Who It’s For:
This lens is Canon’s budget super telephoto lens at the 400mm for sports, and nature photographers. Pair it with a fast Canon DSLR and you’ve got yourself a mean combo if you have plenty of light. This lens lacks the fast aperture of the f/4 DO and the f/2.8L, but it’s less expensive and has the professional build quality of all L lenses. It’s also one tenth the price of the f/2.8.
What We Like:
Light: This lens is pounds lighter than it’s big brother, so if you shoot in plenty of light and don’t feel like dealing with the massive f/2.8, this is a great lens for you.
Build Quality: This lens has all of the build quality of the L series in a small package so don’t worry about putting this one through the wringer, short of dropping it from a huge height or drowning it in the ocean, you’re probably ok.
Sharp: At f/5.6 this lens is very sharp.
What We Don’t:
IS: Or rather the lack there of. At f/5.6 it would be nice to have a little help with hand holding.
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No IS is a deal breaker for me.
I have this lens. The lack of IS isn't too bad if the light is strong and a fast shutter speed is used. The photos from this lens are great.