Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS

The Holy Grail of sports photographers. This lens is incredibly sharp, focuses in a split second, has phenomenally wide aperture at f2.8 for a 400mm lens. It’s the lens on the sidelines of professional sporting events everywhere. Also used by many nature photographers, especially in less than ideal light.

The catch? Its a big, very heavy lens. We strongly recommend a very heavy duty monopod, or a heavy duty tripod with a gimbal head (not a ballhead). This is a lens for photographers experienced with long lens technique. Shipping cost is significant— packed for shipping, the box is almost 30 pounds.

The manual for the Canon Supertelephoto Primes (all have the same controls) is located here

Roger’s take: Obviously its THE telephoto for long distance sports shooting, especially night games or when light is less than ideal. Its perfectly sharp even wide open, and one of the few lenses that still gives great sharpness with a 2X teleconverter. 800 f5.6 IS anyone?

A little known fact: this big huge lens gathers so much light you can set ants on fire with it. By moonlight.