Canon 100-400L - Support the Camera or the Lens

[DavoMrMac]

Hello All

Finally got my 100-400L and it is stonking, but have two questions (separate threads).

The lens is soooo big, should I use a tripod to support the camera, the lens, both, or some sort of add-on gadget to attach to my existing tripod?

Thanking you all.

[DavoMrMac]

Hello All (again)

Just something I did not expect with my new lens.

When I adjust the zooming "touch" from Smooth to Tight and vice versa, the focusing ring also moves.

Is this right? Just finding it a bit tricky to get the hang of.

[HMetal]

Yes ,that is normal. You have to hold the focus ring and turn the resistance ring to your desired "tightness"

It's a tricky thing to get the hang of. I have this lens and I am now so used to the push-pull zoom that I dislike the rotary zoom rings.

[GenEOS]

You should support the lens by using the tri-pod collar that should have come with the lens. It is not necessary to support the camera if you use the lens mount. DO NOT try mounting the camera with this lens attached to a tri-pod by the mount of the camera, this will break your camera body for sure. Also, take care when carrying this lens/camera combo around. I have seen lots of people carrying this rig around by the camera grip alone. There is a lot of stress on the mount and they will break. Always support and carry this lens/camera combo by supporting the lens....

[GenEOS]

I am the opposite, I have grown to dis-like the push/pull zoom.

[DavoMrMac]

Thanks for your responses.

[DavoMrMac]

Yes, there is a tripod collar (already mounted) on the lens. So I should attach my tripod to the lens (being the heaviest part in the equation) and just leave my camera hanging there unsupported ?

[defordphoto]

Merged your two threads Davo.

[Alan B]

I am the opposite, I have grown to dis-like the push/pull zoom.

Why would you say that :confused:

I love it.I find it VERY usefull at photographing everything from Birds to motorsport.The push-pull system is quick and easy.

Whats your problem then ????????

[robertwgross]

The tripod collar is on the lens. That sits onto the top of your tripod. Leave the camera body hanging off the back. It's not a big deal.

For one very special shot, I moved things around and put the camera body onto the main tripod, and then I used a second tripod out in front. I put the front lip of the lens hood balanced onto the second tripod. Most of the time, this is unnecessary.

---Bob Gross---

[steven]

I would use the lens to mount to the tripod.
But isn't this more for balance on the tripod? and with it balanced the tripod is less likly to move or for ball heads to slip.

I have walked around with the 100-400 lens and carried it by the body.

Has anyone had or known of an incident where the camera mount failed?

[Tom W]

Its more balanced when you support the longer telephotos by the lens rather than the camera. It also provides a little less stress on the mount. Granted, the 100-400 isn't that long where it will severely stress the camera's mount if its left hanging, but it most likely produces more angular torque on the mount than the camera does.

[GenEOS]

Why would you say that :confused:

Whats your problem then ????????

The 100-400 is a great lens, do not get me wrong. I own it and like it. I guess using "dis-like" was a little harsh. One thing about the push-pull is that it is not as sealed, as a prime or twist zoom L lens, against the elements.

If you shoot in an enviroment where dirt, tire rubber, etc. is flying about in the air, it will get on the barrel of the lens. If you do not keep the barrel clean while pushing/pulling you will get crud into the lens.

My 100-400 is in need of a good cleaning beacuse of this.

When Canon re-invents this lens, It would be nice if it where a little faster on the big end...say f/4.