Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM - AKA The Dust Pump

[qwalls]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2578448827_a77804b80e_b.jpg

[Andy Favors]

Very nice. How much cropping is this? And how close were you to the bird?

[qwalls]

Very nice. How much cropping is this? And how close were you to the bird?

Thanks. It was cropped from 10MP down to about 6MP (2833 x 2125) and it was taken at a zoo aviary, so I was pretty close, maybe 20-30ft

[rgfrison]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a271/rgfrison/1-3.jpg

[KenjiS]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_7944-Edit.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_7974.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_7994.jpg

[Candor]

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee117/mdavies_01/IMG_5775-1.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee117/mdavies_01/IMG_5737-2.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee117/mdavies_01/IMG_5627.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee117/mdavies_01/IMG_5791.jpg

[qwalls]

Beautiful shots Candor!

[Candor]

Thank you!

[GeneMan88]

Both photos shot with 100-400L mated to 1D MkI, all on a monopod

at 400mm, Av=f/5.6, Tv=1/60, ISO=400, no flash
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p979055437-5.jpg

at 400mm, Av=f/5.6, Tv=1/125, ISO=800, no flash, thru glass window
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p735198906-4.jpg

The IS on this lens really impresses me.

[qwalls]

The IS on this lens really impresses me.

That surprises me. Don't get me wrong, I own this lens and love it, but the IS is one of the earlier attempts by Canon, and it really isn't that great, especially compared to newer lenses.

[GeneMan88]

That surprises me. Don't get me wrong, I own this lens and love it, but the IS is one of the earlier attempts by Canon, and it really isn't that great, especially compared to newer lenses.

This my 2nd IS lens ever... my 1st being the 28-135 f/3.5-5.6, which I sold a long time ago. I'm used to trying to shoot in low light/not so good light conditions at times with my 70-200 f/4 + 1.4x extender, so having the IS has made a difference for me. I needed more reach, thus the 100-400 instead of getting the 70-200 f/4L IS. It may be an older IS system, but it still helps and at 400mm, I need all of the help I can get.

[KenjiS]

That surprises me. Don't get me wrong, I own this lens and love it, but the IS is one of the earlier attempts by Canon, and it really isn't that great, especially compared to newer lenses.

Its not terrible, I mean, i think it works good considering its age!

of course 4-stop IS would be better..

[qwalls]

This my 2nd IS lens ever... my 1st being the 28-135 f/3.5-5.6, which I sold a long time ago. I'm used to trying to shoot in low light/not so good light conditions at times with my 70-200 f/4 + 1.4x extender, so having the IS has made a difference for me. I needed more reach, thus the 100-400 instead of getting the 70-200 f/4L IS. It may be an older IS system, but it still helps and at 400mm, I need all of the help I can get.

OK, that makes more sense. The 1-2 stops you'd get with the IS compared to the 98-280mm F/5.6 :) would definitely have you liking it a lot more.

[qwalls]

Its not terrible, I mean, i think it works good considering its age!

of course 4-stop IS would be better..

4-stop IS in this lens would be AWESOME! I'm still waiting for Canon's update.

[Goincarcrazy]

I don't even know that I'd go for the update...yeah, 4 stop IS would be sweet for something like long, and would definitely make the handholdability MUCH easier, but I know that if they drop the 4 stop IS into it and possibly improve the optics a bit, say to make it a 4.0-5.6 rather than a 4.5-5.6, the price would hike up around the 2K range and paying $1100 for this one killed me enough as it was, so I guess it all depends on the "upgrades" to the lens.

[KenjiS]

I don't even know that I'd go for the update...yeah, 4 stop IS would be sweet for something like long, and would definitely make the handholdability MUCH easier, but I know that if they drop the 4 stop IS into it and possibly improve the optics a bit, say to make it a 4.0-5.6 rather than a 4.5-5.6, the price would hike up around the 2K range and paying $1100 for this one killed me enough as it was, so I guess it all depends on the "upgrades" to the lens.


They could just make it a constant f/5.6L...

[KenjiS]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8058-Edit.jpg

^- hows that, shot against a pretty hard backlight..

[Sydor25]

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/_S1T3114.jpg

[LordBrian]

http://www.depicus.com/images/450d/img_0530.jpg

http://www.depicus.com/images/450d/img_0655.jpg

http://www.depicus.com/images/450d/img_0656.jpg

http://www.depicus.com/images/450d/img_0657.jpg

[Madweasel]

Good shots. I'm surprised to see the youngster already in adult plumage.

[neil_r]

It shoots non wildlife too ;-)

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/BRSCC_Mallory_April_2009_NHR5670.jpg

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/BRSCC_Mallory_April_2009_NHR5723.jpg

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/BRSCC_Mallory_April_2009_NHR7013.jpg

[Andy Favors]

It shoots non wildlife too ;-)

I was wondering about that :D

[Madweasel]

Here's another non-wildlife shot (though I must admit that's what I use it for most).

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1-5833aweb.jpg

[Jacobredphoto]

I'm renting this lens soon. Any tips for a first time L shooter?

[tonylong]

First, make sure you set your focus distance limiter to your needed range. If you set it to the widest range (1.8M->infinity) but are typically shooting long, the lens will hunt much more. If shooting long, use the 6.5M->infinity setting. It'll make a big difference.

Second, check your IS settings. It has settings for IS On/Off, but also for Stabilizer Mode 1/2 -- 1 is for normal use, hand-held or with a monopod, 2 is for panning, where if you are moving smoothly in a certain direction and the lens picks that up and only stabilizes in the opposite direction. In practice I don't often shoot in Mode 2, but if I'm doing a shoot which involves that type of panning, like planes and automobiles, I try to turn it on.

It's recommended that you turn IS off when shooting with the tripod. I typically don't use this lens with a tripod, but when I do I try to remember to turn the IS off.

Third is using Full Time Manual (FTM). This lens allows you to manually focus when AF is in the On switch, which means you can manually adjust focus even when the shutter button is half pressed. The upside is that you can half press your AF button (or press an assigned rear AF button) then use the Focus Ring to fine tune the focus. The downside is that if you half press the shutter button for focus lock then release it, then fine-tune with the focus ring, then press the shutter button it will redo AF. You have to keep the shutter button half-pressed as you fine tune, then press it all the way. This setting is most useful in One Shot AF, or at least with stationary objects. It helps if you're using rear button focus as well, since the shutter button won't AF.

If the tripod collar is attached and you are shooting hand-held, just swing the tripod collar up vertically and lock it and it will be out of your way.

Work a bit with your zooming resistance ring. Too loose and it will slide in and out when you least want it to, too tight and it will be too hard to zoom. And, make sure that when you pull it in for mobility that you tighten the ring to prevent it from sliding out when you are walking, climbing, etc.

It's a long lens, so getting critically sharp shots will require fast shutter speeds and good technique. If you are shooting hand-held or with a monopod, you will want to learn to keep your shots as stable as possible, and this can take some practice and can lead to some disappointments. My advice is to get a feel of the lens and your results before you go out to the field, work on your technique, and to set your camera to continuous shooting and do short bursts (just two or at the most three shots in a burst) to avoid the tendence to "rush off" a shot, only to have it soft from the "rushing".

If using a TC, the above becomes quite critical, your disappointments will pretty much double. And, you lose MF unless you are shooting with a 1 series body. With a 1 series body only the 1.4x TC will give you AF at 400mm, (at f/1.8) and that only at the center point (so you can't use all points for AI Servo tracking). I'd advise only using a 1.4 TC with this lens.

[Jacobredphoto]

Thank you SO much Tony for the bundle of information. I had a feeling it would take some getting used to, so I rented it to where I would have about 7 days to get used to it before I have to take it to San Diego for my trip. I won't be using any teleconverters with this lens so no worries for that. Quick question for you though. What is your average shutter speed for the 100mm mark and the 400mm mark?

[tonylong]

Thank you SO much Tony for the bundle of information. I had a feeling it would take some getting used to, so I rented it to where I would have about 7 days to get used to it before I have to take it to San Diego for my trip. I won't be using any teleconverters with this lens so no worries for that. Quick question for you though. What is your average shutter speed for the 100mm mark and the 400mm mark?

I use this lens for my main wildlife lens (because I had to sell my 300 f/2.8 IS:( and I'm not at this point able to buy a much desired 500 or 600).

Anyway, I shoot in all kinds of less-than-desireable light, high ISOs, wide apertures, etc, and somtimes I'm fortunate if I can get consisten speeds of above 1/400 or 1/500. But of course for shooting hand-held you want to be at higher speeds, although the IS helps.

Just a couple days ago, I was shooting ducks with the 1.4 TC on, so at 560mm, and was shooting at f/11, ISO 800, 1/400 shutter speed, and still managed to get usable shots using a monopod. You work with what you got!

[pixelbasher]

It shoots non wildlife too :wink:

Sure does!
In fact I haven't even really gone wildlife hunting with it apart from a trip to the zoo (which doesn't really count I guess)

I'm off to the nitro drags this coming weekend, should be a lot of fun as long as I don't get pinged for having too much lens in the place :rolleyes: Having said that I actually may have too much zoom inside! I'll have to remember to get back off the wall!

That is what I have found I'm still getting used to. Shooting with 400mm is still new to me so I find myself getting too close. this shot below shows just that. I clipped one wing off, so I had to crop it down to make it a different shot to what I wanted. Still works I guess as it closes in on the pilots better

[tonylong]

Shooting with 400mm is still new to me so I find myself getting too close. this shot below shows just that. I clipped one wing off, so I had to crop it down to make it a different shot to what I wanted. Still works I guess as it closes in on the pilots better

Actually, I'd consider more than one lens at hand. In fact, I use a 70-200 any time I can (in other words for closer stuff) because to me it handles better. But I know that a lot of air show shooters use a wider lens as well as the 100-400.

Are you saying you shot that at 100 and it was still that long, or that you weren't able to get the zoom backed off in time? The push-pull lens does take some getting used to, you can pull that sucker back than it would take for an electronic zoom to go from 400-100.

[funhouse69]

I've been able to shoot the drags here and in Las Vegas with my 24-105... I found that anything longer was too long and I was in the stands pretty far away.

[Techuser]

Does anyone knows how its quality with a 1.4TC compares to a bare bigmos?

[LordBrian]

Good shots. I'm surprised to see the youngster already in adult plumage.

Hi Mark,

The Robin being fed has a broken leg and I have been watching it for 3 months so I think it was an adult. He normally feeds itself but now looks like he has a mate to help him :)

[John_TX]

Hi Mark,

The Robin being fed has a broken leg and I have been watching it for 3 months so I think it was an adult. He normally feeds itself but now looks like he has a mate to help him :)

Poor little guy. Must have had a hard landing on a pitching deck!

[Overkill]

Does anyone knows how its quality with a 1.4TC compares to a bare bigmos?


I used the 100-400 with the Kenko 1.4TC Pro300DG. I have tapes the first two contacts for autofocus.

The IQ is not superb.... With Hight Contrast (much light) the autofocus can track the subject en from F8 the IQ can be acceptable.... (dont crop the picture because you will be dissapointed)!

[pixelbasher]

Actually, I'd consider more than one lens at hand. In fact, I use a 70-200 any time I can (in other words for closer stuff) because to me it handles better. But I know that a lot of air show shooters use a wider lens as well as the 100-400.

Are you saying you shot that at 100 and it was still that long, or that you weren't able to get the zoom backed off in time? The push-pull lens does take some getting used to, you can pull that sucker back than it would take for an electronic zoom to go from 400-100.

No, I just blew it! I clipped about 10% of one of the tips, so I cropped it tight to get something from it. It was shot at 400 as I was trying to get nice and close, but I got carried away with the clicking and let it get out of frame. I needed to slide it back gradually to give me more space, or at least get it in the center.....user error.
What I meant earlier was as I have not had this sort of reach before, I never got too close or filled the frame enough to cut bits off! Now I can get nice and close it's a whole new ball game, and sure tests my framing skills.

As I mentioned in an earlier post I really like the zoom as it is so fast, but what I didn't mention is I find the downside of that is I sometimes go either too close or too far back, or overshoot the range. That is total ham user error though. I definitely had to get back to shoot the sole 737 that came in, but I knew that so I was prepared.

Yes, I would really love a 70-200 as well, but it was one or the other at decision time, and the 100-400 won out because I really wanted the extra reach. I am glad overall I went this way as most of my shots have been over 200. I also do a fair bit of remote control planes too, those suckers get very small very quick! and at most fields they don't like you getting to close to the flightline for safety, so the 400 is a help big time.

Basically I just need to get better! I am the weak link in my gear.

[tonylong]

Yeah, 400mm is good for remote control planes:)!

[keith breazeal]

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/A-10ThunderboltIIDiving.jpg

[BrantG]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3481065723_3b7dc73ca7_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3481259548_ae7c9f32e4_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3481056831_f71b4abc34_b.jpg

[keith breazeal]

The 100-400L IS USM has been my lens of choice when shooting at airshows. While not the sharpest or fastest of Canon lenses, it's one of the most versatile. I started shooting stills last June and love it. My primary mission at airshows is video. Watching and learning from new found photography friends, the 100-400 seems the most popular. Those that are using the "big guns" can get awesome shots, but when the action gets close or big, they lose the shot.(crop failure) The skill behind the lenses is what really makes the difference. As long as there is good lighting, the "pump me up" lens is a great choice.
Large or small aircraft are a given for advantages, but people crop up as subjects also. It's a fast and versatile lens. It will hold it's wreight on really long shots.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/Kentinverted.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/IMG_1908.jpg

Chuck Yeager and Clark Cook

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/ChuckYeagerandClarkCookatBeale.jpg

really long shot: U-2 at 70,000 feet and dumping fuel (heavilly cropped)

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/U-2at70000ft.jpg

[KenjiS]

^- love the one of the U2 man....

I cant decide between these three, Which are also a testament to how good IS on this lens is:

1/60 at f/8, ISO800

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8206-Edit.jpg

1/80 at f/8, ISO800

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8212-Edit.jpg

1/80 at f/8 ISO800

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8213-Edit.jpg

And something I got to practice panning on:

1/125 at f/8 ISO800

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8228-Edit.jpg

[keith breazeal]

Here's another U-2 with moon...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/U2takeoffandmoon.jpg

and these were shot between aircraft flying...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/Beale2009Fri2116.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/Beale2009Fri2343a.jpg

I like this lens :)

[Goincarcrazy]

Since we're talking about it being an airshow lens, here's two more of the legacy flight at the airshow.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3472637622_83b3caab58_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3472637550_2c14c59c5a_b.jpg

[Jacobredphoto]

Can someone take a few measurements of the lens for me? I would like the length of:
1) The lens extended fully to 400mm w/o hood.
2) The lens extended fully w/hood.
3) The lens fully retracted w/hood and w/o hood.

Thanks to ANYONE who can help me out.

[keith breazeal]

SWEET!!!! :)

[keith breazeal]

The ability to rapidly frame is the cool thing...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/ViperWestF-16andF-86USAFHeritageFli.jpg

[KenjiS]

The ability to rapidly frame is the cool thing...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/ViperWestF-16andF-86USAFHeritageFli.jpg

Very cool

[RAW-Shooter]

Can someone take a few measurements of the lens for me? I would like the length of:
1) The lens extended fully to 400mm w/o hood.
2) The lens extended fully w/hood.
3) The lens fully retracted w/hood and w/o hood.

Thanks to ANYONE who can help me out.

Check the Canon web site. This lens does not change length at all i.e. it does not extend like consumer lens do.

HTH

[KenjiS]

Check the Canon web site. This lens does not change length at all i.e. it does not extend like consumer lens do.

HTH

Uhm...Yes..yes it does..when you zoom it

[Jacobredphoto]

Wow, major brain outage. Will do, I could have sworn this lens extended, LOL.

[John_TX]

Check the Canon web site. This lens does not change length at all i.e. it does not extend like consumer lens do.

HTH

Maybe the one's you've seen have erectile dysfunction! Mine extends! :lol:

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/canon_100-400is/compare_extended.jpg

[Jacobredphoto]

LMAO, glad I wasn't completely insane!

[Goincarcrazy]

I was gonna say! I gotta admit, I like the extension cause people rush over to see what it is and ask about it when it's retracted, then you extend it and they almost fall over. Fun stuff this lens! Good for a multitude of shots AND showing off!

[funhouse69]

I was gonna say! I gotta admit, I like the extension cause people rush over to see what it is and ask about it when it's retracted, then you extend it and they almost fall over. Fun stuff this lens! Good for a multitude of shots AND showing off!


Its funny you say that, I when I took my first few shots with my lens last week I had a woman ask me what the heck it was. She was shooting some massive black lens. I don't even know what the heck it was. Probably a Nikon something or other.

Interestingly enough I never asked her what she was shooting with :-)

[John_TX]

...Interestingly enough I never asked her what she was shooting with :-)

Oh, I see, you're one of those Canon snobs! :p
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ME TOO! :mrgreen:

[funhouse69]

Never really thought I was, maybe I am and didn't know it :-)

[keith breazeal]

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/A-10knifeedgepassBeale2009.jpg

[KenjiS]

Any of you guys ever feel your 100-400 isnt long enough?

Looking at the cropping I've been doing, I've been feeling that...

Ah well..maybe time to invest in a t-con...

[tonylong]

Any of you guys ever feel your 100-400 isnt long enough?

Looking at the cropping I've been doing, I've been feeling that...

Ah well..maybe time to invest in a t-con...

Heh! Yeah, buy a 1.4x TC, 'cause there's never enough reach, but I would really hesitate to use a 2x...I will patiently wait until I can afford a 500 or 600.

Even the 1.4x TC makes it more difficult to get great shots, but it'll wet your whistle!

[KenjiS]

Heh! Yeah, buy a 1.4x TC, 'cause there's never enough reach, but I would really hesitate to use a 2x...I will patiently wait until I can afford a 500 or 600.

Even the 1.4x TC makes it more difficult to get great shots, but it'll wet your whistle!

Yeh, I'd avoid the 2x completely, but I've seen some people say the 1.4x + 100-400 is better than the 150-500 BigmOS....

I mean it cant be worse than the amount of cropping I've done lately..but regardless..I might just hold off till I get a body with better AF...unless it AFs well with a Kenko 1.4x?

[FlyingPhotog]

The occasional "lack of reach" is exactly why I went with the 300 + TCs...

Starting at a "naked" 300mm on a 5D and moving all the way out to (effective) 960mm with the 2X on a 40D, there's a lot of different possible native and effective focal lengths to be had accross three bodies (5D, MkIII and 40D)

[tonylong]

Actually, I've been using the Kenko 1.4x since I loaned my Canon to my daughter, and I think it works fine. You just have to get used to using it in MF if you don't have a 1.3 body, and working with a longer focal length that will challenge you even with IS. You'll get more disappointments, but you may feel it's worth it when you get real keepers.

That being said, I think there's a point at which you just want longer glass of the highest quality.

[KenjiS]

Actually, I've been using the Kenko 1.4x since I loaned my Canon to my daughter, and I think it works fine. You just have to get used to using it in MF if you don't have a 1.3 body, and working with a longer focal length that will challenge you even with IS. You'll get more disappointments, but you may feel it's worth it when you get real keepers.

That being said, I think there's a point at which you just want longer glass of the highest quality.

This is true, but for now, I'm budgeted out of getting anything too much longer..

Ah well...For now, patience...and maybe trying to get closer to some subjects instead of getting longer glass...

[pixelbasher]

I had the same thought just then as i was converting this sparrow shot I just took. I was only mucking around out the back and he landed right in front of me.
I don't know how you wildlife guys get away with 400 short of shooting elephants! I shot this sparrow, yes a small bird, but I was only 3 meters away and still did a slight crop!
Not the sharpest shot as either he was moving or I was (i'd say I was) it is overcast and I had to have it at 5.6 at 1/400 @ ISO 800. And it was still a little underexposed. I had to go +.3 in DPP.
They are quick little buggers! flitting around everywhere. I certainly appreciate more and more those razor sharp bird shots taken in less than ideal light by you guys.

[KenjiS]

I had the same thought just then as i was converting this sparrow shot I just took. I was only mucking around out the back and he landed right in front of me.
I don't know how you wildlife guys get away with 400 short of shooting elephants! I shot this sparrow, yes a small bird, but I was only 3 meters away and still did a slight crop!
Not the sharpest shot as either he was moving or I was (i'd say I was) it is overcast and I had to have it at 5.6 at 1/400 @ ISO 800. And it was still a little underexposed. I had to go +.3 in DPP.
They are quick little buggers! flitting around everywhere. I certainly appreciate more and more those razor sharp bird shots taken in less than ideal light by you guys.

Sparrows are a bitch..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8212-Edit.jpg

My only complaint with this 100-400 is just I am SO used to not even -thinking- about the background with a telephoto, I'm used to my old 200mm f/2.8 background annhilator....

[keith breazeal]

I don't use my 1.4 converter much. I would rather have the shutter speed or f stop, then crop a bit.
Here's the original uncropped A-10 shot above, then a tight crop example.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/IMG_4416.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/A-10crop.jpg

[RAW-Shooter]

Check the Canon web site. This lens does not change length at all i.e. it does not extend like consumer lens do.
HTH

Uhm...Yes..yes it does..when you zoom it


Argh...major checksum error in main memory. Please delete my statement and hit my reboot button...:oops:

[egordon99]

:lol:

I find I have to reboot myself every night, or else I'm in a world of hurt the next day.....

(also need to reboot my Blackberry ;) )

Argh...major checksum error in main memory. Please delete my statement and hit my reboot button...:oops:

[egordon99]

Some critters - "Pennsylvania style"

http://blog.evangordon.com/__oneclick_uploads/2008/07/img_2456.jpg

http://blog.evangordon.com/__oneclick_uploads/2008/06/img_0632.jpg

http://blog.evangordon.com/__oneclick_uploads/2008/06/img_0646.jpg

[egordon99]

http://blog.evangordon.com/__oneclick_uploads/2008/07/img_1928.jpg

http://blog.evangordon.com/__oneclick_uploads/2008/07/img_1959.jpg

http://blog.evangordon.com/__oneclick_uploads/2008/07/img_1927.jpg

[Jacobredphoto]

The 100-400 is long enough for some good photographs at the San Diego Zoo, right? This thread really does not help anyone out when your waiting for this lens, haha. Do you guys crop for the plane shots?

[egordon99]

Hey Jacob! I think it would be FINE for most zoos. I have yet to go to a real "zoo" with mine, but it works fine at local animal farm (they have pigs, goats, a few foxes, turkeys, etc...). Last time I went to the Philly zoo, I had a 70-300 and that was more or less fine, so I can NOT wait to hit the zoo with the 100-400L.

My plane shot above was cropped a bit if I recall correctly. I had no idea what kind of plane it was until I got home and "zoomed" in on it in Photoshop. I didn't even really mean to take the shot, I was trying to shoot birds/deer (my first outing with the lens last summer), and I saw the plane overhead, so I pretty much just "pointed and shooted" :lol:

[Goincarcrazy]

The 100-400 is long enough for some good photographs at the San Diego Zoo, right? This thread really does not help anyone out when your waiting for this lens, haha. Do you guys crop for the plane shots?

Yeah, the 100-400L is great for zoos! Check my flickr for some zoo shots. As far as the plane shots, I more or less only crop them to get the composition a bit better or something like that since I'm not quite skilled enough to get them where I want them every time.

[BrantG]

The 100-400 is long enough for some good photographs at the San Diego Zoo, right? This thread really does not help anyone out when your waiting for this lens, haha. Do you guys crop for the plane shots?

This is a great lens for zoos. For planes, it depends on how close the planes are when they are shot. But for the most part, I crop mine if more for framing purposes.

[Jacobredphoto]

Thank you all for the speedy response. Sounds and looks like I made a great decision! Goincarcrazy, those are some great zoo photographs! Glad to see you can get nice and tight on the larger animals like the Leopard!

[KenjiS]

I don't use my 1.4 converter much. I would rather have the shutter speed or f stop, then crop a bit.
Here's the original uncropped A-10 shot above, then a tight crop example.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/IMG_4416.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/A-10crop.jpg

Ah but you're using a 40D :) You have less problems with noise than i do!

[keith breazeal]

That was a jpeg. What results do you get in raw? I don't have photoshop, just digital image pro 9. When I crop, I re-size the image from 72 dpi to 300 dpi. I do all the adjustments, then back down to 72. Most of my work is for my web site, so I shoot mostly in jpeg.

[Goincarcrazy]

Raw helps LOADS when dealing with a super bright day. I used to use DPP before I got PS and the camera raw that came with it, and I was quite happy with the ability to manipulate RAW images a bit, especially the ability to up the contrast on bright days with grey planes...

[KenjiS]

Raw helps LOAD when dealing with a super bright day. I used to use DPP before I got PS and the camera raw that came with it, and I was quite happy with the ability to manipulate RAW images a bit, especially the ability to up the contrast on bright days with grey planes...


I really ought to start using DPP, i heard its a pretty capable editing program...especially for noise reduction and sharpening

Given 90% of the time im not -entirely- sure what Lightroom is doing by default when it imports my images...just that its generally all good

[Madweasel]

Can someone take a few measurements of the lens for me? I would like the length of:
1) The lens extended fully to 400mm w/o hood.
2) The lens extended fully w/hood.
3) The lens fully retracted w/hood and w/o hood.

Thanks to ANYONE who can help me out.
Since no-one's answered this yet:
1) 11 inches
2) 14.5 inches
3) 11.5 inches and 8 inches.
These I measured with the rear cap on, to make it easier for me. Take off about 3/8 inch if you want the figure without, or 5/8 to get the length from the camera mount. I assumed inches would be the preferred unit if you're in US.

[In2Photos]

Too much chit chat, let's get back to images please.

[egordon99]

Who likes squirrels? :)

361250

[egordon99]

Woof woof!

361251

[Goincarcrazy]

okie doke. I can't remember if I posted this one or not (don't think I did), but it's my first ever shot taken with this lens (taken in the parking lot of where I met the guy to make the transaction). I'll never forget the oddness of the push/pull, but it's easy to get used to.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2838473170_519cb4f565_b.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

Too much chit chat, let's get back to images please.

...so let it be done:

From RMNP in Colorado:
http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/103195438/original.jpg

40D + 100-400 .. 1/350 @ f/5.6 ISO 100

[Jacobredphoto]

Since no-one's answered this yet:
1) 11 inches
2) 14.5 inches
3) 11.5 inches and 8 inches.
These I measured with the rear cap on, to make it easier for me. Take off about 3/8 inch if you want the figure without, or 5/8 to get the length from the camera mount. I assumed inches would be the preferred unit if you're in US.

Thank you SO much. Looks like it's going to be in impressive lens when fully extended!

Mike, sorry. I'll be sure to post some photographs when I get the lens :).

[DragonSpeed]

http://www.fotothing.com/photos/176/176394705a1909d54e2a30debc2df051_770.jpg

[50D Newbe]

Just the words "Dust Pump" scare me.....

[LordBrian]

Just the words "Dust Pump" scare me.....

Don't let it, I have been in some awful places where other lens would just not be safe but this lens has never been a problem. Several years ago when the lens came out there may have been a few quality issues but not now.

I have to say I treat my lens like s**t but have never had a dust issue. It's often left out in the garden all day and taken to dirt tracks. I give it a quick blow over once in a blue moon and carry on.

[tonylong]

DragonSpeed, that's a flat-out beautiful shot. WOW. Did you use a flash for this?

50D Newbie,

Don't worry about the noise, unless you are "anal", because it won't affect your shots, and it's just like any other lens that extends/retracts, including some L lenses. This lens is a great too. -- check out the shots here!

[DragonSpeed]

DragonSpeed, that's a flat-out beautiful shot. WOW. Did you use a flash for this?


Thanks! No flash. I overexposed by 1/3 stop since s/he was in the shadows a bit.

The EXIF is embedded in the image for all the techinical goodness.

[KenjiS]

DragonSpeed, that's a flat-out beautiful shot. WOW. Did you use a flash for this?

50D Newbie,

Don't worry about the noise, unless you are "anal", because it won't affect your shots, and it's just like any other lens that extends/retracts, including some L lenses. This lens is a great too. -- check out the shots here!

Seconded...

I've had no dust issues with mine and i bought it used

[JeffreyVB]

Langley AFB Air Show April 24-16.

This one is going on my wall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/onenictoy/Langley09/_V0I0038.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/onenictoy/Langley09/_V0I1124.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/onenictoy/Langley09/_V0I0638.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/onenictoy/Langley09/_V0I0127.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/onenictoy/Langley09/_V0I1602.jpg

[KenjiS]

^- Nice nice shots

I just tried shooting a neighbor's RC car out my window with my 100-400..

Banged my elbows against the wall a few times...

Trying to nail those little bastards is a pain! Especially while trying to get some motion blur [or to get the wheels blurred]

[Broomer]

One from me.. no flash.

[Andy Favors]

Just ordered mine early this morning from B&H. Waited for the instant $100 off. Now it's the impatient waiting game for it to get here.

[KenjiS]

Just ordered mine early this morning from B&H. Waited for the instant $100 off. Now it's the impatient waiting game for it to get here.

Tell me about it!

I paid more for my used one a month ago than what a new one is going for now :(

[Madweasel]

Tell me about it!

I paid more for my used one a month ago than what a new one is going for now :(
At least you got a month's use of the lens for the extra money!

[John_TX]

Tell me about it!

I paid more for my used one a month ago than what a new one is going for now :(

Yeah, I got mine in my Gold Box on Amazon about a month ago for about the same price it is today after the rebate. I could have saved a little more by waiting until the rebates AND waiting until it was back in my Goldbox, but seeing as lenses haven't been in stock at a lot of places and that I need the lens all of next week, why chance it!

Unless Canon has been holding back supply over the past two months, I can only see the lens shortage getting worse now that the rebates have started (it will significantly increase demand).

[John_TX]

BTW, I JUST checked Amazon and they list this lens as shipping in 2-4 weeks! Yikes, yeah, I would have been screwed trying to wait, and even a 1-week rental would have cost way more than what I would have saved by waiting around for the rebates!

[Andy Favors]

It's been saying that for at least 24 hours. Which is why I had to go to B&H

[Andy Favors]

Which it is still in stock at B&H for $1360

[John_TX]

Which it is still in stock at B&H for $1360

That's good to hear. I also jumped the gun before the rebates after seeing Abes & Canoga raise their prices to ~$1650 earlier this month (they still are basing rebate prices off that $1650 figure). Also Dell raised it to $1558.

[Madweasel]

Back to the pictures:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1-6017.jpg

[stonyzmom]

I love this lens.......

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3773/1of16.jpg

[funhouse69]

I ordered mine from Amazon on 4/16, I e-mailed them asking how I can get the rebate and they told me I would have to return it and reorder it. They no longer offer price protection as of September 2008. For $100 it seems like it might be worth it.

[Andy Favors]

unless it's a super sharp copy, and then it wouldn't be worth the risk of losing it

[funhouse69]

unless it's a super sharp copy, and then it wouldn't be worth the risk of losing it

I haven't had enough time to know for sure but I think it is pretty good. Hopefully I will know for sure this week.

[KenjiS]

At least you got a month's use of the lens for the extra money!

Its true, and i certainly dont regret my decision, I love MY 100-400, I have a GOOD copy from what I can tell.. [Anyone here want to confirm/deny that?]

[KenjiS]

I love this lens.......

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3773/1of16.jpg

Did you sharpen this? And how much did you crop it? just looks a little soft to me no offense >.<

[Andy Favors]

I thought it looked quite soft also.

[pixelbasher]

I made it to the top fuel drags on the weekend....Then next day went out to a local flying field.
Apologies for the too tight crop on the RC plane, I posted it on another forum and they only have a 100K limit and didn't want to lose too much detail. Even at 150K this one had to be compressed to 55% in PS.

[stonyzmom]

Better? I did not sharpen the first pic at all and it is heavily cropped. Funny...after I posted it I went back and it looked soft to me, too.


http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2862/birds1of3s.jpg

Here are some other shots from my backyard yesterday. I never knew these doves were this pretty.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7899/birds2of3.jpg


http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7619/birds3of3.jpg

[KenjiS]

^- Much better

Great work!

[40Driggs]

Did you sharpen this? And how much did you crop it? just looks a little soft to me no offense >.<

I think the focus might have missed just a bit. The bird probably moved or something. It appears to be focused on the bottom left of the bird.

[Scout7id]

Here's some birds that I captured with my 40D and 100-400L

http://www.coastposters.com/img/v8/p384427011-4.jpg

http://www.coastposters.com/img/v5/p416692392-4.jpg

http://www.coastposters.com/img/v8/p491993121-4.jpg

http://www.coastposters.com/img/v4/p737103794-4.jpg

I love the metal birds!

[keith breazeal]

Awesome P-38 shot!

[keith breazeal]

bird with a case of the vapors...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/CF18shochwaveandshadowSalinas2008Fr.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

I've always been amused that the P-38 always looks bent one way or the other in most pics. Great shots, all of them!

[Andy Favors]

woohoo! My 100-400 shipped out today, :D I can't wait.

[KenjiS]

Whew..just got done weeding through and processing the 400-something photos I took last week..

And I have another 300-something in the camera...

Anyways...I got a bird in flight, but I think [And I want to verify here] I got motion blur...

EOS 30D, ISO800, f/8, 1/400

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8272-Edit.jpg

EOS 30D, ISO800, f/8, 1/400

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8408-Edit.jpg

And I cant decide which of these three is best..opinions?

EOS 30D, ISO800, f/8, 1/500

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8426-Edit.jpg

EOS 30D, ISO800, f/8, 1/500

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8453-Edit.jpg

EOS 30D ISO800, f/8, 1/500

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/scifiguy1012/Photography/IMG_8464-Edit.jpg

[tonylong]

Kenji, the BIF shot is a bit soft, hey, that's what you get when you go chasing these things. Having your camera on Continuous mode helps. You have a better chance of getting crisp shots.

Your other shots are very nice!

[tonylong]

Yesterday I made a first visit to a "forest/swamp" preserve in my town. There were very few birds...I was packing a 1D3 with the 100-400 and a 1.4x TC mounted on it, and I found myself shooting flowers most of the time. No complaints, I haven't processed the pictures yet, but I think I actually have some keepers, with a couple birds in there as well...:)!

[KenjiS]

Kenji, the BIF shot is a bit soft, hey, that's what you get when you go chasing these things. Having your camera on Continuous mode helps. You have a better chance of getting crisp shots.

Your other shots are very nice!

It was! The others were completely OOF, by the time I nailed it..well you see that black/dark portion along the lower left? Thats a gazebo I ran face first into trying to keep up with the bloody thing..

Ah well thankfully it does hang around here often, I know spots to go to to get it if I can get some decent light...

[tonylong]

Heh! Isn't it fun doing that stuff for a hobby? Or, we could just sit at home watching TV and doing crossword puzzles:)!

This year I've been pretty determined to do all my birding with the 100/400 and 1.4xTC combo. This is a challenge. Not only is it hard to get stuff in good sharp focus but it's hard to get stuff at all. It doesn't help that you are shooting at apertures of f/8 and smaller -- your shutter speeds hurt and you are pretty much at ISO 1600 and larger.

[KenjiS]

Heh! Isn't it fun doing that stuff for a hobby? Or, we could just sit at home watching TV and doing crossword puzzles:)!

This year I've been pretty determined to do all my birding with the 100/400 and 1.4xTC combo. This is a challenge. Not only is it hard to get stuff in good sharp focus but it's hard to get stuff at all. It doesn't help that you are shooting at apertures of f/8 and smaller -- your shutter speeds hurt and you are pretty much at ISO 1600 and larger.

Yeh my 30D cant do 1600 reliably :( Sadly...and the AF isnt the greatest..the buffer fills QUICK and takes what feels like an eternity to empty...I have very little cropping leeway...etc...

The 100-400 has made me WANT a new body more than anything else because for how I've used it it exposes the 30Ds big faults in this day and age

[tonylong]

Yeah, careful, Kenji -- you are embarking on a path fraught with danger! I had the 30D and got the 100-400, all for birding, and all it did was feed the insatiable desire:)!

Actually, it's a great combo, especially when you have decent light. I tend to be out there in not-so-good light, so moving to the 1D3 made things work for me. But when you are out chasing critters, there is really never enough, both for reach and for performance.

[KenjiS]

Yeah, careful, Kenji -- you are embarking on a path fraught with danger! I had the 30D and got the 100-400, all for birding, and all it did was feed the insatiable desire:)!

Actually, it's a great combo, especially when you have decent light. I tend to be out there in not-so-good light, so moving to the 1D3 made things work for me. But when you are out chasing critters, there is really never enough, both for reach and for performance.

Oh no doubt the 30D is a capable body and everything..

I'm debating hard, either going for the 60D or I'm going all out and getting a 1DIII....

[John_TX]

Oh no doubt the 30D is a capable body and everything..

I'm debating hard, either going for the 60D or I'm going all out and getting a 1DIII....

I'm thinking the 1DIII is going to win this one!
1.3x crop factor + ability to focus with 1.4x TC seems like a nice setup if your looking for reach on a budget.
I think the 1D4will be the ultimate birder body though. I suspect they'll really ramp up the MP's on it, giving a huge amount of room for cropping.
Speed? Ha! The thing will probably sound like a Gatling gun!

[neil_r]

Great for candids

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Delhi_May_09_NHR7380.jpg

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/large/Delhi_May_09_NHR7288.jpg

[Andy Favors]

B&H jumped the price up to 1500 before rebate on this lens today. Glad I ordered when I did. I got it for 1460 before rebate. What a bargain, haha.

[John_TX]

B&H jumped the price up to 1500 before rebate on this lens today. Glad I ordered when I did. I got it for 1460 before rebate. What a bargain, haha.

Wow, that's pretty ****ty!

[tonylong]

I had another outing using the 100-400 with the 1.4x TC on my 1DM3, mounted on a monopod. The conditions were pretty poor -- most of the time in a dimly lit forest where I was mainly shooting little spring flowers, finally coming out late in the day and I found a dove. Shooting flowers in bad light with that combo can actually be pretty difficult, definitely harder than shooting with a tripod and shorter lens, especially with shutter speed slower than 1/100"!

All the above meant that none of these are as sharp as you would get with the naked lens in good light, but I've been pushing myself with this setup because I need all the reach I can get, so I hope you all appreciate my feeble attempts, and can get a feel of what you can get with this type of rig.

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/112228170/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/112228164/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/112228167/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/112228321/original.jpg

[KenjiS]

Looks pretty good to me :)

Did you apply any sharpening?

[tonylong]

Looks pretty good to me :)

Did you apply any sharpening?

Thanks!

I apply sharpening of about 100 in most of my images. I shot the dove at ISO 1600 and applied some Lightroom noise reduction as well.

[nath_400d]

I hired one of these lenses a few months back really enjoyed the pump action and found it quite easy to hand hold. The day was overcast with abit of rain but i managed to get a few good shots for my first time using the lens.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3506526681_6aacd79e60_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3506526621_fc72ee8409_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3506526993_8557d59482_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3507335576_338cc97002_o.jpg

the first 3 shots have been sharpened slightly and the last shot has been cropped with a sharpen. Pitty the sun wasnt out more that day would have loved to have seen the difference.

[tonylong]

Sweet shots nath! It looks like you've got some good skills for that kind of action!

[John_TX]

The Canon 2x TC came in today and wow, talk about REACH!
Obviously, at f/11, it's manual focus only, but 800mm is 800mm! :p
For kicks, I also slapped on a Canon 1.4x TC + 2x TC + 100-400 and wow!

A true 1,120mm lens (1,792mm on a 1.6x crop body).

I'm not sure how useful such a combination will be, but hey, I'm getting pretty accurate manually focusing the 100-400, so if lighting is good, maybe I'll pick up a couple of keepers every once in awhile.

With live view and a tripod, I think this should work decent for observational wildlife photography in good light.

We'll see if the extra reach comes in handy next week at Yellowstone. A big-gun lens is not an option for me and after seeing way too many wolf and bear pics from across a valley @ ~400mm that required severe cropping (and even then the wildlife was tiny), I at least want a fighting chance at possibly capturing something half way decent.
I know TC's, especially the 2x, degrade quality by quite a bit, but I guess at the end of the day, I'd rather have more pixels on a subject than have a tiny razor sharpness.

[nath_400d]

Thanks tony, its only a hobby at the moment but i have had some pretty good feedback from fellow riders. I try to get out to track days as much as i can to get some shots in and improve on my skill :D

[tonylong]

The Canon 2x TC came in today and wow, talk about REACH!
Obviously, at f/11, it's manual focus only, but 800mm is 800mm! :p
For kicks, I also slapped on a Canon 1.4x TC + 2x TC + 100-400 and wow!

A true 1,120mm lens (1,792mm on a 1.6x crop body).

I'm not sure how useful such a combination will be, but hey, I'm getting pretty accurate manually focusing the 100-400, so if lighting is good, maybe I'll pick up a couple of keepers every once in awhile.

With live view and a tripod, I think this should work decent for observational wildlife photography in good light.

We'll see if the extra reach comes in handy next week at Yellowstone. A big-gun lens is not an option for me and after seeing way too many wolf and bear pics from across a valley @ ~400mm that required severe cropping (and even then the wildlife was tiny), I at least want a fighting chance at possibly capturing something half way decent.
I know TC's, especially the 2x, degrade quality by quite a bit, but I guess at the end of the day, I'd rather have more pixels on a subject than have a tiny razor sharpness.

Congrats on the new TC! If you read my notes a bit above, you'll note that it'll be a bit of a challenge, but, hey, do what you can and be happy for keepers!

Thanks tony, its only a hobby at the moment but i have had some pretty good feedback from fellow riders. I try to get out to track days as much as i can to get some shots in and improve on my skill :D

Well, I'd say it's working well for you -- those are pretty top-notch shots.

[JC4]

Haven't contributed to this thread in a while. Still one of my favorite lenses.

A little Green Heron. And the 100% eye crop.

5d2, 400mm, ISO-250, f/6.3, 1/800

[stonyzmom]

One from this morning. It's like a bird menagerie in my backyard today.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8461/5of5.jpg

[keith breazeal]

U-2 Dragon Lady. No feathers, just an endangered species ;)
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/U-2TaxiInatBeale.jpg

[stonyzmom]

Chasing this bee today.......

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/3773/1of16.jpg

[Andy Favors]

Bees are hard. I've only gotten a few good ones. I received my 100-400 today, yay! But it got here at 6:15, and it's very cloudy, so boo! Of course this weekend is supposed to be rainy too I may have to wait til monday to have some fun.

[nate1280]

Not the most exhilarating shot out there, but was at the local Henry's and they actually had a 100-400 (UX04 date code) in stock, so I couldn't resist to play with it. May just have to go back and pick it up...

2 things jumped out at me with this shot, looking at it in LR2 it looked nice and sharp to me, and the fact that it was taken at iso3200 (with my 1D3). The resize to flickr probably doesn't do it justice.

1/160s, f/4.5, 100mm, iso3200; minimal PP in LR2
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3514869313_09a709109b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nate1280/3514869313/)

[Andy Favors]

Got my first real world shooting with my 100-400 today. Here's my results. I think I have a really good copy, :D

http://i42.tinypic.com/k1euit.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/15ovszo.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2cn6wm0.jpg

[keith breazeal]

those are great shots!

[Andy Favors]

Thanks! Here's a 100% crop. The first one I put had ISO 400, it was cloudy on that one, this one had ISO 100, so much better.........

http://i41.tinypic.com/2eevrbm.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/20ixuae.jpg

[keith breazeal]

composite birds ;)

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/TheCollaborators8579.jpg

[keith breazeal]

Pollenators in the garden

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/IMG_8754.jpg