Canon EF 100 - 400 IS ii

I think this is a good replacement for my aging Canon EF400mm F5.6. There is nothing wrong with the 400. I want the versatility and the great reviews makes me want to replace my 400. I will be using it mostly on a Canon 7D mark ii and a Canon 1D mark iii, occasionally with a 1.4 extender. I don't want to keep 2 lenses. Is this lens worth the upgrade? Also, wonder how it will perform with the 1.4 extender. This is only a hobby for me and hopefully someday, I can take pictures as amazing as I've seen here.

You can find many posts raving about this lens. Considering its size & weight, excellent IQ, it performs well in good light, and reasonable cost. Get one.

Excellent review, as always, here...
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …5.6-L-IS-II-USM-Lens.aspx

I've rented this lens and it is really, really nice. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

The 100-400 Mk2 is a great lens, happy with mine!

However I would think before you spend your hard earned pennies. Do you really need the zoom function? Do you really need the closer minimum focus distance? The reason that I ask is that, if these features are not essential, then your existing 400 F5.6 L is on the same level as the 100-400 Mk2. On the other hand, if you really want them, then the 100-400 Mk2 will make you happy!

I use the Canon 1.4 Mk3 extender with my 100-400 Mk2 and it works pretty well with both my 1DX and 7D2. Naturally the setup is better without the extender but it can be very useful when you need that bit more reach.

YES!!

Simply, yes.

Yes

I bought it to replace my 400 5.6 for the zoom and the closer focus.
Gave my 14 yr old daughter the 400 5.6
They are both great lenses.

Best lens in that range. Even Nikon can't touch it. The 3 IS modes are great and the work well.

digital paradise wrote in post #18333752
The 3 IS modes are great.

This is the primary reason that I upgraded to the version 2.

The v2 Image Stabilization is excellent, and makes many photos possible that would never be possible with your non-stabilized 400 f5.6

.

I'm another satisfied 100-400mm II user. Excellent lens, compact, not too heavy, never any regrets.

But I never had the 400/5.6. I believe it is also excellent. Upgrading to the 100-400mm II offers the focal length range and great IS, but at considerable cost.

There is a useful comparison here.
http://www.ophrysphoto​graphy.co.uk …/tutorial100to4​00mkii.htm

Archibald wrote in post #18333917
I'm another satisfied 100-400mm II user. Excellent lens, compact, not too heavy, never any regrets.

But I never had the 400/5.6. I believe it is also excellent. Upgrading to the 100-400mm II offers the focal length range and great IS, but at considerable cost.

There is a useful comparison here.
http://www.ophrysphoto​graphy.co.uk …/tutorial100to4​00mkii.htm

My friend had the 400 and I tried it out. Very sharp. Best bang for the buck at that focal length but I did not like the lack of IS so I did not buy it from him.

Thanks for the advice, you just save me my hard earned cash!