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

[tonylong]

Hmm, maybe it's just the darker tone of the background showing the inherent noise. Maybe...sometimes skies show up noise more easily.

[rohicks]

Purdue University from topside.
Ross Ade near the middle there as you can see.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3911612700_39aebf63af_o.jpg

9/11 - Never forget.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3910830579_7cefc71eed_o.jpg

[KayakPhotos]

I really like this!


9/11 - Never forget.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3910830579_7cefc71eed_o.jpg

[rohicks]

I really like this!

:) thanks.
Was apart of a tribute on Purdue's campus today.

[Andy Favors]

I agree, awesome shot.

[_aravena]

Ok, so I just too this out to a concert and I'll be heading back tonight for part two. Expect much!!!

[S.Horton]

http://midnightblue.smugmug.com/photos/172635152_YdQJQ-L.jpg

[Eagle]

Nice Hawk. How much of a crop is it?

[tdodd]

50D + 100-400, 50% crop....

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4_R8TkwT74w/Sqyl2OFI0BI/AAAAAAABJ8o/t5zGtWoFfpU/s800/20090912_104352_LR.jpg

[Burnaby]

How do you get dragonfly to hold still (in a manner of speaking) for you, Tim? Or, do you just shoot a broad area, and hope for the best? I haven't had much luck with them, so please tell me it just takes patience... :-)

[S.Horton]

Nice Hawk. How much of a crop is it?

I think that's just a bit shy of 100%. That's one of my wife's shots from 2006 in Duck, NC.

[tdodd]

This guy was flitting around within a fairly small area -maybe 10' square or so - and kept repeatedly hanging for a few seconds - maybe up to five - in the same spot, before moving on.

I had the camera on a tripod, with my new gimbal head :) and focused manually. I gave it a try with AF but it went straight to the background, as the dragonfly was too small in the frame for the AF to pick it up. What you see above is a 50% crop, so the insect was really quite small in the frame before cropping heavily. I had to get the focus approximately correct and then hunt the thing with the lens and quickly find focus before he moved off. I'm not sure how many shots I took in all - maybe 20-30 - but this is probably the best of the sharp ones. So I guess it's a combination of patience, luck and dare I say a little skill. :)

Here is the full frame, and an example from another area in which I was shooting....

[tdodd]

One more, just to show it was not a fluke....

and an easier one, taken a few weeks ago. Despite the lighting this was taken during daytime with no flash.

[Andy Favors]

Dragonflies are so fun to shoot.

[stonyzmom]

http://midnightblue.smugmug.com/photos/172635152_YdQJQ-L.jpg

I think that's an osprey, isn't it? They are amazing.

[Geejay]

Here's a few I took with a 100-400mm IS while my Sigma 70-200 was away for repair..

http://www.slkworld.com/members/geejay-albums-few-more-le-mans-09-picture803-lola-mazda-40th.jpg

http://www.slkworld.com/members/geejay-albums-few-more-le-mans-09-picture801-orca-aim-5th.jpg

http://www.slkworld.com/members/geejay-albums-le-mans-2009-picture794-sir-stirling-moss.jpg

http://www.slkworld.com/members/geejay-albums-le-mans-2009-picture798-audi-1-3rd.jpg

[Eagle]

I think that's an osprey, isn't it? They are amazing.
After he said where it was taken I looked again and it is an osprey.

[RAW-Shooter]

Nice Hawk. How much of a crop is it?

It's an Osprey actually...ooops I did not see the last post. Never mind

[Goincarcrazy]

I'm curious if anyone has used a B+W MRC CPL on their 100-400L. I ask because I thought this was suppossed to be among the top of the line filters, but I get massive amounts of ghosting with this lens with the CPL on (for example the whites from a bright object that is on a dark background tends to spread out in all directions causing the details to fuzz over with light).

Just wondering if anyone else had this problem with this filter or any other filter for that matter.

[FlyingPhotog]

I'm curious if anyone has used a B+W MRC CPL on their 100-400L. I ask because I thought this was suppossed to be among the top of the line filters, but I get massive amounts of ghosting with this lens with the CPL on (for example the whites from a bright object that is on a dark background tends to spread out in all directions causing the details to fuzz over with light).

Just wondering if anyone else had this problem with this filter or any other filter for that matter.


There have been several posts over the past couple of years where suspect copies suddenly became much, much better when shot naked.

EDIT: Some 100-400 (for some reason) do not seem to take filters well.

[Burnaby]

I use B+W's Kaesemann CPL on my fairly recent 100-400 with no issues to date.

Any sample shots?

[DragonSpeed]

Doubles almost as a "macro" lens, although shooting flowers from 6+ feet looks a little strange ;)

http://www.fotothing.com/photos/d20/d20d61db1cc75d1918d9865d6218539a_cf1.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

I'll throw a couple up later to give an example. I think mine might be one of those that doesn't like filters.

[JohnnyG]

My 100-400 or myself don't like filters of any kind so this is one more great reason not to allow one!

[_aravena]

A taste of Rock the Universe.

Seven Stories Up
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v4/p262430087-4.jpg

Fireflight
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v3/p497123759-4.jpg

Pillar
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v1/p787358538-4.jpg

Switchfoot
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v2/p744681881-4.jpg

Hawk Nelson
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v2/p621048065-4.jpg

tobyMac
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v3/p630744105-4.jpg

Third Day
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v3/p687207901-4.jpg

[Eagle]

Nice shots.

People that say the 100-400 isn't any good in low light need to see those.

[_aravena]

Thanks! :) I actually ended up shooting for Fireflight so I'm trying to get those done fast. There are other 100-400L concert photos in here I took. Links to the albums.

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/lonestar
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/rocktheuniverse07
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/rocktheuniverse09

[Goincarcrazy]

Great concert pics! WOW!

Alright, here are a couple samples:

Without any filter at all:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2/goingcarcrazy/WithoutFilter.jpg

With B+W MRC CPL:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2/goingcarcrazy/WithFilter.jpg?t=1252981918

[Burnaby]

I use CPLs exclusively on crystal clear days with the sun at 90 degrees to the FOV. The above looks like haze or pollution, and in this situation, the CPL filter is just a useless ND filter. Haze & pollution refractively disperse sunlight and cause ghosting on your images. Haze filters on the other hand, reduce excessive blue by absorbing UV light and eliminate haze which tends to wash out color and image clarity.

[stu46]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3921420583_ef218d0a6d_o.jpg

[dinny66]

Nice Shots! Are these at Lancing Beach Green? (You can almost see my house in the background :lol:)

I keep meaning to get down there and have a go at shooting these guys, just seems there's always something else to do!

Fancy a meet sometime?

Cheers

Mike

First time out with this lens, think it will take a bit of time to get used to it but loving it so far.

Pics taken with the 350D but now have a 50D as well, so I got a new camera and lens to learn...:D

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/rolyratman/Sealane%20Aug%2009/IMG_0149.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/rolyratman/Sealane%20Aug%2009/IMG_0013.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/rolyratman/Sealane%20Aug%2009/IMG_0121.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/rolyratman/Sealane%20Aug%2009/IMG_0017.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/rolyratman/Sealane%20Aug%2009/IMG_0006.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/rolyratman/Sealane%20Aug%2009/IMG_0002.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

I use CPLs exclusively on crystal clear days with the sun at 90 degrees to the FOV. The above looks like haze or pollution, and in this situation, the CPL filter is just a useless ND filter. Haze & pollution refractively disperse sunlight and cause ghosting on your images. Haze filters on the other hand, reduce excessive blue by absorbing UV light and eliminate haze which tends to wash out color and image clarity.

Sure enough, it was quite a humid day out, but I surely wouldn't expect the CPL to make it WORSE. The first pic with no filter at all, although still not great, is night and day compared to the "with filter" shot.

[rohicks]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3922339861_5b403e86ea.jpg

[peterbj7]

For environmental reasons I keep a filter on my 100-400 all the time. Haven't noticed any deleterious effect.

[Canajun]

I'm still getting use to my copy. I can't seem to get the right ISO levels. I gotta be honest, there were times when I was tempted to grab my 70-200 F4 IS + 1.4x TC

I like this shot tho :D
http://www.gregorio.ca/eyeboll/archives/640xWildlife/IMG_1157.jpg

[tonylong]

There have been several posts over the past couple of years where suspect copies suddenly became much, much better when shot naked.

I've done this with some nice results, but it's only when she's naked as well.




Oh, am I in the wrong thread:)?

[Cannoneric]

With 1.4x Extender about 50% crop
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/566/lj1k46582800.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

I'm still getting use to my copy. I can't seem to get the right ISO levels. I gotta be honest, there were times when I was tempted to grab my 70-200 F4 IS + 1.4x TC

If you find yourself wide open (f/5.6 @ 400mm) and you still aren't quite getting the shutter speed you want, don't be afraid to bump your ISO to 200 or 400 even.

I've shot mine in daylight using ISO 200 to keep the shutter speed very, very high for capturing jets.

Gotta use all the tools available. ;)

[DragonSpeed]

I'm still getting use to my copy. I can't seem to get the right ISO levels. I gotta be honest, there were times when I was tempted to grab my 70-200 F4 IS + 1.4x TC

I like this shot tho :D
http://www.gregorio.ca/eyeboll/archives/640xWildlife/IMG_1157.jpg

Hey Canajun!!! Good to see you virtually, after our physical meet shooting these guys...

Here's one of mine:
http://www.fotothing.com/photos/c16/c1678551e25435ac0b8dabc80558d388_1f5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/sets/72157622228154035)

[stu46]

USAF Thunderbirds doing their survey flight. This isn't easy.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3928539350_4bca55e800_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3928539350/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3927756929_ed2f8cb96d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3927756929/)

[tdodd]

I'm still getting use to my copy. I can't seem to get the right ISO levels. I gotta be honest, there were times when I was tempted to grab my 70-200 F4 IS + 1.4x TC
Can you explain that comment about ISO levels. If you were to use a 70-200/4 with a 1.4X it would turn into 98-280/5.6 lens, so as far as ISO is concerend, I'm not seeing a striking difference between the two lenses.

I can shoot my 100-400 quite well at 100 ISO, or 1600 ISO. No problem. 3200 ISO looks a little rough but that has nothing to do with the lens :) Expose well and high ISOs need not be a problem unless you pixel peep. IMO a slightly noisey image is better to work with than a slightly blurry one.

Here's a 33% crop from my 50D and 100-400 at 400mm, 1/1000, f/7.1, 1600 ISO....

[Goincarcrazy]

I'm a HORRIBLE pixel peeper so I try to stay at ISO 320 or lower, but even then, I have no real problem. I love this lens for air shows and don't leave ISO 100, even for the jets (although flyingphotog, I'm going to try bumping my shutter speed up a smidge and see if my images come out any better for jets).

And for anyone who cares, I think I may have found what caused the ghosting with the B+W MRC CPL on this lens. Some B+W filters apparently have a waviness to the coating. B+W sates that this will not affect the image in anyway, and this is true, even when using a 24-105, no affect. I believe the waviness DOES become an issue when at above 300mm. I ordered a B+W Kaesemann MRC CPL that has a smooth coating, so I'll let you know if the problem gets resolved.

[KenjiS]

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_2861-Edit-6.jpg

Squirrel anyone? :)

How bout a cardinal?

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_2816-Edit-3.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_2837-Edit-4.jpg

[Double Negative]

Squirrel anyone? :)

Kill the tree rat! :evil:

[KenjiS]

Kill the tree rat! :evil:

Lol, they dont bug people here :)

Oh and those were all done at ISO1600 for the record

[DragonSpeed]

Kill the tree rat! :evil:
Bushy tailed tree rat with good PR :evil:

[Double Negative]

Lol, they dont bug people here :)

They are the bane of the urban dweller. Digging up flowers and bushes, digging holes in lawns, trashing bird feeders...

They're plenty cute - in someone else's neighborhood. :)

[tonylong]

I'm a HORRIBLE pixel peeper so I try to stay at ISO 320 or lower, but even then, I have no real problem. I love this lens for air shows and don't leave ISO 100, even for the jets (although flyingphotog, I'm going to try bumping my shutter speed up a smidge and see if my images come out any better for jets).

And for anyone who cares, I think I may have found what caused the ghosting with the B+W MRC CPL on this lens. Some B+W filters apparently have a waviness to the coating. B+W sates that this will not affect the image in anyway, and this is true, even when using a 24-105, no affect. I believe the waviness DOES become an issue when at above 300mm. I ordered a B+W Kaesemann MRC CPL that has a smooth coating, so I'll let you know if the problem gets resolved.


I shoot at ISO 1600 all the time -- it's pretty much a fact of life for outdoor photography in a variety of conditions so you just get used to it.

Yes, if you crop very close you see some noise -- not from the higher ISO, by the way, but because in low light you are underexposing and need the high ISO to boost the exposure but you have more noise. Just know that it is better to boost the ISO than to underexpose the image, so if it helps you to get the shutter speed you need, go for it.

Also, I've gotten used to keeping the 1.4x TC on my lens for wildlife shooting because 400mm just isn't often enough. If you get more magnification then you won't have to crop those low light pictures as much so the noise won't be as noticeable. However, that puts your aperture at f/8, which means either MF or having a 1 series body for AF. Choices, choices...

[Canajun]

apologies for the late replies.

@Jay,
I'm shooting Av so I am not even worried about the shutter speed. I am more worried at the amout of noise I was getting when I varried my ISO settings. I can't seem to get the right ISO. check out the water in my shot of the Yellowlegs [1/4000 f5.6 ISO400]. It was overcast but bright.

@DragonSpeed,
Nice to meet you ere at the board. I enjoyed our conversation. Nice shot.
See ya around. I think there's another POTN member that actually pointed me to where the Pileated woody was located. I'm planning on coming back in a couple of weeks. I'm hoping the Snow geese are back with the entire entourage:D


@tdodd,
sorry for the confusion. I did not mean to imply technical differences between the two glass. I just meant, I am tempted to go back to a lens that I am more comfortable with. At the moment the 70-200 f4 has a better keeper rate than the dust pump :-). But I'm not ready to give up yet. I just got the darn thing :-p Just going thru the learning curb. The Yellowlegs is a good example, I thought ISO 400 was good enough until I looked at the image at home. I think I'll follow most the advice here, which is not to be scared to bump the ISO to 800 or 1600. Thanks for the advice tho.

[-g-]

I think there's another POTN member that actually pointed me to where the Pileated woody was located. I'm planning on coming back in a couple of weeks. I'm hoping the Snow geese are back with the entire entourage

Where would that be?

[DragonSpeed]

Where would that be?
Well - there was the guy in my backyard this morning :)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=754443

Although I think he was referring to a location at Reifel Bird Sanctuary

[-g-]

Well - there was the guy in my backyard this morning :)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=754443

Although I think he was referring to a location at Reifel Bird Sanctuary

My back yard isn't big enough for that. I do get Peacocks on the front yard and on top of the houses here though.

I went to Reifel last winter some time but didn't come back with much. I did see the Snow Geese fly away though.

[stu46]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3933625862_380d817900_o.jpg

[G35Driver]

Nice Shot Stu, yours is nice and clear mine's did not come very good.

[stu46]

Thanks, Luis! Too bad I couldn't meet you guys today. Are you going to the air show?

[Headshotzx]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3933625862_380d817900_o.jpg

Just faved it on your flickr. Sharpest shot I've seen today, and great timing.

[Goincarcrazy]

A couple from yesterday:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3933191848_867c7bb57f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3932502727_8cc238f5b9_b.jpg

[Eagle]

This is not directed at any one person.

I get a kick out of how people say "that shot is so sharp" "I have to get this lens" "sharpest shot I've ever seen" and they're judging it on a 1024 x 768 pic. Then they turn around and judge other shots blown up 100%-200% and bitch about the quality. Have to laugh all the time.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Goes for any lens/camera combo not just this thread.

[Andy Favors]

Took this one earlier this morning.......

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/655247778_xGrcp-L.jpg

[KenjiS]

A couple from yesterday:


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3932502727_8cc238f5b9_b.jpg


Hey that answered a question i had earlier ;)

Saw one of those over my house earlier, Sadly my camera was in the house empty at the time or id have gotten a pic..

[Goincarcrazy]

Yup, certainly can't miss that paint job! My dad is retired coast guard so I'm used to the sight of these, but for anyone unfamiliar to an orange helicopter would be wondering about it, I'm sure.

[stu46]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3940126654_8b41864050_o.jpg

[krb]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3940126654_8b41864050_o.jpg
Now -that- is a shot to print and hang on a wall. Very nice.

[stu46]

Thanks!

[FlyingPhotog]

Since we're doing a Thunderbirds theme:

http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p685523658-4.jpg
20D + 100-400 @ 100mm

[sleepo]

Duck shot! 100-400@400mm wide open, ISO 800:

https://steve.st/potn/100-400/duck.jpg

100% crop:

https://steve.st/potn/100-400/duck-100.jpg

Great lens but I resent it sucking dust onto my 5D2 sensor.

[Goincarcrazy]

I don't think the lens is capable of sucking dust into the camera body, and I don't think it's ever been proven that it even sucks dust into itself.

[tdodd]

...

[Double Negative]

A duck and a swan... This thread is complete! :p

[Burnaby]

Astrophotography is not this lens' strong suit, but Jupiter was dancing with four moons tonight, so I couldn't resist capturing it. To control noise I increased the contrast and dropped the brightness. That's about it...

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u89/LS460/IMG_5064C.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

wow! I gotta say that's still pretty cool!

[WaFp]

i'll play, but we'll switch the Thunderbirds theme to a Blue Angles theme

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/3946962308_e47190d960_b.jpg

wish i had slowed the shutter a little, the shot was at 1/500s

[Goincarcrazy]

Alright, I'll play too! haha

http://fc09.deviantart.com/fs38/i/2008/327/3/c/Upon_Angel__s_Wings_by_NC_Photography.jpg

http://fc08.deviantart.com/fs39/i/2009/029/e/b/Seeing_Triple_by_NC_Photography.jpg

http://fc00.deviantart.com/fs38/i/2008/327/c/a/Hey_Hey_Hey____by_NC_Photography.jpg

[stu46]

Thunderbirds!:lol:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3943441705_4fe431c371_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3944220382_84af1bb543_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3943441903_c177463792_o.jpg

[WaFp]

another one of the Blues

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3947053030_9ea68cef83_b.jpg

[stonyzmom]

another one of the Blues

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3947053030_9ea68cef83_b.jpg

Were you at the Reno air races over the weekend by any chance? My hubby was there.

[Andy Favors]

I wish I could play, but the only jet pictures I have are some F-16's and A-10's taken with my 70-200 F4 non IS Oh well, :D Nice pics.

[_aravena]

Ditto...well, my Sigma 70-200F2.8. No jet shots with the 100-400L. Oddly enough i've only rented it for what most would deem it unfit to be used for, concerts.

[Burnaby]

Oddly enough i've only rented it for what most would deem it unfit to be used for, concerts.Concerts by Jefferson Airplane, Aerosmith, B-52s, The Eagles or Led Zeppelin might qualify as fit subjects... :)

[_aravena]

Unfortunately none of them...though an Eagles or Led Zeppelin concert would be appreciated in my area! :D Saw Aerosmith, no "pro" cameras allowed.

[MikeFairbanks]

I'm excited. I just ordered my Dust Pump tonight. Ships out tomorrow. Don't know when I'll get it, of course, but it's ordered and paid for. Woohoo.

[WaFp]

Were you at the Reno air races over the weekend by any chance? My hubby was there.

I was! It has been a family tradition since I was 4. My dad hasn't missed a year since they moved it to Stead Field. I've missed three years (only when Uncle Sam says I can't go) out of the last 28. Got up their on Friday and left after the sun was down on Sunday. I had a blast!

[Burnaby]

Unfortunately none of them...though an Eagles or Led Zeppelin concert would be appreciated in my area! :D Saw Aerosmith, no "pro" cameras allowed.Ahem, what I was alluding to was the ideal use of the 100-400 being aviation or birds, hence the bands whose names mirror this. Catch my drift? ;) :)

[Headshotzx]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/3619580946_59d0f27817_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3618766839_1976361be7_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3618761125_10503b82da_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3619577282_e5d3f2d2e9_b.jpg

[Andy Favors]

Here's a few I got today in Boxley Valley in NW Arkansas

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/662508911_PbuZw-L.jpg

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/662441414_T7zRi-L.jpg

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/662440669_aWyQJ-L.jpg

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/662488363_j5r94-L.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Just picked up a Canon 1.4x II TC. Anything I should expect between it and my 100-400L? Well, besides the manual focus only (only got a 50D). Can't wait to try combo out!

[stonyzmom]

The peanut whore......:)

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5710/bluejayo.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

WOW! that is a stunning shot! how close were you to him? I assume he's a pretty tame little fellow.

[stonyzmom]

WOW! that is a stunning shot! how close were you to him? I assume he's a pretty tame little fellow.


Thanks! I was probably 20 feet away. I put the peanuts on the deck rail at my cabin and then sit back and watch the show. They're pretty bold, but they're quick!

[Goincarcrazy]

A relative of that little guy (common blue jay) dove at me when I was testing out my 180L. I'd agree they're pretty bold! haha.

A young White Ibis trolling for lunch taken today, 100-400L with 1.4II TC, ISO 400:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/3964300713_3e3fb93525_b.jpg

[djvkool]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/3619580946_59d0f27817_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3618766839_1976361be7_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3618761125_10503b82da_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3619577282_e5d3f2d2e9_b.jpg

Absolutely LOVED the Giraffe shot, the best of the bunch

[_aravena]

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v3/p939106557-4.jpg

And to once again show the awesomeness that is the 100-400L at concerts.
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v4/p682129035-4.jpg

[tagvestibule]

http://joshuasarner.smugmug.com/photos/665378353_fFzjk-XL.jpg

http://joshuasarner.smugmug.com/photos/665378367_3yysr-XL.jpg

[SteveJa]

http://excalibursword.mine.nu:8081/sharepictures/img_6874dpp.jpg


http://excalibursword.mine.nu:8081/sharepictures/img_7190dpp.jpg

[KenjiS]

^- nice

I havnt added anything in a while...

This first one i have no clue what happened with, its very very soft...Cant figure it out...I think the IS didnt completely settle before i shot it

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_2911-Edit.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_2994-Edit.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_3093-Edit.jpg

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_3097-Edit.jpg

^- Those last two were ISO1600 too :)

[cfibanez]

^- nice

I havnt added anything in a while...

This first one i have no clue what happened with, its very very soft...Cant figure it out...I think the IS didnt completely settle before i shot it

^- Those last two were ISO1600 too :)

Nice shots Kenji. I've been waiting for an upgrade to this lens much too long. I have a trip to the Galapagos coming up next month and I am thinking to just give up the wait and pick up this lens in its current form. (I have realized that Canon would not upgrade this lens until I get the current version ... ;)). My idea is to bring the 40D with a WA on it, and a 7D with the 100-400 for BIF, wildlife, etc. You shoot crop and post a lot in this thread. Do you (still) recommend this lens? Thanks.

[cfibanez]

Headshotzx, were these taken at the Singapore zoo? Nice shots. Did you really use the Dust Pump? You don't list it in your gear list.

[truman]

from the dust pump

[DragonSpeed]

Nice shots Kenji. I've been waiting for an upgrade to this lens much too long. I have a trip to the Galapagos coming up next month and I am thinking to just give up the wait and pick up this lens in its current form. (I have realized that Canon would not upgrade this lens until I get the current version ... ;)). My idea is to bring the 40D with a WA on it, and a 7D with the 100-400 for BIF, wildlife, etc. You shoot crop and post a lot in this thread. Do you (still) recommend this lens? Thanks.
That sounds like a great combo! I took the dust pump on safari in Tanzania with a 50D body. Loved it. The 7D would ROCK with it I think.

[stonyzmom]

From the dust pump........

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/6576/22095702.jpg

[KenjiS]

Nice shots Kenji. I've been waiting for an upgrade to this lens much too long. I have a trip to the Galapagos coming up next month and I am thinking to just give up the wait and pick up this lens in its current form. (I have realized that Canon would not upgrade this lens until I get the current version ... ;)). My idea is to bring the 40D with a WA on it, and a 7D with the 100-400 for BIF, wildlife, etc. You shoot crop and post a lot in this thread. Do you (still) recommend this lens? Thanks.

Oh yes very much so, And for comparisons sake, I did own the 150-500 Sigma as well briefly..its a good lens as well, but personally I still feel the 100-400 is a better lens in most situations :) the 100-400 is honestly my favorite lens most of the time, Its just sad that over the winter its likely to sit in my house most of the time because i wont have many subjects to use it on :( My only complaints with it so far are actually related to it making me seriously want to upgrade my 30D..but thats not the lens' fault..

I've used my 10-20 and my 100-400 as a 1-2 combo before and been quite happy :) I cant wait till i get my 15-85 [or what ever replaces my 28-75 in my lineup] and see how the combo works...

[Headshotzx]

Absolutely LOVED the Giraffe shot, the best of the bunch

Thanks ;)

[buddhasghost]

50D, ISO 500, 400mm, 1/1000th sec @ f/5.6
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3615553723_d31e25d7ea_o.jpg
50D, ISO 400, 400mm, 1/250th sec @ f/6.3
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3693587014_fe3d6bd5b0_o.jpg
50D, ISO 1600, 400mm, 1/1000th sec @ f/5.6
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3615584749_18c2a9ce42_o.jpg

[cfibanez]

Very nice shots! Camera? How much did you crop them?

[buddhasghost]

Very nice shots! Camera? How much did you crop them?

Thanks for the compliment.

I added in the shooting data. As far as cropping, the first two were cropped by roughly half of their frames and then reduced to post. The last one I cropped out approx 2/3rds the frame and reduced to post.

[peterbj7]

Thanks for talking about cropping in terms that I and others actually understand!

I don't think I will ever understand the term "100% crop" as it's so logically absurd.

[pixelbasher]

I haven't put any up for a while, here is a couple from my local remote control flying field. I'm still loving this lens, and you would have to kill me to make me part with it :lol:

[Andy Favors]

A couple I took over the last few days.........

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/669179875_fYRfc-M.jpg

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/669188635_ahfGf-M.jpg

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/667283351_eNaTJ-M.jpg

[900spg]

A couple I took over the last few days.........

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/669179875_fYRfc-M.jpg

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/669188635_ahfGf-M.jpg

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/667283351_eNaTJ-M.jpg
2 and 3 are fantastic!

[jj fad]

Here are some shots from Jamaica...

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk142/list_craigs/Other/Jamaica032.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk142/list_craigs/Other/Jamaica034.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk142/list_craigs/Other/Jamaica095.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk142/list_craigs/Other/Jamaica242.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk142/list_craigs/Other/Jamaica250.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk142/list_craigs/Other/Jamaica253.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

To anyone who has this lens, a 1.4x TC, and a non-1 series camera, do you find it hard to manually focus accurately because of the dark and seemingly blotchy viewfinder? If so, do you have any tips or tricks to solve or help this problem?

[Snow001]

To anyone who has this lens, a 1.4x TC, and a non-1 series camera, do you find it hard to manually focus accurately because of the dark and seemingly blotchy viewfinder? If so, do you have any tips or tricks to solve or help this problem?


I would also appreciate an answer to this query. I am contemplating if I should get the 1.4 TC. Thanks

[RAW-Shooter]

I don't own that lens but I rented it a couple of weeks ago and used it with my Kenko 1.5X also. AF worked without any problems and I really don't know why it shouldn't. Any 2x is a different story though.

[Goincarcrazy]

WHOA, I was under the impression that unless you have a 1D series camera that AF wouldn't work (seeing that widest aperture is 6.3). Not saying I don't trust you, but can anyone back this up or have a similar story? if this is the case, adios Canon 1.4II, hello Kenko 1.5!

You didn't use the "pin hack" and tape over a pin or anything to trick it to AF did ya?

[KenjiS]

WHOA, I was under the impression that unless you have a 1D series camera that AF wouldn't work (seeing that widest aperture is 6.3). Not saying I don't trust you, but can anyone back this up or have a similar story? if this is the case, adios Canon 1.4II, hello Kenko 1.5!

You didn't use the "pin hack" and tape over a pin or anything to trick it to AF did ya?


Some teleconverters are "Non reporting" meaning they lack the pins that transfer the TC data to the body..

[Andy Favors]

Almost didn't get this one, AI Servo was acting up on me. The split second it was in focus, i snapped it. Thoughts?

http://www.andyfavors.com/photos/670186245_jNJZn-L-1.jpg

[funhouse69]

I was out Leaf-Peeping with my sister today and when it got dark the Full Moon showed up so we had to pull over and take a few pics.

Here's one taken with my "Pump" / 5D Mark II

http://www.rockingpictures.com/photos/670404590_RcX2u-XL.jpg

[Madweasel]

To anyone who has this lens, a 1.4x TC, and a non-1 series camera, do you find it hard to manually focus accurately because of the dark and seemingly blotchy viewfinder? If so, do you have any tips or tricks to solve or help this problem?

Aside from non-reporting TCs, or the 'tape trick', both of which force the camera to try to focus when the light is coming into the AF system at too narrow an angle for reliable focussing, there are a few things you can do.

The first is to just have a go at manual focussing. It can be a little hit or miss, but especially at closer ranges, where the DOF is quite narrow, the focus point can be quite easy to pick out. This process can be made easier by changing focussing screen, but you may also then need to dial in a permanent exposure compensation, depending which screen you choose.

You have the 50D, which has Liveview. This can be the best way to focus if your subject is not moving. It works best if your camera is tripod mounted. By using the magnification available in LV, you can get the best focus possible - even better than AF would give you. Another option for non-moving subjects is to AF without the converter/extender in place, then switching to manual focus and taking care not to move the focus ring, and then put the TC on. The focus will still be correct. For things like the moon, I put the lens on the tripod and use Liveview.

[Goincarcrazy]

Thanks for that ton of info and idea's madweasel! I didn't even think about using LV with it to be honest. Unfortunately most of my subjects are moving (squirrels, birds, etc), but for the moon, I'm going to try live view...as soon as the clouds clear outta here!

I guess I'm still getting used to the TC and the dark viewfinder and having to MF with that, but I'm sure it'll come in time. I'm gonna take a trip out to the zoo as soon as the sun comes back out and see how this puppy does. The couple of shots I've managed to squeeze off with the TC and 100-400L show no real noticeable difference in IQ, which I'm VERY happy with!

[aviator.4.life]

I'm thinking of getting rid of my 70-200 for this, looks like a fantastic lens for outdoors which i mostly do.

[Andy Favors]

I have both the 70-200 F4 non IS and the 100-400. I have used the 70-200 maybe 3 times since I got this lens 6 months ago. It's on my camera probably 95% of the time. I just can't part with my 70-200 though, it's amazingly sharp. So it sits, collecting dust, haha

[Goincarcrazy]

I got the 100-400L first then got the 70-200 some time after. Big mistake. I ended up selling the 70-200 within a couple months because I never used it. Yeah the 70-200 crazy sharp, but I just can't deny the reach and versatility of the 100-400L

[dilorenzo1954]

Almost didn't get this one, AI Servo was acting up on me. The split second it was in focus, i snapped it. Thoughts?


I love it Andy!Great capture.

From the Lowery Zoo in Tampa...

http://edl1954.smugmug.com/photos/671482553_ZipmL-X2.jpg (http://edl1954.smugmug.com/Vacation/Florida-2009/9783605_hzLC6#671482553_ZipmL)

[KenjiS]

ISO1600 - 1/250 - f/5.6 - 30D

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_3205-Edit.jpg

ISO1600 - 1/400 - f/5.6 - 30D

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_3213-Edit.jpg

ISO1600 - 1/800 - f/5.6 - 30D

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_3220-Edit.jpg

ISO1600 - 1/800 - f/5.6 - 30D

http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac117/KitsunetsukiPhotography/IMG_3228-Edit.jpg

[stonyzmom]

Some shots I took while golfing.......

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1148/47460899.jpg

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/7137/60533688.jpg

[coalcliff]

Good to see you managed a couple of birdies whilst at golf :D:D:D

here is a bird I captured with the mighty 100-400!

Using the break wall as a long lead in to the subject
http://photocamel.com/gallery/data/3121/Lauren_Quinn_19-09-09_0039_blissfull_recline_breakwater_bg_i.jpg (http://photocamel.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=49274)

And in this shot I was halfway across the park with families all around me lol.

http://photocamel.com/gallery/data/3121/Lauren_Quinn_19-09-09_0053_edit_MM.jpg (http://photocamel.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=49275)

so its a great fashion lens too!

[cfibanez]

I have both the 70-200 F4 non IS and the 100-400. I have used the 70-200 maybe 3 times since I got this lens 6 months ago. It's on my camera probably 95% of the time. I just can't part with my 70-200 though, it's amazingly sharp. So it sits, collecting dust, haha

I got the 100-400L first then got the 70-200 some time after. Big mistake. I ended up selling the 70-200 within a couple months because I never used it. Yeah the 70-200 crazy sharp, but I just can't deny the reach and versatility of the 100-400L


I'm thinking of getting rid of my 70-200 for this, looks like a fantastic lens for outdoors which i mostly do.

I am thinking of picking up a dust pump in a week or so for my trip to the Galapagos. My 70-200 IS 2.8 will stay at home but it won't be sold. I love the 70-200 IS 2.8 and I think it fulfills a different purpose. I would not take the pump to a concert for instance.

[Andy Favors]

I do wish my 70-200 was a 2.8 IS. Maybe I'll upgrade to that someday, and it will get more use. I used my 70-200 last night at a football game. Not sure which I liked better, that or the 100-400. Lighting was not so good, the 2.8 would have been so much better. I wish I had a camera with better high ISO performance. I am having to shoot at 1000+ ISO's at football games.

[blackwhitephotos]

Canon 100-400mm this lens is fantastic on a 40D. best for sport and birds photography.

[Goincarcrazy]

I will say that if you already have a 70-200, you MIGHT want to just get a 400L 5.6 as its noticeably sharper (than mine at least), but I will say I like having the versatility of the 100-400 zoom.

[aviator.4.life]

I would if I could afford both but i prefer the flexibility of the zoom.

[Goincarcrazy]

OHHH, ones gotta go to get the other one? I hate making those decisions, haha.

[aviator.4.life]

haha yeah, but since i shoot sports and wildlife I feel this lens will work better for me

[cfibanez]

I will say that if you already have a 70-200, you MIGHT want to just get a 400L 5.6 as its noticeably sharper (than mine at least), but I will say I like having the versatility of the 100-400 zoom.


400mm without IS? Hmmmm.... :confused:

[Andy Favors]

Gotta have the IS. I wish that the IS on the 100-400 was better. We really need a 100-400 2.0. It would help in low light, which as of late, is when I use it most. I've been shooting a lot of elk, and early in the morning, or late in the evening is the best times of course. Nothing ever just comes together with photography does it? lol

[Goincarcrazy]

Gotta have the IS. I wish that the IS on the 100-400 was better. We really need a 100-400 2.0. It would help in low light, which as of late, is when I use it most. I've been shooting a lot of elk, and early in the morning, or late in the evening is the best times of course. Nothing ever just comes together with photography does it? lol

100-400 2.0 would be a 5K+ lens. It'd be nice, but even if they made it, I wouldn't be able to afford one. This lens does suffer heavily in dusk or dawn shadowy conditions, I'll admit that, but what super telephoto lens around this price range doesn't?

[Andy Favors]

lol. oops, I didn't mean aperture 2.0, i mean, version 2.0 Sorry.

[Goincarcrazy]

oh, haha! whoops! gotcha now. yeah, it'd be nice for them to put the new 4 stop hyrbid IS on there. THEN this lens would be an unbeatable contender!

[peterbj7]

If you mean 100-400 f2.0 I hate to think how heavy that would be. Or how expensive.

[Molnies]

If you mean 100-400 f2.0 I hate to think how heavy that would be. Or how expensive.
Well Sigmas 200-500 f/2.8 @ 15.7kg and $29k can give us some suggestion... :lol:

[Echoherbie]

Some shots I took while golfing.......

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1148/47460899.jpg

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/7137/60533688.jpg

How did you manage to cart your golf bag and camera with 100-400mm with you on your golf game? I have been thinking of doing this but i am afraid my flightmates will throw their clubs at me or aiming the ball at me while i taking photo.

[peterbj7]

I used to downhill ski with my A1 and Tamron SP 70-210. Not as big as the 5D/Dust Pump combo, but getting there. Amazingly I never fell over when I was carrying this thing around my neck under my jacket (necessary to keep it warm enough to work reliably).

[.mark.]

A few from a hill climb earlier this year

398671

398672

[.mark.]

and one more
398673

C&C always welcome

[stonyzmom]

I took a cart so I was able to take the camera and lens. I love golf, but I also look at golf as a photo opportunity. Hahaa!

[stonyzmom]

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1695/142hn.jpg

[Swann1]

I took a cart so I was able to take the camera and lens. I love golf, but I also look at golf as a photo opportunity. Hahaa!
Good to see you're an optimist. There are some that see golf as a good walk ruined.

Nice photos too.

[Goincarcrazy]

Went birding yesterday and amongst other shots, here are a few I came out with:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3994629748_41f62cfeab_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3994608852_8fc0623e88_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3993631783_e4fb3472e8_b.jpg

[cfibanez]

[FONT=Century Gothic]Went birding yesterday and amongst other shots, here are a few I came out with:


These are very nice, congratulations!

Were they all handheld? I am looking at getting this lens, but I wonder how easy/difficult is the push-pull zooming while handholding the lens. Thanks!

[Goincarcrazy]

Yup, all hand-held. Don't even own a decent tripod.

The push pull takes a little bit to get used to, but once you get used to it, you find its actually pretty handy. For me it's actually more stable than if my hands were closer together on the lens. Plus the IS helps a lot too! It's still a huge light hog, but as long as you can keep it at like 1/160 or faster, you'll be alright.