EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS Question?

[Csst]

does anyone know if this lens require a tripod when using it i was trying to look into this lens a bit thanks

Csst

[PacAce]

The 100-400L doesn't require a tripod if the lighting is adequate for a handheld shot. And this is more so with the IS turned on. However, when shooting with a slow shutter speed, it's always better to use a tripod.

However, I should add that this lens is NOT light and just the weight alone may justify the use of a tripod if you're going to be shooting for an extended period of time.

[J. Cobble]

When shooting races I use a monopod to help hold it. Works great

[cecilc]

You don't HAVE to have a tripod (or monopod) for this lens....

but you better have some well developed forearms, biceps, and shoulders if you're going to hand-hold it for any length of time. After two or three hours, you will feel this lens .....

I don't use this lens without a monopod ..... and that way, I don't have to use the IS, either. It's plenty stable on a monopod.

[Scottes]

You don't HAVE to have a tripod (or monopod) for this lens....

but you better have some well developed forearms, biceps, and shoulders if you're going to hand-hold it for any length of time. After two or three hours, you will feel this lens .....

ROFL - I once spent 2.5 hours with this lens chasing butterflies in a butterfly house. It wasn't so bad, but it was starting to get heavy, so I took a break.

A few minutes into the break and the andrenaline of the hunt wore off, and my arms hurt! It might not be so bad if you're taking an occasional picture - and I have spent 6-8 hours doing this - but chasing butterflies in a place packed with butterflies is a different story. The lens is almost always up, you're waving it around aiming it, and you almost never let it hang to give your arms a rest. There's just too much to shoot.

My tip - just keep hunting and shooting and let the andrenaline take care of the pain. :)

[scottbergerphoto]

does anyone know if this lens require a tripod when using it i was trying to look into this lens a bit thanks

Csst
For a fairly large zoom, this lens is very comfortable to hand hold in good lighting. The IS makes it possible. The only thing I dislike about this lens is the push-pull zoom.
Scott

[NILOLIGIST]

No tripod needed, but if you do use one you are not suppose to use IS with the tripod.

It is a monster lens.

NiL,

[mjordan]

Does anyone happen to have a side by side comparison picture between the 100-400 and 70-200 2.8L IS?

I'm just curious as to the size difference between the two and nothing like a picture with both of them side by side to show it best.

Thanks

Mike

[SoCal69]

Does anyone happen to have a side by side comparison picture between the 100-400 and 70-200 2.8L IS?

I'm just curious as to the size difference between the two and nothing like a picture with both of them side by side to show it best.

Thanks

Mike

Here ya go... enjoy!
Please note that the 100-400 is not extended here. It's set at 100mm (its a push/pull type zoom). Add another 4 inches when fully extended.

http://images.fotopic.net/?id=2701419&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

[mjordan]

Thanks Chuck, that's great. I have the 70-200 2.8L IS and will be getting the 100-400 and wondered about the difference. I've lugged the 70-200 around for almost 12 hours for several days in a row following moving events and for the most part, my arms weren't any tireder than the rest of my body. :lol:

I've learned that you rest when you can and get the weight off your neck and arms. I also put the 70-200 case on my belt and I'll put my 24-70 2.8L in there when I'm not using it, which helps keep some of the weight out of the bag I have crossed over my far shoulder. Over the years I've probably used push/pull more than the twist zooms, but it's been a lot time, so I'll have to get use to it again.

Thanks again, Chuck.

Mike

[SoCal69]

No problem Mike. I don't usually lug both around at the same time. Even when I do have to carry it around, I tend to prefer using a monopod. If you are already used to the 70-200, then the 100-400 won't feel too much heavier... you do have to get used to the length on it though. I prefer the twist zoom (like the 70-200), but its a great lens just the same. Let's see some pics once you get it!