100-400L

Just picked up my 100-400 yesterday and today was the first time I got to play with it. As far as the zoom, is the collar able to tighten all the way to lock? It seems like when I turn it to tighten it doesn't get tight. I could lean the camera forward and the collar would slide. Is this right? When I demo'd one at the camera store I thought it was tighter than mine..

Hold the focus ring stationary with one hand and turn the locking ring with the other. I added a livestrong type bracelet to the locking ring to give it more grip so I can perform the above procedure with one hand.

Right, you hold the black focusing ring and turn the white ring with Smoother-Tight in the direction that does what you want. Whichever you do, both rings will continue to turn when manually focusing.

What Mike and John said. Enjoy your new beast!

Julius

JuliusUpNorth, no doubt it's a beast! I can't believe it's so heavy but I guess it shows the quality and that it's not just cheap plastic.

mike3767 wrote in post #13786012
I can't believe it's so heavy but I guess it shows the quality and that it's not just cheap plastic.

yes, "cheap plastic" does not weigh as much as iron or steel but surprisingly polycarbonate plastic works well with lens (as well as other things)

Mike, watt100 is correct. And, beast or not, you will like it, I am sure. I use mine as a walk-around lens most of the time up here and seldom, if ever, use a tripod. Although I must admit that I have been eyeing a monopod…

Julius

The funny thing about my 100-400 is that when I add it to a bag, it feels like I dropped a brick in there. But when I'm actually using it, it doesn't feel that heavy. That's why I only bring it when I'm pretty sure I'm going to need it. Otherwise, I bring the 70-200 f/4. You can't beat the range, reach, and image quality for the dollar on the 100-400 though.

I recently bought a 10 year-old 100-400 from a friend, and am amazed at how well it's aged! It wasn't used hard, nor put up wet, and is in mint condition. I took it to Canon for an inspection, just because it WAS 10 years old. They replaced the focus assembly (not necessary, but, since they had it apart...) and it's tack sharp. It's dreary winter here in NJ, but I'm looking forward to the spring and moving targets...

A good tripod is a good investment! I've got a Manfrotto, and it's a sturdy enough stick that it could be used for defense! Although it might slow down your shooting a bit, if you've got time to plan a shot, it'll save you lots of work over time!

mike3767 wrote in post #13783755
Just picked up my 100-400 yesterday and today was the first time I got to play with it. As far as the zoom, is the collar able to tighten all the way to lock? It seems like when I turn it to tighten it doesn't get tight. I could lean the camera forward and the collar would slide. Is this right? When I demo'd one at the camera store I thought it was tighter than mine..

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i think its because its so damn heavy.

I use mine handheld all the time and you soon get used to it. I've got a Sigma 150-500 OS too and that really is a beast. Will have to get to a gym before I use that for a long time. Will get arms like Popeye. If you get the hang of tightening just the lock ring while holding the focus ring you'll find the lens will lock into position without creeping all the time.

JuliusUpNorth wrote in post #13789208
Mike, watt100 is correct. And, beast or not, you will like it, I am sure. I use mine as a walk-around lens most of the time up here and seldom, if ever, use a tripod. Although I must admit that I have been eyeing a monopod…

Julius

Know what you mean...but if you buy one, the chances are, you won't use it because a "walk-around" lens/camera combo tends to be shot quickly and then re-composed for a different angle/shot/target.

I (99%) use my monopod at concerts where the target is within a fairly narrow area in front of me.

Regards,
Simon - who doesn't believe people should ever be talked into buying something.