Fixed lens. Over zoom
May 22, 2014 07:55:42 #
What is the benefit of Canon fixed 400mm over 100-400mm zoom?
Is it worth the extra cost??
Is it worth the extra cost??
May 22, 2014 08:03:21 #
Bookkooker. wrote:
What is the benefit of Canon fixed 400mm over 100-400mm zoom?
Mostly the quality of the photo produced.
May 22, 2014 08:07:08 #
Here is a way to show you the difference.
http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/EFLenses101/focal_length_chart.html
Welcome to the forum!
Pat
http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/EFLenses101/focal_length_chart.html
Welcome to the forum!
Pat
May 22, 2014 09:25:19 #
May 22, 2014 14:31:27 #
Bookkooker. wrote:
What is the benefit of Canon fixed 400mm over 100-400mm zoom?
Is it worth the extra cost??
Is it worth the extra cost??
Personally, I would rather have the additional focal lengths.....but I have photographed with neither.
Welcome to the UHH Bookkooker. 8-)
May 22, 2014 20:17:21 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
Jay Pat wrote:
Here is a way to show you the difference.
http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/EFLenses101/focal_length_chart.html
Welcome to the forum!
Pat
http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/EFLenses101/focal_length_chart.html
Welcome to the forum!
Pat
I don't think that shows whether a 400mm prime is better than the 400mm end of a zoom though.
May 22, 2014 20:28:27 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Bookkooker. wrote:
What is the benefit of Canon fixed 400mm over 100-400mm zoom?
Is it worth the extra cost??
Is it worth the extra cost??
Which Canon 400mm lens?
1. Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS II, $11,500
2. Canon 400mm f/5.6L, $1350
3. Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS, $6500
Comparing #1 to the Canon 100-400mm, differences include a faster maximum aperture, significantly better image quality, faster autofocus. Whether it is worth it depends on factors like what the photographs are going to be used for and how $10k fits into your overall finances.
May 22, 2014 20:38:07 #
Zoom lenses are always compromises. They are often less sharp at the extremes of aperture and zoom with a few exceptions.
Prime lenses are more often sharper and faster at their particular focal length than a comparable zoom.
If the flexibility of the zoom is important then that is what you need to buy. If, for example, you are almost always shooting at or needing 400 mm, or superb image quality or lens speed, then the prime is what you want.
Prime lenses are more often sharper and faster at their particular focal length than a comparable zoom.
If the flexibility of the zoom is important then that is what you need to buy. If, for example, you are almost always shooting at or needing 400 mm, or superb image quality or lens speed, then the prime is what you want.
May 22, 2014 21:59:57 #
Bookkooker. wrote:
What is the benefit of Canon fixed 400mm over 100-400mm zoom?
Is it worth the extra cost??
Is it worth the extra cost??
The fixed lens will trim your bank account as well as your body. Carrying one of them is like weight training.
However, the images are priceless once you learn to use it.
May 23, 2014 06:40:30 #
Sharpness of the image and faster shutter is the benefit.
The downside is higher cost, heavier, bigger, cannot zoom down to 100 mm.
When image quality is the goal as it is for me, then the 400 fixed is the hands-down winner. I use the 100-400 and have achieved some very good images but mostly when the light is very good too.
The downside is higher cost, heavier, bigger, cannot zoom down to 100 mm.
When image quality is the goal as it is for me, then the 400 fixed is the hands-down winner. I use the 100-400 and have achieved some very good images but mostly when the light is very good too.
May 23, 2014 06:58:17 #
Bookkooker. wrote:
What is the benefit of Canon fixed 400mm over 100-400mm zoom?
Is it worth the extra cost??
Is it worth the extra cost??
If you shoot at 400mm all the time, the fixed will be way sharper at F5.6. If you need to zoom, the convenience of zooming down to 100mm may be worth the loss of image quality at the long end.
Also, the 100-400 has been nicknamed the"vacuum cleaner" since it has a tendency to suck in dust as you change the zoom from 100mm to 400mm.
May 23, 2014 08:29:39 #
Bookkooker. wrote:
What is the benefit of Canon fixed 400mm over 100-400mm zoom?
Is it worth the extra cost??
Is it worth the extra cost??
Granted the fixed lens will be sharper, but it boils down what your shooting, I shot wildlife and prefer the zoom as you never know what distance their going to be. IMHO
May 23, 2014 09:10:51 #
Bookkooker. wrote:
What is the benefit of Canon fixed 400mm over 100-400mm zoom?
Is it worth the extra cost??
Is it worth the extra cost??
First it is not a fixed lens it is a Prime Lens. A fixed lens can not be removed from the camera as with a point and shoot and most bridge cameras.
As for the difference between prime and zoom, a prime lens will usually be sharper than a zoom, however the difference in IQ between prime and zoom is much less today than it was 50 years ago. If using a prime lens means cropping in post processing then you may well lose whatever theoretical advantage the prime lens may have.
Both of the 'L' lenses in question are highly rated, it is unlikely that you could see any difference in the product. If you can afford the $10,000 difference in price buy both as each will have advantages in particular circumstances.
In general there is far more difference between individual lenses than there is in a generic difference between zoom and prime.
May 23, 2014 09:36:26 #
This all depends on what you use it for. If it is birds in flight, the 400 is reputed to focus faster and you will be at 400 most of the time anyway.
I am assuming you are talking about the 400mm 5.6 and not the much more expensive 2.8 or the 4.
I am assuming you are talking about the 400mm 5.6 and not the much more expensive 2.8 or the 4.
May 23, 2014 09:43:42 #
balticvid
Loc: Queens now NJ
mwsilvers wrote:
I don't think that shows whether a 400mm prime is better than the 400mm end of a zoom though.
I agree..
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.