Replacement for 100-400mm IS?

[davkenrem]

Has anyone heard if Canon is going to update the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Zoom ? I 'm torn between it and the Sigma 120-300mm lens. I'm leaning toward the Sigma because of it's two touch-zoom mechanism. I loath one-touch zooms , they remind me of the Old 70's Vivitars. I had a 70-300 Soligor back when I had my Nikon FM in the 70's and got rid of a Vivitar one-touch to buy it then. I have read that the canon 100-400 is one of the old IS lens and is slower in focus speed than the modern IS lens and the IS won't work on a tripod.
Reviews for the Sigma claim very fast focus and sharp photos. I would deffinatly by a Canon lens in that range if it was a two-touch.

What do you think?

[roanjohn]

No word........

As far as the rumors are concerned.........the new lenses will both address the wide end........from 10-18.............both EF-S. No "L" lenses in the horizon.

I would like to see a 100-400 f4 L..................IS, of course.

Ro1

[RichardtheSane]

EF-S?

I don't see why Canon would nobble themselves by producing a lens that is limited to one (maybe 2) camera(s)

I do doubt it wil be EF-S

I also think that since the 100-400L IS is still selling well then it may not be replaced for a while, now watch them prove me wrong!

[Cadwell]

Has anyone heard if Canon is going to update the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Zoom ? I 'm torn between it and the Sigma 120-300mm lens. I'm leaning toward the Sigma because of it's two touch-zoom mechanism. I loath one-touch zooms , they remind me of the Old 70's Vivitars. I had a 70-300 Soligor back when I had my Nikon FM in the 70's and got rid of a Vivitar one-touch to buy it then. I have read that the canon 100-400 is one of the old IS lens and is slower in focus speed than the modern IS lens and the IS won't work on a tripod.
Reviews for the Sigma claim very fast focus and sharp photos. I would deffinatly by a Canon lens in that range if it was a two-touch.

What do you think?

Well... I actually have both of these lenses. They each have their uses.

First to answer some of your points the 100-400 is at least as quick as the 120-300 to focus, probably slightly faster - in fact it's very quick indeed. It has second generation IS, not the early stuff such as is fitted to the 28-135mm, and it works superbly.

The 120-300 is a truly great lens. Sharp, and has incredible performance in low light. It works really well with a 1.4x TC to give 420mm at f/4.0 but don't use it with a 2x TC, the results aren't that pretty. The downside is that it is physically a large lens and it is very heavy. Twice the weight of the 100-400 in fact. This is a lens that you do not want to hand hold for more than one or two shots.

The 100-400 is also superb and far, far more portable. When retracted it's much smaller than the 120-300 (about half the size) and it's light enough that I can happily carry this lens about all day and hand hold it for shot after shot. The IS works great and the images are fantastic.

So... how do you choose? Well if you need the low light performance of a constant f/2.8 zoom then choose the Sigma. If you need portability then choose the Canon. If like me, you can't decide, then you're just gonna have to buy both :lol:

[dialdn]

If I may add something to this thread without hijacking. What about the 400 5.6L? Will it maybe be replaced or IS added?

Cadwell: What's your view on the 400 5.6L lens as your sites cover birds and motorsports (my interests)? Ultimately would the 400 prime be a decent handheld option on sunny days and monopod action on dimmer days. I think the sharpness I have read the prime has over the zoom would be helpful in dealing with bird feathers.

D

[Cadwell]

Cadwell: What's your view on the 400 5.6L lens as your sites cover birds and motorsports (my interests)? Ultimately would the 400 prime be a decent handheld option on sunny days and monopod action on dimmer days. I think the sharpness I have read the prime has over the zoom would be helpful in dealing with bird feathers.

D

Mmm.. well I have never used the 400 f/5.6L so I'm not really in a position to comment on that lens specifically. In general terms primes are usually sharper than zooms. "L" zooms come close but "L" primes are better. Is an "L" zoom or a 120-300EX sharp enough? For what I shoot, yes. Compared to all but the best primes they are very sharp lenses.

As far as motorsport on a cloudy day goes, a monopod doesn't really help you (neither does IS). It's all about keeping the shutter speed up and that needs fast glass so at that point the f/5.6 lens is going to start to suffer next to the f/2.8.

[CyberDyneSystems]

A 100-400mm in f/4 would be... large... while the existing 100-400mm is very portable. :)

The biggest advantage of the 400mm f/5.6 prime is it's AF is slightly faster and better for use with tracking smaller moving objects... this is one of the very few weaknesses that I have noticed in the 100-400mm... it just isn't up to the AF task in these few cases as well as the prime or the 70-200 f/2.8IS for instance.

[Tom W]

EF-S?

I don't see why Canon would nobble themselves by producing a lens that is limited to one (maybe 2) camera(s)

I do doubt it wil be EF-S

I also think that since the 100-400L IS is still selling well then it may not be replaced for a while, now watch them prove me wrong!

Two EF-S lenses are coming out, as well as a new body. Both are middle-consumer grade lenses, designed to mimic the function of popular film lenses, but on the 1.6X sensor. A 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS lens will mimic the 28-135 IS lens, and a 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 will serve to mimic something on the order of 16-35 mm. Good move if Canon is keeping the 1.6X for a while. Apparently, they are.

The 100-400L is a wonderful lens. Sure, I'd like rotating zoom and more aperture, but I'm certainly not disappointed with what it does now.

[Belmondo]

I also wish they'd update the 400 f/5.6L and bring it out with IS.

[FrenchAmateur]

I bought the 100-400 when it was first commercialised.
If I had to change it (broken, stolen, lost...), I would buy it again...

[davkenrem]

I'd like to have a lens like the new Nikon 200-400 F4 VR in a Canon Mount.
http://highres.maxwell.com.au/images/nikon/nikkors/afs-vr200-400.jpg

[CyberDyneSystems]

That Nikon looks great.. but I wager it is a LOT heavier than the Canon at f/4!

Since were on the subject.. IF Canon were to improve the 100-400mm.. this is what I'd want on the wish list.

1. Update the IS to the 3rd gen.
2. Improve the Autofocus up to the level of the 400mm f/5.6 (if possible)
3. A rear element that would seal the lens from all the dust! (like the 70-200mm f/2.8, probably not possible with the design... but we can allways dream.)

Things I would NOT change.

1. One touch Zoom.. (I thought I would hate it.. and I did for about three days. Now I love it)
2. Keep the same Aperture range.. No an f/4 would make it too heavy. I love this lens specifically because it is portable. If Canon want to make an f/4.. great.. but don't use it to replace this lens!

[Chris1le]

One thing on my 100-400 update list would be an IS button lock. The switch moves to easily between on and off. Blurred a couple of shots yesterday before I realized the IS was off. :evil:

I also thought I would not like the push, pull zoom design. Now I have problems using my twist zooms. :?

[Scottes]

I wish the push-pull friction was even throughout the range. I hate zooming for 100 to 300 and then I have to force to get it to 400.

[xuxu1]

I wish the push-pull friction was even throughout the range. I hate zooming for 100 to 300 and then I have to force to get it to 400.

:?: Surprised :!:

Mine goes smooth all the way from 100 to 400.

It´s brand new and i love it. No additional wishes at the moment. The push pull zoom is even more convinient for me. IMO it´s faster.

Regards
Ed

[PacAce]

I wish the push-pull friction was even throughout the range. I hate zooming for 100 to 300 and then I have to force to get it to 400.

Scott, I'm surprised you didn't even realize that what you were experiencing with that lens is a very useful built-in feature. It's the "controlled deceleration" feature, or, in lay man's term, a speed brake. It's prevents one from slamming the len barrel against the zoom stop at 400mm. :shock: :mrgreen: :lol:

[Scottes]

Scott, I'm surprised you didn't even realize that what you were experiencing with that lens is a very useful built-in feature. It's the "controlled deceleration" feature, or, in lay man's term, a speed brake. It's prevents one from slamming the len barrel against the zoom stop at 400mm. :shock: :mrgreen: :lol:

Well I wish they'd put that one the other end, too, because when I'm at 400mm and tip the lens up it comes crashing back down to 100mm. With a very annoying thunk.

[Cadwell]

I don't like the push/pull zoom. On the other had I do like the compactness of the lens when it's retracted... :? This is a problem. ;)

[Scottes]

Mine goes smooth all the way from 100 to 400.

Congrats then, as you have what must be the only one like that in the world.


To clarify a bit... With the lens at 100mm, tighten the ring until you have to exert considerable force to move it to ~150mm. Now push it all the way to 400mm.

Do you use an even, constant pressure the entire way up to 400mm, or does it get harder to push once you get close to 400mm?


Of the 4 or 5 that I've handled they're all tighter when closer to 400mm. Several people here have said the same thing. You're the first person to speak differently. So... How new is it? Maybe they fixed this in the last 8 months?

[PacAce]

Scott, I'm surprised you didn't even realize that what you were experiencing with that lens is a very useful built-in feature. It's the "controlled deceleration" feature, or, in lay man's term, a speed brake. It's prevents one from slamming the len barrel against the zoom stop at 400mm. :shock: :mrgreen: :lol:

Well I wish they'd put that one the other end, too, because when I'm at 400mm and tip the lens up it comes crashing back down to 100mm. With a very annoying thunk.

Darn! Don't want to let the cat out of the bag but that's the most wanted feature for this lens and will be incorporated by Canon into the next release of this lens, the EF-S 100-400. :mrgreen:

[Scottes]

...Canon into the next release of this lens, the EF-S 100-400. :mrgreen:

NO! :(

I don't want an EF-S telephoto!

I wish they'd make an 8MP sensor with the 10D's noise levels but with a 3x crop factor. Then I'd have an effective 300-1200 L IS...

[cmM]

Scott, I'm surprised you didn't even realize that what you were experiencing with that lens is a very useful built-in feature. It's the "controlled deceleration" feature, or, in lay man's term, a speed brake. It's prevents one from slamming the len barrel against the zoom stop at 400mm. :shock: :mrgreen: :lol:

Well I wish they'd put that one the other end, too, because when I'm at 400mm and tip the lens up it comes crashing back down to 100mm. With a very annoying thunk.
so how do you take pictures of object above you at 400mm ?

[PacAce]

Scott, I'm surprised you didn't even realize that what you were experiencing with that lens is a very useful built-in feature. It's the "controlled deceleration" feature, or, in lay man's term, a speed brake. It's prevents one from slamming the len barrel against the zoom stop at 400mm. :shock: :mrgreen: :lol:

Well I wish they'd put that one the other end, too, because when I'm at 400mm and tip the lens up it comes crashing back down to 100mm. With a very annoying thunk.
so how do you take pictures of object above you at 400mm ?

Good thing Scottes has an extra hand to hold up that zoom barrel outstretched at 400mm while the right hand is busy holding up the camera AND operating the shutter release button. :lol:

(I bet a one-button zoom lock would sound very appealing at this point. :D )

[KennyG]

I must have an odd 100-400 too as it has the same resistance across the range. I can't remember what it was like when I got it, being a long while back, but it has been my constant companion at the race circuits for what seems a lifetime.

If they do decide to update it, all I ask is they use the same build as the new 28-300 for weather sealing and give it a constant F4. On my 1D it turns out shots so sharp at 400mm you could cut yourself on them and whatever they eventually replace it with had better be exceptional.

[johneo]

I think somebody posted exactly what I would replace my 100-400 L IS with ...

:lol: ANOTHER 100-400 L IS :lol:

No two ways about it! 8)

[xuxu1]

Mine goes smooth all the way from 100 to 400.

Congrats then, as you have what must be the only one like that in the world.


To clarify a bit... With the lens at 100mm, tighten the ring until you have to exert considerable force to move it to ~150mm. Now push it all the way to 400mm.

Do you use an even, constant pressure the entire way up to 400mm, or does it get harder to push once you get close to 400mm?


Of the 4 or 5 that I've handled they're all tighter when closer to 400mm. Several people here have said the same thing. You're the first person to speak differently. So... How new is it? Maybe they fixed this in the last 8 months?

Thanks for the clarification Scottes and sorry for the misunderstanding. What i meant was when i loosen the ring all the way then it goes smooth from 100 to 400. If i do it the way you described it then yes it does get harder to push.

Oh... almost forgot. I bought the 100-400L IS 4 weeks ago.

Regards
Ed

[CyberDyneSystems]

I ooned another 100-400mm for about week before returning it and settling on the one I have now (long story.. just realize it involves Belmondo.. 'nuff said :P )


Anyway..

One of those lense was smooth as butter from 100-400mm the other gets quite stiff at 300mm like many others..
:wink:

[Scottes]

What i meant was when i loosen the ring all the way then it goes smooth from 100 to 400. If i do it the way you described it then yes it does get harder to push.

Well if you're anything like me you'll tighten that ring about the third or fourth time you see a heron fly overhead.

:wink:

[xuxu1]

Well if you're anything like me you'll tighten that ring about the third or fourth time you see a heron fly overhead.

:wink:

Thats my problem... No herons around my place. :oops:
The birds i shoot look like these:

http://members.aon.at/aircanon/g5pics/ze700_bae146.jpg

http://members.aon.at/aircanon/g5pics/g-jeam.jpg

.... and i always (well almost always) have the ring loose on my 100-400L!
:roll: 8) :lol:

Regards
Ed

[johneo]

Well if you're anything like me you'll tighten that ring about the third or fourth time you see a heron fly overhead.

:wink:

I just wish that ring had better grip or the rubber pad the focus ring has

[xuxu1]

I just wish that ring had better grip or the rubber pad the focus ring has

Really?

If both were rubber padded you might accidently use the wrong one when focusing. :shock:

Regards
Ed