. What this means: be very careful with the front element! I can't imagine how much it will cost to replace it. I can't imagine sending this one in to fix the front element.Suggested Accessories:- Don Zeck's C5 Cap for 400mm 2.8 IS (This is much more useful than the one provided)- 52mm polarizer (I used this for water sports- and it was helpful)- MonopodGeneral 400mm 2.8 hints:- Just because you have a huge focal length- you cannot be lazy. You still need the subject to be a large part of the frame. Sometimes I find myself lazy and shoot birds that require 100% pixel-peeping, which this lens may or may not do the magic.- At f/2.8, the depth of field is thin. Don't be sloppy with handling this lens!- At 400mm, even 4 stop IS won't magically reduce your camera shake.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I use this lens for sports photography (Lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, soccer) and for wildlife photography, often in low light (rainforest/ temperate forest). The results in both cases are amazing. At low apertures the bokeh is gorgeous and even a fast moving soccer ball will stop dead with the kicker tack sharp and the background players softly blurred out. The focus is very fast and can catch birds in flight easily if the background cooperates. With enough practice aiming the small field of view even flying odonates are possible (although I say this having not gotten a perfect one yet, but I will..)The only cons are cost and weight. The cost is big-time, but in my opinion you get what you pay for and this lens was worth every penny. The previous version of this lens weighed 12 pounds, so at about 8.5 this one is comparatively feather light. That being said it's still heavy as all getout, but as with price you need to pay some dues to get the results you will get with this lens. Even with the weight it is possible to use hand-held in a pinch; the image stabilization is excellent and I've managed good hand-held shots at shutter speeds as slow as 1/250.Overall, a fantastic lens if you can afford it. I used to call myself a semi-professional photographer on here, but having invested this much and started selling (and publishing) many more shots than I had in the past, this lens has pushed me over the line and I think I can ligitimately claim to be a pro now. Who says money can't buy everything :)

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

After receiving the lens I did a series of shots with and without the 1.4 III Extender. There was very little difference (if any) in autofocus speed. The sharpness using the the 1.4x III on this lens was superb. I used a bird shot for my testing. Just an incredible lens. The Lens is heavy i use a Really Right Stuff Tripod with a RRS gimble head. Superb combination.

I can't say enough about the sharpness of this Lens

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I bought this lens to capture wildlife and nature.
It exceeded my expectations regarding it's image quality and performance.
Image quality, sharpness, and lightweight are some awesome features.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

This lens is off the charts from a capability and results perspective. I'm accustomed to a 20% usability ratio when photographing sports. The keep ratio is much, much higher with this monster. Tack sharp, fast – it's a dream. I believe it was the great philosopher Ferris Bueller who once said, "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

Perfect in every respect.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

This is amazing lens. Output is great, no matter, if you mount pixel packed APS-C, fullframe body or combine it with extenders. Big tripod and stable gimbal head is a must for this lens. Lens cap is much better than previous generation of lenses. Weight with hood, cap and lenscoat: 4.5kg Even when used with extender (iii generation), output is perfect. For sample pictures with extenders, you can see examples in my review of extenders (it's written in Slovak, but you don't have to understand to look at pictures). http://www.ephoto.sk/fototechnika/recenzie/objektivy/telekonvertory-canon--iii-generacia/

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

Love the lens! The change they made to the "support ring" is fantastic, the weight reduction is unbelievable... the new image stabilization setting #3 is GREAT!... Just all around, the improvements do make this lens much better. Yeah, if the price was less it would be great but to get the images this lens can grab... I can't comment if the images at the pixel level if this lens is better than the previous one... I don't really care, the other features that this lens has far outweigh even considering buying an older version for me.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

When you're looking at a $11k lens you're really asking yourself if plunking down that amount of coin is going to be worth it....

Simple answer, yes. The lens "functionality" is far superior to the previous model. Both the new 300 & 400 offer improvements that really do make a difference... and it's the little things that make the difference. The new collar is much easier to deal with. The weight is certainly noticeable. The new image stabilized "3" setting really does help... I've traditionally been one to turn off IS because I didn't like how it worked... both the 300 & 400 are set to the new "3" setting.

As far as image quality... compared to the old... I'm not a great judge. I borrowed the old 300 & 400 from CPS 3 times each... all are very nice... but the features of the new ones, in my mind, really did make it worth waiting and I'm very glad I did wait. Yea, it hurts, the extra $$ but I'm feeling like they're very much worth what I've paid.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

As a amateur/semi-pro I couldn't wait for this lens for shooting my kids in sports (mainly football and horses). This lens produces incredible images. I was using my 70-200/2.8 IS II (+ TC when needed), and just got this lens...as good, if not better, than the 70-200 without the TC, only MUCH closer. Can't wait to try it out with my 1.4x and 2x TC's to see how much more reach I can get for wildlife photography. Only downside is the size, which draws A LOT of attention, and it's weight making it a pain to move up and down the football sideline (but with it's reach, I didn't have to move nearly as much as I used to).

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I'm a Sports Photographer in Brazil. I Usually work at soccer games. I came from 300 2.8, and I fell the great difference.

Comments about Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I sold the prior version to try to afford this one, and the investment is worth it. It's tack sharp from f/4 and largely replicates Canon's MTF curves. It hangs in there before diffraction sets in just beyond f/11. What makes this lens worth it, moreover, is how well it works with both the 1.4X III and 2X III TC's. On top of weighing quite a bit less than the earlier version, this one's really sharp at 560mm, 800mm, and 1280mm (7D with 2X III TC). Unbelievable they can sell such a sweet lens in production.