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

[Goincarcrazy]

Gorgeous Spoonbills! I'm yet to see one up here in Jax just sitting on a tree. The only place I've seen them is at the zoo.

Here are a couple shots of some gulls I snagged yesterday while meandering the beach.

1. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3246711084_b18202b3d9_b.jpg

2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3245886885_8d0bb81cc4_b.jpg

3.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3246703484_02c58ab809_b.jpg

[lordmint]

I love this lens.. got it several months back.

#1 - @400mm - Asian Brown Flycatcher shot at a forest reserve (cropped 50%)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3241422878_68c72cd505_o.jpg

#2 - @400mm - Blue and yelllow macaw shot at the zoo
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3150178956_be94de541c_o.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Great looking shots. how close were you to the flycatcher?

[lordmint]

Great looking shots. how close were you to the flycatcher?


Thanks. I was rrolly around 4-5meters from the flycatcher. :D

[wesjr]

Very nice gulls at the beach. The 100- 400 IS is a excellent all around lens. I would like to see more shore birds.

Thanks for sharing....

[egordon99]

FINALLY got to use my dust pump this morning after a two month hiatus :)

Stopped off at Valley Forge National Park on the way in to work this morning hoping to catch a deer or two grazing in the half of foot of snow that got dumped on us overnight. No deer, but I did get some nice landscapes, I'll try to post them up soon. I forgot what an absolutely amazing lens the 100-400 is...I can't imagine how freakin' awesome one of the superteles would be....

[Goincarcrazy]

Very nice gulls at the beach. The 100- 400 IS is a excellent all around lens. I would like to see more shore birds.

Thanks for sharing....

Thanks for the comments. I agree the 100-400 is a great lens. On a crop body, the 100mm is somewhat killer for certain things, but I tell you at 400mm with the 1.6 crop, this thing can really zoom.

Here is one more shot I didn't have up when I posted the gulls.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3248883111_e83135320d_b.jpg

[egordon99]

Nice Gulls! I can't wait until the Spring as I'm sure I'll give my 100-400 a workout. The in-laws live right on the Chesapeake, so there are always lots of birds flying around.



And if I got an underwater housing, I could get some shots of the blue crabs... :lol:

[blackzzz]

I've had this lens for the last 6 months or so and maybe I'm expecting more out of it or what's more likely is that I'm doing something wrong. This was taken yesterday at the zoo under just so-so lighting conditions using a tripod. Please critique...is this what is expected from this lens or is my technique lacking? No post processing other than slight cropping and resizing.

http://blackzzz.smugmug.com/photos/467525011_wkkFZ-O.jpg

[egordon99]

That looks ok to me at that size. You have to realize that it can be tricky shooting at 400mm. The IS does help alot, but the slightest breeze (even with a tripod) can muck up your sharpness. Also, at f/5.6 and 400mm, the DOF can be very shallow (depending on your focus distance of course), so the focus point can be very sharp, but the sharpness in front of and behind can dropoff very quickly, giving the illusion of "non-sharpness"

But hey, to get "better", you have to spend upwards of $4-5K for one of the superteles, so for $1200, I'm a happy camper!

Here's some of my "best" shots in adverse conditions - (ISO1600, deep shade and early morning dawn)

339838
339839

[Goincarcrazy]

Nice Gulls! I can't wait until the Spring as I'm sure I'll give my 100-400 a workout. The in-laws live right on the Chesapeake, so there are always lots of birds flying around.



And if I got an underwater housing, I could get some shots of the blue crabs... :lol:

Luckily those little Sanderlings come down from the Arctic circle for the winter, otherwise I wouldn't be seeing those guys.

On another note, I know it's not what you meant, but I'd love to see an underwater housing for a 100-400...

[egordon99]

Yeah, I love squirrels.....

339840

[blackzzz]

I've put up an updated pic with a different size...my bad.
The settings used were f/8, ISO800, 1/500. All shots were taken with a tripod, a few were taken with the IS on and the rest with it off...unfortunately I'm not sure about this particular shot if it was off or on.
I'll be taking this lens to Alaska in August and just want to make sure it's the best it can be. Whether it's my technique or it needs some repair I want to resolve that as soon as possible.

[egordon99]

Looks like you had plenty of light. Did you shoot RAW? Did you do any sharpening after resizing? It looks a tad soft, but nothing to worry about.

[neil_r]

Over 6 years old and no sign of dust.... (I must be doing something wrong)

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/Mauritius_Jan_2009_NHR4890.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

I've shot a few moon shots with my 100-400, some mounted to a tripod, other times handheld, and I'll say that the lens on a tripod gave me worse shots than when I handhold it. Your shutter speed with fast enough and all your other settings look alright. Did ALL the pics come out a bit blurry or was it just a few here and there?

[blackzzz]

Looks like you had plenty of light. Did you shoot RAW? Did you do any sharpening after resizing? It looks a tad soft, but nothing to worry about.

Did not shoot RAW...no sharpening at all only resizing.

[blackzzz]

I've shot a few moon shots with my 100-400, some mounted to a tripod, other times handheld, and I'll say that the lens on a tripod gave me worse shots than when I handhold it. Your shutter speed with fast enough and all your other settings look alright. Did ALL the pics come out a bit blurry or was it just a few here and there?

They all looked the same...I guess I should have tried some handheld. I will be upgrading to a 50D in a few months. Will that influence how this lens performs?

[egordon99]

Well if you shoot JPG, the camera's JPG processor is always doing some sharpening. I don't do any "input" sharpening when I shoot RAW (I keep ACR's sharpening sliders on the default, whatever they are....), and I use a script (google 'AbsoluteSharpeningWeb') in CS3 to sharpen AFTER I downsize (usually to 800 pixels wide for web display).

So it might be your post-processing.

Did not shoot RAW...no sharpening at all only resizing.

[DL.Photography]

Wait, why is the 100-400L known as the dust pump? I know its a push and pull zoom, but does it collect a lot of dust? I was thinking about getting this in the future as a versatile telephoto for the zoo & wildlife etc. But the dust thing kinda scares me now. haha

[neil_r]

Wait, why is the 100-400L known as the dust pump? I know its a push and pull zoom, but does it collect a lot of dust? I was thinking about getting this in the future as a versatile telephoto for the zoo & wildlife etc. But the dust thing kinda scares me now. haha

Mine has worked in India, in deserts, at race tracks and all manner of unpleasant dusty places and it has no more dust now than when I got it nearly 7 years ago (that is none) Regardless of whether you twist or push pull there will be movement within a zoom.

I and several other owners of this lens with whom I work/socialise do not have a problem.

[Goincarcrazy]

Wait, why is the 100-400L known as the dust pump? I know its a push and pull zoom, but does it collect a lot of dust? I was thinking about getting this in the future as a versatile telephoto for the zoo & wildlife etc. But the dust thing kinda scares me now. haha

Keep a filter on it and it'll be fine. I bought mind used, but only 3 months old. It had been used in the spring with all the pine pollen and all flying through the air and there wasn't a spec in it...6 months later there's still nothing, even after beach and woods use. It's just a nickname like "lead sled" is to chopped and dropped cars that is made to annoy the owners.

[neil_r]

You don't need the filter

[Goincarcrazy]

Mine came with a filter and I didn't know the dust collectability of one without the filter, just a CYA moment.

[neil_r]

Mine came with a filter and I didn't know the dust collectability of one without the filter, just a CYA moment.


Take a couple of pictures with and without the filter and compare IQ. if there is no difference then you may as well leave it on. The only filters I use are ND's and PL and only when they are needed. (I do use the lens hood though even though mine is now held together with Duck Tape.

[Pete]

My lenses often have a liberal coating of dust on them. I don't spend too much time cleaning them, but I never see any adverse effects of the dust.

[Goincarcrazy]

Take a couple of pictures with and without the filter and compare IQ. if there is no difference then you may as well leave it on. The only filters I use are ND's and PL and only when they are needed. (I do use the lens hood though even though mine is now held together with Duck Tape.

I have and I wasn't able to tell a difference at all, that's why it's remained on. Priceless about the duct tape though...1 million and 2 uses!

[wesjr]

Love the new Sanderlings. The justapositioning really works for me.

Neil most excellent and exquisite water lily with great color, contrast and color....
_______________________________
EOD 1D, 5D Mk 11, Sigma 15- 30, Canon 28- 135 IS, Canon 70 -200 L f/4, Sigma 180 HSM f/3.5, Canon 100- 400 L IS, Canon 500 f/4 L IS and Canon 550 EX flash.

[Pete]

Both at 400mm

http://www.the-aperture.com/EE/photos/normal/20080703_APER7039.jpg

http://www.the-aperture.com/EE/photos/normal/20080703_APER7029.jpg

[Perry Ge]

Pete those are beautiful!

[soxfan356]

I can not wait to get this lens

[single_track]

Over 6 years old and no sign of dust.... (I must be doing something wrong)

http://www.ambrosiabbs.com/gallery/photo/medium/Mauritius_Jan_2009_NHR4890.jpg

you are doing nothing wrong here - fantastic.

[egordon99]

Some "landscapes" from Valley Forge National park early yesterday morning -

http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20090204_0027.jpg

http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20090204_0029.jpg

http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20090204_0040.jpg

http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20090204_0006.jpg

Obligatory duck (or similar bird) coming soon.....

[egordon99]

Is that a duck?

http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20081109_0317.jpg

What about this?
http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20081109_0229.jpg

OK, so I have no idea what a duck looks like, but look at that bokeh!
http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20081109_0253.jpg

More bokeh!
http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20081109_0189.jpg

OK, this was about as close as I could get....Goose, duck, they both taste the same ;)
http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20081109_0139.jpg

[AllenF]

I've had this lens for the last 6 months or so and maybe I'm expecting more out of it or what's more likely is that I'm doing something wrong. This was taken yesterday at the zoo under just so-so lighting conditions using a tripod. Please critique...is this what is expected from this lens or is my technique lacking? No post processing other than slight cropping and resizing.

http://blackzzz.smugmug.com/photos/467525011_wkkFZ-O.jpg

I am not the end all of observers but it looks to me that the whiskers are sharp and the eyes are soft. If I were to guess I would say your lens/camera combo are front focusing a bit. If you do get the 50D you should be able to dial in this lens and then it would be MUCH better. If you stay with your 20D then send the lens in to Canon with this photo and ask then to fix it for the front focusing issue.

One other point. Many have said that for this lens in particular it is sensitive to less than stellar lens filters. So if you have a less than $70 lens filter on it, it may be a part or even all of your softness issue. Try some tests with and without the filter too.

[Trek_203]

Five exposure HDR:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3204938343_ca770cc9cf_o.jpg

Very cool! If the color is green it would look like that scene from Matrix! :D

[dilorenzo1954]

From this past fall...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/3255630641_d6b64585a3_b_d.jpg

[egordon99]

No one liked my "ducks" ? :)

[dilorenzo1954]

No one liked my "ducks" ? :) Those are some strange ducks;) Beautiful crisp images. Very nice

[egordon99]

LOL....I like your Flamingo, exactly the kind of performance I get out of my 100-400 (assuming the light is right)

Those are some strange ducks;) Beautiful crisp images. Very nice

[blackzzz]

I am not the end all of observers but it looks to me that the whiskers are sharp and the eyes are soft. If I were to guess I would say your lens/camera combo are front focusing a bit. If you do get the 50D you should be able to dial in this lens and then it would be MUCH better. If you stay with your 20D then send the lens in to Canon with this photo and ask then to fix it for the front focusing issue.

One other point. Many have said that for this lens in particular it is sensitive to less than stellar lens filters. So if you have a less than $70 lens filter on it, it may be a part or even all of your softness issue. Try some tests with and without the filter too.


Thanks much for your input...I contacted Canon yesterday and have set it up to be sent in for calibration. Also, I've never used a filter on this particular lens. I don't understand what you mean about 'dialing in the lens' when used with a 50D.

[Goincarcrazy]

Thanks much for your input...I contacted Canon yesterday and have set it up to be sent in for calibration. Also, I've never used a filter on this particular lens. I don't understand what you mean about 'dialing in the lens' when used with a 50D.

I think he's talking about the in camera focus adjustment. I know the 5DII has it, but I didn't know the 50D had it as well. Yet another feature that may make me switch.

[DragonSpeed]

Here's a little fella that posed for us:

He was so close the DOF is pretty darned shallow.
Had to go to 1/250 handheld as it was getting dark.

http://www.fotothing.com/photos/dbe/dbe0742a652b4ae2df7bfe84fe083474_c3c.jpg

[Sydor25]

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/Dana_Point_Sunset-876_10x20.jpg

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/San_Diego_Zoo-361.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

See, your big white lens had this camel foaming at the mouth! In all seriousness, did you get an unexpected spit bath from this guy after the shot?

[Shadowblade]

It was taken at 400mm on a 1.3x crop camera - no way a camel can spit that far!

[Goincarcrazy]

Good point, maybe it's a Mid-African Hocking Camel? I dunno. Great shot either way!

[ace3]

rented the 100-400 for a safari trip at Sabi Sabi in S. Africa last year. love this lens.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/2673083650_801e85e92d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2673080380_394e28fd3f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2673086792_b8511be79c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2673081322_991673e444_o.jpg

MOD EDIT:
Sorry - max image size here is 1024px on the longest side.

[AllenF]

Thanks much for your input...I contacted Canon yesterday and have set it up to be sent in for calibration. Also, I've never used a filter on this particular lens. I don't understand what you mean about 'dialing in the lens' when used with a 50D.

If you search for 50D and lens micro adjustment or down load the 50D owners manual you will find a wealth of info.

Basically the 50D will allow you to adjust for front or back focus errors which overall when done right should nail the focus on all but the most wacked lenses. This, however, will not help the other cameras without this feature.

After a second look I think yours is front focusing a good bit so I bet Canon will straighten it out for you.

If they do, you will see a major jump in sharpness and contrast which will give you some more pop and punch in your images

[keith breazeal]

from the Reno Air Races and Airshow...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/USAFF-22Raptor-1.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Jeez, he couldn't have been too far off the ground. Either that or that's pretty major crop.

[keith breazeal]

this was about 2/3rds frame originally. So yes, he was low and close. The 100-400 was at 150mm!

[Goincarcrazy]

Holy crap, you must have gotten your hair singed as he flew over! That's pretty insane. Great shot none the less.

[keith breazeal]

Holy crap, you must have gotten your hair singed as he flew over! That's pretty insane. Great shot none the less.


what hair? :mrgreen:

[Candor]

I've been looking forward to contributing to this thread. Just rec'd the lens this week and as a complete noob it is making the learning curve a little easier.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee117/mdavies_01/MC6.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Did you happen to use a tripod with that shot? If not, I'm VERY impressed. 1/80th second at 400mm, jeez. Great shot, btw.

[Candor]

Did you happen to use a tripod with that shot? If not, I'm VERY impressed. 1/80th second at 400mm, jeez. Great shot, btw.


Thank a lot! No, it was hand held but I was standing on a wood platform overlooking the water when it showed up so I was able to use the railing to brace the camera.

[Pete]

http://www.the-aperture.com/EE/photos/normal/20090208__PER8573.jpg

http://www.the-aperture.com/EE/photos/normal/20090208__PER8648.jpg

http://www.the-aperture.com/EE/photos/normal/20090208__PER8646_2.jpg

100% crop, no editing
http://the-aperture.com/20090208-_PER8646-100.jpg

All with 1D Mk IIN

[Madweasel]

Pete, no.2 is fantastic. The tight framing really works to give a grand effect. Good work!

[Roy Webber]

Pete, no.2 is fantastic. The tight framing really works to give a grand effect. Good work!
..+1

[MPCman]

One of my first shots with the 100-400 that I bought last week :)

[Goincarcrazy]

Wow, you chose a very hard shot! A pitch black crow on a stark white background...I will say I do like the contrast of the two.

Here a couple I took of some local wildlife.

1. A Nutria
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3264966479_304b76bffb_b.jpg

2. A Green Anole, taken with the 100-400 attached to Kenko tubes.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3265791002_efb2255012_b.jpg

[tonylong]

I posted a few minutes ago in the 1D Mk III thread, but this stuff is for here too!

I've been trying to shoot with the 100-400 with a 1.4x TC attached on the 1D3, because I need the reach, and don't have a "real" 500 or 600, and I had to sell my 300 f/2.8, and dang, I just want to squeeze as much as I can out of the 100-400 and, fortunately, the 1D3 gets AF at f/8 so that part is good to go.

I won't say I'm ecstatic about the number and sharpness of the keepers, but then my expectations weren't super high.

Anyway, the batch that made it at least to the Web can be found here:

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/feb_7_09_columbia_river

And here are some samples. Please note that these are all at or close to 100% crops because the critters were distant, even with 560mm!

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/109119131/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/109119602/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/109119603/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/109119605/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/109120320/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/109120752/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/109121157/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/109122417/original.jpg

[keith breazeal]

big bird

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/VirginAmericapassatFleetWeek-1.jpg

little bird

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

[lance v]

Another bird :p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3273363878_e6ab94198d_o.jpg

[Eagle]

Another bird :p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3273363878_e6ab94198d_o.jpg
Damn punks and their wild makeup and mohawk haircuts!

[keith breazeal]

getting it to sit through the makeup session must have been tough! :rolleyes:

[lance v]

Damn punks and their wild makeup and mohawk haircuts!

getting it to sit through the makeup session must have been tough! :rolleyes:

LOL! these are one of the most beautiful birds in the world! when it flies it has the most magnificent pink/red colour under its wings. This 1 had a bit of a punk attitude tho:p

[keith breazeal]

Most of the birds up here in the mountains are a tough shot with all the trees and shade. We did get a shot of an endangered raptor eating a chicken. The species is known, but remains a quiet find for further studies.

[rgfrison]

I love this lens, out of all I own, it would be the last one to go.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a271/rgfrison/IMG_1799-2w.jpg

[jackman1]

Here is my dilemma. The 300mm f4 is roughly the same price as the 100-400. Which is better? Which better for the price. I like fixed but also the extended range of the zoom. If anyone has both-which do you use more?

[poppie guy]

Here is my dilemma. The 300mm f4 is roughly the same price as the 100-400. Which is better? Which better for the price. I like fixed but also the extended range of the zoom. If anyone has both-which do you use more?

The 100-400 is much better from 100 thru 299.... which was the big reason I bought mine.

[cesstrelle]

Canon 50D and Canon 100-400mm f4/5.6 USM IS L
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/3267859282_14859abfb5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3266415051_d782810a7e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3245482229_f911e51f37_b.jpg

[yellowroadster]

The cow picture...LOL!!!

[keith breazeal]

DO NOT LET CHILDREN SEE THAT COW! bw!

[cesstrelle]

He was actually a very handsome bull...it was a fluke to get that shot, I was aiming for a nice portrait, LOL.

[Pete]

From lunchtime today with the 1D Mk II N and 100-400L.

No processing at all apart from a crop Sometimes, I'm just happy with what comes right out of the camera...

This just goes to show how narrow the depth of field can be at f/5.6

http://the-aperture.com/cp/albums/userpics/10001/20090215-_PER8694.jpg

http://the-aperture.com/cp/albums/userpics/10001/20090215-_PER8693.jpg

[BrantG]

Here is my dilemma. The 300mm f4 is roughly the same price as the 100-400. Which is better? Which better for the price. I like fixed but also the extended range of the zoom. If anyone has both-which do you use more?

Remember that the 100-400 is more versatile. You have a zoom from 100-400 mm instead of being stuck at 300mm.

The prime should be much sharper, but it depends if you can live without the zoom capabilities. I know I couldn't.

[DMcGrew]

Took these today at the lake with my 5D2. All were at 400mm with a little cropping.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3298799496_9169a32103_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmcgrew/3298799496/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3297970599_f0aef0413a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmcgrew/3297970599/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3298798632_0e1d94aec1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmcgrew/3298798632/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3297969757_d73ff95176_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmcgrew/3297969757/)

[DennisW1]

Remember that the 100-400 is more versatile. You have a zoom from 100-400 mm instead of being stuck at 300mm.

The prime should be much sharper, but it depends if you can live without the zoom capabilities. I know I couldn't.


The only other disadvantage of the 100-400 is it's a relatively slow lens at 400mm (f5.6). If you are always going to be shooting with sufficient light then this shouldn't be a problem. Also adding a 1.4 TC to it loses you another stop down to f8. On the 1D series bodys you will only have center point focus, and correct me if I'm wrong but on the XXD series cameras you lose AF all together with the TC unless you do the pin taping trick.

For the money the 100-400 is a great lens, but it has its limitations as noted above.

Oh, and the "dust pump" issue: I've owned one of these lenses for 4 years and haven't noticed it putting any more dust into my camera bodies than any other lens, so I have to dismiss this as nothing more than another misconception.
Also, if you want to see another lens that pumps air fairly strongly, take the back lens cap off of your 24-70 and zoom the lens in and out while holding your hand up to the open back of the lens.

[BrantG]

The only other disadvantage of the 100-400 is it's a relatively slow lens at 400mm (f5.6). If you are always going to be shooting with sufficient light then this shouldn't be a problem. Also adding a 1.4 TC to it loses you another stop down to f8. On the 1D series bodys you will only have center point focus, and correct me if I'm wrong but on the XXD series cameras you lose AF all together with the TC unless you do the pin taping trick.

For the money the 100-400 is a great lens, but it has its limitations as noted above.

It's not terribly slow. It's fast enough for Airshows. However BIF might be a pain for sure. On a 1D body you still have AF and it is center only, but that would be your best AF point regardless. And yes the 5D and XXD series lose AF all together.

[S.O.P]

# Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640) [+]
# Aperture: f/5.6 [+]
# Focal Length: 400 mm [+]
# ISO Speed: 800 [+]
# Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM [+]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3308818520_0ccb917cd7_b.jpg

[Tareq]

# Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640) [+]
# Aperture: f/5.6 [+]
# Focal Length: 400 mm [+]
# ISO Speed: 800 [+]
# Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM [+]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3308818520_0ccb917cd7_b.jpg

Even the background is a lil bit busy and distracting, but the shot is remarkable!

[Goincarcrazy]

Went to the zoo with some local people from POTN this past weekend. Weather was beautiful, but the sun was VERY intense, but none-the-less, here's a few shots taken with the 100-400L from that excursion.

1. Black and White Angola Colobus
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3305829204_18006b288a_b.jpg

2. Young Night Heron
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3305087941_a03c032257_b.jpg

3. Southern White Rhino
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3305888954_0e7d0cec7b_b.jpg

4. Goliath Heron
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3305042017_057955a807_b.jpg

[Sydor25]

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/San_Antonio_Bears-226.jpg


http://sydor25.com/Pictures/San_Antonio_Cats-063.jpg

[jdlloyd67]

http://www.evangordon.com/potn/20090204_0006.jpg


Love this shot! Has a classic movie feel to it. Great job!!!

[egordon99]

Thanks! Didn't think anyone noticed my shots :)

That was taken at Valley Forge National Park (Washington Chapel) on my way in to work one morning, around 7 AM right after a decent snow. I almost slipped and fell with my 100-400/40D, Xsi/10-20 dangling around my neck....It was worth it though!

Love this shot! Has a classic movie feel to it. Great job!!!

[drPheta]

You know, I entertain the thought of selling this lens from time to time, because it doesn't get used nearly as much as my other ones. But then this thread sways me into keeping it. Amazing shots, everyone.

[Rhilton4u]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3270145755_eacb6b96e8_o.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

You know, I entertain the thought of selling this lens from time to time, because it doesn't get used nearly as much as my other ones. But then this thread sways me into keeping it. Amazing shots, everyone.

I kinda feel uncomfortable having so much money in something that if dropped is worth next to nothing, so sometimes I'm with you about thinking about selling it, but I dunno what I'd do without it!

[tonylong]

Heh! I know what you mean, I can go for some time without using this lens, especially in the winter when I just don't feel like getting into the great outdoors much. But Spring is coming, and sooner rather than later I'll start chasing wildlife around, and I really wouldn't want to think about not having the 100-400!

[Goincarcrazy]

Random shot from tonight...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3334101197_659b749b7f_b.jpg

[Madweasel]

I kinda feel uncomfortable having so much money in something that if dropped is worth next to nothing, so sometimes I'm with you about thinking about selling it, but I dunno what I'd do without it!

Just make sure you keep a good grip on it!

[tdodd]

1D3 + 100-400 @ 400mm, f/6.3, 1/800, 1250 ISO, shot raw and processed in Lightroom. Slightly cropped.

[tdodd]

1D3 + 100-400 @ 400mm, f/5.6, 1/320, 200 ISO, Shot raw and processed in Lightroom with a bit of cropping.

[_aravena]

A few new shots from a borrowed 100-400L. Man I can't wait to get this. Forget the Bigmos.

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v7/p842593292-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v6/p1045833177-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v4/p756345585-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v5/p918160309-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v0/p582965681-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v7/p934600371-4.jpg

The man that let me borrow the lens, Rikwriter himself.
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v4/p748198517-4.jpg

[tonylong]

Sweet shots, _arevena! This lens is no slouch, and your shots show it!

[_aravena]

Thanks! It's truly something else, mucho light or not. That IS works despite its age.

[keith breazeal]

Tonight's Worm Moon rising over the California Sierra Nevada mountains.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/WormMoon10March20098356a.jpg

[Eagle]

↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑

OMFG Cool a*s pic!

[Madweasel]

Is that the one on SpaceWeather.com?

[Madweasel]

And just a note to any pixel peepers who think Keith's 100-400 is showing chromatic aberration, that's CA that is caused by the atmosphere (the blue upper edge and red bottom edge to the moon's image).

[Goincarcrazy]

And just a note to any pixel peepers who think Keith's 100-400 is showing chromatic aberration, that's CA that is caused by the atmosphere (the blue upper edge and red bottom edge to the moon's image).

Yup. I was going to add a blurb about that. The moon in that pic looks so big simply BECAUSE atmospheric distortion so obviously it's going to show up in a pic.

[keith breazeal]

Is that the one on SpaceWeather.com?
yes... they never switched to any others- guess they liked it. Got a ton of emails about it. Might have to rethink letting my email appear.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/WormMoononSpaceweathercom10mar09.jpg

Here's the initial test shot to see if I could get the snow to show up

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

[Goincarcrazy]

So THAT explains why my pet earth worm started moving again today...jeez. I guess it DID have significant meaning to farmers back in the day. Pretty neat man, congrats. It is truly a beautiful pic.

[BrantG]

A few new shots from a borrowed 100-400L. Man I can't wait to get this. Forget the Bigmos.

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v7/p842593292-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v6/p1045833177-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v4/p756345585-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v5/p918160309-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v0/p582965681-4.jpg

http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v7/p934600371-4.jpg

The man that let me borrow the lens, Rikwriter himself.
http://www.lastshotphotography.com/img/v4/p748198517-4.jpg

I'd love to borrow his 500mm thought. :)

[_aravena]

Yeah, well I borrowed another guy's 600 on Tuesday! :D Definitely requires some learning though I turned up a few good shots. Primes require some skill and my shots show my lack of long prime skill.

[Don Komarechka]

Here's a shot I had originally posted in another thread, but it should go here for reference too. From the first day of shooting with my 100-400L:

http://electricpickleonline.com/images/potn/100-400L_ducks/_MG_1837.jpg

Canon 5D mark II, 100-400L @ 400mm, F/8, 1/1000 sec, ISO 320

[drPheta]

Hope I don't miss this lens too much. Just shipped it out to the new buyer. :(

[BrantG]

Hope I don't miss this lens too much. Just shipped it out to the new buyer. :(

I'm afraid you will. The lens is so versatile.

[LordBrian]

Here's a shot I had originally posted in another thread, but it should go here for reference too. From the first day of shooting with my 100-400L:


If that's your first day then I cannot wait for first week and month. Fantastic shot.

[tonylong]

Yeah, well I borrowed another guy's 600 on Tuesday! :D Definitely requires some learning though I turned up a few good shots. Primes require some skill and my shots show my lack of long prime skill.

Yeah, the nice thing about the 100-400 is that it's so lightweight/portable -- it is truly a "walkaround wildlife" lens. I'm happy handholding it, sometimes a monopod, rarely a tripod.

[Goincarcrazy]

Yeah, the nice thing about the 100-400 is that it's so lightweight/portable -- it is truly a "walkaround wildlife" lens. I'm happy handholding it, sometimes a monopod, rarely a tripod.

It took me a while to get used to the weight. My big test was at an airshow and I was fine with it all day both around my neck and hand held shooting. I completely agree as well that it's a great "walkaround wildlife" lens, possibly the best description I've heard for this lens.

[Sydor25]

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/Fort_Worth_Animals-046.jpg

[keith breazeal]

OK, I'll try birds. No fancy parks or wildlife preserves around here, just highway drive bys.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/WesternBluebird1024.jpg

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

[tonylong]

Nice, Keith! Reminds me of plenty I've taken in exactly the same type of situations!

[Sydor25]

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/Fort_Worth_Jaguar-060.jpg

[NU Husky 91]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3331652761_1d1a875cab_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3331652761_1d1a875cab_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3329135803_5cd33d4b26_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3329135803_5cd33d4b26_b.jpg

[tonylong]

Some from the archives, different types of subjects (exif attached):

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/79686856/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/79686096/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/79687381/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/80464785/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/80570161/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/80571419/original.jpg

[rpearce12]

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m70/rpearce12/Around%20the%20Harbor%202009_3_17/Harbor564copy-1.jpg

[Roy Webber]

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m70/rpearce12/Around%20the%20Harbor%202009_3_17/Harbor564copy-1.jpg
Nice image Richard

[rpearce12]

Thanks, Roy. I knew this lens could do some damage. Finally proved it to myself.

[boring tdi]

Both of these taken last year. I love this lens for wildlife and zoo situations.

http://fileserver7.jpghosting.com/images/_MG_1589_97f8a7b95337b9d05e0bf1a932ac0971.jpg (http://www.jpghosting.com/showpic.php?image=_MG_1589_97f8a7b95337b9d05e0bf1a 932ac0971.jpg)

http://fileserver7.jpghosting.com/images/_MG_2664_ec2fab32d89cf5497ee417ae2d7fdae3.jpg (http://www.jpghosting.com/showpic.php?image=_MG_2664_ec2fab32d89cf5497ee417a e2d7fdae3.jpg)


:)

[S.Horton]

wow - excellent owl!

[i_am_hydrogen]

Trump Tower under construction:

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1252/trump2.jpg

[keith breazeal]

Sweet shots!!!

From today at the American Freestyle Championships...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa5/KBVP/OUCH0419a.jpg

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

[Goincarcrazy]

I'm assuming that's a before and after shot of that guy? haha. That looked like a pretty brutal spill. Great timing in getting that!

[BrantG]

I'm assuming that's a before and after shot of that guy? haha. That looked like a pretty brutal spill. Great timing in getting that!



Agreed. Hopefully he's alright.

[johnathan]

A couple from the other day. This is my favorite lens. I haven't gotten used to the new 70-200 2.8ISL yet. I still tend to reach for my 100-400 !

http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/495106982_sR7RA-O.jpg

http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/495106986_ywdmC-O.jpg

[BrantG]

Love that last picture.

[stonyzmom]

I'm so excited. I just bought this lens. Found it on craigslist and the owner lives about 40 minutes from my house. I will pick it up tomorrow. He bought it 5 months ago and used it once at the zoo.....it's been in the box ever since. Weeee haw! I got it for $1300. I searched all over and that's a great price from what I could gather.

[johnathan]

Love that last picture.

Brant
Thanks for the compliment.


I'm so excited. I just bought this lens. Found it on craigslist and the owner lives about 40 minutes from my house. I will pick it up tomorrow. He bought it 5 months ago and used it once at the zoo.....it's been in the box ever since. Weeee haw! I got it for $1300. I searched all over and that's a great price from what I could gather.


I have had mine for 3 1/2 years and love it.:)

[keith breazeal]

this is going to hurt....

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

[stonyzmom]

That's gonna leave a mark.:D

this is going to hurt....

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

[Sydor25]

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/Fort_Worth_Lions-249.jpg

[johnathan]

Sydor25
You caught a perfect moment at the zoo! I am very impressed with all of your pictures.I see you are in Dallas. Im in NRH over in Ft Worth.Cheers

[Scott71]

Two from today. 3/21/09

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/icarus71/IMG_5706-3.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/icarus71/IMG_5713-4.jpg

[keith breazeal]

You guys are really puttting up some awesome wildlife shots! Wish I was still in San Diego for the zoo shots. Right now, the only animal shots to be had is the dog laying in front of the wood stove. Nasty weather today.

[johnathan]

Scott71
Those look great I love bird photography! I posted these in the bird forum but am posting them here.

http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/494822597_6SnhA-O.jpg

http://johnathan.smugmug.com/photos/494899924_dJhXX-O.jpg

[stonyzmom]

I shot this on full auto......still learning, but I'm loving this new lens.

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5201/71954635.jpg

[S.Horton]

Still one of my favs -- >100% crop
http://midnightblue.smugmug.com/photos/496422587_S5YzX-L.jpg

[Sydor25]

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/Fort_Worth_Tigers-437.jpg

[stonyzmom]

I feel a trip to the zoo coming on.:D

[keith breazeal]

It's book worthy :) I really like it...great work!

[71sbeetle]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3377624347_8629bf0461.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3377624449_23742b3ee2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3378443118_4793335fc3.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3377624875_2f76d8282d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3377625031_05db60405b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3357972441_24766a453d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3357972257_341a12e193.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3357970379_8430eb4b1c.jpg

[Broomer]

5.6 1/250 iso 640 -1ec handheld

[Headshotzx]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3357972441_24766a453d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3357972257_341a12e193.jpg



Love the relatively clean backgrounds. Great panning!

[xMClass]

Great shots, 71sbeetle.

[71sbeetle]

Thanks :)

[stonyzmom]

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8277/birdies5.jpg

Got this guy on the fly.....split second.