Canon 400 prime? I am considering a Canon 400mm 5.6 prime lens for my t3i. I am debating new or used. I see a lot of questions about the date codes on the lens. Were there updates to...

jerold222 Loc: Southern Minnesota

I am considering a Canon 400mm 5.6 prime lens for my t3i. I am debating new or used. I see a lot of questions about the date codes on the lens. Were there updates to this lens over the years of production?

I was assuming that any used lens in good condition would be comparable irregardless of age.

I also have a question on photo analysis about my situation too.

Carolina Wings Loc: Flew from North Carolina to Pennsylvania

jerold222 wrote:

I am considering a Canon 400mm 5.6 prime lens for my t3i. I am debating new or used. I see a lot of questions about the date codes on the lens. Were there updates to this lens over the years of production?

I was assuming that any used lens in good condition would be comparable irregardless of age.

I also have a question on photo analysis about my situation too.

Have you thought about a refurbished lens? BTW...the 400 is a great lens!

jerold222 Loc: Southern Minnesota

Carolina Wings wrote:

Have you thought about a refurbished lens? BTW...the 400 is a great lens!

I would definitely consider one, but they are seldom available. I suspect the 400 is a high demand lens and they don't stay on the self long at a discounted price.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

jerold222 wrote:

I am considering a Canon 400mm 5.6 prime lens for my t3i. I am debating new or used. I see a lot of questions about the date codes on the lens. Were there updates to this lens over the years of production?
I was assuming that any used lens in good condition would be comparable irregardless of age.
I also have a question on photo analysis about my situation too.

222, no updates, same exact lens. That said, most would get the newest lens possible just for resale values. It's also possible that a newer lens might have a lot less use on it but no guarantees about that with used. Its a light-weight, sharp lens. IF, you can find it used, go for it, or look for a refurb at Canon. Good luck. ;-)
SS

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

Just remember that there is no IS.

Carolina Wings wrote:

Have you thought about a refurbished lens? BTW...the 400 is a great lens!

dvan7117 Loc: Colorado

I bought mine used at KEH for $1050. Mounted on a 7D I use it for birds and wildlife, mostly hand held. Very sharp, lightweight and built like a tank. Considering what I shoot with this lens no IS is no big deal. The 400 f5.6 has never been changed since it was introduced.

Carolina Wings Loc: Flew from North Carolina to Pennsylvania

jerold222 wrote:

I am considering a Canon 400mm 5.6 prime lens for my t3i. I am debating new or used. I see a lot of questions about the date codes on the lens. Were there updates to this lens over the years of production?

I was assuming that any used lens in good condition would be comparable irregardless of age.

I also have a question on photo analysis about my situation too.

If you are using it for BIF's you won't need IS...my birding buddy uses it on all kinds of wildlife and they are sharp images...even when the wildlife or birds sitting!

JayB Loc: Northeast US

Adorama has about three used 400 5.6s at this time. Also, Artie Morris has a used photo equipment page. Follow link, scroll down for 400 5.6 offering.
http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/used-photography-gear-for-sale/
I have enjoyed this lens very much. It has been a joy for birding. Effortless sharp pictures (because it's so light). No IS needed.

Novots Loc: Grand Forks, ND

With the excellent quality zooms covering your 400mm (150-600's) range, I'm curious how you arrived at that specific lens and not one of the hot-selling zooms by Tamron or Sigma. Good luck. novots.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Donkas1946 wrote:

Just remember that there is no IS.

Only needed for low light off tripod.

jerold222 Loc: Southern Minnesota

Novots wrote:

With the excellent quality zooms covering your 400mm (150-600's) range, I'm curious how you arrived at that specific lens and not one of the hot-selling zooms by Tamron or Sigma. Good luck. novots.

Actually I have a Tamron 150-600. I was thinking that it was very soft, but I have since found out that my bird photography techniques need improvement. Getting the speed up to 1/1000 and above. I guess I will do more practice before I change out lens.

My original thoughts were from online material that said a L 400mm prime will be sharper cropped than a 150-600zoom.

Novots Loc: Grand Forks, ND

jerold222 wrote:

Actually I have a Tamron 150-600. I was thinking that it was very soft, but I have since found out that my bird photography techniques need improvement. Getting the speed up to 1/1000 and above. I guess I will do more practice before I change out lens.

My original thoughts were from online material that said a L 400mm prime will be sharper cropped than a 150-600zoom.

Sure, I understand. Was just curious. I also have the 150-600 Tamron and am just getting going with it. My initial impressions are pretty solid. I would say that I've not done anything specific at the 400mm mark to judge sharpness. Good luck. I see you are from Minnesota, I'm from North Dakota, soon the weather will change and we'll be able to be out learning our new lens. novots.

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

jerold222 wrote:

Actually I have a Tamron 150-600. I was thinking that it was very soft, but I have since found out that my bird photography techniques need improvement. Getting the speed up to 1/1000 and above. I guess I will do more practice before I change out lens.

My original thoughts were from online material that said a L 400mm prime will be sharper cropped than a 150-600zoom.

If you were looking at a 400 2.8 I would say go for it. But you're looking at the 5.6, so I have to ask if you considered the 100-400 3.5-5.6 ? I think for the money you would get more out of it.
I have one and my wife gets great shots with it.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

BigBear wrote:

If you were looking at a 400 2.8 I would say go for it. But you're looking at the 5.6, so I have to ask if you considered the 100-400 3.5-5.6 ? I think for the money you would get more out of it.
I have one and my wife gets great shots with it.

Nothing like a f2.8 for quick focusing.