100-400 IS L Push-Pull

Hi Guys

Anyone out there in cyberspace got any ideas if Canon is considering a replacement for the 100-400L IS. I am about to get one but would be peeved if a non-push-pull version was anounced.

Regards

I wouldn't hold your breath. They certainly wouldn't re-design the lens just to go to twist-zoom. It sells too well, and there'd be no sense in spending the time and money to *possibly* get a few more sales. (And take the chance on possibly gettin less sales.)

Push-pull's not a problem. Once you've used it for a little bit, you'll appreciate it.

The push/pull design works very well for a lens the size of the 100-400. A "normal" twist zoom design would not allow such rapid changes in focal length as the push/pull does so IMHO Canon would be stupid to change it as it would not be an improvement.

I was leary of the push-pull on the 100-400 but it works really well.

It takes getting used to, but now i really dont even think about the push pull even when switching from a twist zoom lens.

Expand please?

N

I didn't like push pull but I got semi-used to it. I think it will be replaced but its all guess work and no one knows, so take your choice. Everyone knew about the 5D and 24-105 f4 IS L ... after the event

It's a good enough formula at the moment but you can be sure that is they brought out a 200-500mm, same speed, with latest IS then many/most of the current owners would buy one as well as all the new customers. I sold mine because I won't really use it much over the next 16 months and I guessed a new one would appear, or a good Sigma OS variation, over that time.

Dont let the push pull put you off,When I tried it I hated it but I needed a lens for airshows so for me it was my only choice,after a day of using it I love it as I find I can zoom a lot faster,its a bit like a skeet gun lol.

Ah haa, (nods head and tries to look like he understands )

Thanks


N

And here I thought it was a feature to let me get more precise zoom by feel.

Based on your statement, you have tried the 100-400 in the shop, but not in the field.

Based on my experience, comments on the push-pull system do not count unless you have tried it in the field (especially at an airshow). In the shop it is annoying as all get out. I know I didn't care for it in the shop. However, I got one because it was used, reasonably priced and I needed a longer lens, I figured I could live with the Push-Pull since I had to. Since then I learned to love the push-pull on the 100-400 because it allows me to get the shots at an airshow I would not be able to get with a twist zoom lens. I wouldn't want it on my 70-200/2.8L IS, because I need that lens to be more precise on the zoom and my subjects are usually not moving past at mach 0.75

So before chopping on the Push-Pull try it out at an air show (or maybe a car race).

Just my opinion,

Well I like the twist zoom of my 70-200mm much better than the push-pull of my 28-300mm. I haven't shot an airshow yet though... I could see how keeping the lock ring loose would allow for very fast changes in zoom.

i hope this thread wasn't started because i stated i didn't like it in the other 100-400 thread. i tried it in the field - namely rugby field. yeah ok so they don't quite move quite as fast as an f 18, but i have definitely had to make fast zooms.

i'm sure eventually i'd come to like it, but i'm happy for the moment with what i have. i definitely wouldn't hold my breath for a twisty 100-400 replacement. go hire yourself a copy and see for yourself with what you normally shoot.

Well, I have a few quick theories on the subject. First off, I feel that the reason for the "extra tension" at longer focal lengths is because of the amount of air that is present/becoming present in the tube. I personally had never experienced that in the couple of months that i owned my 100-400L. I used it an awful lot, and never had one "problem" with it. I did make good use of the friction control ring. I thought it a great idea. I would rather that, than a constantly greater amount of zooming friction. That would get downright annoying.

Secondly, I think that I would be disappointed with a twist zoom on a newer model. I think that not only would it be somewhat tough to have to twist 300mm in focal length, but that if it didn't take more than a single range of motion twist, that it would be far too quick a zoom, and therefore make it much harder to get just the focal length you desire. I get what you're saying about the negatives of push-pull in certain circumstances such as the 70-200L's, but in that case, it's not even half the change in focal length of that of the 100-400L.

The push-pull took some time to get used to, but damn..I liked it. It just makes sense on a longer focal length range.

I'm thinking more on this subject, but it's late, and I have an early day.

g'night.