About to pull the trigger on Canon 100-400. Thoughts?

I'm looking at a used Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM from Adorama that is graded D "little or no signs of wear" for $1299. I'm a hobbyist and this is probably more than I should spend, but, going to New Mexico for three weeks, will be near the Bosque del Apache wildlife reserve, and figured I better buy it now when I can use it. I plan to use it for birding, wildlife shots. Considered the 400mm prime, would be great for birding, but I don't think it is versatile enough for other things and also the prime might be beyond my learning curve. I do have the Tamron 18-270, but I think that is too short for birding. Can be OK for wildlife, but I've found it a little short even for the deer in my yard.

Questions: Is used from Adorama OK? New would be $200 more. Should I buy extended warranty for this? How do I take care of it? I've heard about it's "dust pump" reputation. Should I reconsider the 400mm prime? Is it as hard to use for an amateur as I've heard? Is it a really dumb idea to blow that much money on a lens? Thanks for your help.

For another $200 I'd buy new.

I have the 400/5.6 prime, mainly for birds. I've never heard of it being "hard to use", and I certainly don't find it to be. The disadvantages over the 100-400 are lack of IS and of course versatility. Advantage are (probably) a little sharper and faster focusing. It's a great hand-held birding lens.

I know people using the 100-400 for birding who love it. I don't know if the "dust-pump" reputation is based on real experience, I've not known anyone to have problems with it.

Lenses of that caliber, well cared for, will hardly ever lose much value. I believe Adorama has a return policy on used lenses if you get it and are not happy correct? If you buy it used, you could probably sell it later here or through other methods for nearly that price as long as it is still in good condition. I don't think you are crazy, I've spent over $1000 each for my two primary lenses, and more than you are thinking about for my 70-300L. A quality lens is worth it as long as you think you will use it. The difference is noticeable when you have good optics. I would suggest the 70-300 as you have a rebel, but if you are finding your 270 short then the 100-400 is probably more of what you are looking for.

It's a great lens. I love mine.
But for just a $200 saving off the new price, I'd go for the new one.
For a s/h deal to really be worth the effort, you wan't to be getting at least 30% off the new price.

I agree, get a new one.

David Arbogast wrote in post #16045248
I agree, get a new one.

Me too....you can search for a low priced used one in excellent shape for ~ $1000, but it's hard to beat a new one.

Personally, I'd never buy anything used unless it was half the price. In case of lenses, it never is...

To a lot of folks its perfectly acceptable, but I am with above posters. Spend $200 more and slice the tape on that white box yourself (=

With lenses there generally is little difference between a new and used lens unless the lens has been abused. These days with MFA that difference is even less. But as your body does not have MFA I would go with the new as well for one reason.

This lens has had a history of lots of copy variations. SOme will be tack sharp while others are less so. However, most seem to be due to there being a small difference between body and lens focus which MFA easily corrects. If the copy you get does not match perfectly with your body you'll get less than stellar results but with a new lens, Canon is on the hook to get the thing adjusted. It's a small risk, but it's there.

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and bought the new 100-400mm. I seriously reconsidered the 400mm prime because it is cheaper, slightly lighter, and apparently the AF is faster. My concerns about it being hard to use were wrong, but I think I will be happier with the versatility of the 100-400.

I bought a grey market NEW lens from Adorama for $1380 and love it. It does come with a 1 year warranty and no shipping charges.

http://www.adorama.com …er&utm_source=r​flaid62259

plus you get a 2% back in future credit. Seemed like a no brainer to me. I LOVE the lens!!

Or if you can hold off for a while you can wait for the new 100-400 since it seems Canon has discontinued their current version according to Canon Rumors.

Mesmer wrote in post #16045538
Or if you can hold off for a while you can wait for the new 100-400 since it seems Canon has discontinued their current version according to Canon Rumors.

Given Canon's current pricing games, it will probably be $2200 or more.

Just pull that trigger for the product but not the deal. You won't regret. This is one the best lenses Canon ever made for wild life also to good extend for sport.

As said, a new or a cheaper used is the way to go and definitely comfort you get from a new lens with that one year warranty (Specially that you are planning to put it in good use under difficult condition, worths that extra pay).

Remember any Canon lens in light color is a ticket to be labled as paparazzi or at least attracting others attention towards you that might be good or bad.

Mesmer wrote in post #16045538
Or if you can hold off for a while you can wait for the new 100-400 since it seems Canon has discontinued their current version according to Canon Rumors.

This is untrue/bad info.

First, when Canon discontinues a product it stops showing up on their product page...period. And as of right now, Canon is still listing the 100-400mm as a current not-discontinued product on their current lens lineup. http://www.usa.canon.c​om …ts/cameras/ef_l​ens_lineup

Second, the rumors of a new 100-400mm have been going on for years and years and years and years. I do hope we'll see a 100-400mm II soon and I agree that it's quite likely. And I'll be as giddy as anyone if/when they announce. But, until they announce, it's bad advice to say "wait until the new one comes out" (on account of the track-record fact that a new one has been rumored for years prior to now). Even if they announce it soon, it will still likely be well into 2014 before it would ever make it to market. Anyone taking the advice to wait could still be waiting (and not shooting) for years to come.

I agree, avoid Adorama, buy new and get the EF 400/5.6.