Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM - AKA The Dust Pump

cfibanez wrote in post #8794857
I am looking at getting this lens, but I wonder how easy/difficult is the push-pull zooming while handholding the lens.

IMO, it doesn't get any easier.

One major advantage of the push/pull design is that your hands are always in the best place for supporting the camera and lens as steadily as possible. If you had a twist action on a big lens like that, your grip would not be so good if you zoomed while shooting. I think it makes the operation faster too.

Madweasel wrote in post #8796836
One major advantage of the push/pull design is that your hands are always in the best place for supporting the camera and lens as steadily as possible. If you had a twist action on a big lens like that, your grip would not be so good if you zoomed while shooting. I think it makes the operation faster too.

Thanks Mark. Your comments begin to swing me in the right direction. I have a 7D waiting for me in NYC and plan to take the two bodies to the Galapagos next month. Naturally, I thought to get the pump for greater reach and a leave WA on the second body. The pump is 10 years old, and it may get upgraded tomorrow, but I feel that it will rock on the 7D during my trip.

having a body with a WA and one with a superzoom would be a HUGE advantage, especially when you're only gonna be somewhere once with no chance of going back any time soon. No regrets to be had! so I think you're strategy will be GREAT and I know the 100-400L won't let ya down.

WOW! was any PP done to that? Specifically any sharpening?

Goincarcrazy wrote in post #8803033
WOW! was any PP done to that? Specifically any sharpening?

Indeed, it looks a tidge oversharpened to me, Maybe back off just a hair [just trying to help]

I was just shocked at how sharp it looked! Also, is that a crop or was the bird just fairly tame?

How is performance with a 1.4x converter?

More elk in Arkansas........

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From my experience with it, it seems that it works pretty well with the 1.4x converter. As I've noted before, I have the Canon 1.4x and since it DOES have AF pins, it is a pain in the rump to focus since the viewfinder is kinda dark and for some reason, somewhat blotchy. As far as IQ goes, I don't really even notice a difference other than focus error on my part.

cfibanez wrote in post #8794857
I wonder how easy/difficult is the push-pull zooming while handholding the lens

I was also worried about that. My previous experience with e (relatively) long lens was a Tamron SP 70-210, which had both twist focus and twist zoom. I got used to that, but it was slow in operation. The 100-400, as well as being much longer, is quicker to operate and certainly no harder to hand-hold.

I took this photo down here in Belize at Mardi Gras when the lens was very new to me. Hand-held at 400, though admittedly in good light.

coalcliff wrote in post #8775767
Good to see you managed a couple of birdies whilst at golf

here is a bird I captured with the mighty 100-400!

Using the break wall as a long lead in to the subject

IMAGE LINK: http://photocamel.com …showphoto.php?p​hoto=49274

And in this shot I was halfway across the park with families all around me lol.

IMAGE LINK: http://photocamel.com …showphoto.php?p​hoto=49275

so its a great fashion lens too!

Thanks for posting people shots... I was looking at this lens at the camera store the other day and was wondering how it performs for people shots. Looks like it does well! I'd be more interested in using this lens for event-type shots. By the way, what's the exif on the shots?

It's great for people! I love renting that lens! I just wish i could own it. It would be so glued to my camera. The 70-200 would only see light for weddings! This lens just performs so amazingly well!