Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM User Reviews

• 10 out of 10 points and recommended by genotypewriter (12 reviews)
  Super sharp

  Heavier than the new Nikon 400 2.8 VR

  I haven't only used the 500L IS and the 600L IS but compared to _everything_ else in the line-up, the 400 2.8L IS (wide open) ties for Canon's #1 position for IQ alongside the 200 2L IS. The 400 2.8 shows very slight traces CA compared to the shorter 200 2 in near-undetectable quantities towards the edges. This is a great achievement since it's twice as long (and CA generally increases with focal length) but it's also a stop slower (slower lenses are easier to optimise for CA).
  
  I have also used the Nikon 400 2.8 VR and I was even able to handhold it:
  http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/4375194653/
  The Canon one is however quite a bit heavier. This point aside, I do prefer the Canon over the Nikon since it has smoother bokeh and seems sharper than the Nikon:
  http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/3852064595/
  
  I'm guessing the next iteration of this lens will improve the weight and have even better IQ.

  reviewed June 16th, 2010
• 10 out of 10 points and recommended by Badmono (15 reviews)
  IQ-IQ-IQ

  Colour - everyone notices you, but this can workin your favour when it comes to blagging your way into events!

  Awesome, I always wanted one, saved my pennies for a few years - was it worth the money & wait - YES YES YES.
  One sad thing I've noticed other camera users with poor lenses [100-400 zoom] for example slag off the weight of my lens - these saddo's ought to try one for themselves, their crap zoom would join plenty of others for sale on ebay - the IQ of this lens is so much better than any zoom lens on this planet.
  I have one suggestion for Canon to improve the lens - make it an F2 and drop the price :-))

  reviewed August 22nd, 2008
• 10 out of 10 points and recommended by AHAB (8 reviews)
  Sharper than a razor

  Takes time to learn how to use this beast

  This lens is a beast almost 13 pounds.
  You will have to take the time to learn how to use this lens effectively.
  Once you master this lens it is stunning, yes, even at 2.8.
  
  Sharp, crisp, rich detail and color!
  
  There is a reason you see this lens at the sidelines of every major sporting event, it does not get any better at this length.
  Add a 2x extender and you have a pretty good 800.
  Beg, borrow, or rent one if you can, once you use one it tends to spoil you.
  
  Yes it is heavy, but so what?
  
  It is what it is, one of the finest lenses on the planet earth!
  
  AHAB

  reviewed November 27th, 2006 (purchased for $6,500)
• 10 out of 10 points and recommended by cold_fire (5 reviews)
  one of the finest lens I've ever worked with

  expensive and easy-to-break lens hood

  while a touch soft at 2.8, it gets perfect from f4 up untill f16. the only annoyance with this lens (although it can be applied to all super-tele Ls) is the carbon fiber lens hood that can get broken very easy and it is really expensive to replace (500$ a piece). A monopod is mandatory, obviously.

  reviewed November 7th, 2006 (purchased for $7,000)