Worth upgrading from 100-400mm to EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM?

[Ravanelli]

So I have just upgraded from a 5div to a stunning 1DXiii...........

Long story short, I have been using a 100-400 L IS ii for the last year. I shoot exclusively military aviation, fast jets etc. I spend a great deal of time at the Mach Loop in Wales, UK. This is a military low flying area. The 100-400 has been good, mated to the 5div. 

The opportunity has come about to buy a lens I have wanted for quite some time, and I think it would be great with the 1DX3. It is an EF 400mm 2.8 L IS ii. 

Like most seem to think, it's a significant leap in £££ / $$$ to buy this lens (over here in the UK in December 2025 an absolute mint one would be around £5000). I am aware of the weight penalty, and will have a new monopod for when I thinks I will need it.

So is it really worth the upgrade?

If anyone uses this kind of set up handheld I would welcome your thoughts. I'm physically strong and have weight trained all my life, so ok with heavier items.

Thanks,

Rav

[Ravanelli]

Here in the to 1DX3 user manual. Page 908 starts the explanation. A useful tool to have. Copy and pa...

[Ravanelli]

Here in the to 1DX3 user manual. Page 908 starts the explanation. A useful tool to have. Copy and pa...

[SignifDigits]

With MPB you will have a 90 day return period if you are not satisfied.  It sounds to me that you've already made this decision emotionally, and only experimentation will tell you regarding the pros and cons for your shooting experience.    I an guessing that you will make this purchase.  Worst case you will trade it back into MPB on another 100-400 - or something else.    But likely you will love it and I'm guessing that is a reason you don't see many of them in the used market.

[Ravanelli]

Indeed. If all the global owners of 100-400 and say 150-600 lenses were given the choice to have a 400 2.8 as a straight swap free of charge for their current lens, I suspect a huge % would jump at the chance, though not all for a variety of reasons. They, like me, have persuaded themselves that they don't really need a 2.8, and this is primarily due to cost. Add to that the IQ from certain 100-400 & 150-600 is very acceptable for many many people.

[ebiggs1]

Well, I can confidently tell you it would take me 15 seconds to make this decision. There is no way on this green Earth I would favor a 100-400mm zoom (I have both EF models) over the absolutely fantastic 400mm f2.8L (only rented). I also would ditch the monopod thought unless you are doing static shots of airplanes. If you can't handle the 400mm primes weight you need to select a different hobby, or keep the 100-400mm zoom.

I use my Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport for air shows which is also a heavy lens but not nearly as heavy as the big 400mm prime. I get along just fine with it.

[Ravanelli]

I agree with you 100% my friend. Most of the last few years it was just simply out of my price range. Now it is not. I have spent most of my life in the gym, so whilst the weight is greater than the zooms, I can handle it. PS.....I use a Cotton Carrier G3 harness and use with all my cameras. It's only in my hands when I see aircraft approaching. I take the shots (High speed continuous) then its straight back on the harness. Never leave for a shoot without it. 

[ebiggs1]

I'm all aboard for you go get it. So exciting!

BTW, if you do happen to not like it, it is a lens that will hold its value way better than any 100-400mm zoom will. You may not every penny of your money back but you will get most of it.

My father was an US Air Force pilot so I have been to many air shows and on many air bases.

[Ravanelli]

Here is a shot from the Mach Loop with the 100-400. Quite happy with the results but I am seeking more sharpness.....https://www.flickr.com/photos/203505706@N03/54892059233/in/album-72177720330028123

[Ravanelli]

USAF F15-E from the 494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath, UK. 

[March411]

Those are some fantastic images you have in you album Ravanelli!

You should add some here for our members to view, they really are very good. Here is a link to the photo share page https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/Share-Your-Photos/bd-p/photos

But no pressure 😉