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

[Donald]

I haven't been as active on the forum for the past 8-10 weeks or so, but am slowly starting to fit the pieces back together.

In that period, or earlier, I may have missed a thread on the above subject and if so, my apologies. But ...... is anyone using the new 100-400? If so, first thoughts on it?

And, yes, I've been through the usual review sites, but still appreciate the thoughts of any colleagues on CiC who may be out there shooting with it.

[Bobobird]

I havent got it yet but a MFD of 30" takes away a need for my macro lens as I don't do eyeball shots anyway, removes my beloved 70-300L due to the extra 100mm and eliminates my 400/5.6 simply because one has IS and the older does not.

The new one will be in the bag as soon as I get rid of the 3 lens.

[rpcrowe]

Everything that I read about it looks extremely good. I "may" sell my 300mm f/4L IS and 400mm f/5.6L lenses to get this one lens which "should" replace them both.

[Rita]

I can't offer any first hand experience but I am interested in this lens and saving up for it. Judging by reviews I have read, and images I have seen, it seems to be a very nice lens.

[AlanF]

I have been using it extensively for just over 6 weeks on both the Canon 5DIII and 7DII with and without 1.4x and 2xTC, mainly for bird photography. It is an outstanding lens, sharp, good contrast and very fast and accurate AF. It is at its best on the FF and at 200-300mm is a match for the best primes. At 400mm, it is a good as the venerable 500 f/5.6. It takes the 1.4xTC very well, with no appreciable loss of AF. The 5DIII + 1.4xTC is just about the same quality as the 7DII with bare lens, and only a little bit behind my 5DIII + 300mm f/2.8 II + 2xTC III. I slightly prefer the latter for bird photography but I usually grab the 7DII + 100-400 II as it is so much lighter and easier to carry and use for only a tiny loss of IQ.

[JR1]

I don't being Nikon but a chap in the local club has, he says it is 100% better no longer using the trombone zoom but proper twist zoom

[Rita]

Alan, you say that you use it with both the 1.4 and 2xTC. How do you find the IQ using the 2x?

[Donald]

Thank you for all the above. Alan - Firstly welcome to the forum and secondly, thanks for that hands-on experience commentary. I'd be using it with a 7DMkII.

[Bobobird]

Alan, you say that you use it with both the 1.4 and 2xTC. How do you find the IQ using the 2x?

One review recommends not to.

[AlanF]

One review recommends not to.

It's much better than I thought it would be. The 7DII focusses it accurately and reasonably fast in live view but the 5DIII doesn't do that and you have to use manual. There is definitely an increase in resolving power and I was able to read some numbers on a sign that I couldn't with the 1.4xTC - the increase in focal length outweighs the degradation in IQ as well as the increased effects of diffraction. There is an increase in CA, but not disturbingly so.

The 100-400 II works very well with the 1.4xTC, but I prefer to use the bare lens on the 7DII to get an extra stop of iso and it's generally more convenient.

[Donald]

Alan, Bobo

Very grateful for your exchange. Helped me finally make up my mind.

Oh dear. Do I need it? No. Do I want it? Yes, I lust after it. Where's the credit card?

[Bobobird]

...
Where's the credit card?

Right there ---->

I will be ordering it either today or tomorrow. Can always get rid of the 3 that it will replace slowly. haha

[Donald]

It's arrived. A new toy!

Just about the same size (compacted) as the Sigma 120-400 F4.5-5.6 APO DG OS that it's replacing, but feels quite a bit lighter, which is nice. Comes in its own very nice case, complete with carrying strap. Just about to mount it onto the 7DMkII and go out to play.

[selig1656]

Nice to see a responsive group !!!

[Bobobird]

Congrats. Mine is out there somewhere...

First impression reports please, while I still have option to cancel. haha

[Stagecoach]

It's arrived. A new toy!

Just about to mount it onto the 7DMkII and go out to play.

We await with bated breath for some results.

[Donald]

Congrats. Mine is out there somewhere...

First impression reports please, while I still have option to cancel. haha

It is just so, so sharp. Amazing. From my window I took a shot of one of those TV satellite dishes stuck on the wall of a house way down the street (at 400mm). A RAW file, no sharpening. I zoomed it up to 400% on my monitor and the pattern on the surface of the dish was as clear as a bell. That just blew me away immediately.

Took it for a walk when I took my dog out for a walk. Just playing. This was the most interesting.


7DMkII, 100-400 F4.5-5.6 L IS MkII

[Adrian]

I tried one of these at my local shop and went home to read some reviews. Since then, they have been out of stock! But I a in n hurry and will certainly get one for our next large trip, my plan being to carry less glass.

I am considering selling the 150-600 Tamrom we got last year as I find the handling hard work, especially at the long end, but wont make a decision until the new Canon arrives. For me handling is everything - as especially with wildlife shots that is what determines whether an amateur like me gets the shot or not. I liked the Canon handling, which is smooth and quick.

[Stagecoach]

It looks OK to me Donald and a good subject for seeing the sharpness.

[loulie]

Hi Donald,
I'm looking at the same combination of camera and lens. Have you tried it without telecoverters for birds in
flight at 400mm? I'm especially interested in the AF at dawn and dusk.