Thanks Ray for your input. I too use Gitzo CF tripod with Wimberley Head
for shooting birds. My EF600/4L gets used most and am happy that it is
every bit a very sharp lens (with or without EF1.4x) indeed. I don't
seem to have that kind of perception on my EF400/2.8L II though,
particularly when used it with converter hence the question in the first
place. Perhaps more test shots are needed on my side to see if there is
actually a problem with this particular lens that I have. Other
users' input are of course welcome ...
> Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 21:03:21 -0500
> From: Ray Amos <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: Re: EOS Re: EF 400/2.8L II
>
> K K Hui wrote:
> >
> > Because of the relatively large aperture (f/2.8) for a 400mm, the DOF is
> > extremely shallow when used wide open and hence accurate focusing is
> > essential for obtaining sharp images. The lens definitely
> > needs to be stopped down to achieve sharp image when used with either
> > the EF1.4x or EF2x converters. At least that is my personal experience.
> > In fact this is further confirmed if you take a look at Canon's
> > published MTF charts in their EF Lens Work II.
>
> I hate to disagree with you but I had the opposite experience. I had a
> 400 f/2.8 II L lens for about three years. I shot tens of thousands of
> slides with it, each and every one wide open. Probably a third with no
> extender, a third with a 1.4x and a third with the 2.0x extender. I
> think it's the sharpest lens I ever owned prior to my new 500 f/4 IS
> lens. As far as sharpness, I consider them equal. I know lot of people
> who use the 400 f/2.8 and they also think it's fantastic. Everyone I
> know shoots it wide open. The background blur on the 400 is far better
> than the 500 f/4 IS. I used the 400 almost exclusively for bird and
> wildlife photography. I used it 100% on the large carbon fiber Gitzo
> tripod with a Wimberly Head. I cannot remember Canon's MTF chart but it
> seems that Photodo rated it the second highest rated lens in the world
> slightly behind one of the Leica monsters. I hope you lens is not a
> lemon.
>
> Ray Amos
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