First off, no, I don't know how I would explain to my fiance why a $1400 lens appeared in the mail.
But setting that aside here's the battle going on in my head.
I would love to have a 100-400 with me for the EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh later this month. I've read extensively on the 100-400 and seen a lot of pictures here on FM, so I know it's head-and-shoulders above my 55-250. But it's $1400 (with current rebate). That makes me hesitate. It's a lot of money.
However, after monitoring sales of used 100-400's on Ebay over the last couple weeks, they routinely sell for $1200 or more. It's astounding how well they hold their value. Worst case, if all hell breaks loose, I could sell it for not much less than I purchased it. I would prefer to purchase a new lens since it seems Canon has improved quality control over time.
I want to take the plunge. Will you talk me out of it or talk me into it?
The 100-400 is a great lens, especially if you need/want the extra reach beyond what a "normal" telephoto zoom gets you. It is a heavy lens (wildlife photographers can stop laughing now), relative to what I like to carry, but it's not very long so it fits nicely in smaller camera bags. But, it is quite an investment if the lens is not going to be used very often. If it's just for a weekend, it might be wise to rent one -- but if you think you'll get consistent use out of it and can afford it (see below), then you'll probably really enjoy the extra reach.
Questions of how much you'll use the lens aside, I would advise anyone not to put purchases on credit (assuming it can't be paid off when the bill comes due). If it's going on a credit card, and the balance will stay there for a while, it's going to end up costing more than $1400.
Do it and forget Ebay buy from a place liek B&H, www.allenscamera.com but you must call them as they are still building their website, Canoga camera, Adorama to name a few.
Most of the time on Ebay people are paying more than one can get at these sites. Not only that if you hurry there is a rebate on this lens until July 11
I bought a 100-400 2 weeks ago for a trip to photograph puffins in Maine. I wanted to rent one, but no one had it in stock so I couldn't get it in time. I had every intention of selling it after the trip as I already have the 500 f/4 IS, 300 f/4 IS, 70-200 f/2.8 IS, I didn't think I'd need it.
After using it for 2 weeks, the versatility, the image quality, the weight, the push-pull zoom (I thought I'd hate the push-pull), I can't bring myself to sell it.
My wife won't notice another white lens on the shelf.. YMMV
The 100-400L is awesome! I have had mine for a while and am still absolutely thrilled with it. It is an excellent airshow lens, very versatile. I wish I had some pictures but, I'm at work. I'll try to post some tomorrow. I'll be at the EAA this year as well with mine.
Go for it, you won't regret it.
I was in a similar situation. There was no comparission, in quality & keeper rate, compared with the lens I was originally using.
It is as you already know a fantastic, versitile lens.
Jonathan
I just bought one for a national level event I am covering at the end of the month (the 70-200/2.8 + 1.4 TC just wasnt cutting it any more).
I suspect that once my kids are old enough to really enjoy air shows, zoos, maybe even Alaskan cruises or African safaris (finances willing...), it will see much more action!
I've been using my 100-400 at the EAA for several years now and it works great. I use it with a 1DMKIIN body. I would recommend not buying this lens off of ebay as there are some bad copies of the lens. Go to Samy's or B&H and just pay the full price. I can't make it to the EAA this year so have a great time.
I can't help with your need to justify a $1400 lens to your fiancee...
...but... I can say, from years of experience, that the 100-400 is a great single lens airshow solution. Image quality is very very good as is focus speed and the focal length is just so useful allowing you to capture everything from taxi, take off, landing, plus displays of both single and groups of aircraft. Until I got addicited to the big primes I was always very pleased with the results from this lens at airshows.
Awesome lens, but if you do a lot of fast action stuff like birding, the 400 f/5.6L is a better choice for the much faster AF speed. Otherwise it's a must have IMO.
I love mine. I also reflect most comments here about the benefit of the light weight factor. This thing weighs nothing compared to my 300 2.8 IS. It's also easier to lug around everywhere. You should definitely get it if you can.
The 100-400mm was my first L lens. I thought about selling it and was responding to an offer earlier this week, but ended up looking at some of the pictures I had taken with it and kept it. It is a great investment and just be honest with her.
I have a 70-200 2.8, but the first lens I reach for to shoot almost any outdoor event is my 100-400 (sports, picnics, airshows, wildlife, etc.). The 70-200 2.8 is almost exclusively an indoor / low light lens at this point. As was mentioned, it's relatively short when at 100mm, so it's a lot easier to tote than, say, a 400mm 5.6 prime. Yes, you will likely shoot the airshow at 400mm exclusively, but if you're keeping the lens you'll find much more use for it with the zoom range. My guess is that your other zoom will soon become a paper weight. It's a lot of coin, but, as you mentioned, it loses little value on the used market (expecially a recent copy), so if you find it sitting on the shelf too often, then sell it. The money you sacrifice will likely be similar to what you'd pay if you rented it in the first place.
Sorry to say you could always "rent" one. I think the 400 DO would also work fine for the air shows. Now that I'm retired I'm tempted to drive the 4 hrs north to see these beautiful planes.
here's the battle going on in my head.