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

I"ve shot two copies of this lens for 8 years. I've liked the nickname 'dust pump', but never ever found dust problems due to or within this lens ... and I go to Africa several times each year in the dry season.

akadmon wrote in post #17338944
Looks like I'll have to eat some crow! Turns out my copy DOES pull/push after all. I was gripping the wrong part of the lens (the red ring). Try tugging on the hood -- it should work. I'm hoping this does not damage the lens in the long run. I admit this is more convenient and yes, faster, as I tend to support the lens on the hood when I shoot, so there is no need to move my hand to make the turn, small as it is (the turn, not the hand), to recompose.

I am really hoping mine will loosen up. I expect it will , just don't know how long it will take. Guess I better get shooting with it some more fast ! The work we have to do... sigh.

A quick note on the 1.4x with this lens.

There were shots I was looking at in C1 and I was mystified how the aperture had gotten turned up to f/8-f/9 when my goal had been to shoot with it wide open. The images themselves displayed no tell tell signs of any noticeable difference in Image quality. finally it dawned on me, "Oh yeah, that's when I had the 1.4x (MKII) on. I always stop down at lease one notch with a T-Con, thus f/9.

On the old 100-400mm the addition of a 1.4x even on a 1D meant focus went out the window, and IQ went down noticeably.


This is huge. You actually get pretty much a 100-560mm with this lens. It's really even more competitive with the recent xxx-500 and xxx-600mm Zooms from the 3rd parties at much less weight, and a superior 100-400mm range.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #17339456
A quick note on the 1.4x with this lens.
It's really even more competitive with the recent xxx-500 and xxx-600mm Zooms from the 3rd parties at much less weight, and a superior 100-400mm range.

Assuming you have a 1D-series, 5D-series, or 7DMKII body.

Or you are otherwise shooting landscapes or anything else that moves no faster than tectonic plates / geological processes so that you can MF or use LiveView to focus.

Even without the TC, as I noted, with low contrast subjects in poor light, with the 6D it is like the Matrix "bullet-time": a slow, long slide into position. The confidence you describe with your higher-AF-performing bodies is still there --- there is no hunting or back-and-forth --- but not the speed or the snap.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #17339441
I am really hoping mine will loosen up. I expect it will , just don't know how long it will take. Guess I better get shooting with it some more fast ! The work we have to do... sigh.

I'm assuming the lens doesn't become as long as V-1 when its fully extended, but I'm curious, how much does V-II extend?

Thanks again Richard, Mine is on order and due in tomorrow from Best Buy.

Typically I prefer to deal with Adorama or B&H but Best Buy has stock so they win this time.

Timphoto wrote in post #17339564
I'm assuming the lens doesn't become as long as V-1 when its fully extended, but I'm curious, how much does V-II extend?

The two lenses are about equally long when extended.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #17339456
A quick note on the 1.4x with this lens.


This is huge. You actually get pretty much a 100-560mm with this lens. It's really even more competitive with the recent xxx-500 and xxx-600mm Zooms from the 3rd parties at much less weight, and a superior 100-400mm range.

Yes. I have been relying on heavy crops because of my 300 reach so I'm looking forward this combo.

jeetsukumaran wrote in post #17339478
Assuming you have a 1D-series, 5D-series, or 7DMKII body.

Or you are otherwise shooting landscapes or anything else that moves no faster than tectonic plates / geological processes so that you can MF or use LiveView to focus.

Even without the TC, as I noted, with low contrast subjects in poor light, with the 6D it is like the Matrix "bullet-time": a slow, long slide into position. The confidence you describe with your higher-AF-performing bodies is still there --- there is no hunting or back-and-forth --- but not the speed or the snap.

Interesting contrast. You have illustrated a sizable hole in my review and impressions. Yes, I am (and have been for a long time) shooting 1D and now 5D3. It's what I know and what I can use for comparison. In every Statement I made about "in my experience" this could/should include in the disclaimer, "with a 1D series"

I will have to test it out on my Daughters SL1 and or Wife's T3.

The really good news of course is that the 7D2 puts this kind of AF power I am used to and describing in many more peoples hands without having to resort to buying a used old tech 1D. (1D3 for under $1K these days is a steal!)

Timphoto wrote in post #17339564
I'm assuming the lens doesn't become as long as V-1 when its fully extended, but I'm curious, how much does V-II extend?

It's about the same actually.
It's heavier and wider as well due to the twist zoom mechanism.

Just got mine and snapping away in the semi-dark here at ISO 1250 on the 5D3 and 100D. Very first impression is the amazing (and I really mean amazing) IS. I, who have the strength of a flea, took acceptable photos at 1/13, 1/30 and 1/60 at 400mm. In fact I found the 5D3 more stable than the 100d as it felt more balanced. Also tried the 1.4x III and 2.0x III (more wow!) but will go out and look for some birds in the morning to test the AF.

First photo handheld 100-400mm IS II at 400m, 1/13, f/5.6, ISO 1250 on the 5D3

AnnieMacD wrote in post #17339835
Just got mine and snapping away in the semi-dark here at ISO 1250 on the 5D3 and 100D. Very first impression is the amazing (and I really mean amazing) IS. I, who have the strength of a flea, took acceptable photos at 1/13, 1/30 and 1/60 at 400mm.

Reading reports like this around the net makes me wonder if the IS has been improved beyond what is used in the latest 300 II, 500 II, etc.

Looking forward to reports on the IS mode 2 (panning) performance.

Jake, one question I haven't seen addressed is related to your 1.4x T/C. Like you, I have the older Ver. II of this. Did you feel this older version handicapped image quality vs. what one might get with the Ver. III. i.e. do you see a need for a T/C upgrade or will you be sticking with your existing telecomverter?

Annie that's impressive, especially at 1/13 handheld 400! Pretty sharp!

1/13th of a second at 400mm is almost stupid

6 weeks ago i was seriously close to buying the 400 f5.6 - did some in store tests to see what shutter speed i could hand-hold it and get a sharp picture - pretty sure it was 1/640th - that is 4 to 5 full stops - that is magical

just got a call - mine just arrive at Henry's here in Toronto