Which 400mm f/2.8

[Jerome]

Hi everyone, I have been shooting sports with my 70-200mm f/2.8 (non-IS) for about 2 years and I'm very happy with the result I get. I shoot mostly triathlon, running, swimming and cycling. I usually have access to most part of the course so my 70-200 is perfect.

However, I sometime wish I have more reach when it comes down to open water swimming. I started looking at used 400mm f/2.8 but I found that there is 4 or 5 version of this lens. Can someone recommend me a good one to get, and what to look at when buying used lens like that. I have a budget around 3000$ and I want image quality to be at least as good as my 70-200mm at 2.8.

[neuroanatomist]

There are 4 versions of the lens from Canon:

• EF 400mm f/2.8L
• EF 400mm f/2.8L II
• EF 400mm f/2.8L IS
• EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II

Of those, you won't find either of the IS versions for less than $3K (and if you see one posted for that sort of price, it's a scam).  You might find one of the older, non-IS versions.  But those are a significant risk - they use electronic manual focus (like the current 85L II), Canon no longer services the non-IS versions of the lens, and AFAIK parts are not available.  Therefore, if the AF fails, you have a club/doorstop/paperweight, since you will not even be able to manually focus the lens.

You might want to consider something like a Sigma 120-300/2.8 OS lens, or a Canon 400/5.6L.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Of those, you won't find either of the IS versions for less than $3K (and if you see one posted for that sort of price, it's a scam).  You might find one of the older, non-IS versions.  But those are a significant risk - they use electronic manual focus (like the current 85L II), Canon no longer services the non-IS versions of the lens, and AFAIK parts are not available.  Therefore, if the AF fails, you have a club/doorstop/paperweight, since you will not even be able to manually focus the lens.

You might want to consider something like a Sigma 120-300/2.8 OS lens, or a Canon 400/5.6L.

+1
You might find one in your price range, but its very unlikely to be working, they are worth that much for parts.