The Canon 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens

[squishy]

Originally Posted by Sam_swfc123

I get your point Geoff. But with my Sigma 150-500mm i am always shooting at 500mm. Thank you for your advice though, every bit of advice is very helpful.

Doesn't matter what focal length you shoot at, the 400mm f/5.6 can't focus as close as the 150-500mm (at any focal length).

[johnf3f]

What Geof F is getting at is thet you can't get close with the 400 f5.6 as it simply won't focus. If you are only taking longer range shots then this does not matter but if you want to get a frame filler of smaller animals then the 400 is limited to (I think) 3.5 meters. The 300 F4 (for example) will focus down to 1.5 meters which can be a great advantage for butterflies, snakes, lizards etc. However with the 300 you do loose reach unless you use a converter, but then the 400 gives better images. It's a difficult decision, I went for the 300 as it's better for me (+ I have a 600mm) but both are excellent.
I suggest you find a decent camera shop, tahe your 1d in and try them, then go home ans assa the images, I think you will be impressed. Then if possible buy the lens from that shop. The better High Street retailers usually offer better backup and, in the case of the one I use, are often cheaper. Good luck in your search, I think you will be impressed by Canon "L" lenses - I was!

[wrogers]

I have just had a look at the 100-400 IS in a shop, and although it is quite nice... it does AF slower than other lenses... but not by much...
which means I am looking at a 400 5.6 prime lens

as for whether to keep the 150-500 or not....
if you need the extra 100mm... get a 1.6x crop body as a back-up
your 1d mk2 has a 1.3x crop...
so with a 400mm lens you are actually using
400 on a 5D / 1Ds
520 on a 1D
640 on a 7D/60D/550D etc.

a sigma 500mm on your 1D is 650mm... so a 60D might be a nice replacement

[welshcameraman]

Hi Sam

If you have the 150-500 sigma and virtually only use it at 500 then why are you thinking about buying a lens 100mm shorter? Surely you would be better off saving and getting a second hand 500 prime.

I have the 100-400 canon and have used the 150-500 sigma and the 400 canon. Of the three, the canon 400, even without IS is the best option, but the sigma is a cracking lens, just look at welshlensmans photos, and others on here to see the potential, and it gives you the extra 100 mm and the option of dropping right back to 150.

My advice is think it through, if you buy either of the canons, you will be parting with the best part of a grand that could be put towards that 500.And at sixteen you have plenty of time.

By the way I also use my fathers canon 500 f4 and it is head and shoulders above any other lens I have used for wildlife.

Martin

[squishy]

Originally Posted by wrogers

I have just had a look at the 100-400 IS in a shop, and although it is quite nice... it does AF slower than other lenses... but not by much...

That's odd. I've tried a couple and it was as fast as the sigmas (a bit more snappy in low light as well).

[wrogers]

Originally Posted by squishy

That's odd. I've tried a couple and it was as fast as the sigmas (a bit more snappy in low light as well).

oops
I meant it was slower than the other lenses I tried in the shop
(70-200 2.8 IS Mk2 and 70-200 f/4 IS)

the 100-400 is definitely quicker than my 150-500 and doesn't hunt so much in low light (inside a shop at night)

I am selling 2 lenses on that well known auction site at the moment so maybe a new lens will be on it's way soon, if only I could decide which one!

Will

[squishy]

aha, that makes more sense, I wouldn't expect it to be as quick as a 70-200.

Although having said that, I've found mine to be VERY quick focussing in the 100-200mm region, slowing down a bit at 300mm and 400mm. Makes sense, since the lens groups have to travel further when focussing when it's at 400mm, and also it lets in more light at lower focal lengths. (and obviously it speeds up with the limiter engaged).

The 400 prime it supposed to be a bit of a speed demon though. I expect that is as fast or faster than the 70-200's.