Test driving the 100-400

This lens is nothing short of phenomenal. Wide open performance was a concern for me since this is not exactly a fast telezoom at f/4.5-5.6, but I am tremendously pleased to note that my sample does not disappoint at any aperture!

As another POTN'er mentioned, this is quite a bold telephoto.. it is BIG, and it is noticeable. It will attract attention. I keep mine pointed straight down when walking around so people don't think I am pointing it at them. This setup plus the hood, racked all the way out, is nearly 2 feet long.

Push/pull as I expected is intuitive. I found my preferred zoom tightness quite quickly. However, unlike the 300, it does take some getting used to, in order to find the lens center of gravity, which changes with the zoom, so you can grip it at the CG. The 300 was easy, it has a fixed CG and you just grab it there.

Despite having an older stabilizer the lens still performs admirably well. Being used to 3rd-gen and later IS, I was concerned it would not be up to par, but it is. No concerns about it, I can trust this IS system to do its job if I do mine. A steady stance and steady handhold is a must with this lens. Be prepared to build some biceps.

The focus limiter is excellent. While I like my Sigma 70-200/2.8 and consider it outstanding value for what I paid for it, I wish it had a focus range limiter as an additional feature. The 100-400's limiter GREATLY improves focusing speed, my gull in flight was shot AI Servo with the limiter at >6.5m. Of course don't forget to turn the limiter off if the subject gets close.

Lens has vignetting when pointed at the bright blue sky, a bit more so than the 300 which is almost vignetting-free. Then again zoom vs prime - we know what we're getting.

Versatility...magnific​ent. I can zoom out to get the gull squadron taking off, then single out individual gulls in flight. You can get good background blur even at f/5.6, just check your subject positioning.

Duck chilling by the pond (I have a lot to learn from him as far as taking it easy is concerned )

nice shots!

What else can I say than: I want this lens

DDA wrote in post #2242617
What else can I say than: I want this lens

Go for it, you won't be sorry. I came up with lots of excuses not to buy this lens, while calicokat and blonde assured me that it was worthwhile. It most definitely is. As versatility goes, it's unmatched. For me, I never know what's around the next turn, so I do need this capability.

As for the "300 f/4 or 400/5.6 vs 100-400" debate (that has raged in my mind too), the winner after just one day of having both appears to be the 100-400.

Thanks for the advice. I will probably go for this lens (although I'm still debating with the Bigma...) But first, I still have to spare some money. And who knows what will be out when I'll have the funds (probably not before April)

Just bought it and only had the chance to try it a few hours, LOVE it too, yours seems to be sharp congrat

could you please post some 100% crop? thanks

Love your shots. Love the 100-400. If they told me I could only have one lens this would be it.

Except for the 70-200 maybe.

And I could probably sneak a 24-70 in there somewhere.
Well, and something wide. And a prime or two.

I use this lens more than any other that I have. That may change, but I'm not sure what would change it!

The vignetting is easily dealt with in post-processing, and the IQ and versatility of this lens make such small problems insignificant, IMO.

Roger Cicala wrote in post #2242821
Love your shots. Love the 100-400. If they told me I could only have one lens this would be it.

Except for the 70-200 maybe.

And I could probably sneak a 24-70 in there somewhere.
Well, and something wide. And a prime or two.

I've got both the 70-200 is exceptional pin sharp at 200mm, but for me the most used lens in my bag is the 100-400 is also very very sharp, but loves light.

I'm so jealous. This is definitely next on my list. I want this one so bad I can taste it!!!

Welcome to the official Lens of the POTN "moony" Cult of the 100-400mm
We're always looking for new converts.. try not to resist,. it's less painful that way

There are a few here that value this "boomstick" as much as Charlton Heston Values his.

congrats! looks like a cracker! I am holding out for a 2.8 version. Wait, I have a f/4 lens in my bag now. Well not actually in my bag, the other lenses would not tollerate that. Anyway, does this open the door for some fine glass, albeit slower than 2.8?

Whohoooo lighstream!!!

Just got mine yesterday, have not had a chance to use it.....can't wait.

Nice shots.

Mike

I just got mine too, and the initial shoot is tomorrow morning at the preserve! Looking very forward to this, and the 70-200 was definitely not getting it done shooting birds and other wildlife around here. Too many nice shots missed.