EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Review WOW!

MatthewK wrote in post #18542832
Perfectly illustrating one of the main reasons why the 100-400 II is Canon's best lens. One minute you're macro shooting the eye of an Eastern Water Dragon, the next minute capturing Asian Koyels in the tops of trees.

Now, if only they'd add a Tilt-Shift function

The yet to be announced (by anyone) EF to EF-M tilt shift adapter. If one was available now the M5 would be far more appealing (to me)

Taken on a camping site near the Great Ocean Road. The sun was rising behind them.


A kangaroo family??

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/23v2​1af

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/22bq​NJr

zorroa3 wrote in post #18542859
A kangaroo family??

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/23v2​1af 2F9A4499 by zoroa3, on Flickr

Dad lazing around ... typical!

I will say, for the time I had this lens the image quality, even at 400mm was simply amazing. Razor sharp, colorful and contrasty...made the RAW files enjoyable to work with. My problem was I handhold my camera all day so it got tiresome with it being so heavy.

Dmab wrote in post #18542969
I will say, for the time I had this lens the image quality, even at 400mm was simply amazing. Razor sharp, colorful and contrasty...made the RAW files enjoyable to work with. My problem was I handhold my camera all day so it got tiresome with it being so heavy.

The 100-400mm II is built like a tank, says Roger Cicala. Knowing that gives me great pride of ownership, and great backache after using it for a few days.

The 100-400 II weighs 1640 grams whereas the Sony 100-400 GM weighs only 1395 g, 15% less. That can help on long outings.

Looking at bodies, the Canon 7D2 weighs 910 g, compared to only 453 g for the Sony a6500 (both with batteries). They are both APS-C bodies. So if the 7D2/100-400II is getting heavy, the a6500/100-400GM will save you 700 g, a pound and a half.

Sometimes I think camera manufacturers make gear big and heavy on purpose. Heavy gear feels like it is serious and high quality. Big gear looks imposing. But it is hard to carry around for long periods.

Using an across the shoulder strap does miracles! I use a BlackRapid one, but there are many others. With my really bad back I can walk and carry the 5D4/100-400II/1.4x for hours on end.

Lbsimon wrote in post #18543002
Using an across the shoulder strap does miracles! I use a BlackRapid one, but there are many others. With my really bad back I can walk and carry the 5D4/100-400II/1.4x for hours on end.

I ditched neck straps when I got my 100-400 v1 which was my first big lens. I've been using a cheap Optech strap as a cross-body shoulder strap for years and it makes all the difference to get the weight onto a stronger part of the body.

I hear you guys, but I don't like cameras dangling upside down.

What I have found is that simply carrying the camera on my belly (instead of slung to one side or the other) helps a lot. It's the off-balance weight that hurts me. In the center, it keeps my back straight.

I went with this. The MASH clips will never let go and are covered to protect from scratches.

https://www.camdapter.​com …rstrap/slingstr​appro.html

This is a older shot and about 8 months ago I removed the extra back up straps which was my own addition and put smaller Kirk quick clamps on that I had kicking around. They have never let go and there are safety stops at the ends of the rail. I do check them from time to time but they never even come lose. The Black Rapid fastener is threaded into the clamp with Loctite but I doubt that was necessary to do.

Archibald wrote in post #18543060
I hear you guys, but I don't like cameras dangling upside down.

What I have found is that simply carrying the camera on my belly (instead of slung to one side or the other) helps a lot. It's the off-balance weight that hurts me. In the center, it keeps my back straight.

Whether one carries a camera with a long lens with a neck or a shoulder strap, the camera will still be dangling upside down. The weight of the lens is bigger than that of the camera.

Unfortunately, I do not have a belly to help me with the position...

After lugging around the 500 II for a few weeks, the 100-400 is a featherweight in comparison. Very quick to get on target, a delightful respite. I love the balance of this lens.

MatthewK wrote in post #18543147
After lugging around the 500 II for a few weeks, the 100-400 is a featherweight in comparison. Very quick to get on target, a delightful respite. I love the balance of this lens.

I always wanted a 500 or 600 but as I age I'm not so sure now. My sites are now set on a 400 DO II. With a 2X TC you get AF and I have seen some very nice results. If all goes well I may have one this time next year.

digital paradise wrote in post #18543160
I always wanted a 500 or 600 but as I age I'm not so sure now. My sites are now set on a 400 DO II. With a 2X TC you get AF and I have seen some very nice results. If all goes well I may have one this time next year.

I almost bought a 500/4 last year, such a dream lens for wildlife photographers. It was used, and a very nice price. Someone else got it first.

This might have been a blessing in disguise. As the years go by, I am having more issues. Threw my back out three times last summer. That's painful. My body is giving me a message. So I have put a big white out of my mind and will not go there.

The 7D2/100-400II combo is still OK for me, but that too will become too heavy with time. I bought the 77D to help with that, saves 13 oz.

Archibald wrote in post #18543201
I almost bought a 500/4 last year, such a dream lens for wildlife photographers. It was used, and a very nice price. Someone else got it first.

This might have been a blessing in disguise. As the years go by, I am having more issues. Threw my back out three times last summer. That's painful. My body is giving me a message. So I have put a big white out of my mind and will not go there.

The 7D2/100-400II combo is still OK for me, but that too will become too heavy with time. I bought the 77D to help with that, saves 13 oz.

Know the feeling. It is why my wife told me to keep my trusty old 300L F4 IS so I did. 8 years of bliss using it. 13 ounces may not seem like a lot but at the end of the day it starts to add up.

You all should give the Spyder Holster a serious look.

I started using this years ago with my 1DMiv + 100-400 and 300 2.8 and now with my OLY gear.

All the weight is on your hips. No more neck or back trouble.

Cheers.