Introduction
This is certainly an interesting lens, if not a new one. Introduced sometime in 2002, at the time of writing, still the only professional-grade DO lens that Canon has brought to market. The DO designation stands for diffractive optics. Canon made use of a multi-layered diffractive optic element in the lens design.
The use of the DO element saves both weight and bulk when compared to conventional lens designs. No longer a new lens, the 400 DO is still current and is still available.
Canon EF 400 DO f4 IS lens on a Canon 1Dmk4 body.
About The Lens
Starting on the outside, the metal body feels and appears to be well-made. The lens is weather-sealed, pretty much to the same degree as any of Canons big L-series fixed telephoto lenses are.
The lens mount is standard Canon EOS, with the rubber weather-sealing ring around the outside. The base of the lens barrel is not textured for extra grip, like many of the latest telephotos from Canon.
At the base of the lens barrel, there is a 52mm filter holder. The lens comes with a clear glass element in the filter holder, and Canon maintain that this should be kept in place when no filter is being used. I never use filters on long telephoto lenses, and make sure to keep this filter holder firmly in place, so that dust stays out.
Canon EF 400 DO f4 IS lens barrel detail
The 400 DO is supplied with a tripod ring. The ring is of the old Canon design, with a hollow locking knob but it works smoothly and is easy to use. I usually attach a lens plate to the bottom of the tripod mount, for a couple of reasons. The extra length of the lens plate makes it easier for me to hold the lens or rest it when I am shooting handheld. Obviously the lens plate also facilitates quick attachment to a mount. The tripod ring can only be removed by first taking the lens off the camera body.
Canon EF 400 DO f4 IS lens barrel detail
An aluminium identification plate and a distance scale are located on the top of the lens barrel. There are also mounts for the lens strap that is supplied with the 400 DO. When bigger and heavier lenses are mounted on cameras, it is best to carry the combinations by the lens, rather than having the weight of a big lens hanging on the mount of your camera body. The 400 DO is light enough that it will work both ways.
Switch panel detail for the Canon EF 400 f4 DO IS USM
A switch panel on the left side of the lens barrel houses switches for controlling AF/MF, focus distance and image stabilization. The switches are easy to use, but they protrude slightly from the panel, which means it is quite easy to accidentally bump them onto other settings. This is something to keep an eye on when shooting. Many photographers cover the switches with neoprene lens covers, which makes it much harder to bump them unintentionally. Canon’s newer lenses all have recessed switches that don’t get bumped.
The EF 400 L DO IS also has image stabilization, although in its earlier form, with 2 to 3 stops of effectiveness.
Focus ring and lens button collar, EF 400 DO f4 IS
The focus ring is of a normal width, and textured for easy use. I prefer the normal width focus rings over the ultra-wide rings found on Canon’s newest big telephoto lenses, which I find I have to take care not to shift accidentally. In front of the focus ring is a black rubber lens ring that is fixed in place and is home to the lens function buttons, which can be programmed to perform various functions, depending on which camera body you combine with the lens.
Canon EF 400 DO f4 IS front element and lens buttons. Click for larger view
The collar where the lens hood mounts is painted white, and it can show scuff marks from contact with the lens hood, although they are not visible when the hood is in place. The hood attaches firmly with the locking knob and provides lots of protection for the front element, due to its depth. There are small screws at the base of the lens hood that can come loose over time. To prevent this happening on my EF 300 f2.8 L IS, which shares the same hood, Raymond from Cameratek applied an adhesive to the threads. That solved the problem. There is a leather-like front cover with a drawstring attachment that fits over the back end of the lens hood when it is turned around on the lens.
Inside the magnesium alloy casing, the EF 400 DO f4 IS houses some high quality optical components. There is one diffractive optic element, and it is positioned just behind the front element, which serves a protective function. The diffractive optic reduces both the size and weight of the lens, when compared to conventional refractive optical elements. Canon claim particularly good chromatic and spherical aberration correction from the diffractive optic lens. There are 17 lens elements in 13 groups. There are 8 aperture blades in the lens diaphragm.
The EF 400 DO f4 IS weighs just 1940g. It is a chunky-looking lens, relatively short, with the large lens hood making it appear bigger than it is. All moving parts are inside the lens barrel, and there is no change in size during focusing. The white paint coating the lens is tough, and also reflects heat when shooting in the sun.
The lens comes in a very robust hard plastic case, that is good for storage, and for travel if space is not an issue…The case is well made and can be locked, but is quite bulky and has no space for anything extra.
The EF 400 DO has also been around for long enough that it is available on the used-gear market.
Canon EF 400 DO f4 IS and Canon 1Dmk4. Black-backed jackal. 1/500s at f4, iso 800. Handheld. Click for larger view
How Well Does It Work?
One of the things that you instantly notice when you pick up the EF 400 DO f4 IS is that it is lighter than it looks. Despite the large diameter of the front element, the weight of the lens is evenly distributed, making it easy to manage. It is a lens that most people should find ideal for handholding and this is one of the lenses strongest attributes. Of course, handholding any lens with a focal length of 400mm takes some care, and requires good technique. I found the EF 400 DO f4 IS to be a really good lens for wildlife photography
Using the lens on a tripod or mount worked well too, with the tripod collar having a smooth action and a positive locking action. There is a black line painted on the top of the lens barrel that helps with getting the lens and tripod collar properly aligned.
The EF 400 DO lacks some of the added features found on many other big Canon telephoto lenses. There is no Focus Preset ring, or switches for setting in a focus distance to memory. I never use that feature in the field anyhow. There is no power focus option for video. It doesn’t have the ultra-wide focus ring that is found on most of the latest Canon super telephoto lenses. This is not something that I miss, as the new focus rings are so wide that it is easy to shift them inadvertantly when using the new lenses. I like the fact that the EF 400 DO doesn’t have unnecessary ‘fluff’ in its feature set, but has everything that I use and need. Of course those shooters who use some of what I have mentioned here will disagree.
The constant f4 aperture at all focal lengths is a strong point. In low light, f4 is better at gathering light than a lens with a maximum aperture of f5.6, but not as good as one that opens to f2.8. Improvements in low light capabilities of modern sensors may be reducing this advantage somewhat, depending on your own needs.
The lens is equipped with an image stabilizer, and it has two settings. Mode 1 is for regular handholding use, whilst Mode 2 is for tripod shooting or panning, when stabilization is only needed in one plane of movement. The IS system is a little more audible than that on the newest Canon lenses, but not at all intrusive.
The distance limit switch has two settings. If you are photographing subjects at a distance that is not changing too much, setting the switch to suit your working distance can bring benefits to AF speed and reduce AF hunting. Always remember that switch and what your last setting was, as having it on an unsuitable setting can lead to confusion and disappointment. For most of the time, I prefer to keep mine set from the minimum focus distance to infinity. That way, should a subject suddenly appear at a closer than expected distance, I can keep on focusing on i
The minimum focus distance on this lens is 3.5m. This means that there are a lot of other Canon lenses that will be better for photographing very small subjects from close distances. Attaching a 1.4x extender to the lens will help a little with increasing close-up magnification.
Canon EF 400 DO IS and Canon 1Dmk4. Cheetah. 1/320sec at f4, Iso 1000. Click for larger view
I enjoy the 400mm focal length for African wildlife photography a lot. It is long enough that it can get me good portraits of wild animals, especially mammals, complete with blurred backgrounds. It is also just enough for larger or more approachable birds. It gives a good working distance from bigger animals, and enables me to frame well without having to go so close that I disturb the wild subjects. And, if you are moving from an APS-C sensor camera and 300mm lens, the EF 400 DO gives similar framing on a full-frame sensor.
I work with a good number of enthusiast photographers who have chosen the EF 400 DO as their primary long lens for wildlife photography and all of them are big fans of the lens and what it does for them.
Autofocus
Autofocus performance was good with the EF 400 DO f4. The focal length of 400mm is a moderate one in the world of super-telephoto lenses, and the field of view at that focal length is not so narrow that initial pick-up of subjects, especially moving ones, is too difficult with this lens. When paired with the 1Dmk4 or the 5Dmk3, I was able to tackle the fastest of subjects with some confidence.
Canon EF 400 DO IS and Canon 1Dmk4. African green pigeon. 1/5000sec at f4, Iso 500. Click for larger view
In the lowest light the EF 400 DO focused a lot slower, but was still accurate. In the field I ended up shooting it paired with my Canon 5Dmk3 long after sunset, and it outperformed the EF 100-400L on a similar body, shooting alongside one another. The 300 and 400mm f2.8 Canon telephotos remain the best options when it comes to focus in the lowest light levels.
Camera Bodies Used
I used the 400 DO on three different Canon dslr’s, each with a different sensor size.
On the Canon 7D with it’s APS-c sized sensor, the field of view is roughly equivalent to 640mm. The lightweight lens combines well with medium-sized camera bodies like the 7D, which is also not too heavy. The pair make for a powerful camera/lens combination with good resolution and AF response. Of course the 400 DO will also work very well with even smaller and lighter camera bodies like the Canon 6D and the Rebel/700D series too. The EF 400 DO/7D combination proved effective for smaller subjects that were far away. Autofocus was good. Low light performance was only average with AF and image quality.
On the now-discontinued Canon 1Dmk4, which has an APS-H sensor in it, and a field of view equivalent to roughly 520mm, I enjoyed great results with subjects of all types and speeds. AF was fast and positive enough for even fast-flying birds, and the 1Dmk4’s resolution, and pixel pitch made this combination ideal for the wide variety of subjects that I typically photograph.
On the 5Dmk3 with its full-frame sensor, the EF 400 DO performed very well. There is not enough vignetting to worry about even on the larger sensored camera, and AF was also fast, and accurate. The EF 400 Do/5Dmk3 combination delivered the best AF and image quality performance in low light of the three.
It is important to define what my own expectations are from these camera and lens combinations in order to better understand my evaluation. All of these cameras and the 400 DO will lock focus on a static or slow-moving subject, in an instant. I don’t even consider that a real test for modern AF systems at all. Instead, most of the shooting that I did with the 400DO involved static and moving subjects, some much faster than others, in bright light and sometimes in very low light.
Image Quality
I always shoot in RAW and process my images in Adobe Camera Raw, which is very similar to Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop. My evaluation of this lens’ performance with regard to image quality is based upon that workflow.
The EF 400 DO f4 IS USM is a sharp lens, of that I have no doubt. I obtained lots of images that I was very happy with, after an extended period of real-world use with the lens. I actually used the lens for a month of wildlife photography in some of my favourite destinations in the north of Botswana. It is worth noting that I had to choose between my EF 300 L f2.8 IS or the EF 400 DO f4 IS for the trip…airline weight restrictions mean that on that trip, there could only be one big lens. I did some brief testing of the two lenses side by side to make sure that I was happy before leaving my proven 300 f2.8 behind.
I got very good results from the 400 DO, and had no misgivings about using it. Images taken with the 400 DO are not quite as sharp or punchy as those taken with either the older EF 300 f2.8 L IS, or the newest version of that lens. However, they are still quite sharp enough for my needs, and the extra 100mm of focal length came in very handy on many an occasion. Having more pixels on the subject is a good way to maintain high image quality, and having to crop less was a big plus for me in comparison to shooting with the 300 f2.8.
Canon EF 400 DO f4 IS, and Canon 1Dmk4. African elephant. 1/250sec at f4, Iso 1600. Click for larger view
I ended up shooting the lens wide open at its maximum aperture of f4 often, and got very good results. Whilst it may have gotten very slightly sharper when stopped down to f5.6 and 6.3, there was plenty of detail at f4, and I felt confident that I could select my aperture setting with creative intent in mind rather than being forced to stop down for sharpness.
It is been documented that the 400 DO is lacking in contrast, but I did not notice this to any great degree. I shoot in RAW only, and process my keeper images individually anyhow, and almost invariably make contrast adjustments of some sort or another during the processing, regardless of which lens I shot with.
Canon EF 400 f4 DO IS and Canon 1Dmk4. Malachite kingfisher. 1/320sec at f4, Iso 1600. Cropped. Click for larger view
Bokeh was good, though the 300 f2.8 can blur backgrounds just a fraction more.
Colour was well rendered, even in low light. I really didn’t notice any colour fringing and other CA’s in any of the images that I kept. I also did not notice any vignetting with images taken with the 400 DO on the full frame 5Dmk3 sensor or certainly anything that would need fixing in processing.
Canon EF 400 DO IS and Canon 5Dmk3. African elephant. 1/4000sec at f5.6, Iso 800
Shooting against the light the lens provided acceptable results. It can sometimes struggle to focus when a direct light source like the sun is shining into the lens, but in this regard it is about the same as Canons other older series 1 telephoto lenses.
The EF 400 DO can also show a loss of contrast when shooting into bright, direct light but this sometimes be worked around by changing one’s angle or providing extra shade for the front of the lens. The amount of flare that shows up with the 400 DO was not very different to what my EF 300 f2.8 IS L produced. The new generation Canon telephoto lenses are superior by some margin when it comes to dealing with lens flare and direct light contrast loss..
Extenders
This lens works very well with the EF 1.4x ii or iii extender attached. The combination effectively creates a 560mm f5.6 maximum aperture lens. Autofocus may slow down just a little, and absolute pixel level sharpness may also be slightly affected. In my experience, I get the best results out of lens and extender combinations when pairing them with Canon’s 1D bodies and also the Canon 5Dmk3. The combination worked well enough for me to use it effectively for birds in flight photography.
Canon EF 400 DO f4 plus 1.4x ii extender, Canon 5Dmk3. Cape vulture, adult. 1/2000sec at f5.6, iso 400. Click for larger view.
It is also possible to mount a 2x extender on this lens, and if you are using a 1D series body from the last six years or so, or the 5Dmk3 with its recent firmware upgrade, then you will still have functioning autofocus, although it may be only the centre AF point. I did not try this out myself. I would expect quite a dark viewfinder and it would work best in brighter light.
Options
For a similar price the Canon EF 300 f2.8 L IS ii has a one-stop light gathering advantage and faster autofocus. The EF 400 DO f4 has an extra 100mm of focal length, and it weighs around 400g less. Adding a 1.4III extender to the EF 300 f2.8 L IS ii makes for a 420mm f4 combination, with image quality similar to the bare 400 f4 DO. The weight difference becomes approximately 600g, and the lens plus extender combination is significantly longer and bulkier.
Another option is the Canon EF 400 L f5.6. The EF 400 DO f4 has a one-stop light gathering advantage, faster autofocus, and image stabilization. The EF 400 L f5.6 is 690 g lighter than the EF 400 DO IS, and sells for a fraction of the new price.
The ever-popular Canon 100-400 L f4.5-5.6 IS is lighter than the EF 400 DO IS, has zoom lens flexibility, also has image stabilization and sells for much less. The EF 400 DO has a one-stop light gathering advantage, and faster autofocus.
Canon’s just-released (at time of writing) EF 200-400 x1.4 L IS can do basically everything that the EF 400 DO can do, with the flexibility of a zoom, but it is bigger and heavier, and costs about twice as much.
Conclusion
Pros
Light weight and compact size for 400mm focal length
Ease of use
Fast, accurate AF
Cons
High cost
Canon EF 400 DO f4 IS and Canon 7D
It may be that my own photographic preferences match up very well with the strengths of the EF 400 DO IS USM, perhaps more so than most. I have a strong liking for the freedom that its light weight and compact size confers when shooting. When you pair that freedom with good image quality, a decently fast f4 aperture and serious focal length, you end up with a strong combination.
The light weight of the EF 400 DO means that it may still be the ideal wildlife lens for those who like to take their pictures whilst they are out walking. It is also perfect for nature photographers that travel a lot by air (and have to deal with airline weight restrictions). In fact, anybody who just enjoys the flexibility that a lens with a decent maximum aperture and focal length in a compact package allows will appreciate the EF 400 DO IS USM.
Hi Grant!
Very interesting lecture!!! 2 years ago I reflected on this lens 400/4 DO because of its light weight. But – you know it – I bought a 300/2.8 II because of its better properties. I know, with this lens I am a little bit on the “short side”, but with an extender 1.4 III I have similar focal length available. If you compare the MTF-curves of both the lenses you can see clearly the advantages of the 300/2.8-lens. Contrast and resolution of the 400/4 DO are not as good as with the 300/2.8 II, especially in the border and extreme. Also the properties at open apertures are different, in favour of the 300/2.8, not to forget the Bokeh of 8 blades (400DO) respectively 9 blades of the 300/2.8. May be, these reflections are too theoretically. But – if weight is decisive and not image quality – the 400 DO can be a good alternative for wildlife photography in my opinion. Hope you agree.
Regards to Helena and you
Chris
Hi Chris
Thanks for your response here, and your choice of the 300f2.8L IS ii is a good one. I definitely agree with you on that, and my own workhorse lens for wildlife photography when guiding is the 300 f2.8 too. At the same time the EF 400 DO still offers an alternative, and a good one at that too, with its biggest advantages being weight, and compact size making it very easy and pleasant to use. It is not quite as good as the EF 300 f2.8 when it comes to AF speed, or image quality as you say :-). Still good to have choices, and both setups are good enough to do the job well. Thanks also for the regards, the same to you and Anne 🙂
cheers
Grant
Thank you for the review! This is a good lens!
Another very clear explanation. So much so that I’d go out and buy one today!
That is if I had the extra cash!!!!!
Grant,
Interesting to read your review. As you may recall, I also have the 400 DO and used it when we were together in Chobe/Kasane. On my last two trips to Timbavati, I’ve used the lens on the 5D MkIII and find that combination to be the right length for most of my shots in the lowveld bush. On the trip to Chobe, it was often a little short without the 1.4x TC, In that open space and with the nice mounts on the Pangolin photo boat, it would have been nice to have my 500mm f/4; however, the light weight of the 400 DO even with the TC made handholding for birds in flight quite easy … and I struggle to do that with the 500mm. Overall, I’m really pleased with the trade-off of weight to telephoto length in comparison to other options. I could see where a mix of having this lens and the new 70-300L would work really well together on a full frame body.
Hi Buddy
Thanks for your feedback, especially as an existing and very satisfied owner and user of the 400DO that you are 🙂
I have also found the 400 DO to be almost an ideal focal length for many of the wildlife areas that I get to shoot in. It really is nice to have that extra 100mm over the 300f2.8, combined with its compact size and light weight. Really makes shooting effortless and fun, which is important when you get to shoot a lot as I do. Although I don’t own a 400 DO, I certainly would like to have one in my lens bag…
I have also been seeing some of the great results you got from using the lens on your FB page…so thanks again for chipping in here with your valued input!
Cheers
Grant
Thanks Grant for an excellent review.
Specific question for you.
Which is the sharper perfomer at 560/600:
400DO with 1.4 TC or 300/2.8 (IS I or IS II) with 2.0 TC
Regards
Mike
Hi Mike
Thanks for the feedback. I would have to say that the 400DO performed really well with the 1.4x extender version ii on it, better than my EF 300 f2.8 IS does when fitted with the 2x extender version ii, sharpness quite close but AF performance more accurate and faster with the 400f4 and 1.4x extender. The 2x extender, old or new, always slows AF down for my own liking and I tend to get lots more hunting with it when shooting fast moving subjects.
I have not yet had enough time to confirm this but I would suspect that the newest EF 300 f2.8 IS ii when mounted with the new EF 2x extender iii that the two lenses would be closer or that the new 300 plus 2xiii would have the edge, slightly? I am planning to get more time in the field with the new 300f2.8 and extender quite soon and will revisit the subject…
cheers
Grant
Grant a great review thankyou for taking the time, I’m a big believer in the lighter the lens the more keeper shots. I know with the larger lenses you have the obvious reach, however I can tell you the more spectacular shots (in close) IMHO are made from having the freedom to move quickly. I use the Canon 400mm F5.6 in the field and more than once the subjects have totally surprised me, without a light lens I would never have been able to get “THE SHOT” again your attention to light lenses has not been overstated. I think the Canon EF 400mm DO with a 1.4 ext. is another great tool. Thankyou, Frank
Hi Frank
Thanks for your comment. When I am choosing equipment for my own use, I always place a value on light weight…I also do lots of flying on airlines to reach some of the places where I work, and there too, lighter weight is super valuable to me. Totally agree with you on light lenses also allowing rapid reaction for those unexpected shots….whenever possible I prefer to be able to handhold whatever I am shooting with.
The 400DO is very light, and very easy to use well, and I believe that similar results can be expected from the EF 400 L f5.6, although I have not yet gotten to use one of those for any length of time. A full field review of the EF 400 L f5.6 is somthing I hope to be able to accomplish sometime early next year.
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant,
I currently have the 1D mk4 with the 100-400 lens. I only really photograph birds and find the 400 reach just isn’t enough sometimes. I have the 1.4 mk iii and 2 mk iii converters but they don’t work well with my lens and I’m hopeless with manual focus anyway. My fellow birders have been differing in opinion between the 300 f2.8 and this lens. I’ve decided to opt for this one (have just placed my order) since it’s much lighter (I’m a slither over 5 foot tall) and will mean I should be able to manage hand held flight shots. I found your reeview really helpful, particularly since I’ve seen some negative ones, so I’m confident I made the right choice.
Many thanks
Nicki
Hi there Nicki
Thanks for sharing your current experience here, and your gear plan. I think that when it comes to compact size, and ease of handling, specially for smaller shooters ,that the 400f4 DO is an especially good lens. It really is so light, and so much fun to use because of that manageability, that you should do well with birds in flight.
The 400DO also works very well with the 1.4x EF extender in place.
There will always be comparisons drawn between the EF 400DO and the EF 300f2.8, but for compact size and light weight, the EF 400DO is pretty much unbeatable, especially if the 300f2.8 has an extender in place.
There are a good number of very happy EF 400DO shooters out there and I hope it works as well for you.
Let us know how it works out for you
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant,
Thanks for the great review of this lens. I currently use a 300mm F4 L, but I am thinking of upgrading to the 400mm F4 DO. A friend of mine has let me borrow his for me to try out. Everything is great, except that I cannot get my Canon EF 1.4x II extender to fit. Have you ever experienced any such difficulties? Is there a trick to it that I cannot see?
Kind regards,
Luke
Hi Luke
Thanks for your feedback. I am surprized to hear of your difficulty with mounting the EF 1.4x extender. I have used the 400DO quite a bit with the 1.4x extender attached, both the vii and viii.
Maybe just inspect the lens mount for any burring or slight bending or damage to the aluminium plates in the lens mount, and do the same thing on the extender mount. Also, make sure there are no loose screws in the bayonet mount on the extender (there should be 4 of them) that are projecting out a bit?
Cannot think of anything else other right now, and if the mounts are in good shape, then perhaps something in one of the mounts is slightly distorted, perhaps from a fall or heavy bump?
Hope you get it figured out?
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant,
excellent review which basically fits my experiences as well. I am still very happy with the Canon 400mm f4,0 DO. It must certainly be taken into account, that the combination of the lens with a Canon 1D series is the real. Whether someone agree on the value for money everybody has to test on basis of personal applications/ preferences and his/her financial capabilities. The – little – review I wrote, you will find here: http://www.bird-lens.com/2012/07/12/canon-400mm-f4-do-an-experience-review/ with more testing/ remarks on flight shots: http://www.bird-lens.com/2013/02/10/canon-400mm-f4-do-an-experience-review-for-flight-shots/
Just one problem I had to fix at Canon Germany. Fortunately just before the warranty period I brought the 400 DO to the servicepoint at Canon Germany. The main tube and the focusing housing were not tight any more. The screws went loose during the rides in the desert of Oman. There were no optical or AF-imperfections but I thought, that before the DO will completely falling apart I get it fixed. In the meantime, I realized that I was not alone with this problem. Thus, I thought it should be communicated.
Johannes
Hi Johannes
Thanks for your links, I enjoyed seeing the images, especially difficult to get are some of the blue-fronted parrots against the green forest background. Also enjoyed reading your review, and your point is a good one about the EF400DO performing better with a 1D series body than perhaps with lesser Canon bodies. I found it equally good when used with my Canon 5Dmk3, and I was even quite comfortable with the 1.4x extender and the 5Dmk3. I think that the extra sensitivity in the AF systems of the 5Dmk3 and 1DX help AF performance in some of Canon’s older lenses quite noticeably.
The EF 400 DO that I have used, has done lots of work on a boat offshore for pelagic birds, as well as many African safaris, and didn’t yet experience any loosening of internal parts, but it is normally transported in a Pelican case for protection.
I think you describe very well your own requirements for lightweight and compact size in your review, and the 400DO is well suited for that type of application.
Thanks again for your contribution here, and as you say, the price of this lens means that it will not be a natural choice for everybody….
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant,
Thanks for the great review of this 400 DO lens. I just purchased the 400 DO and needed some info on it . After using my wonderful 300 f/4 IS for a good while , and loving it. I wanted to extend my focal length in a prime . I really need IS on my lenses and the f/4 seemed fine, to me. I couldn’t afford to go any longer , so found a used , clean 400 DO. This was my most expensive lens I’ve ever purchased and I had high hopes for it. Took it out and tested it on some lake ducks, etc. and was very pleased with how it handled (tripod) and it’s IQ on my 7D. Next will try it on the 5D3. I feel like I’ve arrived and am excited to own this great Canon lens. To bad I didn’t get it in time for my recent Alaska trip but the 300 and 1.4X worked well. I believe this lens will be with me for a very long time.
Terry
Hola Grant.
agradezco tus comentarios con respecto a esta gran lente de Canon. Trabajo con El 400mm f2,8 de Canon que considero uno de los mejores objetivos de CANON,pero en viajes a zonas algo accidentadas como las costas de Inglaterra, Irlanda o Escocia donde el peso es muy importante utilizo mi 400mm f4 Do. Es excelente su calidad y manejabilidad he hecho pruebas desde hyde con dos camaras iguales y los dos teleobjetivos y los resultados son muy parecidos. En multitud de comentarios leidos en la red las quejas son de falta de contraste. Si se usa con el parasol que incluye no se aprecia falta de contraste. Es una verdadera joya y lo recomiendo a quienes no puedan acarrear el peso del 400mm f2,8. En moda y publicidad tambien me ha dado un buenísimo resultado.
Hi Joan
Thanks for sharing your feedback on using the 400 DO in real shooting conditions, and your good experience provided by the lens..that is exactly how I found the 400DO to perform for me as well.
I am looking forward to seeing what the newest version of this lens, just announced, can do!
Cheers
Grant
Again your blog influences heavily. I’m currently awaiting a pre-order for the Canon 400mm Do II.
With it or in the same time frame a 7Dii.
I think I’ve read about the limitations of the first gen 400mm DO and think the Mk II can only be better even if only incrementally.
Grant,
Have you had a chance to try out the 300 2.8 IS II and 1.4x TC III combo? I’m thinking about getting the 400DO II or 300 2.8 IS II+1.4x TC III. The new 400DO II’s MTF charts looks a lot better than the older 400DO, and very close to the MTF of the 300 2.8 IS II
The 400mm range is something I will be using a lot so the DO II’s 400@f4 and 420@f4 from 300+1.4TC III both suit my need, and they are priced similarly. The pros of the 300+TC is the flexibility and ability to shoot at 300 2.8 if needed, while the 400DO II may have an edge on IQ and AF speed compared to the 300+TC.
I know it’s still too early to say anything about the new 400DO II, but I am more concerned about IQ and not so much about weight, do you think it will be better to get the 300 2.8 IS II and 1.4x TC III, or the 400DO II? (Another concern is AF speed between the 300+TC and 400DO II)
Thanks,
Oliver
Hi Oliver
You have described the main differences and points of close comparison between the two lenses very well in your text above 🙂
I have used the 300 plus exteneder 1.4ii combination, and i think that we are going to have to wait for the EF 400DO to land and get into real-world use before making a call between those two.
Comparing the same lenses and extender in their version 1 form, I would have to say that it was quite difficult to choose one over the other. My own preference would be to have the 300 f2.8 with no extender, which has the best AF, and the best image quality, then the bare 400 DO, and then the 300 plus 1.4x version 1.
Of course, that doesn’t take into account that 400mm might be the ideal focal length for your style of shooting. I am hoping to get hands on a 400DO mk2 for review and comparison purposes but no confirmation on a date for that yet from Canon South Africa but i will keep on updating this site.
Kind regards
Grant
I might buy a used 400mm f4 DO that is missing the tripod collar. Would it be possible for you to measure the diameter of the tripod collar? Thanks
Hi Marek, unfortunately I no longer have the original 400 DO on hand to be able to make a measurement..sorry about that.
cheers
Grant
Hi Grant:
I am looking forward to your review of the 400 DO II, as I am going to purchase a big tele to go with my new 7DII. I have rented the 400 f2.8, 300f2.8 II with 1.4 and 2.0 TCIII’s, but not able to rent the 500 f4 yet. I found the new 400 f2,8 II much lighter than the older version and it takes TC’s very well. My subjects are birds, BIF’s and wildlife. Mounted on a 7DII the 400 f2.8 becomes a 640 f2.8. The 300f2.8 + 1.4TCIII is a very portable 420 f4. but might be a bit short for small birds. The 400 DO II might be the best compromise but I am concerned about sharpness/IQ, particularly with 1.4TC attached.
regards,
Ken
Hi Ken, thanks for your interest. I am scheduled to have an EF 400DO II for testing purposes sometime in early Januar 2015. From what I have seen of Canon’s new telephoto lenses, both fixed and zoom, in the last few years, and the resolution charts that go with them, I have a lot of confidence in how well the new EF 400DO is going to perform. My expectation is that the EF 400DO II is going to be sharper, and focus faster than the original model (which is a decently good perfomer in its own righ) and will not give away much at all to the other big Canon super tele version II lenses. I also think it will work very well with a 1.4x iii extender as well..
Looking forward to the lens and the field testing
Cheers
Grant
I’ve received the 400mm DO II just 2 days ago. Grant was a big influence in this purchase with his review of the 1st generation. That, and my age, and not needing or wanting to carry heavy lenses. I have the 300 F2.8 and can favorably compare the 400 DO II to it. Of course a stop of light is lost but 100mm of FL is gained and at least 8 ounces lost. Here is one of the first photographs taken with this lens with a 2.0 TC:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/medicineman4040/16037227872/
I’ve yet to use the lens ‘bare’ yet or with the c1.4TC, but with the cTC2.0 results I’m sure they will be fine.
Thanks for that news Robert,
I am very excited to see the new 400DO ii and do some shooting with. Great news is that you have the 300f2.8 on hand, and that the two lenses are comparable in their performance for your shooting requirements. The image of the flicker/woodpecker on Flickr looks to be nice and sharp and specially noted that it was shot with the 2x extender, and with good contrast..please keep up posted on how you do with the lens.
I will be looking to do as much shooting with the new 400DOii in January, when they reach South Africa, as I can, and get my review on here shortly thereafter 🙂
Cheers
Grant
Grant, I would like to thank you for one of the better if not most enjoyable reviews of this lens; because of this review I have ordered and hope to receive it today. Thanks for some of the best reviews on the web.
Dear Grant,
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge and some nice photos; the green pigeon in flight and the kingfisher are exceptional! Who’d want any other lens if one can achieve this with the 400 DO ver 1!?
That said, may I request you to educate me and clarify 2 points:
1. Front filter. This lens should see a lot of use in dusty and field conditions. I see no mention of any protective front filter. A big risk for an awfully expensive lens – at least for the likes of me! Will a front filter severely degrade the image? If not, can you advise – what is the filter size? UV or skylight 1A – which will prove more appropriate?
2. Use of those 4 black circular lens buttons at the front end of the lens you mentioned in passing in your review (image 6), but did not explain in detail. Can you please explain how to use them on a 5D II?
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Bharat Shahane
Hi Bharat,
Thanks for the feedback.
1. As for your questions, I dont actually know what the front filter size would be and I am not even sure if you can fit one. There is what looks like a thread on the inside of the collar around the front end of the lens, but is probably just strengthening ridges or to do with gaining access to the inside of the lens itself. I have never seen anybody using any kind of filter on the 400DO, or similar lenses like the EF 300 L f2.8. The lens hood for the 400DO is very deep, and completely effective at protecting it. From the end of the hood, which has a rubber edge to it, to the front element, is around 14 cm deep.
I use my lenses like this in dusty conditions almost all the time, and I have never had a problem with it. I just keep it covered whilst not shooting, and blow the dust off each day with a hand blower.
2. The black circular buttons can be used for different purposes depending on what Canon camera body you are using. Although there are four buttons, they all do the same thing, and are spaced around the lens so you can reach them from any angle or grip. The default setting is usually to stop autofocus whilst you hold a button in. This enables you to work in Ai Servo focus mode, but merely push in one of these buttons to lock the focus, for those times when a focus point does not match your composition. As soon as you let go of the button, the focus works as normal once again.
On the newer Canon bodies, the possible options for using those buttons has been expanded, from starting IS, to switching between Ai Servo and One Shot, and more.
I am currently working on the review of the EF 400 DO mk ii.
Cheers
Grant
Very much looking forward to you assessment of the 400 DO ii. At this point I’m completely smitten with it. Recently I’ve added the 100-400 Mk II and have recently taken both on a trip. I kept the 100-400ii on the 5Diii for possible sudden close encounters and the 400 DO ii on the 7Dii for the further shots……it is a great combo. Also another pleasantry with the 400 is its ability to take a cTC2.0. Even if I could afford an 800mm I couldn’t carry it. The IQ will always take a hit with the 2.0 TC but not nearly like I feared.
For any salivating while waiting on Grant’s view of the 400 DO ii here are links (if Grant allows of course) to to pics via the 400 DO ii, first with cTC1.4 and second with cTC2.0, just note the shot with the 2.0 TC was at great distance.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/medicineman4040/16358209082/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/medicineman4040/16357183741/
Thanks for the links, Robert, and the real-world feedback. I have also been in the field with a similar gear arrangement to you, the 100-400mk ii for a general purpose zoom on a 5d3, and then I had both the new 400 DO mkii as well as the EF 500 f4 L IS ii on hand, with a 7dmk2 and another 5d3 body. I have not used the new 400 DO in the field for long enough yet to complete a review, but so far, it seems to be an excellent super tele lens. I have used it only with the 1.4x iii extender, so your images with the 2x extender are of added interest.
Cheers
Grant
Dear Grant,
Thanks so much for the detailed explanation. Much appreciated!
Happy shooting with the new DO Mk II…! A side by side comparison shooting the same subject in real life field conditions without any post processing or editing (maybe original JPEGs?) may really help understand the quality difference between the the two versions. Look forward to it!
The best!
Sincerely,
Bharat
Thank you for your detailed review of the 400 f4 DO Mk1
I purchased a 2 year old lens in mint conditions and it is everything you succinctly described,
early day’s yet but you helped sorting out the wheat from the chaff regarding this lens.
Barry Treleaven
hi Barry
Thanks for your feedback. I like the original 400 F4 DO a lot and found it a great lens to use. One thing which is not in my review, but that I have heard from a few users/owners in the interim, is that the original 400 f4 DO IS can be susceptible to some loosening of an internal section within the lens barrel. I never experienced that, but perhaps if you carry the lens in places where it gets subject to lots of vibration and bumps, it might be worth having it checked over by Canon from time to time.
Good luck with the lens and hope to see some images that you get with it.
Cheers
Grant
Hello Grant,
Thanks for your detailed evaluation. I was hesitating as it did not have a red ring but after reading your report I decided to go ahead and buy one. So far I have been using the 70-200 2.8 IS with either the 1.4x or the 2x for wildlife. The 1.4x was ok but I was not satisfied with the 2x on it. As I live in India, most of my trips are to the national parks and photography is from open vehicles. I often found the 70-200 on the shorter side and needed a light and compact lens with a little more reach.
Regards-
Indranil
Hi Indranil
Thanks for your feedback, and I have also been using the new EF 400DO mk ii quite a bit recently but not completed writing up the review as yet.
I found the original EF 400 DO IS USM to be much better than any combination of extender and zoom lens like the EF 70-200 f2.8 etc….
Contrary to some other users experience, I also found that the lens performed quite well for me, that is the 400 DO IS USM (original) with the 1.4x extender from Canon, although I only used that combination on full frame camera bodies or the 1Dmk4 – not on APS-C sensors.
Cheers
Grant
Dear Indranil,
Namaskar!
Just read your post. Seems we have a common interest – wild life with a 400mm… hand held!
Would like to have a chat with you, if you agree. May I have your email please? Mine is
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Bharat
To: The Moderator:
I just wrote to Indranil. I included my email address with a view to contact him and discuss the practical aspests of handling this lens. (It is tedious to write long dialogues; more efficient if one can talk directly.) I gave the address voluntarily and I see no reason why it should be blocked out. Kindly let it pass. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Bharat
Grant thanks for all the insight into this lens . I’m taking my 400 F4 DO to Kruger in July. Would you use the image stabilizer when on a monopod from Land Cruiser? Is so. What setting would you set it to?
Hi Willie, if the Landcruiser will have other people in it, who may be shifting or moving around, then I would make use of IS, just put it on Mode 2 when you have it mounted on the monopod. By Landcruiser I assume you are referring to a game viewing vehicle where you will sit on bench seats and in rows, and the monopod foot will be on the floor of the vehicle.
For regular handholding with this first version of the lens, make use of Mode 1.
Hope that helps
Cheers
Grant
Thanks for your advice. Yes probably 5 more people on the vehicle. I’m leaning to have my 100-400 Is II in my 5DmrkIII(mostly handheld IS on 1 ) the 400 F4 DO on my 7D Mrk II (monopod IS on 2 ) for longer shots and bird, and 17-55 F2.8 on my 70D for closer shots and video. I’m trying to to change lenses while on the vehicle .
Any advice would be deeply appreciated. That great migration trip sounds very interesting.
Thanks again
Hi Willie
It sounds like you have things pretty well covered. I am sure that as you go along you will quickly get a feel for how well the monopod is working. Some safari vehicles also have armrests or bars that can be quite useful for resting on, perhaps for certain angles. I always look for those kind of things that can help me keep my gear steady. Make sure to keep your shutter speeds fast as well, like minimum around 1/800sec if you can, if you are struggling with other peoples movement in the vehicle. When using monopods, I also make sure to not keep the lens on the monopod upright with the foot on the vehicle floor, when the vehicle is running or driving along. Vibration is transferred directly from the floor to the lens and camera that way…have had some camera mounts shake loose in a day or two that way…
Aloha Grant!
Your reviews on the Mk I and II versions of the 400DO have been very helpful to me in formulating a glass acquisition plan. I’m currently shooting with a 300F4 and the Mk ii 1.4 and 2.0 TC and I’m reasonably happy with the results, but I know that I am working in a restricted envelope. I am also working within a financial budget.
I had been planning on adding a 300 2.8 IS v1 and the Mk III TCs. My understanding is that while my focal length wouldn’t change, the image quality would be better across the spectrum. However, over the past few months, I have discovered that even 600mm is not sufficient for some of the bird photography that I have tried to engage.
Enter the 400DO. My plan would be to add the 400 DO IS v1 instead of the 300 2.8 IS v1, gaining the extra length and sacrificing 1 f-stop. If I understand the reviews, the VII of the 400 DO is as good as the 300 2.8. Am I correct in thinking that the original 400 DO would still be effective tool using the latest TCs?
Is the AF performance of the original 400 DO on par with my 300F4?
For bodies, I primarily use a 7Dii, which I understand would loose some AF capabilities with the 2.0 (I experience that with my 300F4 also).
Mahalo!
Byron
Hi Byron
Thanks for writing. These days the EF 400 DO v1 and the EF 300L f2.8 IS are about the most reasonably priced way to get into Canon super telephoto range of lenses.
I also used to own the EF 300L f4 IS, and had two copies of it. I would say that the EF 400DO IS i would focus faster than that lens, in my experience of using both, and also more accurately. As I related in the review, I did not find that the image quality of the original 400 DO was lacking, and if some folk found that the lens showed less contrast than some other Canon super telephotos, its quite easy to add contrast in editing. Again that was not my own finding. I found the original 400DO to be very effective with a 1.4x extender in place, specially when paired with the 1D Mark 4 and the 5Dmk3 bodies that I used it the most with. I did not use that combination much with the 7Dmk2 but would expect it to focus reasonably well. I do think that if you add the 1/4x extender to the original 400DO and use it with a crop sensor Canon camera then you will get your best image quality results in good light and at iso settings between 100 and iso 800.
With the 2x extender you may be limited to using Live View for focusing or the centre point, when combining a 2x extender, original 400DO and 7D Mark 2 (and as I dont currently have access to an original 400DO i cannot test that).
Hope something there is of help to you
Cheers
Grant
Thank you sir! There is most definitely something of help to me in your comments!
Hello, all!
Reading Grant’s last post on the 400/DO v.1, I quite second all he says, except the faster focusing speed relative to the 300/4 IS. Personally I found the 300/4 faster and very accurate. But that could just my good luck in having such a copy.
An important aspect I wish to add to this discussion: Using a 24mp FF camera (5D mk IV) and then cropping image by 50% (=12mp file) or using a 24mp crop sensor (7D mk II) ab initio with no further cropping (=24mp file): Which is a better option? Which will give better results?
Next: I think it would be a better idea than either above options to buy a FF Sony A7R II body with a 42mp sensor + Techart v. III or Metabones v. iv/v adapter and using the 400/DO on it in crop mode = 16mp image with far better image quality than the 7D series offers. Focussing speed may suffer somewhat as may focussing accuracy a bit (crucial for flying birds or hyper active subjects); even so the final result will be far superior to using a Canon body+ Canon lens.
Yet another option is a Sony A7 Mk III + Sony FE 100-400/5.6 lens. Very hand holdable. Quality at par with the the 400mm/DO v.1 for all practical purposes.
Thanks for that input, Bharat
With regard to the 5D Mark 4 (30 megapixels) and 7D Mark 2 (20 megapixels), I have done a comparison of those cameras image quality relative to one another, as full frame and cropped, in a post comparing them with some other mid-range Canon cameras. Cropping the 5D Mark4 image until the subject size matches the image taken with the 7D Mark 2 will leave the 5D Mark 4 user with approximately 13 megapixels. So the resolution advantage is with the 7D Mark 2 but for many purposes 13 megapixels may be enough. When it comes to the image quality of the cropped 5D Mark 4 versus the uncropped 7D Mark 2 my own preference is for the 5D Mark 4 but the difference is not that great. There exists a big difference in image quality if the 5D Mark 4 image is not cropped. But in the case of Byrons question, getting the 400mm lens will be the best way to gain more magnification.
If a user is after fast-moving subjects then the third party adaptors are not going to work very well and usually the don’t allow the autofocus of the camera to work quickly enough.
Images I have from using the Sony FE 100-400 f5.6 lens are definitely comparable to the images from the original EF 400DO but it is still one stop slower, which makes it more difficult to successfully use an extender for fast moving subjects.
The A7 Mk iii has full frame resolution of 24 megapixels, so it offers less cropping leeway than a 5D Mark 4. The Sony A7R iii (42 megapixels) would be a better choice for high resolution and cropping leeway, but the original poster mentioned that he had a budget to work with and the A7Riii is one of the more expensive Sony bodies.
Cheers
Grant
Dear Grant,
Thanks for your more knowledgeable inputs; all points accepted, except…. !
There is leeway to discuss one important aspect you refer to: Price of eqpt –
Canon 7D mk ii + Canon 400/DO v. 1 vs. a Sony A7R iii body + Sony FE 100-400mm lens. Should not be much of a difference, if all are new. Let’s not forget buying the Canon set means adding a 100-300/5.6 L optic to be even with Sony’s 100-400 range. If calculated thus, overall the Sony set should come out cheaper.
Not to forget – my experience suggests the sensor and image quality of a Sony A series outstrips most Canon sensors by a fair margin.
The best!
Dear Grant,
After all this years.. still yours is the only proper review i could find on internet for this lens. How do you compare this with the 100-400 mk2 lens. I’m torn between this two. I could get the used 400 f4 for the price of 100-400 mk2. could you tell me which one you would prefer from your experience.
Thanks,
Suriya
Hi Suriya, its a while since I wrote the review and the EF 100-400 IS ii was not available at that time or it would have offered a strong alternative. I would say on image quality with regard to sharpness and contrast, that the two lenses are about equal. For autofocus accuracy and speed also about equal. Possible reasons to choose the fixed EF 400 DO f4 IS i might be if you worked in very low light and needed the added light of the f4 aperture, the added background blur available at 400mm and f4.0 aperture, the need to use it continuously with a 1.4x extender attached. Fixed lenses are also generally a bit less prone to getting dust or moisture inside them if you work in an extreme environment. For everything else the EF 100-400 IS ii would be a strong choice with great IS, lighter weight and a versatile zoom range as well as being more compact to travel with.
Cheers
Grant
If to compare, then the 100-400 II should be compared with the 400/4 DO II.
To compare the 1990s technology 400/4 with 2016 or whatever yr technology 100-400 zoom and yet getting similar results says a lot for the old war horse.
By the way, I have used the Canon 400/4 DO and the Sony FE 100-400 on a Sony A7 II. Very similar results at 400mm. I prefer the handling and construction of the Canon.
Hi Bharat, for sure its more fair to compare the newest versions of both lenses but I think the earlier question from Suriya was based on the price of a used 400f4 DO IS being similar to that of a new EF 100-400 IS II :-). I am also happy to hear that you found the 400mm image quality results similar between the new EF 400 f4 DO IS ii and the Sony FE 100-400 similar at 400mm. We own a 400f4 DO IS ii and have also used the Sony FE 100-400 quite a lot and found it to have very good image quality at 400mm so our findings are quite similar to yours.
Cheers
Grant
Back in October 30th 2015 I posted about purchasing this lens so 5 yrs later a couple of thoughts
1. the original Digital review when the lens was released was Canon D30 ,comments such as slow focusing are irrelevant as the D30 autofocus was slow. Out of focus rings etc certainly can occur.
2. My first shoot with the 400DO had the lens mated to a 1Dmk3 and 1Dmk4 the MK4 is certainly faster than the 3.
3. I hand hold at times and use a monopod with a Gimbal Head when setup in a hide or quite location brilliant results
4. I use a 1.4II converter and the extra reach is very handy but it does slow the shutter slightly
5.When we travel in the north of Australia the camera sits on the back seat of our car with a seat belt to secure it, often we see wildlife to grap a shot and it’s limitation is the shooter not the lens.
6.https://flic.kr/p/AJ3MVg Just one of many bird images I have shot even fish
7. Dated like me almost 65 yrs old but this lens in good condition is brilliant
Barry, thanks for adding that more up to date information on the EF 400 DO IS along with your real world experience with it. I especially enjoyed your images of the Grebes which where taken with the 1.4x extender attached. Although the 400DO f4 IS is an older lens, if you have one in good condition its still an effective tool. I also still have several of my favourite images that where taken with this lens on my website. Another photographer whom I guide regularly (last trip was March 2020) still uses this original EF 400DO IS i but on a 1DX and 1DX Mk2 and with very good results.
Cheers
Grant
For the life of me I can’t that close to birds in the Sikkim Himalayas to compose such full frames….
Remarkable shots, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your comments, Graham!
Wondering if, with your extensive knowledge and experience, can you suggest a good 300mm lens that will give above average images when used close up? I love to shoot butterflies and use a Canon 300/f4 IS with a 12mm tube. I get close to 1.2m from subject. The results re surprisingly good for a non macro lens! Even so, at times its not close enough if the butterfly is smaller than 1.5 inches… many are!
In this matter the Sony FE 100-400 is pretty good actually but I personally prefer the handling of the Canon 300/4. I am looking for a Canon or Nikon or Pentax mount lens that can be used on both, the native camera body and the Sony A7 series body. (Lens should have AF and IS built in and a Metabones adapter available to use on the Sony A7 series body.) Any ideas?!
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Bharat
Hi Bharat, I am sorry I don’t shoot enough macro or near-macro to have any idea aside from the EF 100-400 IS ii which has a close minimum focus distance and the Sony FE 100-400 which you already know. I do know the Nikon PF 300 f4 VR is a pretty good performer in terms of AF and VR though the minimum focus distance is 1.4m and its quite a costly piece of gear…
Cheers
Grant
Hello, Graham1
I did look up the Nikon 300/4 you suggested. Somehow I cannot find a suitable adapter for use with a Sony A7II. (I have a Metabones Mk IV for the Canon optics but cannot seem to find its equivalent for Nikon mount. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Bharat
Hi Bharat, its Grant. Sorry I don’t have any idea about the adaptors and older lenses…?
Cheers
Grant
Appreciate your prompt response, Graham! Shall look at the Nikon you mention, not sure how much better it’ll be than the Canon 300/4 IS.
Hi Bharat
Its Nikon’s version of the same diffractive optics technology that Canon use in the EF 400 DO so the lens is incredibly compact and light. Its also a modern lens though only released maybe 3 or 4 years ago. I have used them a little both with a 1.4x extender and without, on better Nikon bodies like the D4S and D850 and D500. Used like that I found it to outperform the Canon EF 300L f4 IS both in image stabilization and also in focus speed, as its a much newer lens and a more expensive one at that. I don’t have any idea how they work with adaptors or on a Sony body. Nikon even make a 500mm version which is f5.6 and is well liked by many bird photographers needing extra reach for shy subjects.
Cheers
Grant
I can answer this question. The EOS 400DOii via Sigma MC-11 acts 99% native on a Sony a9. In fact the AF speed is just as fast if not faster than when I used that lens on a 1DXii. Sadly I don’t use the 400DOii much anymore now having the FE200600. The 200-600mm zoom is just as sharp and with the obvious zoom advantage. This is me shooting in good light. If I knew I was going to work the shadows the F4 would def. have an advantage.
Thanks Robert for that input, its appreciated and adds to the thread. I have not yet had a chance to shoot with the Sony 200-600 though I have used the Sony fixed 400mm f2.8 lens and the FE 100-400 f5.6 quite a bit on either an A9ii or or A9.
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant. I enjoy your reviews, I find them very informative, and they helped me chose a 5DIV.
Do have any thoughts on third party primes? Are there any draw backs with 3rd party. The lens that is interesting me is the Sigma 500 mm F4 sport. I looked at DXO site, and it looks comparable to Canon’s EF 500 F4…the price is more affordable.
I have am currently using a 5DIV and a 80D, and will be shooting them until I wear them out. I use 3 L series zooms now, 100-400 ii, 70-200 F2.8, 24-70 F2.8., 1.4x iii. I am looking for more reach and a wider aperture, as I birds of prey in flight, as well as canids in the forest, even on a sunny day, under the tree canopy, I am pushing the ISO, I limit 5DIV to 12,800, The 80D only out in the open. The new R5 and R6, not sure, F11 really not sure…..I don’t want change all my lenses. Plus I need reading glasses, so the EV might give me problems.
Hi Robert, glad the reviews are useful. Unfortunately I have never gotten to use the Sigma 500mm fixed lenses nor any third party prime telephoto lenses. However I have used three copies of the Sigma 150-600mm C and S, and two delivered very good image quality, one was soft at 600mm. Quite a few of the folk that I guide also use those Sigma zoom telephotos as well as the Tamron version and all of them get good results, given the max aperture limitations. I also know that a nature photographer that I regard highly has used the Sigma 500f4 in Nikon mount with great results, his name is Brad Hill. Though I dont have experience with the Sigma 500f4, I do have the same lenses you do, as well as 5D4 bodies, and I also own and use a Canon EF 500Lf4 IS ii. Of course its bulky, and takes some effort to manage and deploy, and to handhold, but for me its the single most powerful piece of camera gear I own in terms of enabling me to get wildlife pictures that have more impact than those taken with my other lenses. We also own an EF 400 f4 DO IS ii. Using my 500f4 I get more shots of fast-moving birds in focus, am able to blur background more effectively, and able to work in lower light than all my f5.6 lenses. So its a powerful wildlife lens for me and I would really struggle without it to maintain my image output. We too are interested in getting lighter gear and have ordered a Canon R6 today. Up until now though, we don’t see that we could use the new fixed aperture RF f11 lenses effectively for the big mammals we like to photograph as they are active before first light and again around sunset.
Cheers
Grant
Thank you Grant. If the Brad Hill you mentioned is from British Columbia Canada, then I am aware of his work. I live in Canada. Take care and be be safe.
Thanks Grant, for pointing me toward Brad Hill. He did quite an extensive review, and he lives in Canada which is a bonus. As I live in Western Canada. Thanks again
A point in passing from my limited exposure to Sigma optics: In humid condition such as jungle or tropical environment, they tend to catch fungus a lot sooner than the Canons….
Also, I am still using 20 yr old Canons on both EF and FE mount bodies (the darn things don’t offer me an excuse to change to Sony or Nikon optics!) whereas my 5 yr old Sigma 150/2.8 is already in a repair shop with a malfunctioning OS defect.
Hi Grant
I use Fuji system and is interested in buying a used 400 f4 DO not DOii. Fringer makes an adaptor for EF to Fuji X cameras and the adaptor five full autofocus and IS support. I have friends using the Canon 300 f4 and 400 f5.6 on Fuji bodies with the fringer adaptor and have great results. However, I am keen on the 400 f4 DO and on the Fuji sensor with the 1.5 crop factor give a field of view of 600 f4. Fuji only have a 200 f2 prime that is not only short but very expensive. My main concern is how sharp the DO lens is? I will not use it with extenders. My main lens in the Fuji 100 to 400 f4.5 to 5.6 that is very good but like all zooms not at its best over longer distances and plus the extra f stop is great on the DO. So my question, you regard the 400 f4 DO a sharp lens. Regards and thanks Jakes De Wet
Hi Jakes
Thanks for the details surrounding your plan. For me I think I used 3 different copies of the EF 400 DO IS. I never owned one but considered trading my EF 300 L f2.8 IS for one. A good friend of mine owned one so I was able to use it for quite long periods. I found it to deliver acceptably sharp results, about on par with the EF 100-400 IS ii. I also got a higher keeper rate of images with it, due to quite fast autofocus, and image stabilization, than either the EF 300Lf4 IS (I owned two of these) and the EF 400L f5.6. In comparison with those lenses, I found it focus faster and more accurately than the EF 300L f4 IS (even when both where used with a 5Dmk3 body). In comparison, I preferred it over the EF 400L f5.6 mainly because I do mostly handheld shooting, and I struggled to get really sharp shots with the non-stabilized EF 400 L f5.6, whereas with the EF 400 DO, the IS helped me. If you have a Fuji you might get stabilization in the body anyway so that is different to my usage of the lens. I got my best results with the EF 400 DO IS when using it on my Canon 1Dmk4 and 5Dmk3 body, both bigger sensor cameras than your Fuji I believe? I did use the EF 400 f4 DO IS successfully with a 1.4x extender but did prefer it without. I did find that the original 400DO delivered its best images when the subjects where a little closer, in comparison to very distant subjects. I am afraid I have no experience of using any of the EF lenses on a Fuji with an adaptor.
Hope you are able to get something figured out?
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant. I appreciate your time and comments. I am interested in the lens due to the f4 aperture. I have shot many yrs with a 300f2.8 and TC1.4 so 400f4 is a well known space for me and have shot the Nikon APS-C sensors as well as FF. My preference is mostly wider images and if the opportunity for close up detail present itself, I am sure the lens will deliver. For my work I travel a great deal in Africa (if covid allows) and therefore went for the Fuji system but also other reasons. I have just this morning shot with the DOii on a 7Dm2 and was very impressed. But again I do not want to buy new and spend all the cash on a lens like this. So decided I will pull the trigger on the Used DOi for R38k still in a very good condition.
Hi Jakes, thanks for giving such clear background information, it makes it easier for me to try see things from your perspective. About the original DO, I also am like you and I like shooting at f4 very much. In fact, it is my most used aperture setting for most of my favourite wildlife pictures! I cannot see any reason for it not to be a strong performer for you then…. I did seriously consider swopping somebody my own EF 300f2/8 L IS for their EF 400 DO f4 IS and the only reason I never did was nothing to do with the lens performance but rather that the one that the person was wanting to trade with me, had corrosion damage on the lens barrel and fittings..otherwise I would have done it.
Let me know how it works out?
Cheers
Grant
Hi Jake, Can you give me an update on your experience with the Canon EF 400 DO f4 IS via Fringer EX Pro II EF > FX adaptor. I have Fuji XT2 and X-H1 bodies and would use this with my X-H1 and battery grip (imaged stabilised, even if the IS on the Canon went wrong OR I turned it off on the lens).
I currently use XF 100-400 and 1.4x converter a lot. It tracks ‘OK’ but it could be faster/better with AF. The biggest current drawback is that when I am shooting barn owls in flight (in and around reed beds), it will mostly be just before or after sunset (and I’ll be fighting to keep at 1/500th sec shutter speeds, even at ISO3200 or sometimes ISO6400. This Canon lens, even when used with a 1.4x converter, would still give me a stop more light (f5.6). It is just whether the (AF-C) autofocus and and image sharpness would be as good as / better than with twouldhe Fuji ? I certainly CANNOT afford a MkII version of the Canon 400mm DO … but could purchase a very good condition used Mk1 lens, complete with all bits and 6 month warranty. It would have to perform very well – else possibly a (new) Sigma 150-600m ‘Contemporary’ zoom would be a £650 cheaper option (and only 1/2 a stop slower, yet slightly more tele WITHOUT a 1.4x converter). This latter alternative also means one less lens related part to twist into place!
Hello!
Grant will doubtless offer detailed and knowledgeable comments. Mine below are one more view point for you to consider:
1. Sharpness is subjective. Many people are very happy with images from an Apple iphone, they would never pay even $500 for the 400 DO!
2. A lot depends on the final requirement – in terms of size of enlargement and end use of the image.
3. I have used the 400mm DO on a Sony A7 Mk II with a Metabones IV adapter; and also the Sony 100-400mm GM lens on the same body. Can’t really discern any remarkable or noticeable difference when the results are viewed on a 24″ computer screen.
The best!
Thanks to Bharat for adding his experience here. I am happy to see that his findings with sharpness are similar to mine, when he compares the 400 DO f4 IS to the Sony 100-400 GM. I find images from the Sony 100-400 GM and Canon EF 100-400 IS ii to be hard to differentiate, they are both pretty good.
It is worth noting that he uses a camera with a full-frame sensor which does help image quality, specially in scenarios where ambient light is low or middling.
Cheers Bharat
Grant
Yesterday I tested the canon 100 400 II vs the 400 DO version 2 with a 5ds body using extender 1.4x II and 2x II. At 400mm, 560 mm sharpen and autofocus much better on 400DO. At 800 the 400 DO works better sharpen and still autofocus center point than the 100 400 at 560. So right now I have my 100 400 II on sale and looking for a 400 DO II with any doubt.
Hi Diego, good to hear that you found similar outcomes with respect to detail and image quality as I have experienced. The EF 400 DO IS ii does work well with extenders and once you exceed 400mm, like at 560mm or 800mm, is when it enjoys its biggest advantage over the EF 100-400 IS ii, which is also an excellent lens but costs much less and lets in less light, of course. I did also see your question regarding the image quality of the first version EF 400 DO IS, which I did use quite a lot though I did not own. I do still find the original EF 400DO to give image quality close to the EF 400 L f4.5-5.6 IS ii when at 400mm, so it is very good. With the original EF 400DO IS, the autofocus speed might feel a tiny bit slower, and will slow down further with a 1.4x extender but still be good for slow moving things. i did not use the original EF 400DO f4 IS with a 2x extender. Two users of that lens had a barrel fracture inside the lens but it did just happen to two of them. One other consideration is the image stabilization, effective yes but a little less effective than the excellent IS systems in the EF 100-400 IS ii and EF 400dO f4 IS ii. When it comes to used EF 400 f4 DO version one, perhaps if you could get one in good condition for a very good price, you mentioned 1/3 of the price of the new one, it might be worth trying out without selling your EF 100-400 IS ii, and then if it doesnt work well enough, you could sell it on again?
Or rent one if that is possible? For sure there are some users and scenarios where the original EF 400DO f4 IS would be easily good enough. Whilst we only own the version two lens, there are some users who have contributed on a post on this website about their experiences with the newest camera bodies still using the original lens.
I do also travel frequently with a skilled enthusiast photographer who makes use of the original EF 400 DO f4 IS for all his telephoto shots and pairs it either with a 1DX Mark 2 or 5DSR body.
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant
It has been a while indeed since you wrote that thorough review about 400, 4.0 DO mk I. Inspired and reassured by your review (and loads of your video tutorials too; they are BTW really brilliant, factual and easily applicable for field work) I got myself a second hand 400 DO over a year ago or so, the original version for about £ 2 grand. I wish I could purchase the mk II of this lens, but my budget was a bit tight. It was in mint condition, almost hardly used and it does work well. My first set up was with 7d mk II and currently I am beginning to use it with 5d mk IV. I shoot birds in flight mostly and I needed a portable lens that I can handheld and carry around and that fits into my rucksack. My primary subject is …swifts. It is a result of an addiction and something more I recon… Of course I do photograph other birds and wildlife in general when I am out of work… waiting for the swifts to come and to stay with us for about 4 months in this part of the globe. It worked really well with the 7 d mk II when I was last time shooting palid swifts in Portugal in October 2019, the year before the pandemic broke out. Never had a chance to really try it with the new 5 d mk IV for shooting fast flying birds. The weather has been horrendous this season in the UK since the arrival of first swallows, house martins and swifts recently. I did experiment with this set up shooting Peregrine falcons at a church in our neighbourhood and some more static birds as well with reasonable results. I can see the detail is much better with the 5 d, but I am am not sure how it will cope with the real challenge – swifts whizzing along. My question is as follows. When I was shooting with the 7 d mk II paired with the 400 DO I was not using the 1.4 extender for fast flying birds as it was slowing down the AF quite a bit even in sunny and bright conditions (like in Portugal in autumn). However, I was getting the birds close enough anyway thanks to the APS-C camera cropping factor. I will be devoid of this extra benefit with magnification when I start shooting with the 5 d mk IV and therefore I have been thinking of shooting swifts with the 1.4 mk III extender on. In general when I compare the quality and sharpness of images taken with the 7 d mk II + 400 DO + 1.4 vs the 5 d mk IV + 400 DO + 1.4 the latter wins in terms of sharpness and quality . My assumption here is that perhaps the 1.4 on the 400 DO lens paired with 5 d mk IV will deliver better than the combination with the 7 d. My best chance to get decent captures of swifts is when they are at the height of rooftops of houses typical for this country. I can crop a bit, but not too much. I will try all combinations anyway and will experiment with various setups, but was wondering what your experience was in similar circumstances and what your advice could be. Do not worry too much if this is not really your cup of tea – I am glad I found time to write anyway as I always wanted to say thank you for all the fantastic tips and tricks from you. Cheers.
Best wishes,
Piotr
Hi Piotr
Thanks for writing here and i am very happy that the review was useful and even more so that you found the 400DO a useful tool. For your question regarding the two camera bodies, I can share my closest experiences. It is clear that the 5D Mark 4 image, whether you use an extender or not, offers some benefits as you mention. I do also find the 5D Mark 4 autofocus to be a tiny bit better than that of the 7D Mark 2, when it comes to it locking on in lower light or getting proper focus more often. But it feels to only be a slight autofocus advantage. I do take photos of birds in flight, and I do also try to capture swallows, swifts and bee-eaters. Getting a properly focused image of any one of these birds when they are in flight is not easy. I can usually manage a few frames after lots of tries to get acceptable images with enough resolution, say 1500 pixels, for internet use, with both the 5D Mark 4 and 7D Mark 2. It is much harder to get an image with more resolution that is good enough for print. For those really fast flying birds, I use either our EF 400 DO IS ii or EF 500 L F4 IS ii. But, I am not able to get very many swifts or swallows or flying bee-eaters in focus when I attach an EF extender to either of those two lenses. My success rate falls away as it seems the AF becomes less accurate and a bit slower. I do know photographers more skilled at such extreme birds in flight than I am and I do shoot beside some of them but none of them use 1.4x extenders on their main lenses – which are either 500 f4 or 200-400 with extender. The exception seems to be when using the 1DX, 1DX 2 or 1DX 3 bodies combined with the extenders which still seem to drive the autofocus well. I do understand that a 1DX is not in your plans. So then for my own flight photography, if I use a 7D Mk 2, any 5D body or a 90D body then I try to work without an extender. Unfortunately none of this is helpful to your efforts with the swifts or getting more resolution on them. Perhaps worth renting a Canon R5 for a few days to try that out as it has similar pixel density to a 7D Mark 2 when you crop it, 17 megapixels compared to 20 megapixels. Trying out an R5 is a bit subjective though, as not everybody finds the viewfinder easy to work with for flight photos. Its my initial feeling that the R5 works better with the 1.4x extender than the 7D Mark 2 or 5D Mark 4.
Is there somewhere I can see some of your flight images?
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant,
Thinking of pairing this with my EOS R7, any thoughts of how this would perform as the Mark II is out of my budget.
Hi Adam
Unfortunately I have no experience of using the R6, R5 or R3 on the older EF lenses like the EF 400 DO IS v1. I would hope that performance would be straightforward when it comes to autofocus, much like it is with the 400 DO IS ii and EF 500 f4 IS ii which I do use with the R cameras and adaptor. Some Canon shooters that have switched to the modern R cameras have expressed surprize at how well their older EF lenses work with the new bodies, so I hope the R7 would deliver that sort of result.
Sorry I am not able to be of any more assistance.
Cheers
Grant
Hi Grant,
Thanks for your response even though you haven’t personally tested it having someone who lives and breathes wildlife photography is always a bonus. In the end I went for the Canon 300mm F2.8 IS I USM and the 1.4x extender iii as a pairing as from reading your review the 300mm is slightly sharper. With the 32mp and 1.6 crop on the EOS R7 I should have no problem getting my required shots, which will mainly be birds.
Cheers
Adam
Hi Grant I’m new here I actually found your website searching for review’s on the 400mm f/4 Is usm DO because well right now the Mark II is just out of my budget. But I read many saying it was to soft but they never really gave example photo’s which was kind of unsettling to say the least…unlike your review here you did so I do thank you for that. But what most also don’t realize today is that so many are worrying oh image to flat its not sharp enough etc…..etc……But we change all that later in post today anyway’s now day’s. but I would like to thank you because it is the year 2023 now and your review really helped me on deciding to get the 400mm f4 Do you see I love my 400mm 2.8 dont get me wrong but I ride my ebike and well long story short since my injuries my back is just not the best as it used to be and I need something lighter. But i did not want to opt out to the Rf 100-500mm or the sigma 60-600mm or 150-600mm because your just losing so many stop’s of light and frankly I really just did not want that. I saw that this lens was f4 had IS and its more compact and lighter. An after your great review walkthrough and very well wrote and summarized words I def. will be picking up the 400mm Is DO I really do appreciate all the time you put into for not only your review but how detailed and in depth it was as well as your photo examples thank you again.
Behind the Lens Photography LLC , Justin Wrinkle
Hi Justin
Apologies for the late reply. For the original 400DO it remains a decent performing optic and it brings the benefits of that f4 maximum aperture. It also still remains a fun lens to shoot with in part due to its compact form and light weight. At 400mm and f4.0 it will blur the background in a way that neither of the two zooms you mentioned above can do, specially when you might have a structured or ‘busy’ background!
I do always try to post a fair number of images when i post a review, so that readers can see and judge for them selves and always taken with the equipment that I am writing about. I hope you find a good model and have lots of fun with it.
Cheers
Grant