EF 200-400mm f/4L IS - Best Wildlife Lens

[MichaelDanielHo]

This revolutionary and versatile wildlife lens has been released. I have taken delivery now and have written a preliminary review of this production lens. Once I have put it through a few wildlife photo shoots, I will write a more detailed review. This lens is a wildlife photographer's dream when used with the EOS-1D X camera. Take a look at my review below. Keep checking back.  MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Review

Canon EOS-1D X Camera Review

[Artistlin]

I am renting this lens to take on a bear shooting trip. Did you find the need for a gimble head? Would you recommend using a gimble? I am still a bit new in the wildlife photo world.

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@Artistlin wrote:

I am renting this lens to take on a bear shooting trip. Did you find the need for a gimble head? Would you recommend using a gimble? I am still a bit new in the wildlife photo world.

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I am taking this lens to Svalbard, Alaska, Africa and the Canadian Tundra in the next few months. I have never felt the need to use a Gimble head. Take a look at my review and see what equipment I use when I go on photo shoots.

EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM extender 1.4x lens review 

[Artistlin]

Thank you! I would love to hear from others on their usage or not on gimble heads for larger lenses. I am trying to minimize the weight I will be taking (50 pounds limit).

[ebiggs1]

“ If you’re a big lens user and you photograph things that move, a gimbal is the only way to go.”

From Shutterbug, http://www.shutterbug.com/content/gimbal-heads-essential-long-lens-accessory

They are simply fantastic. But unless you have a big lens probably unnecessary. I use a tripod as much as possible and a good head is essential.

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@CanonUser wrote:

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@MichaelDanielHo wrote:

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@JoeDavid wrote:

With the price on this lens, Canon is making the case for getting the 500/4L IS II instead for me.  At $10,300, roughly the same size, and nearly a pound lighter it's a better choice.  I'd rather have the raw quality of 500mm without an extender.  If they'd priced it as $9999, I might have gone for it...

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Hi Joe. I agonized over the same dilemma as you in trying to decide between the EF 500mm f/4L IS II and the EF 200-400mm f/4l IS 1.4x but the versatility of the zoom and built-in extender won me over eventually. I have received the EF 200-400mm today and have written a preliminary review . Keep checking back to see if I have made the right decision. MichaelDanielHo.com 

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Thanks for posting your review of the EF 200-400mm f/4L lens. Judging from the photos, I can't see how one could regret owning this lens. Can't wait for more photos from your photo shoots once you return.  

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I am taking the EF 200-400mm out to get accustomed to its size and weight. I like to handhold the camera/lens combo as much as I can since this gives me the maximun flexibility and this lens can focus down the about 6.6 feet through its entire focal length. Amazing IQ and AF speed when mated to the EOS-1D X. Above photo taken handheld. Counting down to my first overseas wildlife photo shoot in 3 weeks. MichaelDanielHo.com

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@Edward wrote:

Michael:  Refer to my post of 2/18/13 under lenses regarding the 400 mm. When I asked as to upgrading the software for the 400 mm f 2.8 IS MKII in response to a Canon advisory notice, Mike, the Canon's product expert responded and subsequently, Tim also responded (2/22/13) stating that the only lens that can have its software updated without sending it to Canon Factory Service is the new 40mm f 2.8.

So far, I do not know of any Canon comments as to the posibility of having the 200-400 software updated without sending it to Canon Factory Service.  That is why I asked.

Waiting to hear about your comments once you test your new 200-400 mm.

Respectfully,

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@hi Edward. The Victoria Crowned Crane 100% cropped photo was taken handheld with the built-in extender engaged, from about 40 feet away @ f/5.6, AI Servo, IS Mode 1. I wanted to test how good the lens is wide open and without a tripod. You can read my review of the lens here.

EF 200-400mm f/4L Review

  

[Artistlin]

Beautiful shot!

[powaysteve]

Can someone explain exactly how the "playback ring" is used when you are taking still photos? The instruction manual seems to ipmly that it is used only when taking movies. Is that true?

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@powaysteve wrote:

Can someone explain exactly how the "playback ring" is used when you are taking still photos? The instruction manual seems to ipmly that it is used only when taking movies. Is that true?

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The explanation from CPN is the playback ring is supposed to give a 'smoother' transition (compared to the manual focus ring) zooming in and out, whether in video or still mode. Just like the new IS Mode 3 is supposed to give a more Image stabilized shot at the moment of the shutter release. To be honest, I see no improvement in practice. Many of these high end equipment come with so called advanced features that I see no tangible benefit. Went out with the EF 200-400mm lens today and used it on the EOS-7D. The bird photos taken from a distance with the extender on (tripod and handheld) are not good at all. The closer up photos are fine, don't have an explanation for it right now.  http://MichaelDanielHo.com

[Artistlin]

MichaelDanielHo: Your last post is interesting since in previous posts you spoke very highly of the lens. Any idea what was different?