Canon ef 400mm f/4.0 DO mk2

Message sent George,we'll see,I so so want to come back and tell you how brill canon have been truly !!! Buddy all this moaning is something that doesn't sit well with me, it is incredibly hard, but frankly I have no idea what else to do than speak to someone at the top of the chain as it were

No apologies though mate, I can't see what more you could have done. :)

take care

s
 
I got an call from LCE they said I'd def have the lens for chistmas said I'd caused a stir,hmm not so much.......... two hours or so on hold to canon services ,finally get a pick up ,oh that's a professional lens" I'll put you through to cps " 3 choices for key pad I press three, "hello we are a publishing company we make canons manuals" Me "OMG sorry ,how has this happened ,can you send me back to switch board?? " No came the reply.

George tried to help ,I'm not a cps member they couldn't help but cheers George for the effort, thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rang swtich boards told them of my problems,well we can't really help but here's our customer care email addy .....they always get back to you in 24 hours...................................................We are 48 hours plus in or is it more........................... no reply

Martin i'm inclined to say don't be daft If canon can't track their own shipments why do you think things might possibly change why would they change you aren't going to run off and buy another marque are you??

Thing is I adore the tools canon make I adore using them,I so desparately want to tell you how incredible canon have treated me I so desparately want to shout how incredible canon service is .

But this is my first experience of spending 6000 pound with canon and simply I'd be lying to you if I said the above

MAN THAT IS SO HARD !!:(

I had to double back because a lorry couldn't get up a hill on our road as we went of to work,so popped into home to give me lass a kiss,as ya do:D. That's when I was handed the phone and told something about the 15th and that I would def have my lens for christmas. After another obscene hour day I frankly am just waiting,I can't badger folks while working from dawn till beyond dusk. even being the stubbon sod I am I'm just about resigned now to........what will be will be. I want that lens Martin canon know that ,why would they possible own this???

They canon UK could ring canon japan,say we have wronged one of our customers. He's spent 6K with us, we canon promised him delivery in a set time frame, we will own this and make it right as best we can . We'll put a lens on a plane and sort this,....................

I know I know never going to happen,but they really could do this. It isn't out landish to make good a wrong, canon can afford this and then I'd be here shouting how amazing canon are to you mate

Martin that's the bit that hurts,because in my heart I don't want to write all this ,tis lame and boring

I want to tell you how awesome canon are that they made a mistake ...we all make mistakes,none of us are perfect.... I'd forgive in a snapshot and be here telling you how they moved mountains to make it right

that would be so cool Martin i'd genuinely love to be here saying that

as above sad old tale this

stu
Thanks again Stu this must be really frustrating and if it were me I'd be pulling my hair out ( not much their ) and like you say with the £6000 you are spending on this lens, you would think Canon would speed things up to make this right. Customer service looks a little shoddy to me to say they are a global brand and it simply isn't good enough, like you this is perfect for the wildlife photography I do and I don't want to go to a plan B and look at other prime lenses ie:- Sigma/Canon 500mm as I really like the idea that the 400mm DO's lightweight offers, lets just hope Canon make good on things.
 
Is this lack of customer service normal for high end Canon lenses or is the 400DO a rare beast? I'm sure that after all the hastle, when you do get the lens, you will be over the moon. Most amateurs can only dream of such a lens.

I have never used one, but when I was in kingfisher hide in the summer, one of the regulars had a 400DO mark 1 and his shots were great.
 
Well for what it's worth, here's a wee shot, FF cropped, using the 400 DO mk2 and 2x converter.

Xmas 2017 3.jpg

The mother is Malaika, she's the one used quite a bit by the BBC in their programme "The hunt"

George.
 
I see CVP are giving 10% off all L series lenses and 3 year warranty!!
 
Well for what it's worth, here's a wee shot, FF cropped, using the 400 DO mk2 and 2x converter.

View attachment 116433

The mother is Malaika, she's the one used quite a bit by the BBC in their programme "The hunt"

George.
That’s a really nice shot.
I’m hoping to get this lens in a couple of years time as a retirement present to myself, hopefully there’ll be some in stock by then!
 
George,that is one lovely image ,is there a touch of tonal colour in your edit. Mate again cheers for the help and finally some good news.

As promised canon have delivered the lens to store today YEEEEHHHHHHHAAAAAAA :D,hopefully i'll get a wee chance to play at the weekend can't wait now to have it in my grubby mits.. It's been damn frustrating not being able to pick up ,I was simply grafting to far away and as I finished my work got loaded with more. and more ,They actually wanted me to travel to another job an hours away at the end of the day ,good building at chistmas,it is simply madness

Anyway, canon have got it to the shop when they said they would ,so fair play to canon, I strongly suspect I have a guy called Tim to thank, I haven't heard from the MD ,but I guess that is all mute now,in many ways i want to thank Tim,but honestly I can't for the life of me remember how I contacted him,too many tries at this I'm at a loss, so Tim if you did this and read this(I dunno he might) thank you so so much !!

but it's here guys ,well nearly and I'm thrilled and finally I can say something cool about canon which is really what I wanted from the off,,ha ha bliss:cool:

That’s a really nice shot.
I’m hoping to get this lens in a couple of years time as a retirement present to myself, hopefully there’ll be some in stock by then!


Chris I honestly think things will always be a bit like this with this lens, it's a low volume very specialist product. It's just after reading all this you will be armed as will Martin,so if nowt else I hope this will never happen to anyone else here,have the best retirment mate I feel like I've earned two of them at the moment lol !!



Is this lack of customer service normal for high end Canon lenses or is the 400DO a rare beast? I'm sure that after all the hastle, when you do get the lens, you will be over the moon. Most amateurs can only dream of such a lens.

I have never used one, but when I was in kingfisher hide in the summer, one of the regulars had a 400DO mark 1 and his shots were great.

Archie I just don't know this is my first dealing with a brand new purchase on this scale. Archie I've been told that things can be tricky. there is obviously a glitch in their system they doon't seem to know whats coming to EU until it hits EU. This lens is not made in huge quantities,in fact if what I have read is correct and I have remembered it correctly I think there is a team of something like 4 incredibly talented individuals making this. (If anyone knows better please chime in. So there could be reasons why all this has happened,which is hard to take with a 6K product as the guy waiting .

Mate exactly this I really am an amateur that could only dream of a lens like this. i've just grafted my socks off tis all for that dream ,two years learning a trade after pretty much years of poverty as a care worker. two years of having my earning robbed by the guy I worked for. then eventually I ripped hima new one ,nearly ended in court and started over. I can honestly say I went out to work one morning and came back tomoorw,it is this level of effort that has gone into this and in many ways thats why all the nonsense has been so hard to take . I've earnt this actually by the meter cold hard graft To then be messed about after all those hours grafting on building sites and all the crap that goes with that is pretty harsh. But lets not go back I will have it tomorrow and simply can't wait

bring it on huh:)
I find using Twitter a great tool for getting a company to communicate.
Have you tried this?


Obviously I don't need to now ,but no I try to avoid that and face ache I don't really understand either ,it's too transient ,on fora I can learn,knowledge stays around

cheers for the thoughts though, much appreciated:)
I see CVP are giving 10% off all L series lenses and 3 year warranty!!

Mate thanks again good init :D:D:Dfinally I can be me again and stop moaning. Buddy I think the offers are wide spread I came across them last night somewhere but not cvp,I'm shattered George not much is sticking at this time. I'm not sure where I saw it.

One thing that has been of concern is the 3 year warranty from canon.. George one has to register the serial number with canon, withing 30days of purchase,to grab that extra than normal warranty. I think i'm going to be just inside that but without checking I am unsure at this time. I guess you'll understand i'm pretty damn upbeat and distracted. But that is my next hurdle and frankly I have been dreading what might happen if the lens was delivered out side that 30day window,I'm sure canon would honour it,but I don't relish trying to communicate with them much at this time it's so hard and time consuming more than anything else. I'd just like to fill out the online form and be done with it ,but it has been bugging me as I can do nothing without that serial no !!

So there we are finally my wait is nearly over,a little note for LCE........... on the phone the minute the lens landed,the young guy he's called Josh, whom has done all he could for me, excited as hell for me bless him.

thanks Josh thanks George and finally thanks canon

OOORRRAAA

seeya

Stu

PS Martin please forgive I missed you out. sorry mate I'm a basket case right now/ I'll try to give you some thoughts I can only compare to a 300 2.8is though,which maybe( later mk2 version) should also be on your radar,that 2.8 can be useful in blighty with our light,but for me I felt that bit more reach would be a bigger advantage,we'll see. Frankly i can't wait ! Driving past my hare spot betwixt sites and seeing one bounding through the snow early last week was no easy thing. but maybe I'll get another chance of the old white stuff featuing in an image of mine , soon,who knows?? I'm so so glad all this is over and I can finally turn to talking about this amazing product with both want to own take care kiddo
 
A quick one on the 300 2.8 mk2 v the 400 DO mk2.....I had the 300 first, and although the extra stop was good at 300, I was using it mostly with a 1.4 so when the mk2 DO came out, I put in an order straight away, on the basis I'd sell it if the IQ wasn't up to the performance of the 300 plus extender...however I just wasn't using the 300 once I got the 400, so I sold it and I've never regretted it.

I have the 100-400 mk2 stuck on one body and the 400 plus extender (usually the 1.4 ) on the other and it's absolutely perfect ....the x2 only goes on occasionally.

I hope you'll be very happy with it, and the club has a new member!!

Enjoy!!

George.
 
Thank you so much George. enjoy I will I'm so excited now !!!!

With regards to the 3vs400 almost my exact feelings,but obviously based on much lesser experience. I so rarely made images at 300 (usually 420)George,essentially when I chose that pathway I almost always wished I had a zoom,as when one of my hares came to me even 300 was too much at times,that unpredictability of just how close is where i'd always felt the 100-400 would be really shine


just the odd occassion where 2.8 was needed. That said I feel that all of this is so personal it was worth mentioning the 300 to chris

The club needs to post more images;)

One pressie for chistmas is all I wanted what a relief !!

stu
 
Thank you so much George. enjoy I will I'm so excited now !!!!

With regards to the 3vs400 almost my exact feelings,but obviously based on much lesser experience. I so rarely made images at 300 (usually 420)George,essentially when I chose that pathway I almost always wished I had a zoom,as when one of my hares came to me even 300 was too much at times,that unpredictability of just how close is where i'd always felt the 100-400 would be really shine


just the odd occassion where 2.8 was needed. That said I feel that all of this is so personal it was worth mentioning the 300 to chris

The club needs to post more images;)

One pressie for chistmas is all I wanted what a relief !!

stu


Will it get down your chimney???......
 
Ironically yes although,the thought of covering this lovely shiny white thing i'm holding in soot has meant I've found an alternate method of delivery:D

George( really I guess towards Martin too) first impressions wow isn't it light,,,,WOW isn't it light,cor it is going to be a joy to use. Second as expected with a quick test at the shop ext111 1.4 very useable locks quickly on my 1Div 2xiii grabs pretty quickly if focus is set close to the target ,and seems to lock on fairly well, but will be unusable largely for bif maybe slow birds or those that are using a predictable pattern of behaviour might be plausible. But really my initial findings are as expected ,to really get the best out of this I'll need to upgrade the camera at some stage. All that said so far i'm pleased this is what I expected and hoped for AF and ext wise. i'll have 560mm as opposed to 420 of very usable lens for my exploits and for static the 2x should be an asset. From a couple of quick snaps of passing cars IQ looks to be great ,but it's early days for this although I envisage no problems. I also think the improved IS over my past lens is going to be very very useful to me.

Slightly off topic ,but relevent to most folks using this lens I bought a set of camo covers from outdoor photography supplies. Jeepers they know how to treat their customers. My lady rang (around midday) and ordered as i'm running around like the proverbial. The guy was patient talked her through it all reassured her she had everything right she was concerned and then made the covers that day. At 9AM next day covers were on my doorstep,I also grabbed a hood cover to keep the objective lens free from dust. So far my initail impressions are great product, great fit, great price, absolutley outstanding customer service.. i'm just pondering now how exactly to get the optech strap through the lugs ,tis a bit tight but i'm sure that will be no hardship.

George I'm already musing changing the tripod foot. My one negative with the DO is that the foot isn't removable like the 300. The actual foot could be flipped upwards when HH or used as a means of holding the lens. But that tiny foot doesn't sit in my hand well. So I felt it worth asking what any other members of the green line club have done regarding this. I feel a longer one might be an asset to me,rather than removing the base of the foot via the 4 allen screws as there might be times when I do want to utilise my little hi hat tripod in some situations . Any thoughts please guys??

I'm aware products are available,but haven't really researched yet as until I had the lens in my hand I wasn#t really sure how i'd feel,but I'm almost certain i'll change this to something larger in the future

Many thanks if anyone has any ideas regarding the foot

take care

stu
 
I just put a 140mm lens plate on the foot makes it easy to hold and simple to mount in my Gimbal.
Rob.
 
Stu, I'm really sorry to say this as it may adversely affect your bank balance :( but, although I'm not a keen birder (I prefer things with 4 legs and teeth..) I've used the 400 with my 1 Dx mk2s and even with the 2x on (which admittedly does slow down the AF a bit as distinct from the 1.4 which IMO has no effect on the af) I can get perfectly acceptable shots of birdies in flight, I can use all af points at f8 and the tracking is excellent.

I realise that's a big step, and I suspect the mk3 7D which is rumoured to be coming out in the spring, will have similar features and be substantially cheaper and of course have a 1.6 crop factor.

Regarding the foot, I use Really Right Stuff feet on all my tele lenses, I replace the Canon one.

I have a system using their (RRS) heads on my monopod and tripods so I can quickly swap over from one to the other.....and I swing it through 180 degrees for carrying...I don't like straps!!

If you need any more info, just give me a shout, Stu.

George.
 
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So pleased you’ve finally got your new toy Stu, I really hope it lives up to your hopes and expectations buddy. They say patience is a virtue so you must get the top award in that department!
Enjoy the lens and getting to know your new partner.
 
I just put a 140mm lens plate on the foot makes it easy to hold and simple to mount in my Gimbal.
Rob.

Hiya rob thanks for chiming in ,yes that is exactly what I've done for the moment,as you say it works and yup dead easy to bring in the tripod and your gimbal. I might go for something a bit more ergonomic Rob but there is more to my thinking than just ergonomics . It struck me I have a brand new lens and that these feet always get scuffs,so a replacement that also adds ergonomics and a means of attaching to the gimbal might be worth persuing. Rob as of yet I haven't researched much ,your gimbal came with all I needed ,it's only once I had this new lens in my hands that I started to muse

cheers again

stu
 
Once I put a plate on its stays on iv never scuffed a foot yet Stu it's the putting on and taking off that can mark it , I also use double sided tape between the foot and plate to stop it from ever twisting if there is only 1 fixing hole .
Rob.
 
Stu, I'm really sorry to say this as it may adversely affect your bank balance :( but, although I'm not a keen birder (I prefer things with 4 legs and teeth..) I've used the 400 with my 1 Dx mk2s and even with the 2x on (which admittedly does slow down the AF a bit as distinct from the 1.4 which IMO has no effect on the af) I can get perfectly acceptable shots of birdies in flight, I can use all af points at f8 and the tracking is excellent.

I realise that's a big step, and I suspect the mk3 7D which is rumoured to be coming out in the spring, will have similar features and be substantially cheaper and of course have a 1.6 crop factor.

Regarding the foot, I use Really Right Stuff feet on all my tele lenses, I replace the Canon one.

I have a system using their (RRS) heads on my monopod and tripods so I can quickly swap over from one to the other.....and I swing it through 180 degrees for carrying...I don't like straps!!

If you need any more info, just give me a shout, Stu.

George.

He he I'll have to wait a while George bank balance is shot for the moment but I understand exactly what your saying, Sadly the light here has been awful most of the day (it was awesome this morn driving to get lens but on return clouds rain and dark grey),although we've been out the Seo's arose too late for any attempts ,so i've not made an image in anger ...yet But if the 1.4 works that will be of great use until other options are available to me , camera wise wow the 7Diii is going to come quick if it does surface compared to the mark one mark ii versions. there is something about a one series body though ,any thoughts on the1D X as opposed to the mark ii it should give better AF with the 2X and less of a hit to the bank balance,certainly more reachable to me ,although I still am dumbstruck I '.m here if I'm honest.

I'll look into the feet thanks for the heads up and moreso for the further offer,i'm simply a grateful guy mate, I appreciate others time forgive me if I say ta a lot !! I know so little about tripods and feet I need to put some effort into what might work for my needs.but i'll check out what is available shortly i'm aware of RRS

Straps maybe work for me I'm fairly happy where I am with my optech,but again it is all a learning curve ,so there is alot to still evaluate. I' certainly prefer that safety aspect of not just relying on my hands. I push myself mate my hands earn my livelyhood ,but they are shot to bits from graft and sometimes don't do quite what one asks,it's cool knowing there is that safety net of a strap around me neck if my grip fails !!


Chris thank you,I am told I am a singularly patient man,frankly I guess there is some merit in that ,but spending six K and getting a runaround was taxing for me on a huge level,if it's a leveret I can wait for weeks without issue, I can cope but this one not so much .......... strange is it not ?

I'm so lucky to be able to have this I feel so fortunate it's hard saying it would be nice having some light to play with ,but I knew already the gods would make me wait, before they gave me a chance. It is how it is.:) But I'm there with a new toy and still an bewildered.

Now is the time for patience I want some light time and snow now that's the hard bit that's where my patience is tried

but ya know there is that saying good things come to those that........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................wait;)

take care buddy thanks for the wishes they are lovely :)

cheers both many many thanks

stu
 
Once I put a plate on its stays on iv never scuffed a foot yet Stu it's the putting on and taking off that can mark it , I also use double sided tape between the foot and plate to stop it from ever twisting if there is only 1 fixing hole .
Rob.
Great stuff Rob as a guy that does this helps alot !!

stu
 
Stu thats top news that you have finally got the 400mm DO sorted and this bodes better than in your previous posts, I'll look out for ALL the shots you post :) and make a note of the info/pointers that have been written in this thread which may forewarn others too who may be contemplating going down the green ring route, good luck with the purchase Stu mate
 
Stu thats top news that you have finally got the 400mm DO sorted and this bodes better than in your previous posts, I'll look out for ALL the shots you post :) and make a note of the info/pointers that have been written in this thread which may forewarn others too who may be contemplating going down the green ring route, good luck with the purchase Stu mate


Need to use her now Martin,but now I have two weeks coming and at the very very least some glass. Mate cheers for the wishes thank you so much,beyond that not much as of yet as no images tried for. The covers are good there's a starter, maybe the rest will follow it won't be for lack of trying;)

It's a nice tool mate I need to work her now get to know her,but she isn't designed for my older camera she's to go with the newer like George has mentioned . Martin this is of interest to me,how these technologies jell from different generations. I still have many older images to share, which lens images come from I'll try to share for you,but i'm almost always a wreck !! So the flickr link should supply details,if i'm not forthcoming due to my inadaquacies. Martin I have a deep fascination with using my tools against the light,there is something deeply magical for me about back lit. I have in no way mastered this,but this is an area that I really am curious about with this lens in particular. and how it will perfom

Much to learn my friend much to learn !!!

stu
 
there is something about a one series body though ,any thoughts on the1D X as opposed to the mark ii it should give better AF with the 2X and less of a hit to the bank balance,certainly more reachable to me ,although I still am dumbstruck I '.m here if I'm honest.

I used a mk 1 Dx quite extensively with this lens.

Initially when the 1 Dx came out, you may not know that it didn't have any f8 capability, and Canon went to extraordinary lengths to tell us that it could never be done....then, hey presto, after about 9 months I think it was, they did a firmware update which gave f8 capability with the centre point and 4 surrounding assist points!!

The mk2 was completely different (and had a new af system) which gives af at f8 to all 61 points and this really was the main reason I upgraded as otherwise the mk 1 was (and still is!!) an excellent body.........

Best thing is if you can find someone near you who has a mk 1.....what neck of the woods do you hail from, Stu?

Perhaps you could put a post on the mk1 owners thread?......actually playing with one would give you a better idea.

Just my thoughts!

George.
 
Vale of evesham Worcs George.As I say i'll have to wait a while but good to read the above. I think rich (lost) has an x mate he offered for me to go and try out his DO actually buddy I bought my mark iv of him when he upgraded to the 1Dx.. Plenty of time though George as funds will take a while to build now having just spent so much. I am unsure George whether I knew that the 1DX didn't start with f 8 capability so cheers for educating me,i'm surprised as the mark iv has it ,mind that may well have come in a filmware upgrade too ??? When I'm in close George I really try to stay clear of cropping if possible,i'd really love to have all points active that would be huge for me ,but god knows when I'll get that far


Ha ha I apologies for ruining everyones weekend it had to be grey and raining ,even though it was frozen here until just before sunrise. As I've just got my lens this was always going to happen.:D

I got fed up on the feeders as the light was so poor and went a wandering. A gorgeous morning to be out grey wind rain ,couldn't as for more really. Saw a fox mouse hunting,tried to get round it as the wind was towards my back but something maybe my scent on a wind eddy, spooked him. He shot back across the field towards me which has recently been planted with trees. So basically I couldn't see him as the veggies were quite high. As the fox broke cover I squeaked ,bring it to s resounding stop and a look to see what I was,it clocked me and bolted but I managed to squeeze off two very rushed frames.

so here's my first real image with the 400 DO is II. Not the best conditions were awful . 1/1600 f 5.6 iso 6400 not cropped shame about my framing but no time to do other than grab a frame on center point. It's ok I might have to check mfa ,but I shall probably look into this in better light in the break/ I've also used the 1.4extii in this image with my 1Div image is processed in dpp4.6 so no selective sharpening just global post

_70F4248 by Stuart Philpott, on Flickr


Cheers George many thanks.:)

Martin this one is a start ,but I think there will be much more with better conditions is was pretty dire out there and the image was very very rushed. Frankly I didn't expect much at all today, so I can't complain

stu
 
The mk4 had the f8 capability from the start, I'm almost certain.

Why they didn't have it initially on the mk 1 I haven't a clue!!
 
That's a good start Stu his face say's how dare you lol
Rob.
 
Just for your info, Stu, here's a shot of the RRS foot on the DO, compared with the OE one.....you'll see it's easy to hold it with this foot fitted.

Foot.JPG
 
That's a good start Stu his face say's how dare you lol
Rob.
Cheers rob I 'd like to try and find a vixen this year with cubs ,but time will probably scupper me. A few years back I was incredibly lucky I had kids playing almost around my feet just yards away,a fabulous experience, one i'd love to repeat with a camera !! It was a shame the image was so rushed ,but i'm chuffed to have got anything today.

Rob while we are talking, is the RRS foot above that George is showing me compatable with your gimbal ....are they all based on the acra swiss design,or do these "dovetails" come in different forms??

Thanks in advance if you see this
Just for your info, Stu, here's a shot of the RRS foot on the DO, compared with the OE one.....you'll see it's easy to hold it with this foot fitted.

View attachment 116558


George thanks for this i've been looking aroun, a little question for you,are all the canon super teles based on this four screw design ie would that foot also fit say the 500f4?. Which particular model RRS foot is this please mate.


Ii'm still musing all this george the plate rob gave me with the gimbal works well for me ,but I'm still on the fence as to which way i'll finally go. i'm in no hurry though.but it's cool musing the available options thanks both for the thoughts:)

stu
 
I don't have the 400mm DO but I do use RRS feet on both my 500mm F/4L II and 100-400mm L II (which is known for its foot problems) and I swear by RRS products.

I also have RRS heads on my monopod and Gitzo travel tripod < Thanks for recommending RRS, George, and helping me spend lots of money.
 
George thanks for this i've been looking aroun, a little question for you,are all the canon super teles based on this four screw design ie would that foot also fit say the 500f4?. Which particular model RRS foot is this please mate.

No it's a different foot, Stu, the one for the 400 DO2 (and the 300 2.8 mk2) is the LCF 52 ($95) whereas the 500/600/200-400 foot is the LCF 53.


I also have RRS heads on my monopod and Gitzo travel tripod < Thanks for recommending RRS, George, and helping me spend lots of money.

Sorry, Robin........:exit:
 
Sorry, Robin........:exit:

....Absolutely no regrets whatsoever but quite the contrary! I am very grateful for your advice, George.

So what I want to know is when is the 600mm DO coming out!?
 
It's supposed to be this year, Robin, but you'll have to have very deep pockets for that one, I'm sure!!

I'm currently exploring for gold in the back garden, that's THE ONLY WAY I'LL GET IT!!
 
I'm 70 going on 17 years old and already have a provisional buyer for my 500mm when the 600mm DO is actually available. Yes it will be very expensive indeed but life isn't a rehearsal and I don't care if I die in poverty if I last that long. I use my camera gear often several times a week and absolutely love getting out amongst the wildlife - It's my quality of life (along with enjoying driving).

The 600mm will have to be lighter or the same weight as my 500mm II though, otherwise the benefits may not quite justify buying it. Still, it's all speculation right now.
 
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Sorry of course I meant next year!!!!
 
There are different forms of arca but My clamps have quite a good range of grip, yes the lens foot mount is a different fitting from the older models .
My only concern is will the rrs foot give enough movement back and forth for the converters as my 140mm plate does .
Rob.
 
There are different forms of arca but My clamps have quite a good range of grip, yes the lens foot mount is a different fitting from the older models .
My only concern is will the rrs foot give enough movement back and forth for the converters as my 140mm plate does .
Rob.

....RRS are very thorough in their design considerations and so I would be confident that it won't be a problem. Although I use a 500mm L, not a 400mm DO, my RRS lens feet (on a 100-400mm II as well) have no problem when either Canon 1.4x or 2x III are also mounted and the whole adjusts the same as when I used to use a Wimberley 140mm plate (which I still own).
 
I'm 70 going on 17 years old and already have a provisional buyer for my 500mm when the 600mm DO is actually available. Yes it will be very expensive indeed but life isn't a rehearsal and I don't care if I die in poverty if I last that long. I use my camera gear often several times a week and absolutely love getting out amongst the wildlife - It's my quality of life (along with enjoying driving).

The 600mm will have to be lighter or the same weight as my 500mm II though, otherwise the benefits may not quite justify buying it. Still, it's all speculation right now.
it's out now Robin just canon have it on a boat somewhere ,sorry I couldn't resist what can i say:D

and yup one life live it although that isn't figuring much at this time all I do is graft for tools but one day..one day that will change ;)

George is singularly good at encouraging us to spend (bless him:)) ,mind who cares if it's the right tools !!!!!

Lads: Rob, George, must crash the saga begins again tomorrow. Serious thanks for the wisdom both it's always nice to have options more choice of what might work for the individual is never a bad thing,especially when both voices carry so much more expereince than I

Rob the DO has the weight(center of gravity) spread much closer to the tog than the 300 I forget now how much lighter it is ,but as a layman I'm pretty sure of that justfrom holding her for a few hours today/ I actually think that C of G will work in my favour here but don't quote me on that!! I'm a sleep deprived moron now , I just had to be ready for dawn there might have been half a sniff of a sunrise... a new lens you understand

I'm putting her DO much more central on your gimbal than my old girl it seems ,,so the rrs might be long enough to work out. although from the pics I'm wondering how it would sit in my hand

It's so difficult not always being able to put things in one's hand !! trying to work things out from an image is not easy!!

many thanks again guys

stu
 
Vale of evesham Worcs George.As I say i'll have to wait a while but good to read the above. I think rich (lost) has an x mate he offered for me to go and try out his DO actually buddy I bought my mark iv of him when he upgraded to the 1Dx.. Plenty of time though George as funds will take a while to build now having just spent so much. I am unsure George whether I knew that the 1DX didn't start with f 8 capability so cheers for educating me,i'm surprised as the mark iv has it ,mind that may well have come in a filmware upgrade too ??? When I'm in close George I really try to stay clear of cropping if possible,i'd really love to have all points active that would be huge for me ,but god knows when I'll get that far


Ha ha I apologies for ruining everyones weekend it had to be grey and raining ,even though it was frozen here until just before sunrise. As I've just got my lens this was always going to happen.:D

I got fed up on the feeders as the light was so poor and went a wandering. A gorgeous morning to be out grey wind rain ,couldn't as for more really. Saw a fox mouse hunting,tried to get round it as the wind was towards my back but something maybe my scent on a wind eddy, spooked him. He shot back across the field towards me which has recently been planted with trees. So basically I couldn't see him as the veggies were quite high. As the fox broke cover I squeaked ,bring it to s resounding stop and a look to see what I was,it clocked me and bolted but I managed to squeeze off two very rushed frames.

so here's my first real image with the 400 DO is II. Not the best conditions were awful . 1/1600 f 5.6 iso 6400 not cropped shame about my framing but no time to do other than grab a frame on center point. It's ok I might have to check mfa ,but I shall probably look into this in better light in the break/ I've also used the 1.4extii in this image with my 1Div image is processed in dpp4.6 so no selective sharpening just global post

_70F4248 by SThats not atuart Philpott, on Flickr


Cheers George many thanks.:)

Martin this one is a start ,but I think there will be much more with better conditions is was pretty dire out there and the image was very very rushed. Frankly I didn't expect much at all today, so I can't complain

stu
Stu thats not bad at all considering the conditions you had and that it was a quick grab shot, seems close too with no crop on it, the fox has some nice detail too mate so keep up with your trial with the new lens.
 
P.S Stu I have started following you on flickr also to see how your resulting photos from the 400 DO mk2 look
 
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