The IS on the 100-400, even though it's not the latest generation, is going to be helpful panning prop planes. You'll typically need to be at 1/200 or slower while panning at 400mm. I've never tried it without IS, because I get few enough keepers at those shutter speeds as it is. One of the few times I use the Tv setting on the camera.
I was reading the pm's and couldn't help laughing at the one from Rob Whiting. I also bought one to use on a trip to Maine to photograph puffins three weeks ago. The lens is absolutely awesome and stays on my camera.
Alright, listen up. I did this and it works. This is not spam.
"Borrow" the lens from a friend who also shoots canon. (Perhaps your friend is named Bhphoto, mine had an actual name).
PAY for the lens of course.
Continue to "borrow" it and speculate loudly how much you'll miss the lens when your "friend" requires its presence back on his own sweet camera.
Take marvelous pictures of things your special lens-miser female friend likes... for me it's the kids. They're featured in roughly 98% of the pictures I take with my "borrowed" lens.
Honestly, if you acquire enough big white lenses, they'll all look the same. Just shuffle them in and out of your camera bag. I'm just over a year of borrowing now, and the friend who sold it to me "requested it back" ahem. Now we both have one. Shhh.
Good! When you're 70 (or in a week), you'll look back on your decision and say "what the heck was the big deal". And if you HAVE to sell it, think of the price difference as a rental fee. But you won't be selling it unless you're replacing it with even nicer glass. You'll see.
I was reluctant on buying this lens as I had bad experiences with older models. But the range is so versatile that I bought it again.... and I'm really happy. I made some tests vs my 70-200/4L and as I needed somee cash I sold it! I didn't believe the 100-400 could even match the IQ of my 70-200/4L... but it does...
I repeat.... I was one of the worst fan of this lens but now.... with the 24-105 I have 2 bodies and 2 lens for airshow/aircraft photography.
I also brought it to the IKE thinking I was making a mistake... but It delivered!
dwweiche wrote:
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?...Show more →
I own this lens and I use it 90% of the time at the 400mm zoom. You might want to consider a 400mm f/5.6 prime. If I had to do it again, I would reconsider my purchase and get a prime. The IS is very good on the zoom and the prime does not have it. However, I think that the AF is faster on the prime, it is a bit sharper, it's lighter in weight, and costs about $300 less.
dwweiche wrote:
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?...Show more →
If you want a GREAT lens, pick up a clean used 300 f4. It's lighter and much sharper than the 400, has an extra stop, and focus' much faster. If you want to shoot planes in flight at oshkosh, it's a much better choice. (Zooms are always going to compromise a bit of quality for that flexibility, and while the 100-400 is one of the best of the bunch, the compromises are still there)
I like the suggestions to buy a different lens after I just posted I just bought the 100-400 but I know I'm not a prime guy yet. I need the zoom to help compensate for my poor selection of standing spots. They won't let me into the VIP section with the guys from the Mustang Air-to-Air thread because their 800-mm primes take up all the space!
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