I finally Decided! 100-400 L

Thanks everyone for the input. I've decided to get the Canon 100-400 L. For awhile, I was sure I was going to get a prime, either the 300 f/4 L or 400 f/5.6. After cooling my head for a few days, I came to the conclusion that the Canon 100-400 L is the right choice for me. Granted, the primes are sharper and produce great photos, but the sensible side of me says I will get more keepers and have more fun with the zoom. Also, I don't know where I will be taking this lens over the next few years and I figured I needed something versatile.

What really clinched it for me was a photo exhibit I saw in Charlotte Airport a few days ago. A local nature photographer has an exhibit of various wildlife photos on display. He has wolves, eagles, and zoo animals. His prints were blown up to about 20x16. For weeks I had been walking by these photos and admiring how great they looked. But, this time, with a bad case of lens purchase madness, I stopped and took a real close look at the sharpness. You know what? A lot of his photos weren't any sharper than the examples you guys have been posting with the 100-400 L. And, they were for sure not as sharp as some examples I've seen with the Canon telephoto primes. What made this photographer's photos nice was the composition and lighting. I had to ask myself, how sharp is sharp enough? Sharpness is only part of the great photo equation and the 100-400 is sharp enough for me.

Ah... I feel better now.

Too bad B and H is closed today. There are too many Jewish holidays. The same thing happened when I ordered my Sigma 70-200.

Thanks again

Dave

Congrats on your new lens choice. I'm sure it was a tough one to decide on since all three lenses you were looking at are very good lenses. I know you're going to be happy with the 100-400 and it may even become your favorite lens like it is mine.

Now, of course, you know what comes next. We'll be expecting to see some pictures from your new purchase.

That lens is my favorite and mainstay for sports photography! 8)

I've seen the 100-400 beat out the primes from time to time. It's not an unusual occurrence. It's an awesome lens. Personally I think there is way too much emphasis on sharpness in these days of digital cameras. Yes, sharpness is nice, but it's not always appropriate and many times way overdone.

Yes, you took the right decision
I'm very very satisfied with this lens

Excellent choice, I have been using one for nature photos for several months. It is a lot more convenient to use, than my 300 f2.8L and telextenders. In many lower light shots where I have tried both lenses. the IS of the 100 400 saves the day. Even with the higher f stop min. on the 300.

Meaning higher light for the sensor. f 2.8 is sharp but often shutter is too low anyway.

I've got my credit card sitting in front of me, and no one wants to take my order.

B and H are closed for a holiday.

Adorama is closed for a holiday.

Canoga Camera won't work with me because I have a $1000 a day limit on my check card.

Delta international doesn't have a good price.

Ritz has a horrible price.

Any suggestions? I'd like to place an order this afternoon so I can have the lens by the weekend.

Hilarious.......I was going to order the 100-400 and a 550 EX flash, seriously, after I logged off here in a couple minutes but stopped to read this thread 1st.
Why are these guys always on holiday? I have tried to order a couple times before and ALLLLL of New York seems to take Holidays like theres no tomorrow.
Dont get me wrong.....Holidays are FANTASTIC.......IF you are not the consumer Oh well, they saved we a ton of $$$ once again.

I wanted my stuff by the weekend, too....hope you find someone that you can count on to be open


Steve

I really enjoy the 100-400 L. Hang in there, the lense is worth waiting for.

When I first got the lense, I thought I should have gone with a prime, everything I was shooting was at 400mm. But I think that was because I never shot anything at that length before. Now I use the whole realm of mms in the thing.

I think you will be happy with it.

Congradulation Dave !
I myself don't have the 10-400, but have seen many wonderful photographs made with it. Please post your samples when you recieve this lens 8)

This is why I love my 100-400L ...

This image was taken through the window of a garden door. 400mm handheld IS on.. Slight USM after resizing....

Crop of birds head

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Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Very wise choice Dave. You'll learn to love this thing. It is a great lens.

Hmmm.... Now do I put the 100-400 or my Jeppesen charts in the old bag

ssim,

Lately, I've been taking my camera and lenses to work in a LowePro Micro trecker. I don't think I'm supposed to be wearing a backpack while in uniform, but I haven't ran into my boss since January. I think I am safe. Also now that it is summer, I don't have to pack a lot of clothes and I'm able to fit my Bogen 3221 tripod in my suitcase. On my last trip, I was able to get some nice photos in a marsh near our hotel in Philadelphia. Tomorrow night, I am in Elmira, NY. I haven't decided if I am going to lug the 10D along or not. I'll have to check weather.com. There is a really nice bit of forest across the road from our hotel in Elmira.

BTW, I found a way to pay for this lens and still get my 737 type rating. I've been picking up some extra days at work. And, the place that does the 737 type offers a loan with only 4% interest. That's practically free money. That's what I tell myself so I don't feel guilty.

Can't wait to post some photos. I decided I am not going to Yellowstone next month, but I will be in Wisconsin. My dad has a cabin on a lake in Wisconsin and there has been a nesting pair of bald eagles and ospreys there ever since I can remember. Yellowstone will have to wait till August.

Dave