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Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

ef100_400l_1_
Review Date: Nov 10, 2009 Recommend? yes | Price paid: Not Indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Versatility, weight compared to other 400mm IS lenses, price
Cons:
None as yet

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
 
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM

ef400_4dois_1_
Review Date: Nov 10, 2009 Recommend? yes | Price paid: Not Indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Fast AF, handheldable, takes 1.4X TC well, weight relative to 300mm f2.8
Cons:
Weight relative to 100-400mm lens.

I purchased a used lens at a significantly reduced price. The lens was in mint conditions (2006 model) but soft when compared to my very good copy of the 100-400mm lens. I sent it to Canon for adjustment ($250) and they did a wonderful job recalibrating the lens. The lens has performed flawlessly for me and I am very happy with it.
Its main advantages over my 100-400mm lens are:

1) Faster AF especially in low light conditions.
2) The f4 aperture (vs. f5.6 in the 100-400mm lens) allows for faster shutter speeds in low light conditions.
3) Takes a 1.4X teleconverter very well and unlike my 100-400mm lens + 1.4X TC it auto focuses with my 50D.

I posted some comparison pics at: http://www.pbase.com/juliom/testing