Canon 400/4 DO - why no upgrade?

[FarQinell]

With all the big Canons having been re-designed with improved optical performance and IS - the DO stands out for its neglect.

Have Canon come to the end of the line with this particular lens? Is DO a dead end anyway - even though Canon regularly leak hints of "possible" new DOs to come. Or is that all a sham to keep the 400/4 production line open?

Clearly optically inferior to the 300/2.8 nevertheless it is mechanically well made and a comparative lightweight and still has a good following.

Surprised that Nikon haven't introduced their own sharp 400/4 to fill the void.

(Apologies if this topic has already been covered)

 

[charlesa]

Very few are privy to Canon's plans, but the DO line never really caught on with sports and wildlife photographers, no matter how lighter the lens is, if the optical performance is still inferior to their heavier counterparts, togs will prefer carrying a heavier, but optically superior lens. All it takes is a carry case and a monopod/tripod/gimbal head (delete as appropriate).

 

[Menace]

I'm sure if the demand was there Canon will only be too happy to sell us a new 400 DO.

Personally if I had to carry a bit extra weight knowing I'm getting better IQ with the heavier lens, I'll take the heavier lens every time.

Mind you, in another twenty years I might change my mind once middle age catches up with me