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Archive 2008 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

North1912
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p.1 #1 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

I have a Canon 100-400L IS that is soft. I suspected the problem was the photographer (me) but after 2 years of trying I'm realizing this is just another bad copy of this lens.

So my question is, would I be better off sending it to Canon to be calibrated, or just sell it and start fresh with a new copy (that I would immediately test and return if it's bad)?

Any suggestions?

Nov 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM

JZaun
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p.1 #2 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

So you are going to sell someone a known bad lens? That's not the way to treat fellow photographers! If you state it is bad copy and price accordingly it may be ok but If you like the100-400 lens get it fix'd.

Nov 22, 2008 at 01:06 PM

North1912
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p.1 #3 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

If I sell it, of course I would price it for what it's worth. But I'm not going to just throw out/recycle a $1300 lens. I would donate it to a local high school photography class if I couldn't sell it.

I think part of my question is whether or not sending it into Canon is really going to fix the problem. Reading this forum and others it seems that may or may not be the case. So I want to get some advice from others before sending good money after bad.

Nov 22, 2008 at 01:15 PM

eeprete
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p.1 #4 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

Define soft? How big are the subjects in the frame? are you using it for bird photography? Landscapes? Something else?

IF you are going to go through the hassle of selling, repurchasing, testing, etc. simply send the one you have in, and let Canon fix it. They will fix it.

Nov 22, 2008 at 01:21 PM

Rocketball
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p.1 #5 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

I vote for get it fixed. If you buy another one, you still take the chance of getting a "soft copy". I think your odds are better, and less expensive by sending it to Canon for calibration.

Nov 22, 2008 at 01:30 PM

jerrykur
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p.1 #6 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

You might post some samples. The 100-400 is a fine lens, but has an older IS system that does not work well on tripods, as well as other quirks.

Nov 22, 2008 at 01:35 PM

North1912
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p.1 #7 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

Soft samples here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/568844388QEOMpy

Nov 22, 2008 at 02:38 PM

mbaumser
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p.1 #8 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

were these handheld? is there any exif data. it almost looks like a bit of motion blur in some. The waxwing is soft throughthe entire picture while the fly catcher isn't that bad.

Nov 22, 2008 at 02:46 PM

Will Patterson
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p.1 #9 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

wow is that a horrible photo web server. Some pop up came up and there was no way to close it or get around it to click on any of your photos. Try google picasa, way better.

Nov 22, 2008 at 02:51 PM

RobertLynn
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p.1 #10 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

Send it into Canon.
If you sell it, the person is just going to send it into Canon and have it calibrated to kick ass.

Think about it, you put it on the market, have to wait for it to sell. Then you sell it, so you buy your new one, you have to wait for it to get there, and then you have to test it.

This way you eliminate a few steps. Keep it, send it to Canon and see what happens.

Nov 22, 2008 at 02:53 PM

Dave In La
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p.1 #11 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

Canon NJ made my already sharp 400 f/5.6L even sharper.

Nov 22, 2008 at 03:58 PM

North1912
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p.1 #12 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

Thanks for all the advice. It will be on its way to New Jersey Monday morning!

Nov 22, 2008 at 04:08 PM

eeprete
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p.1 #13 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

were those heavy crops?

I see evidence of graininess in them, perhaps from cropping down?

I also see motion blur.

You're making the right decision letting them fix it.

Nov 22, 2008 at 05:59 PM

nctemper
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p.1 #14 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

one of my friends just got his 100-400 back from CSC NJ it's much better then before...they calibrated it

The cost was quoted at $100-150 before he send it in...when they received he got a called and Canon quoted him $375

Be warned on what they quote you!

Nov 22, 2008 at 06:54 PM

eeprete
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p.1 #15 · Canon 100-400 repair or sell?

nctemper wrote:
one of my friends just got his 100-400 back from CSC NJ it's much better then before...they calibrated it

The cost was quoted at $100-150 before he send it in...when they received he got a called and Canon quoted him $375

Be warned on what they quote you!

that is about what canon's "base repair charge" is, so it's likely something needed to be repaired.

Nov 22, 2008 at 06:55 PM

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