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rego
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Registered: Nov 12, 2009
Location: Turkey
Posts: 2
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Review Date: Nov 15, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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very sharp at f/8 with the 5D MK2 body especially.very usable picture at the 400mm.Solid construction.Good for body building!!if you carry with you all day :)
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Cons:
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Heavy!!!inside Dust Collector.if you.not very sharp image after350mm.
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100-4000L is quality piece of glass.With 5D MK2 full frame camera it is dream.very sharp at F/8 till 350mm.and 400mm is very acceptable images can give.But sadly it is not good with the 7D!!.I have 5D MK2 and 7D.I don't know why it is just not giving any good results with the 7D!!even not good at the bright sunlight.
But with the 5DMK2 is hole another story.Glass is giving extreme good performence even hand hold at 350mm at the dusk!.
My friend has 7D and we try it in his camera.very bad results either.
I highly recommend every one with the full frame sensor camera.
Also 100-400 is flexible at the range.You can make wild life pictures also landscape pictures with it.You don't need all the time wide lenses for landscape photo.tyr it you will fall in love with it.especially with this price....
if you buy as a second hand look very well front glass inside.you can find incredible amounf of dust and particule!!as a negative side because it not at all weather proof or something like that.it is just a dust collector.We hate you push and pull zoom design
Good Luck..
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 Nov 15, 2009
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prion
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Registered: Aug 21, 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 0
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Review Date: Nov 10, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Versatility, weight compared to other 400mm IS lenses, price
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Cons:
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None as yet
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I use this lens mostly for nature shots (mostly birds). Great nature travel lens. This year I visited the Galapagos and was very happy with the pictures taken with this lens. Have not had any dust problems. It is the lightest 400mm lens (with IS) that Canon makes. I have hiked 5-6 miles with it no problem. I have not tried the 1.4X teleconverter because my 50D does not autofocus with it ;(
I have some comparison shots with other telephoto lenses at (Figs. 11-12):
http://www.pbase.com/juliom/testing
Bird pics from recent trips:
http://www.pbase.com/juliom/image/109182571
http://www.pbase.com/juliom/image/118537518
Landscape
http://www.pbase.com/juliom/image/110349219
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Nov 10, 2009
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Goldenspark
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Registered: Jul 24, 2009
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 17
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Review Date: Nov 3, 2009
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Recommend? |
Price paid: Not Indicated
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Maybe needs regular TLC? (Servicing)
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Update regarding the Zoom Lock.
I repaired mine so here is a tip;
The zoom lock does wear over time, and becomes progressively looser. It is a very simple procedure to re-adjust, so it is worth sending it in before it goes too far. Eventually it wears so far that the ball bearings inside can escape and jam the mechanism. Canon then charge to replace the zoom lock assembly - they don't try and repair it like I did (those 500+ little balls are interesting to re-assemble!).
It is possible that once worn Canon will decide the components need replacing, but having re-assembled and adjusted mine it seems to be back working fine again.
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Nov 3, 2009
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jdouglass
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Registered: Oct 30, 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Oct 30, 2009
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Recommend? |
Price paid: $1,400.00
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Pros:
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Push-pull zoom, IS, silent motor and IS, fast focus, versatility
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Cons:
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Need to use manual focus with a teleconverter, soft focus under 5.6
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I have been using this lens for 1.5 years and this was my first "L" lens. My goal in buying this lens was to enable me to take much higher quality sports and nature images.
First Impressions:
The push-pull style felt a bit awkward and odd at the store, but the price for a 400mm zoom and the FM reviews sold me. I also managed to buy this a week before the Canon prices jumped in May 08. I was astounded by the super fast focusing, silenced motor, quality and the "beef of this lens. (I now also own a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS L and both lenses feel like they are the same weight).
Results:
During my first sporting event, I fell in love with this lens! The push-pull zoom was absolutely outstanding allowing me to instantly frame and lock onto my soccer subjects. One technique I quickly developed was to leave a bit of tension on the tightening ring and to use my thumb on the backside of the ring. This provides friction and prevents the zoom from sliding when I achieved focus lock. This works real slick and is second nature now. I never shoot my sports on a monopod since a mono slows me down and I miss some shots that I could have made handheld. That being said, I do not notice the weight when shooting single events, but after a looong day my shoulder muscles ache! I have shot all kinds of events with this lens including basketball and volleyball without flash. I do not recommend it for indoors, but did enjoy pushing its limits. Here is a link to my recent baseball images shot without teleconverter: http://www.shutterfingerphotography.com/Sports/High-School-Baseball-09 .
The IS on this lens is fantastic allowing one to shoot close to dusk. One con is that this is a bit soft under 5.6, but for the speed that this provides outdoor action shooters with, I don't think this is much of a con given the subject. I do tend run into the softness factor when I shoot wildlife early and late in the day. I also strongly wish this lens could use a teleconverter on autofocus, but for now I will have to settle on MF.
Nature and teleconverter:
I have been able to take some fantastic images of songbirds with a teleconverter the past couple of months that have been due to practice and experience. The following galleries were shot with Canon 5D, Lens in review, 1.4x teleconverter, monopod, manual focus, and about f8.
Here is a link to proof the quality: http://www.shutterfingerphotography.com/Nature/Birds/Song-Birds/10114674_t9qeo#688509875_9DAJP .
Turtle images: http://www.shutterfingerphotography.com/Nature/Animals/Nature-Hike-10-21-09/10046842_qLg95#688506462_muTXA
Summary:
I love the versatility that this lens adds to my bag and even given the slower shutter speeds, this is never out of reach. I plan on owning this lens for a long time.
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Oct 30, 2009
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jdouglass
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Oct 30, 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Oct 30, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,400.00
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Fast focus, Push-pull style is very fast for action, Solid build, great price for a 400mm lens with L quality
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Cons:
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Have to use MF with a teleconverter, focus is a bit soft under 5.6
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I have been using this lens for 1.5 years and this was my first "L" lens. My goal in buying this lens was to enable me to take much higher quality sports and nature images.
First Impressions:
The push-pull style felt a bit awkward and odd at the store, but the price for a 400mm zoom and the FM reviews sold me. I also managed to buy this a week before the Canon prices jumped in May 08. I was astounded by the super fast focusing, silenced motor, quality and the "beef of this lens. (I now also own a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS L and both lenses feel like they are the same weight).
Results:
During my first sporting event, I fell in love with this lens! The push-pull zoom was absolutely outstanding allowing me to instantly frame and lock onto my soccer subjects. One technique I quickly developed was to leave a bit of tension on the tightening ring and to use my thumb on the backside of the ring. This provides friction and prevents the zoom from sliding when I achieved focus lock. This works real slick and is second nature now. I never shoot my sports on a monopod since a mono slows me down and I miss some shots that I could have made handheld. That being said, I do not notice the weight when shooting single events, but after a looong day my shoulder muscles ache! I have shot all kinds of events with this lens including basketball and volleyball without flash. I do not recommend it for indoors, but did enjoy pushing its limits. Here is a link to my recent baseball images shot without teleconverter: http://www.shutterfingerphotography.com/Sports/High-School-Baseball-09 .
The IS on this lens is fantastic allowing one to shoot close to dusk. One con is that this is a bit soft under 5.6, but for the speed that this provides outdoor action shooters with, I don't think this is much of a con given the subject. I do tend run into the softness factor when I shoot wildlife early and late in the day. I also strongly wish this lens could use a teleconverter on autofocus, but for now I will have to settle on MF.
Nature and teleconverter:
I have been able to take some fantastic images of songbirds with a teleconverter the past couple of months that have been due to practice and experience. The following galleries were shot with Canon 5D, Lens in review, 1.4x teleconverter, monopod, manual focus, and about f8.
Here is a link to proof the quality: http://www.shutterfingerphotography.com/Nature/Birds/Song-Birds/10114674_t9qeo#688509875_9DAJP .
Turtle images: http://www.shutterfingerphotography.com/Nature/Animals/Nature-Hike-10-21-09/10046842_qLg95#688506462_muTXA
Summary:
I love the versatility that this lens adds to my bag and even given the slower shutter speeds, this is never out of reach. I plan on owning this lens for a long time.
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Oct 30, 2009
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Goldenspark
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Registered: Jul 24, 2009
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 17
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Review Date: Oct 24, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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A good solid x-400 zoom with IS. Excellent IQ although really good examples 400mm @ f/5.6 seem rare. Very good stopped down f/8-f/11.
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Cons:
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Push-pull zoom mechanism has a tendency to bind up over time - maybe not all, but maybe a bit of a design flaw?
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I got mine cheap as quite an old example, so I can't be too surprised I suppose. The zoom mechanism has a locking collar which you rotate against the focus ring to loosen or tighten the zoom action. Mine slowly got prgressively tight until now the locking collar only rotates about 10-20 degrees, and the zoom is always stiff. Aparently there is a ring of material on the inside of the zoom barrel (to stop dust getting in) that can come loose and jam the mechanism.
There is some suggestion that this affects the IQ slightly as well.
This copy has signs of wear that suggest a lot of use so
don't let the zoom exprience put you off. The lens is otherwise excellent. The IQ is great, particularly at the short end. A pity that some others claim their 100-400 is as sharp wide open at the ong end as stopped down. One or two show evidence to this effect but I suspect many are like mine -a little soft. F/8-F/11 is excellent, but this (and f/5.6 WO) does make it a good light only lens.
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Oct 24, 2009
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CousinMadness
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Oct 12, 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 0
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Review Date: Oct 12, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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L glass, push pull is fast, relatively small in size for a 400 mm. USM is very quiet.
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Cons:
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Push pull can suck in dust to the camera body. Cheesy cheap plastic lens hood. Forget using a Canon brand converter with it, auto focus is lost and IQ suffers badly.
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This was my first L lens and I have had amazing results with it rivalling prime lenses. I know others have not had such fortuitous results having been stuck with a bad copy.
http://www.photosports.ca/aircraftgallery_large_168.html
http://www.klickthis.com/gallery-nature-england-large-79.html
Used with both crop and full frame bodies.
Cousin.
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Oct 12, 2009
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Tony B
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Registered: May 14, 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 354
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Review Date: Sep 5, 2009
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Recommend? |
Price paid: Not Indicated
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Pros:
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price,IQ,push pull zoom
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Cons:
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None as yet
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This is my second 100-400 since upgrading to a 1DmkII. My first did not perform as well as I expected when I had a 20D tending to search a lot in AF.
I decided on a 100-400 after testing against a 400f5.6 at the local store. Even the staff were astounded at the resulting shots both with & without a 1.4 TC. IQ is so good I have not had the 1.4 TC off since purchasing late 2008 & with the 1D mkIII is an awesome combination.It gives me the opportunity to use my 70-200 f2.8 more. I had thought of changing to the prime because I was not using my 70-200. Now I have a 70-200 & a 140-560 + corresponding crop factors depending on which body is used. I like the push pull zoom when focussing on small birds as it allows a quick lock on to the subject.This lens works for me.
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Sep 5, 2009
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aladyforty
Offline
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Registered: Feb 3, 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 977
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Review Date: Sep 1, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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sharp, great focal range, build quality, IS
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Cons:
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Heavy, Hood is a pain
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I have only had this lens about three weeks but already have grown to love it. I had the 400 F5.6 L and that was a great lens but I felt restricted which is the reason I sold it and purchased this lens. The IS seems to work quite well. I actually like the push pull zoom and find it very easy to use. The images seem very sharp at 400 if stopped down to 6.3 and reasonably sharp wide open. The lens is very versatile. The only things I find annoying are the hood, its hard to get on and off and the lens is heavy. After about 25 minutes I need to rest my arm. But overall I'm glad I got it.
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Sep 1, 2009
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Lance Couture
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
Registered: Aug 7, 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1278
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Review Date: Aug 12, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Wonderful IQ, build quality, light weight
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Cons:
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Focus/friction ring, slow aperture
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I bought this lens to cover a large dog trial event. Each of the 4 days went from approx 5 AM to 12 AM, so I was able to shoot with this lens from dusk until dark every day.
Coupled with my 1D Mark II, it was an outstanding combination for daytime shooting. I would not recommend this lens for shooting fast-moving subjects around dusk or dawn. f/5.6 is deathly slow for shooting when the sun is going down, and even under stadium flood lights. If you are shooting with a camera which can do 3200 ISO an above cleanly (1D3, 1Ds3, 5D2), then you should be able to mitigate this somewhat.
The push/pull aspect is absolutely nothing to get used to. I was immediately comfortable with it, and I can honestly say, for shoots fast-moving subject which are travelling in many directions, I actually prefer it now to twist zoom.
The thing which I do not like about this lens, is the focus ring and zoom friction adjustment ring are back-to-back. A couple of times, I had wanted to adjust the friction, ended up moving the focus ring, which was enough to put the AF too far out of whack before it could re-adjust, and I lost the shot.
So, I ended up just loosening the ring all the way, and quickly tightening it if I needed to move place.
The IQ on this lens is great. It's in the same ball park as my 70-200/2.8. I have a very late model one (May 09 date code), so that may have something to do with it. Colour/contrast are very good, and it is *sharp*.
This lens is much lighter to use than my 70-200/2.8 as well, which made it very easy to use hand-held. I used it 80% of the time on a monopod though. The IS worked very, very well too.
I have even tried some macro with it as well, coupled with my 500D close up lens, which turned out far better than I expected.
Personally, I wouldnt mind if this lens was a little bigger if it meant some increased speed at the long-end, but that would most likely alter the price quite severely.
Overall, this lens is a bargain at its price. I highly recommend it.
If you wish to see shots taken with this lens, you can go here:
http://rainforestphoto.ca/Sports/850976
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Aug 12, 2009
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Paragon
Offline
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Registered: Aug 11, 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 0
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Review Date: Jul 31, 2009
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Recommend? |
Price paid: Not Indicated
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Pros:
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sharp, versatile, build quality
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Cons:
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focus ring has a little too much slackness
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I have now used this lens for over a year. Before buying it, I read many forum postings, reviews, discussions, and experience reports. Most were positive but some complained about various issues. Here is a list of my personal comments based on my experience but with special regard to these reoccurring issues.
1. Push-pull zoom: It does take some getting used to but is not an issue after that. In fact, if you use FTM regularly this is much better than a twist-zoom.
2. Any lens that changes length can potentially blow dust into the camera. Dust sealing is near perfect with this lens though and I haven't had any problems. I think changing lenses is more of a cause for dust entry than changing the focal length of a lens. And since this lens is so versatile, you will not change lenses all too often any more  . But still: a 70-200 2.8 IS has better dust sealing and doesn’t change its length when zoomed. So, if that’s what you want and you don’t need 400mm... But then, you wouldn’t be reading this review... would you?
3. Mine is so sharp wide open at 400mm that it clearly outperforms the camera sensor's resolution (20D, 8MP, Bayer sensor). It is absolutely tack sharp at all settings. The only blur I ever got was due to camera shake. Probably, over the years, a perfect production process was developed here.
4. I don't think the lens is outdated. It is still the most versatile tele zoom offered by Canon and possibly some coatings and the IS system were updated in the meantime.
5. Maybe the IS system is not as good as the system in the 70-200 f4 IS but 3 f-stops is realistic here, too. Don't forget that this is a 400 mm lens. It is absolutely incredible what the IS can do.
6. Vignetting wide open: negligible on a 'crop' sensor.
7. Price: Sometimes you pay for what you get. The cheaper Sigmas were reported to have decentering issues, but quality control issues were reported for the Canon, too. I have had three Sigma lenses, two bad and one fairly good, two Tamron lenses, one mediocre and one very good indeed, and four Canon lenses, all of which were excellent. I decided never to buy a Sigma lens again. But please, do try this out yourself, many have had a different experience with Sigma.
8. The white finish may be too obtrusive for some people or some situations. I bought a lens coat that gives some protection, too.
My verdict: If you have been thinking about buying this lens, do it. There is no better choice IMHO and you won't regret it. Checking a lens' performance is easy nowadays and one should think that manufacturers cannot afford to produce bad copies. If you feel uneasy without checking (as I did), then do it. But don't forget to enjoy taking photos. And don't worry about the weight. It is well worth carrying. Every time I take it on a hike, I return with several stunning photos.
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Jul 31, 2009
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vic066
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Feb 8, 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 2
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Review Date: Jul 27, 2009
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Image quality, range
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Cons:
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Heavy/bulky if using it all day
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Purchased this lens for a trip to Yellowstone and paired it with a 5D mark II. Worked great for shooting wildlife. I have a 70-200 but it wasn't long enough. I ended up keeping it on the camera when ever I was driving so it was ready for anything we saw. The quality of the images were excellent. Good contrast, sharpe, and nice detail. There were a few times when I wish it was faster but with the 5D I was able to up the ISO and still get great shots.
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Jul 27, 2009
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