Having just returned from a fantastic photo tour in Alaska’s Arctic, I’m off for another duplicate journey. I was co-guiding the trip with my friend and colleague Hugh Rose, and all 8 of the tour guests came back with great pictures of the aurora borealis, arctic wilderness, polar bears, caribou and more. I wanted to at least take a moment and share a photo of this beautiful polar bear that I captured with the new Canon 200-400mm lens. I’m still in the process of testing this in the field, not so much for quality, since it is a high performer for in that regard but more for usability in relationship to my shooting style. So far, I like it a lot, but I still feel a little yearning for that 500mm that I have grown so accustomed to. The versatility of this lens however is something I have longed for, and shortly after this shot I took one at 200mm, which is something I would have missed had I not had this lens. I’ll share more of my thoughts after more time.
Polar bear in Alaska’s arctic. Canon 5D Mark III, 200-400mm f/4L IS, (400mm), 1/250 sec @ f/4.5, ISO 1000, hand held.
RT @alaskaphoto: Polar bear and the Canon 200-400: http://t.co/OMAtX9ncSr
Hi Patrick,
Looking forward to your thoughts on this lens, especially in relation to the 500. A lot of trade-offs. Did you rent?
Ron, I did not rent. I don’t think it will completely replace the 500 unfortunately. More likely to be a lens for certain situations.
Well if you decide you don’t need the 500 I would be an interested buyer. I’m guessing you will want both.
Hi Patrick,
Looks like you had some good conditions in Kaktovik. Though not a Canon shooter I’m certainly interested to hear your thoughts on the 200-400. Ran into a couple of photographers using it in Jasper NP a few weeks ago and both were very enthusiastic. I know it’s not as “easy” a lens to hand-hold as the 500, but other than that seems to me it’s a very viable alternative, particularly for the added flexibility, and that it could replace a 300/2.8 and 500. At least that was the thinking of the two photographers I met who had it. Though it’s expensive, I think Canon ultimately has a winner with it.
Looks like you guys had some sweet light Patrick. Wishing I were headed back up that way along with Joanie….you’re in for a fun trip I’m sure.
Great photo Patrick! Please tell Hugh I said ‘hi’! I’ve not connected with him in quite some time.
So great that you have such a fantastic and very seasoned travel buddy.
Great capture. Best of all a clean bear! Looks like more depth of field and great color rendition.