upgrading to canon 400mm,5.6

[jitendra_katre]

<p>i am currently using tamron 200-500, and a i am fairly satisfied with the results. Would upgrading to Canon 400mm,5.6 prime give me substantially better results? is it worth upgrading to this lens?</p>

[robertbody]

<p>I used Canon 400mm f/5.6 and it is nice. There is lot to say about the lens.<br>

<img src="http://robertbody.com/animals09/images/2009-02-20-riparian-cormorant-40d_0593.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="500" /><br>

First the image quality: probably better than your Tamron zoom. Probably better than 100-400mm Canon.<br>

The caution is because of lack of IS, and at f/5.6 you probably want to use it in daylight, or on a tripod, or both.<br>

You can't put a 1.4 Extender on it and expect autofocus, unless you have 1D body, and even then it will slower focus that it should be, and probably only center point. And you will want to put an extender on [initially] because your lens will seem to be shorter than you want.<br>

On this page: <a href="http://robertbody.com/answers/new-photos/2009-second.html">http://robertbody.com/answers/new-photos/2009-second.html</a> I have pictures of birds taken with 300mm f/4, 400mm f/5.6 and 500mm f/4, and when viewing individual pictures, it will tell you the crop factor [usually 40% to 80% of original] -- because i couldn't be using a 500mm f/4 + 1.4 all the time i wanted... and even then i would be wanting a 800mm f/5.6...... but those are not affordable options.<br>

The classical advice would be get a 300mm f/4 IS -- use it whenever you don't need 400mm..... and then crop if needed...... and you'll be better off with 300mm f/4 + 1.4X extender....... for some cases. Like focusing in low light. 400mm f/5.6 will have a harder time then. During daylight though, it should be ok. Then comes into your play your technique and distance from subject [which is another kind of technique, knowing how to sit still and in the right place]<br>

I just assumed you want to take pictures of birds... what do you want to take pictures of? </p>

[robertbody]

<p>The colors might be better on Canon 400mm f/5.6, but colors mostly depend on your choices of time of day and and framing and post-processing. Still a better lens will help, but a lens by itself won't be enough.<br>

400mm f/5.6 is not expensive to rent, locally or by mail, from places like BorrowLenses.com..... same for 300mm f/4, rent and try.</p>

[jitendra_katre]

<p>thanks for the answer..of course i want the lens for Birds..</p><div></div>

[esfishdoc]

<p>I'm in a similar situation. Currently using a 100-400L and although I'll never get rid of this lens I want more for birding. I'm not ready to spend 6-10K on what I really want so I'll be deciding between the 400 5.6 and 300 f4 + 1.4.<br>

It is a rare time for birding that I would want less than 400mm so essentially the 300 would be mated with the 1.4 all the time. Cost wise the 400 5.6 would come in a couple hundred cheaper.<br>

Here is one persons comparison.. for what it's worth.<br>

<a href="http://www.ejphoto.com/400mm_shoot_out_page.htm">http://www.ejphoto.com/400mm_shoot_out_page.htm</a><br>

I'll be traveling to Alaska in July and will probably rent one or the other. Today I'm leaning toward the 400 5.6.</p>

<p>Richard</p>

<p> </p>

[dcstep]

<p>The EF 400mm f/5.6 L was my main birding lens for several months. Since I bought the EF 500mm f/4L IS it hasn't been out of its case, BUT that's a huge difference in investment and I wouldn't recommend the 500mm to anyone until they're certain that they can justify the investment.</p>

<p>Robert has clearly described the pros and cons of the 400mm f/5.6, no IS and small aperture, making use of the 1.4x TC impractical for anything moving. If I had it to do again, I'd go with the EF 300mm f/4L IS and plan to use the 1.4x TC all the time. That way you'll get the equivalent of 420mm vs 400mm (not a big deal) AND IS, which is a big deal. With either, even on a crop-sensor like the 7D, you'll be cropping your final image a great deal.</p>

<p>If, like me, you find yourself shooting thousands of bird images per month, then you'll be jonesing for a 500 f/4L IS, which is an absolutely incredible lens, with and without the 1.4x TC, but save that for later. It's in a totally different class of bulk, weight and price.</p>

<p>BTW, I'll be selling my 400mm f/5.6 L, with lenscoat, at a great price ($1,000?). If you've got a good tripod and gimbal head, then it's highly effective, even without the IS. Still, I stand by my 2d paragraph, if you can stand the cost of a 300mm, plus the 1.4x, then I think that's the best package, except for price.</p>