Canon 100-400L: Good sports lens?

[Lonewolf]

I took my new 100-400L out to photograph my nephews playing football today. This was my first session with this lens and my first efforts using a monopod.

Overall most of the shots turned out well. There were however more out of focus shots (compared to shots taken with my 70-200 F4 without monopod) than I'd expected.

I was using the center focus point and on several images the subject was perfectly centered.

I'm not certain why the increase in out of focus shots. One thought would be my inexperience with this new lens (it does have TWICE the focal length and that does make for more shake and may have affected my "aim" when placing the focus point on the fast moving subjects.)

Or is it possible the autofocus on this particular lens is better suited to slower moving subjects? I was hoping this lens would work well for sports and outdoor/wildlife photography.

I was also advised that I can use the IS in mode 2 while the lens is on a monopod.

Any advice on how best to use this lens is appreciated.

Thanks - Wayne.

[eigga]

I dont have much experience with this lens but from what I have read this lens takes some practice... search some threads and you will see MANY people say there was a big learning curve. I know my business partner only uses it stopped down at f/8 because that is the sweet spot.... Also most people will want to see pictures to comment

[downhillnews]

I have this lens and it is a little slower while focusing. Center focus is a must and I will use it for MX or DH MTB racing when applicable so people running should not be a problem. I locked mine at like 250 for a shoot and just got used to it which helped not having to worry about the slide barrel....

[Photorebel]

I tried out this lens for a fastpitch softball game last year. I found it a bit cumbersome to handle in the field. Not a handheld lens for me. I thought it was too long (on a 30D) for softball. So I returned it.
Later I looked at the photos, and couldn't believe how sharp they were.
As others said, there is a learning curve to using this lens. But even so, I think it's a bit challenging to use in a fast moving sport. Just my 02 cents worth.

[vetkrazy]

I have used this lens with great success. But I have to say I have never used it on a pod. And I never turn on IS for sports. You will get two schools of thought on this, but at the speeds necessary for sports I don't find it helpful. Did you check you photos in zoombrowser to see where your focus point was on OF shots? It can really help. As said there is a learning curve for this lens. I find it useful in softball as it can cover the hitter, pitcher and the outfielders. It would be helpful if you posted some shots with the exif data. You would get better input that way.