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Focus speed of a Canon 400mm F2.8 Version 1

Matthew Sauk, Photographer

	Sandy \| UT \| United States \| Posted: 11:40 AM on 07.21.09
	->> How is the image quality and focus speed of this lens? Is it worth it to get it or will the focus speed not be worth it? Thanks

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Jeff Martin, Photographer

	wellington \| OH \| usa \| Posted: 4:37 PM on 07.21.09
	->> Matthew. be aware that Canon will no longer service this lens. I have a version 1 300mm and it performs flawlessly (knock wood).

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Matthew Sauk, Photographer

	Sandy \| UT \| United States \| Posted: 5:31 PM on 07.21.09
	->> Jeff, Yeah I know but it seems like a great lens still and I believe there is a place in IL that does service them and does it well (it was recommended on here, just cant think of the name) I am shooting a 300mm F2.8 non IS and love it as well.

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Dennis Wierzbicki, Photographer

	Plainfield \| IL \| USA \| Posted: 5:48 PM on 07.21.09
	->> Matthew, I think this is the guy of whom you are speaking. Never used him (nor do I even know if he's still around) but I've heard good things. His name is Van Kim: Quality Photo & Repair Service (630) 493-0780 654 Ogden Ave Downers Grove, IL 60559 http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=13682

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Mark Watkins, Photographer

Acworth | GA | USA | Posted: 6:16 PM on 07.21.09

->> I have owned both the version one 300 and 400. The 400 is a super lens. However it is not as sharp as either version of the 300 2.8. The 400 is not horrid just not as sharp out of the camera as the 300. The focus of the 400 is a click or two slower than the 300. Again, not a slug just not as crisp and accurate as the 300s. But the look of the 400 is really nice.

Ultimately, my choice was to keep the 300 over the 400.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

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Mike Carlson, Photographer

	Bayonet Point \| FL \| USA \| Posted: 8:21 PM on 07.21.09
	->> I had a 400 series I and any difference between it and the II IS that I moved "up" to was negligible in terms of focus speed - though there is a difference in weight. I used Midstate Camera Repair to tune mine up: http://www.midstatecamerarepair.com/ They're in Rhode Island, and very knowledgeable and honest guys.

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Matthew Sauk, Photographer

	Sandy \| UT \| United States \| Posted: 11:04 PM on 07.21.09
	->> awesome, thank you all for responding. Dennis, It was that one and the midstate place that I was thinking of. Again I thank you for responding here and through email.

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Duane Burleson, Photographer

	Sterling Heights \| MI \| USA \| Posted: 12:11 AM on 07.22.09
	->> Having a great place to fix them is great, until the part they need is no longer available. And from what I have heard someone needed a focus motor and could not find one. So, be very aware before purchasing. Just thought I would throw that out there. Duane

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Christian del Rosario, Photographer

San Jose | CA | USA | Posted: 3:48 AM on 07.22.09

->> It may not be the latest and greatest, but it's still a helluva lens. Aside from the service issue you'll need to be aware, the lens focuses fine for sports....true, maybe not AS fast as the latest 400 2.8 IS...but keep in mind many a great sports photo was made with this lens. I used to have this lens and had great success with wildlife and motorsports with a 1dmkII. Any problems with focus I found was due to me and not the lens/body combo.

So long as you are ok with sending the lens to a 3rd party for CLA, then this is a great lens if you want to get the 400 2.8 look without breaking the bank (much at least).

Also suggest reading the threads on how to check for collar bearing issues and how to easily fix.

Good luck!

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Mark McIntyre, Photographer

	Greensboro \| NC \| USA \| Posted: 7:06 AM on 07.22.09
	->> I have this lens and love it. Works terrific.

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Matthew Sauk, Photographer

	Sandy \| UT \| United States \| Posted: 5:59 PM on 07.30.09
	->> Well I went ahead and got the lens. Just received it today and I love the size of this thing. Weight is ok, it is heavy, but nothing I can't handle. Focus speed seems pretty darn good on my 50D. Will have to try it on a Mark IIn when I get one again. Image quality is also very solid. But you just can't beat that bokeh! So beautiful

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