400mm 2.8 learning curve.

Canon400mm_Guy

Canon400mm_Guy

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I have recently purchased a 400mm 2.8 IS from Canon and found I needed to do some research to find the right settings to get that razor sharp image quality that I knew it could capture. My camera body is a 50D and I also utilize a 1.4x TC. The settings I have found to work the best are: AF in AI Servo with center point selected and camera in Aperture Priority mode. I purchased this lens for sports as well as nature. Any one else have this lens or the Nikon version that can give tips to me as a new Mega lens owner would be appreciated.
 
make sure the shutter speed is equal to or greater than the focal length.

ie 400mm lens - 1/400 + with the 1.4 converter on it'll be 1/560+

If you are using a tripod/monopod, turn off the IS :)

Problem with using AP mode is that you will have to keep a close on eye on shutter speeds. Try using shutter priority.

I had issues when I started using the 70-200 with slow shutter speeds slightly blurring shots.
 
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Harvey_nikon said:
make sure the shutter speed is equal to or greater than the focal length.
Click to expand...

I think for most people that rule has to be doubled for lenses of 400mm and above simply because of the weight of the lenses. (maybe even for 300mm)
 
Harvey_nikon said:
make sure the shutter speed is equal to or greater than the focal length.

ie 400mm lens - 1/400 + with the 1.4 converter on it'll be 1/560+
Click to expand...

You also need to factor the crop factor as well! But as this is image stabilised as well, you can drop the shutter speed the equivalent of a couple of stops if I remember correctly?
 
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It's more about technique than settings IMO. As someone has said, a good support is essential for a lens this size. Makes sure the AF point is over the subject when tracking - depth of field is wafer thin on long lenses wide open. Squeeze the shutter, don't stab it. Keep the shutter speed high (although I have many successful shots at 1/15s from my 500mm)
 
awp said:
I think for most people that rule has to be doubled for lenses of 400mm and above simply because of the weight of the lenses. (maybe even for 300mm)
Click to expand...

I've never used a lens that long yet :( but good to know :)

wilko said:
You also need to factor the crop factor as well! But as this is image stabilised as well, you can drop the shutter speed the equivalent of a couple of stops if I remember correctly?
Click to expand...

Of course, crop factor didn't even register with me as I know diddly squat about Canons. :)

I know IS can save you a couple of stops, as long as you don't put it on a tripod/hard surface. I only made that mistake once :D
 
When I get to my PC I will post a few pictures to let you see them. Thank you for the insight so far.
 
micloi said:
The IS on the 400mm works wonders. I was consistently getting sharp shots at 400mm on a 7D handheld at only 1/100" to 1/160", sometimes even at worse speeds.
Click to expand...

This. The IS on the new canon lenses really is fantastic. Had a play with an old 300 2.8 non IS a while back, felt bare without it.
 
i have the nikon 400 2.8 and the best thing to do first is to get a decent gimbal head. this makes life so much easier.

the vr/is really does work wonders, i've shot on a tripod at 1/15th and gotten sharp results and handheld i can shoot at 1/100th no problem.

it took me a little while to nail focus everytime at 2.8 as the depth of field is very very thin.

if you want to see my photos taken with my 400 2.8 take a look at my flickr, link in sig. :)

and lastly, i always shoot it wide open!
 
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