Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Just got my DO II after approx. 3 months waiting from B&H. Thought I might share a few of my first shots.

I use a 6D and most of these shots are cropped approx. 100%. The finch is hand held, the Killdeers are with a 1.4X III, the first is hand held, the second on a tripod. First attempts and I will need practice hand holding this lens, but so far I am fairly please. I post the finch only to show the quality of the lens. Not really interesting. I like the two Killdeer shots. I spent a bunch on this lens. It seemed the best option for AF with my 6d with a 1.4 converter and hand holding success considering the weight.

Any thought are appreciated.

Killdeer 1

(Download)

Killdeer 2

(Download)

House Finch

(Download)

melismus Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country

What is a DO II?

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Canon's second version of their F/4 400 mm DO lens. Off the top of my head I don't remember what the DO stands for, but its physically smaller and lighter than their conventional 400 mm lenses. It has had great reviews and I am hoping those reviews apply to mine as well. Wanted to get folks opinion.

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

Diffractive Optics from Canon, notated by the "Green" band instead of red around the lens. They are very good and are meant to be smaller and easier to handle than the "L" series lenses.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/Lens_Advantage_Perf#f

I have the 70-300 and really like it when I travel.

Chris

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

These look very promising Frank !

Looking at the lens's specs I see the shooting weight is 5 lbs making it slightly lighter and slightly physically smaller than the 300 2.8.

As you may know, I have been using a 300 2.8 with TC's on crop frame for 4 years now. While hand holding is a viable and desirable option, in the long run, and for a high percentage of my work, I definitely prefer support of some kind ! I am ALWAYS on a bodypod or monopod now ( or, as a LAST resort - tripod) and using facial stabilization. If the need for erratic BIF's appear, I disconnect the support and hand hold ( for short periods only).

If you have not seen my topics postings for Bodypod and facial stabilization here on UHH , I would urge you to look them up - because they have helped me immensely ! I can make the hardware available to you if you like.........Larry

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Larry, thanks for the response. I agree, the images look promising. I have another I took yesterday that I will post on the same subject that I think convinces me that the lens is of superb quality, even with a 1.4 tc. And I agree, some sort of support is going to be in the cards. When hand holding with the 6d, it is difficult to keep the focus point in the right spot and as such the success rate is going to be much lower as a result. I'll check out your posts to learn more about the support options. Bottom line though, I needed to confirm that the lens quality was up to the hype and I think I am satisfied it is. Thanks for your comments and look for another post on the subject.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Your thinking here is exactly correct ! - Many people do not consider this ! Another point is your composition will improve .......