Review - Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x

I 'de like to weigh in on the debate of wether or not the review being discussed is of use to prospective buyers of this Lens, or not.

When I'm looking to Buy a new Lens I tend to look around for as much info as possible, but I'm often an early adopter, so info can be sketchy at best, mostly People doing pre reviews of technical data, but little on the actual use of the Lens.

I thought JVL Photos mini review of a Lens that's been on the Market now for 12 months or so, was well done, informative, and important to me, showed some different aspects of use for this Lens that I had quite honestly not considered. The shot of the Boy ? running away from the Camera in the Rain / perfect example of what the Lens can do, but most owners wouldn't consider.

There are better, more technical reviews out there yes, but I liked this one as an example of what else can be done with the Lens other than Wildlife & Sports. So from my own perspective I enjoyed the review and most importantly it has given me some ideas for future use of the Lens. A well structured "use" review of any Lens in my opinion is worthwhile to all of us as prospective/current owners of these Lenses.

Some extra points.

My Dad always said beware of anyone that starts a conversation with "I don't mean to offend", it's generally a pre curser to offence, but it's become such a part of general conversation today that you hear it all the time, people just don't realise that they are being to some degree offensive, I feel it's probably a "new age" thing, part of our culture as we go forward.

I go on at least 2 Safaris a year, plus other trips, but I don't see myself as some "rich Dude" with more money than sense, I worked hard for what I have and I enjoy the opportunities that hard work has provided. It often ticks me off when I see people dumping "generally" on anyone that can afford an expensive Lens, I would have thought most would like to own Lenses like this, being critical of those that do own the Lens is a bit of a wasted effort I would have thought.

I own a Ferrari FF 2012 Model, the only thing I can think of at this point that I would change about this Car ?? I had it painted Black, in hind sight that may have been a poorly thought out decision, sort of like buying a 200-400f/4 painted Black.
 
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CarlTN said:
If CR decided to send me both the 400 DO and the 200-400 for a comparison, I would write an excellent review...and wouldn't even need to travel to a jungle somewhere!! I have plenty of wildlife here, although it's not exotic wildlife.

You may have a long wait.

But to answer your question, no I've never used the 400f/4DO, I did see it in action on my more recent Svalbard trip though, a Husband & wife team were using this Lens on a 5DMK III as well as the 500f/4 II, which is another Lens I've never owned.

Both Lenses were putting out excellent Images from what I could see, the 400DO has the very real advantage of size & weight, especially when sitting in a Zodiac bouncing around in Arctic Swells, I had a huge amount of 1/2 Polar Bears & Walrus.

Only downside I noted was for some reason the 400DO ended up fixed to the 5DMK III and they couldn't get it to part, so they weren't able for the majority of the trip to use one of their Bodies with anything but the 400DO, fortunately they had a 5DMK II as well.
 
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No quite a flower pot, but the first Image I managed with my brand new 200-400f/4.

I was testing the Lens against the 200f/2, 300f/2.8 II, 400f/2,8 II & 600f/4 II

Seems to work well, but this is probably not the lenses best use, but it does it Ok.
 

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eml58 said:
CarlTN said:
If CR decided to send me both the 400 DO and the 200-400 for a comparison, I would write an excellent review...and wouldn't even need to travel to a jungle somewhere!! I have plenty of wildlife here, although it's not exotic wildlife.

You may have a long wait.

But to answer your question, no I've never used the 400f/4DO, I did see it in action on my more recent Svalbard trip though, a Husband & wife team were using this Lens on a 5DMK III as well as the 500f/4 II, which is another Lens I've never owned.

Both Lenses were putting out excellent Images from what I could see, the 400DO has the very real advantage of size & weight, especially when sitting in a Zodiac bouncing around in Arctic Swells, I had a huge amount of 1/2 Polar Bears & Walrus.

Only downside I noted was for some reason the 400DO ended up fixed to the 5DMK III and they couldn't get it to part, so they weren't able for the majority of the trip to use one of their Bodies with anything but the 400DO, fortunately they had a 5DMK II as well.

Interesting anecdotes, not sure why the lens would have glued itself like that. Salt water spray, cold temperatures, or some combination maybe? Would like to see your polar bear shots (or are they in the other 200-400 thread?). I'm impressed with your Ferrari ownership, also...very impressed! I would rather have a 458...but honestly would rather have a 991 GT3. The FF is a very fine machine, though, one of the best GT sports cars ever (or likely ever will be)...but then you know this! I can't afford any of these though! I guess I don't blame you for ordering a black one, more understated than a brighter color. I would want a brighter color, but would not drive it everyday, or leave it parked in bad areas. Btw, are you an F1 fan? There's another thread about shooting F1 races...

P.S. sorry I first didn't see your polar bear above, apparently it didn't load. Nice work!
 
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Great bear shots guys. I'm sure you have lots of half-bears from your Svalbard trips Edward, but you certainly have quite a few whole-bears too ;)

Your Ferrari is a great car by the way, which I would have loved to own. But I live in Norway, where 4 wheel drive is a basic requirement, so I have a Porsche 911 turbo instead :)
 
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Eldar said:
Your Ferrari is a great car by the way, which I would have loved to own. But I live in Norway, where 4 wheel drive is a basic requirement, so I have a Porsche 911 turbo instead :)

Hi Eldar, The 911 Turbo is a Lovely Car as well, friend of mine has one of only 7 GT3's in Australia, murders the Ferrari FF, but I went from the Porsche Panamera Turbo to the FF.

CarlTN said:
Btw, are you an F1 fan? There's another thread about shooting F1 races...

Absolutely, I had high hopes for Kimi and Lotus, seemed to end in a heap, but next year should be interesting, I hope.

We are sort of in another "Schumacher" period with the young Vettell & the Adrian Newey Car.
 
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Eldar said:
Great bear shots guys. I'm sure you have lots of half-bears from your Svalbard trips Edward, but you certainly have quite a few whole-bears too ;)

Your Ferrari is a great car by the way, which I would have loved to own. But I live in Norway, where 4 wheel drive is a basic requirement, so I have a Porsche 911 turbo instead :)

Another car I envy! I got to ride in one of those back in my younger days...a "930". Unforgettable experience!
 
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eml58 said:
Eldar said:
Your Ferrari is a great car by the way, which I would have loved to own. But I live in Norway, where 4 wheel drive is a basic requirement, so I have a Porsche 911 turbo instead :)

Hi Eldar, The 911 Turbo is a Lovely Car as well, friend of mine has one of only 7 GT3's in Australia, murders the Ferrari FF, but I went from the Porsche Panamera Turbo to the FF.

CarlTN said:
Btw, are you an F1 fan? There's another thread about shooting F1 races...

Absolutely, I had high hopes for Kimi and Lotus, seemed to end in a heap, but next year should be interesting, I hope.

We are sort of in another "Schumacher" period with the young Vettell & the Adrian Newey Car.

Except that Vettell is more straight laced in his driving style than Schumie...at least so far. We'll see if there are any real similarities when it comes time for Seb to start blocking and trying to kill other drivers, like Schumie is known for (like he's done several times to his longtime nemesis, Reubens). Seb's got a nice personality and is a funny guy, knows how to work the media (put David Letterman in his place!), appreciates and parties with his mechanic crew (besides giving them extra bonuses when they win)...they're very loyal to him. He always thanks them first when he wins, too. He knows it's not all about him. He doesn't come off as a complete self absorbed, entitled blankety blank, like oh I don't know...Lewis! And Kimi...he's a great driver, but the guy has no personality at all. Even Schewy is Mr. Charm next to Kimi...So no, I'm not a Seb hater. Maybe he will change, though. Besides, he'd probably almost never win any races if he had to drive for anyone else...that car is all Newey and the team...and everybody knows they continually screwed Webber over constantly. Webber is actually as good as Seb...he's just 35 and so nobody cared about him anymore. The F1 attitudes toward driver's ages are kind of like young ladies' attitudes toward older men. They think every man over age 25 needs Viagra, and is "old"...hahaha.

Do you ever take your wife on a racetrack in your FF, and video her reaction to the speed? If not, you should! Those videos are hilarious on youtube.
 
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CarlTN said:
They think every man over age 25 needs Viagra, and is "old"...hahaha.

Do you ever take your wife on a racetrack in your FF, and video her reaction to the speed? If not, you should! Those videos are hilarious on youtube.

I think I resemble that first remark, at least the Older than 25 bit ;)

Yes I agree, Kimi does lack emotion, except in his driving, I think it was Keke Rosberg that coined the Phrase "You want to Win?? Get a Fin", But although I'm not a huge Vettell fan, you can't take anything away from the Young Man, he is a huge Talent & is about the only one currently capable of winning more championships than Michael.

My wife drives a RangeRover, pretty well says it all.
 
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Dear Justin,
I would like to thank you for your reviews. I have read every word of each of your lens reviews and look forward to what I hope will be many more. While it appears that a small number of members are ever so ready to express disappointment... I believe that most have enjoyed and benefitted from your efforts. Indeed, humans are often quiet when happy and loud when unhappy. I have sat silently by as you have handled your critics with grace and professionalism. I hope that you will remember the silent majority while you are having to respond to the "I am a better writer than you" gang. And for that gang that insists on unleashing it's critical prowess I would like to try to reach you guys with a basic analogy. You can find chocolate reviews, vanilla reviews, and strawberry reviews elsewhere. They are indeed delicious! Now imagine an ice cream flavor that you do not like... let's say pistachio. Justin is the pistachio. He is not trying to take away your chocolate, or deprive you of vanilla, or restrict your strawberry consumption. He is pistachio and many of us really like pistachio. Pistachio is a little bit green and crunchy. No matter how much you try to make it vanilla it will always be pistachio. Please step away from the counter and go enjoy your vanilla cone and let the rest of us enjoy our scoop of pistachio. Peace to you all.
 
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eml58 said:
CarlTN said:
They think every man over age 25 needs Viagra, and is "old"...hahaha.

Do you ever take your wife on a racetrack in your FF, and video her reaction to the speed? If not, you should! Those videos are hilarious on youtube.

I think I resemble that first remark, at least the Older than 25 bit ;)

Yes I agree, Kimi does lack emotion, except in his driving, I think it was Keke Rosberg that coined the Phrase "You want to Win?? Get a Fin", But although I'm not a huge Vettell fan, you can't take anything away from the Young Man, he is a huge Talent & is about the only one currently capable of winning more championships than Michael.

My wife drives a RangeRover, pretty well says it all.

Not surprised there, but you do need to get her on the track! Hey, I resemble the remark too, I got the anecdote from my own life experience hitting on younger women!!
 
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