Customer Reviews:
 Unbelievable Quality January 7, 2010
D. Burbank (Ithaca, New York)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I purchased this lens a few months ago. It is absolutely incredible for sports photography and wildlife/nature photography. Fast focus, incredible sharpness, rock-solid feel. I can't think of any negatives. It's a bit heavy, so be prepared to hold it securely or invest in a high-quality monopod.
Worth the heavy load for nature November 10, 2009
M. Tinker (Encinitas, CA United States)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I consider myself to be a very privileged amateur wildlife photographer simply by being able to own one of these amazing over the top lenses! Its heavy, no mistake, and needs a monopod - I use the Manfrotto 681B.
Only own it if you feel able to throw yourself under it to protect your investment! I consider this ethical issue most early mornings when descending down slopes or climbing over rocks. A sturdy monopod has prevented many serious issues and I have yet to have a hard impact.
I go out early in the morning with it set to a default of F2.8/ISO800 and as the sun rises steadily move to F4/ISO200 ready for quick snaps. I keep a Canon EF 1.4x Extender in my pocket so that I can take small bird shots at 560mm. The extender does reduced the percentage of "keeper" photo's from say 25% down to 10% in typical use.
I have a 24-105/F4, 70-200/F2.8, 400/F5.6, but this is the lens I use for 90% of the time. I often have the 24-105mm or a 10-22mm in my pocket to capture wider shots, but they don't give the mind blowing shots that can only be achieved by one of the big telephoto's.
I considered the 500/F4 because its lighter, but I like the flexibility of 400/560mm and using every last bit of light that's available early in the morning.
Produces Wow Images November 19, 2007
Justin Jones
17 out of 17 found this review helpful
This lens is the tool to get images that jump out at the viewer. As a sports lens I don't know if there is a better solution. It is a lot of weight to pack around, but after one or two games you get used to moving it around. A mono-pod is required for shooting any more than a few shots at a time. Since I purchased this lens it has been attached to my camera exclusively with the exception of one wedding shoot.
One of the World's Best December 25, 2006
DSPhoto (Seattle, WA)
49 out of 50 found this review helpful
I consider this lens indispensible for the photography I do (action and sports). It has paid for itself in photographic sales many times over with images that no other lens can take. I combine it with good camera support (Gitzo 1325) and a Wimberly head. With a 1DMk2 body, we're talking over 15 lbs, and that's not something you want to hand hold. The images at f/2.8 are sharp and contrasty. When I nail a shot, the shallow depth of field is breathtaking. It's ability to stop action and to work in low light is amazing. I've had someone ask me how often I use this lens, and the answer is "every chance I get." You want to know how Sports Illustrated Photographers get their shots? This is part of their toolkit.
If you can afford it, get it! October 25, 2005
T. Harding (Palm Valley, Florida)
30 out of 52 found this review helpful
This is the most expensive, but most impressive lens I own. Produces amazing sports/nature shots. I could gush and gurgle about it all day, but the bottom line is if you want the long range lens to have this is it. Add the 2x converter and you have an 800mm lens.
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