I really want a Canon 100-400 L

[RbnDave]

I took a walk in the woods today and saw these deer. The photo was taken with my Sigma 70-200 and a 2x teleconverter. Lately the sigma and teleconverter combo have become my walk around lens. I think it is time to step up and make the big 100-400 L purchase. I am just not happy with the results I am getting. With my sigma and tele it is hard to nail the focus and even when the focus is correct the images lack sharpness and contrast. I want that Canon L pop.

http://www.pbase.com/image/28727891/large.jpg

Really no point to this post. Just trying to talk myself into spending $1400 on a toy.

Dave

[daaaveman]

The folks here are always happy to help you spend money......Go for it. Explain to the wife that you have to buy L lenses because they last forever and do great on maintaining resale value so it's a great investment in the long run.

[angst911]

I love my 100-400 so far.... considering one of the extender deals for bird photography

[IanD]

Do not even think about it. Pick up the phone, hop in the car, but just order one.
http://www.pbase.com/image/27216472.jpg
It is an awsome deer/duck/goose/Justabird lens. One of the heavier walk-arounds but nothing a strong man and a small donkey cannot handle :lol:

[angst911]

it's also pretty damned good for whatever you'd call this type:

http://angst.orlandountouchables.com/photos/No%20Thumbs%20Yet/2004-05-01-1/images/IMG_0122.jpg

that's resized.... full size (http://angst.orlandountouchables.com/photos/No%20Thumbs%20Yet/2004-05-01-1/images/Hi-Res/IMG_0122.jpg)

[RbnDave]

IanD

Not only is your deer photo sharper than mine, but the deer itself looks better than my subjects. The deer here in Ohio are in the middle of losing their winter coat. Maybe if I took their photo with a 100-400 L they would look less mangy.

Dave

[cgratti]

IanD

Not only is your deer photo sharper than mine, but the deer itself looks better than my subjects. The deer here in Ohio are in the middle of losing their winter coat. Maybe if I took their photo with a 100-400 L they would look less mangy.

Dave


I think its just something in the water in Ohio, not the lens...LOL...the deer here in Pa look the same all year, mangy

[EoSD30fReAk]

I'm with Ian

don't hesitate just go out and buy it!
you'll love it :P

[rick barclay]

EF 100-400's are relatively cheap now, in the low $1200 and below.
I'd love to post some pictures, but I really don't think they're worthy of
here or FM. Anyway, any person in relatively decent physical shape
should not have a problem carrying this lens. I've been using mine for a couple of weeks now and I don't even bother with a monpod. Tripod comes
in handy for low light, though, I do realize. The best thing about owning
a 100-400 L? It has cured my anxiety attacks over having only an 18-55mm
kit lens to shoot with. I'm actually using money for necessities again.

[IanD]

IanD

Not only is your deer photo sharper than mine, but the deer itself looks better than my subjects. The deer here in Ohio are in the middle of losing their winter coat. Maybe if I took their photo with a 100-400 L they would look less mangy.

Dave
Dave,
This was shot in February when the dee have beautiful thick winter coats. You should see them now. Super mangy. They sort of look like king sized porcupines :lol:

[RonR]

100-400 IS handheld
http://fototime.com/488800F4D081ECC/standard.jpg

[rick barclay]

Ok. Here goes nothing. One of my better takes.
Done with a 100-400 L IS USM. I hope it does the lens justice and
if not would not mind knowing why.

http://flashdaddee.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9858


If someone could tell me how to get my image to display here, I'd certainly appreciate it. Thanks.

[dn7elson]

If someone could tell me how to get my image to display here, I'd certainly appreciate it. Thanks.

Just add the "before and " after the URL if the webhost where you have the image allows direct linking. I'm guessing that yours does not.

[rick barclay]

I was in the shower thinking about what might be wrong when I realized
I was trying to post an image of a thread instead of an image. Silly me.

[RbnDave]

Why must you torture me with your crisp images?

I am trying to be good and wait to purchase the 100-400 L. I really need to save my money so I can pay for a Boeing 737 type rating. You see, I am a pilot at US Airways Express and I am trying to get hired by Southwest Airlines. They require you to have a 737 type rating before getting hired and that costs about $8000. Buying a 100-400 will put me a couple months behind in my savings. I don't know why I look at this forum so much. You guys are a terrible influence. Should I squander my future on L glass?

[Belmondo]

L glass is your future.

[defordphoto]

Why must you torture me with your crisp images?

I am trying to be good and wait to purchase the 100-400 L. I really need to save my money so I can pay for a Boeing 737 type rating. You see, I am a pilot at US Airways Express and I am trying to get hired by Southwest Airlines. They require you to have a 737 type rating before getting hired and that costs about $8000. Buying a 100-400 will put me a couple months behind in my savings. I don't know why I look at this forum so much. You guys are a terrible influence. Should I squander my future on L glass?

8)

http://racefamily.racinglines.com/Galleries/2004/CCWS/img_8008_std.jpg

[Wickedfn4u]

Ok I picked up both today, (just to look at) the 100-400 and the Sigma 120-300mm 2.8. I am really leaning toward the 2.8 because I take a lot of sport shots year round and during the NW grey days I find the 5.6 wont cut it. If you had the 1800 burning a hole in your pocket what would you do? Also I own the 1.4 and 2x Sigmas for my 70-200 sig 2.8.

TC

[Scottes]

I really need to save my money so I can pay for a Boeing 737 type rating. You see, I am a pilot at US Airways Express and I am trying to get hired by Southwest Airlines. They require you to have a 737 type rating before getting hired and that costs about $8000. Buying a 100-400 will put me a couple months behind in my savings. I don't know why I look at this forum so much. You guys are a terrible influence. Should I squander my future on L glass?

Why worry about a better job? Even unemployment is bearable when you're happy.... :wink:

[defordphoto]

I've shot a ton of grey-day sports in our wonderful NW and would not trade the 100-400 for anything. Of course, I (also) have the 70-200L f/2.8 for backup too. ;)

This was a total grey-day shot last year:

http://racefamily.racinglines.com/Galleries/2003/CART/Portland/3_Day/img_4264_std.jpg

[Wickedfn4u]

But not being able to pan soccer and football... would you beable to use that for other than motorsports?

[defordphoto]

ChampCars are a bit faster than soccer players. ;)

I've shot soccer on grey-days too and I've had no problems, but like I said, I do have the faster lens as a backup when I need it and yes, I have needed it on late afternoon grey-days, but on an average grey-day I can still use the 100-400.

It's when the sports move inside when the 100-400 gets tossed. Love the 100-400 but it's definitely an outdoor lens.

And yes, you can pan 170mph cars on grey-days.

http://racefamily.racinglines.com/Galleries/2003/CART/Portland/3_Day/img_4234_std.jpg

[RbnDave]

RFM,

That last shot is amazing!

I might have no choice. This month, I am going to be overnighting in Whiteplains, NY 3 times which is only about 1 hour by commuter rail and subway from B and H photo. They aren't open on sundays are they? I will be there tomorrow.

Dave

[defordphoto]

You can always take the money you saved on the 100-400 and put it towards a 70-200 f/2.8! ;)

[Wickedfn4u]

Where these the GI 200 at PIR?

[defordphoto]

Where these the GI 200 at PIR?

Yes.

[Wickedfn4u]

Gosh I use to love to go to that. I use to work in the petroleum industry and Texaco always took me and we had full access. Now if I had those passes.

[DocFrankenstein]

I want to be close to those deer with my rem 700... :shock: camera :lol:

[photobuff]

Awesome race shots 8) I think I will go ahead and pick up that lense...been pondering the 100-400 L for the last 3 weeks but its hard to part with all that cash for a lense.....but, I want one bad so might as well just do it. The IRL is coming through Kansas City here in July and would be nice to post some of my results :D What camera body was used for those shots?
Also, is B&H grey market stuff? I have heard alot of things about the ads in the back of photography books. I definitely want a product I can get worked on here in the U.S., thats for sure.

Thanx,

Steve

[defordphoto]

My shots are with the 10D. Yes, it's a significant chunk of change to get the lens, but once you have it and use it all that concern fades away quickly.

B&H does sell grey market, but they are very clearly marked. B&H is also one of the, if not THE most reputable camera supplier in New York. We all buy a significant quantity of our equipment through B&H. You have no worries purchasing with them.

[dn7elson]

Also, is B&H grey market stuff? I have heard alot of things about the ads in the back of photography books. I definitely want a product I can get worked on here in the U.S., thats for sure.

B&H generally sells both grey market as well as USA items. The grey market items are labeled as "Imported" the USA items as "USA", both have links explaining what they are. They leave the choice as to which you would like up to you; they are happy to sell you either. :D

[where1]

I bought my 100-400L from B&H. No problems at all.
I have never had any problems with B&H. :)

[Belmondo]

1. As to the lens....I love mine (both of them). The range is extremely useful for my railroad photography; trains don't stand still. It's not quite as sharp as my 300mmm f4.0 or 400 f5.6, but it is still excellent. Nearly all of my favorite shots have been done with that lens.

2. B&H (and to a lesser degree Adorama) is without question the big dog of camera equipment. They are big, impersonal, generally efficient, with the best prices and inventory. Their success has been a magnet for the worst of the breed (the crooked dealers who tend to make us skeptical of dealing with all NY-area resellers).

3. I'm waiting for a definitive statement (from someone in a position to issue such opinions) as to what the ramifications are of buying grey-market merchandise that may someday require warranty repairs. I've heard several conflicting opinions, and frankly admit to being very confused on the subject. Usually the price differential on a single item is small enough that it's hard to justify buying 'grey', but over time, it would certainly add up.

[SDK^]

RFMSports - What shutter speed and focus mode did you use for that Indy Car panning shot ?

[adamsti]

I have bought a couple of grey "L" lenses from B&H. I am not worried at all. From what I have read the last few years, the general consensus is you will be hard pressed to get Nikon to fix anything that is grey market, while you will have virtually no trouble getting Canon to fix or service grey market items.

[defordphoto]

RFMSports - What shutter speed and focus mode did you use for that Indy Car panning shot ?

Actually that is a ChampCar, not an indy car. Anyway, the shutter was 1/250 and focus mode was AI Servo.

[SDK^]

RFMSports - What shutter speed and focus mode did you use for that Indy Car panning shot ?

Actually that is a ChampCar, not an indy car. Anyway, the shutter was 1/250 and focus mode was AI Servo.

hehe of course it is - Not thinking for a moment.
Thanks for the info :)

[defordphoto]

RFMSports - What shutter speed and focus mode did you use for that Indy Car panning shot ?

Actually that is a ChampCar, not an indy car. Anyway, the shutter was 1/250 and focus mode was AI Servo.

hehe of course it is - Not thinking for a moment.
Thanks for the info :)

Common error these days with the split. Normally I shoot about 1/500-1/1500.

[photobuff]

Yeah, my concern was warranty work, too....on grey market. When you get into the L lenses, I really dont care to eat a $1000++ lense if it develops a problem. But, someone told me that Canon is starting to relax on the import pieces, as far as honoring warranty work. Hope they would fix it.

Steve