Canon EF 400 f/5.6 L USM

[Abel]

Canon EF 400 f/5.6 L USM

Description:

This high-performance lens was designed with portability and handling ease in mind. One super UD-glass element, whose characteristics are similar to fluorite, and one UD-glass element result in sharp pictures. The lens also has a built-in hood and a detachable tripod mount.


Performance:

• Focal Length: 400 mm
• Aperture Maximum: f/5.6
• Minimum: f/32
• Camera Mount Type: Canon EF
• Format Compatibility: 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
  Canon (APS-C)
• Angle of View: 6°
• Minimum Focus Distance: 11.48' (3.5 m)
• Magnification: 0.12x
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1:8.3
• Groups/Elements: 6/7
• Diaphragm Blades: 8

Features:

• Image Stabilization: No
• Autofocus: Yes
• Tripod Collar: Yes

Specifications:

• Filter Thread: 77 mm
• Dimensions (DxL): Approx. 3.5 x 10.1" (8.89 x 25.65 cm)
• Weight: 2.75 lb (1.25 kg)

User Reviews:

• B&H Photo user reviews HERE
• Amazon user reviews HERE
• Adorama user reviews HERE

Where To Buy:

How To Post Sample Images:

We ask that members please post their own sample photos taken with this particular lens in order to give others that may be in the market to purchase one and idea of how well it handles. When posting sample photos we ask that you do so like the example below in regards to including any and all EXIF data such as camera body used, aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc. This will help out a great deal.

Example:

Canon EOS-5D Mark II : Canon EF 35 f/1.4L : 25 Seconds : f/5.6 : 100 ISO : 35mm : Aperture Priority Mode : -1/3 Bias : No Flash

[Donb10]

Canon 30D, ISO 200, F/5.6 at 1/4000.

[Donb10]

Canon 30D: ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/3200

[Donb10]

Canon 30D: ISO 400, 1/500 at F/8.

Used scotch tape on three of the pins on the Tamron 1.4x to enable auto focus.

[C4Miles]

Great Egret, Canon 40D, iso 200, f/6.3, 1/2500 sec., AV mode, +1/3exp. The 400L is a great lens for capturing birds in flight.

[Slash713]

Great shot!!! tfs.

[Moses on the Street]

I have this lens and I have to say that, if you're considering buying it, do so. Among my seven lenses, it is the sharpest.

[C4Miles]

Some air show shots taken in April, 2009.

Canon 40D, 1/2500, f/6.3 at iso 200

[AndrewCCM]

Wow Miles.. that last one looks like a crash about to happen....

Having never used a 400F5.6, but owning a 300F2.8 IS and extenders... Is there any significant advantage to owning this lens other than the weight? The 300 + 1.4 at 420mm with IS works very well. Just curious.

Great shots...

[C4Miles]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

Wow Miles.. that last one looks like a crash about to happen....

Having never used a 400F5.6, but owning a 300F2.8 IS and extenders... Is there any significant advantage to owning this lens other than the weight? The 300 + 1.4 at 420mm with IS works very well. Just curious.

Great shots...

The weight is certainly a plus. I mainly use this lens for birds in flight, and for that purpose it shines. I used to have the 100-400 and was almost always at the long end. The prime is noticeably sharper IMHO there, especially when stopped down to f/5.6. Focus is extremely fast and the price is right. I have used the 300 f/4 IS with an extender and didn't much care for the results compared to the 400, YMMV. Never been a big fan of adding extenders. At 300 it was excellent, just not enough reach for what I use it for.

[mike.strock]

I am curious as well. I shoot softball, and am usually standing on the third base or first base lines. I'm considering renting a 400 5.6 for an upcoming tournament (I normally shoot with a 70-200 F4 L).

Is this too much lens for this application?

Thoughts?

Mike.

[jasonp]

Canon 40D & 400mm F/5.6L Handheld @ ISO 500, f/5.6 @ 1/750 sec. 0 ev, Manual Mode - 100% Crop

Canon 40D & 400mm F/5.6L Handheld @ ISO 500, f/5.6 @ 1/3000 sec. 0 ev, Manual Mode

Canon 40D & 400mm F/5.6L Handheld @ ISO 400, f/5.6 @ 1/2000 sec. 0 ev, Manual Mode

Excellent lens once you learn the tricks to avoid camera shake. :)
Jason

[deblack]

Manual focus using live view (before launch, naturally)
Manual exposure @ f8 and 1/250
motor drive at low speed (about 3/s) during liftoff
This was taken from almost 14 miles away in Titusville. About 40% crop.

[Laohutu]

[Donb10]

Canon 7D: ISO 640, Distance of 76.6 meters, 1/2500 at f/5.6