100-400L IS replacement?

[DDA]

It seems that this lens (although as excellent as I hear it to be...) is quite old. Do you think there is any chance of seeing Canon coming with a replacement (more recent IS system) any time soon? Or maybe a whole new lens to compete against the range of the Bigma (50-500) ???

I know I may be dreaming, but I'm still debating over those two lenses and any improvement from one side or the other might help me decide ;-)

[CoolToolGuy]

I would dearly love to see an update. Perhaps to a 150-500 f4.5 IS non push-pull.

But we can only hope. Photokina is coming - stay tuned.

Have Fun,

[ipacmm]

I would dearly love to see an update. Perhaps to a 150-500 f4.5 IS non push-pull.



That would be really nice if they came out with that along with the same pricing as the current 100-400 and maybe an f/4 version would also be nice.

[CoolToolGuy]

That would be really nice if they came out with that along with the same pricing as the current 100-400 and maybe an f/4 version would also be nice.

I think of, even f4.5, and the diameter of the front element becomes an issue with size and weight. At f4, it would be as big as the EF 500 f4 IS - quite a monster.

But we can hope. I'm hoping they do something to upgrade it. I rented one once, and I was significantly underwhelmed. Others have noted that it is a little soft at 400mm, and that's pretty much what I noticed.

Have Fun,

[NickSimcheck]

I'd hope for one with more reach, say a 200-600mm 5.6 or so.

[Mike Reynolds]

I'd like to see the updated IS and a 2.8

[neil_r]

I'd like to see the updated IS and a 2.8

With an inexpensive retro fit kit...;)

[DDA]

Yes, we all would llike to see this lens updated.. But the question is: is there any chance of seing it happen? How often does Canon generally ( I know it can vary a lot...) update its lenses?

BTW, I am quite doubtful we will see any update as this lens still sells really well...

[Rumjungle]

Exactly. I doubt we'll see any changes this year. However, I'd like to see a 200-400 f4 IS.

[basroil]

i'de be less suprised by a 200-500 f4-f5.6L at around 2k. it'de be quite useful, and it'de sure be a good seller (if it has IS that is, pushpull/2 turn isn't a big deal to many))

[Pompo]

I got on a european Canon mailing list that a 100-400L f4 with new and impoved IS will be out.
I'm not that crazy about f4.

[Doctor Diesel]

which mailing list?.....certainly no evidence of it in europe!

[Pompo]

no evidence yet :) I'm more worried about the 50 1.2 @ $1600 that will make on a x1.6
a 80mm 1.2!!

[Lightstream]

I got on a european Canon mailing list that a 100-400L f4 with new and impoved IS will be out.
I'm not that crazy about f4.

That's the lens that's gonna get me in deep, deep trouble because I AM gonna be crazy over it with one exception (below):

The problem is, it's gonna be heavy if it's a constant f/4.. if the 400 DO is anything to go by. And it will require a minimum of a 100mm bore diameter, which is a little bit on the big side for me.

[Rumjungle]

I look forward to it as long as it's well under 6lbs.

[nitsch]

That's the lens that's gonna get me in deep, deep trouble because I AM gonna be crazy over it with one exception (below):

The problem is, it's gonna be heavy if it's a constant f/4.. if the 400 DO is anything to go by. And it will require a minimum of a 100mm bore diameter, which is a little bit on the big side for me.

Exactly, a constant f4 is a going to be considerably bigger, heavier and more expensive than the current lens. If they did produce it then I wouldn't view it as a replacement for the current 100-400 really, it would be a different kettle of fish altogether in all respects except for focal length. I would definately want one though!!! :D

[Evs]

I'd want one for sure, could use it with a 1.4x TC for a 140-560 f/5.6 & retain reasonable AF on my 20D :D

Then I'd probably chop my existing 100-400 in for a 70-300 DO for a more compact walkaround tele.

[wiselion]

Man I just might sell off everything for this lense. I heard the rumor on FM. Canon is supposed to release info on aug 26th. Wouldn't that be the sh**?

[amonline]

Alright, I give... what did you hear... because I can't find anything.

[CyberDyneSystems]

RE: F/4 version.

I truly doubt it,. it certainly could not be a replacement for the current 100-400mm

I've seen poeple wishing for Canon "upgrade" the 100-400mm to an F/4 ever since Nikon feilded it's own 200-400mm f/4 VR a few years back

What these dreamers refuse to realize is that the Nikon 200-400mm is 7 pound+ lens! It's a big beast like a 500mm 4.5 Prime. This is a big tripod lens.

I'm not saying Canon would not make such a lens, only that it has NOTHING to do with the lightweight easily hand holdable 100-400mm L IS we all know and love.

The reality is, that 400mm @ f/4 = over 6 pounds. Only DO optics would alter that, and well, that's allready been done. It weighs in at about 70 ounces (1940g ) or over 4 pounds.

So rememebr this. Han hodlable all day long 400mm = f/5.6
Hand holdabl;e all day 500mm = f/6.3 (like Bigma and tamron etc..)

If you want faster, then you either need many pounds of added weight, or DO, or both.

[Tom W]

I've heard the rumour as well, but I'm not counting on it.

If it is true, expect a rather heavy lens, and expect it to NOT be a replacement for the present 100-400 (just as CDS says). The beauty of the present 100-400 is its light weight and compact size. Any replacement for that would be similar in size/weight, and with modest improvements.

A 100-400 f/4L would be the ideal spot for DO optics, provided the IQ could be maintained. A 4-5 -pound fast 100-400 would be really nice, and I'd be tempted if the price were right.

[wiselion]

I truly doubt it,. it certainly could not be a replacement for the current 100-400mm

I've seen poeple wishing for Canon "upgrade" the 100-400mm to an F/4 ever since Nikon feilded it's own 200-400mm f/4 VR a few years back

What these dreamers refuse to realize is that the Nikon 200-400mm is 7 pound+ lens! It's a big beast like a 500mm 4.5 Prime. This is a big tripod lens.

I'm not saying Canon would not make such a lens, only that it has NOTHING to do with the lightweight easily hand holdable 100-400mm L IS we all know and love.

The reality is, that 400mm @ f/4 = over 6 pounds. Only DO optics would alter that, and well, that's allready been done. It weighs in at about 70 ounces (1940g ) or over 4 pounds.


It's nice to dream though:)

[ipacmm]

I would rather see an update to the normal 100-400 since it is an older lens...Maybe get rid of all the dust issue with the push/pull design.

[Kadath]

I would save up a few k for a lens like this.

[nitsch]

If Canon ever do produce this lens and it proves to be a good performer (with 1.4x TC too) then I'll be putting one of my kidneys up on Ebay to get it!!! :D

Joking aside, CDS is right, it would not be a replacement for the current 100-400 as it would be in a different league in terms of size, weight and cost. If Canon don't come out with a lens like this then I'll be going down the 300 2.8 + TC's route but I'd probably keep my 100-400 for it's sheer versatility and portability.

[amonline]

I would rather see an update to the normal 100-400 since it is an older lens...Maybe get rid of all the dust issue with the push/pull design.
Agreed 100%

[nitsch]

Agreed 100%

I on the other hand have to disagree. Push/Pull is the best design for this focal length and fast moving wildlife.:)

[amonline]

I on the other hand have to disagree. Push/Pull is the best design for this focal length and fast moving wildlife.:)
I was referring to dealing with dust. ;)

[nitsch]

I was referring to dealing with dust. ;)

Oh OK! :)

Forgive me for going a bit off topic but, personally, I can't say I buy into the whole "dust pump" thing. I've probably shot upwards of 8k shots with the 100-400 and neither of my DSLR's sensors have ever got anything more than the occasional blast from the rocket blower. I shoot macro at very small apertures fairly regularly so I do care about sensor dust! I have no more sensor dust after a long session with the 100-400 than I do after using any other lens, so I personally do not understand what the problem is. I know others claim to have had different experience though.

[Rumjungle]

If it's not a replacement of the 100-400, I'd prefer a 200-400f4 IS. When I had my 100-400, I rarely used the 100-200 range.

[Lightstream]

Just my own opinion...I would probably NOT spring for this lens ;)

Nothing wrong with those folks who will, just that I'm quite unwilling to carry anything heavier than a 70-200 as I've discovered with my Bigma acquisition a few months ago. If I won't carry that, then it's unlikely I will carry a 400 f/4 of any kind, zoom, DO or otherwise. But I do hope some folks find use for it!

[DDA]

If such a lens would appear, I wouldn't jump for it, but it might allow me to find a good used 100-400 old gen ;-)

[nitsch]

If such a lens would appear, I wouldn't jump for it, but it might allow me to find a good used 100-400 old gen ;-)

I would be surprised if a fixed f4 coming out would cause a lot of current 100-400's to appear on the used market. I for one would like to have both as there are many times when you wouldn't want to/be able to carry around such a huge lens.

[DDA]

You are right Nick. I don't think that a lot of 100-400 would arrive on the market. But just a few may be enough for me to find a good opportunity :o

[nitsch]

You are right Nick. I don't think that a lot of 100-400 would arrive on the market. But just a few may be enough for me to find a good opportunity :o

Yeah let's hope so DDA, you'd have a lot of fun with this lens. Good luck in the search! :)

[CoolToolGuy]

I would be surprised if a fixed f4 coming out would cause a lot of current 100-400's to appear on the used market. I for one would like to have both as there are many times when you wouldn't want to/be able to carry around such a huge lens.

The ability to retain autofocus on a non-1 series camera with a teleconverter might be an enticement for some. If I had the current 100-400 I would look at an f4 version in that light.

Have Fun,

[Tom W]

The ability to retain autofocus on a non-1 series camera with a teleconverter might be an enticement for some. If I had the current 100-400 I would look at an f4 version in that light.

Have Fun,

I have the present version, but I'd love an f/4 100-400, even if it were rather huge and heavy in comparison.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I on the other hand have to disagree. Push/Pull is the best design for this focal length and fast moving wildlife.:)

Completely agree, and dust is no more prevelent than on other zooms,. the same motion of elements and air within the lens body is present no matter how you go about moving them, via twist, push pull or mental telepathy. ;)

[nitsch]

The ability to retain autofocus on a non-1 series camera with a teleconverter might be an enticement for some. If I had the current 100-400 I would look at an f4 version in that light.

Have Fun,

Indeed, and the lens would have to perform well with a 1.4x TC for me to consider it; a cracking 100-400 f4 and a good 140-560 f5.6 would really rock my world BUT it still wouldn't replace the existing 100-400 in terms of sheer portability and handholdability (if that is even a word! :) )

[kram]

Exactly. I doubt we'll see any changes this year. However, I'd like to see a 200-400 f4 IS.

Wow......now that will be something to resist :)

[Meaty0]

I suspect upgrades to the aging 400mm f/5.6 prime might come first...like addition of IS to make it more useful when hand held.

[jwil]

Completely agree, and dust is no more prevelent than on other zooms,. the same motion of elements and air within the lens body is present no matter how you go about moving them, via twist, push pull or mental telepathy. ;)

That's not true at all, unless somehow Canon has managed to get around the basic laws of physics.

The overall volume of a 70-200 - for example - doesn't change as it zooms, the 100-400 does change in volume. That extra air has to come from somewhere.

[Tom W]

That's not true at all, unless somehow Canon has managed to get around the basic laws of physics.

The overall volume of a 70-200 - for example - doesn't change as it zooms, the 100-400 does change in volume. That extra air has to come from somewhere.

The 70-200 exchanges air internally - no external air is needed to displace a change in volume. Presumably, there is some form of tiny ventilation on the 70-200 only for expansion/contraction due to heat, but that doesn't play a role in zooming.

The 100-400, like many zooms, changes length when zoomed and requires external atmosphere to displace that air. I believe that CDS was referring to twist-zoom lenses that perform in a similar manner (70-300 DO, 24-70, 28-135, 17-85, etc). All have the same characteristic of changing internal volume when zooming, but only the 100-400L performs this task with a push-pull zoom rather than a twist mechanism.

[CyberDyneSystems]

That's not true at all, unless somehow Canon has managed to get around the basic laws of physics.

The overall volume of a 70-200 - for example - doesn't change as it zooms, the 100-400 does change in volume. That extra air has to come from somewhere.

You are comparing a zoom that changes length, vs. one that doesn't. In which case I agree with you, however, this is not what I was talking about, nor what people are usually referring to when they "dis" the 100-400mm. In this case;
I would rather see an update to the normal 100-400 since it is an older lens...Maybe get rid of all the dust issue with the push/pull design.

... as in others, the issue is nearly allways stated as being an issue with the push pull vs. twist, NOT Vs. the rare internal zooms.

Most zooms, (unlike most weather sealed "L" ), including the 100-400mm, are NOT internal zooms. For them again,
"the same motion of elements and air within the lens body is present no matter how you go about moving them, via twist, push pull or mental telepathy"

Push pull Vs. twist makes no difference.

[washer]

anybody heard about this showin up at photokina? im on the market for a 100-400 and am leaning towards this lens. would it change price? when could i expect to hear, sept 25? 26?

[Moody Blues]

Dear Canon,

If you made a 200-400 f/4 I would buy it.

This would be the most perfect lens in so many ways. Could you imagine having it all. 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8 and a 200-400 f/4. Along with a 1.4X you would have the world at your fingertips.

[farrukh]

Dear Canon,

If you made a 200-400 f/4 I would buy it.

This would be the most perfect lens in so many ways. Could you imagine having it all. 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8 and a 200-400 f/4. Along with a 1.4X you would have the world at your fingertips.

Indeed!

[Rumjungle]

I wonder how much Canon would charge for such a lens. Given the way they've been pricing they're newer lenses, I bet it would be well out of my price range. I'd have to say about $2400. What do you think?

[NBEast]

IS is "electronics", and therefore deserves updating at least every 2 - 4 years. Leave the AF and optics the same, but for goodness sake, there's a huge difference between 2 stop IS and 4 stop, particularly on longer lenses.

After the 4-stop IS makes the rounds, it'll be a little like AF systems that really didn't require improvement after they reached a certian point.

[mxwphoto]

Canon should make 2 long zooms like they do with primes... One - 200-400(or 500) f/4.5 or 5 constant IS L (for portability) and another 200-400+ f/2.8 (or 3.5) constant IS Lfor those that want the extra speed. Make them both internal focus AND internal zoom and you've got the best tele zoom(s) in the world! :D

[05Xrunner]

Anyone hear anymore if this is going to happen ever.
I am lookin to get a 100-400 around Feb-March and dont wanna buy one then month or 2 later they come out with a new IS in it.

[CoolToolGuy]

Anyone hear anymore if this is going to happen ever.
I am lookin to get a 100-400 around Feb-March and dont wanna buy one then month or 2 later they come out with a new IS in it.

There is almost always a rumor floating around that Canon is about to update/upgrade this lens. Personally, I am one who would like to see it. But to address your question - chances are good that if a new version is coming, it will be announced at PMA, which is the first week of March. Now, it may not be available right away (we are still waiting for the 50mm f 1.2L that was announced in September), but PMA is the next logical introduction date.

Hope this helps.

Have Fun,

[05Xrunner]

well i will wait to see what happens at PMA..if they announce it I will just hold off