Is the 100-400L good for action shots?

I know it's not as fast as the 70-200/2.8, but I'm curious if it's still a good lens for action shots.

I intend to be using it for wakeboarding photography. Unfortunately, I'm never really sure how close or far away the boat will be from me (unlike football where you can almost guarantee the action will occur between two particular lines). Even with the 1.4 teleconverter, I think the 70-200 could end up a tad too short at times.

Even though it is slower, is the 100-400L a good lens for action shots?

Thanks

FlipsidE

Yes, lens aperture aside it does well.

Hello Flipside, I asked a question similar, see here
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=47551

That lens was mentioned for good action shots at a distance. As there were a few good choices suggested, you may find having a look worthwhile.
Can I ask how you have found your Rebel for action shots so far, if you've tried it out at all ?.

- I really wish I could answer this question, but unfortunately, I can't yet. Currently, I'm at that stage in the process where I really don't have the equipment needed to truly persue any of my main focuses in photography. So, I appologize for not being able to help more.

Though, this thread was my inspiration for getting into action shots in the first place. If you look at the info posted a couple of posts down into that thread, you'll notice that all shots were taken with the 300D + 70-300 USM. I think they turned out VERY well. They are a little noisy because ISO 1600 was used, but that's not so bad considering that it did truly "stop the action." And, I like his composition also.

Maybe that thread and a conversation with lensmen can give you a better idea of what the Dreb can do with action shots.

FlipsidE

Check my site. A good majority of the shots are with the 100-400. Especially last year's shots. Sample:

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I use the 100-400L on my 10D. Great for action shots, see below.

As you already point out, distnace from subject is going to be key, but I can't help with that though.

Cheers

Ian

In horrible light, cold with wind doing 40 knots, at 400mm, IS off (doh!)

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Yeah, unfortunately, I don't know anything about distance to target. My guess is that they'll be a good ways away when they first get up. Then, get a good bit closer as they ride by my location, then further away as they approach the turn to head back my way. I'll have to be changing zoom on the fly pretty heavily while doing this.

FlipsidE

Yeah the 100-400 is a fantastic action lens in my opinion. Just excellent image quality and contrast. You'll be shooting high action at ISO400 or so anyways, so no biggie. Although I rarely have to bump it up past ISO200 on the 20D.

Some of my shots from the 100-400 are here, hopefully in addition to the fantastic shots already posted!

All kinds of motorsports action stuffs...
http://www.golilm.com/​autos.htm

If you are use to a twist zoom, the push/pull of the 100-400 does take a bit getting use too and finding the proper tension so you can smoothly adjust the zoom. Once you get use to that, it's an excellent lens... well, it's an excellent lens even if you aren't use to the push/pull, but being use to it makes it better.

I have used mine for taking pictures of kite boarders, wind surfers, high speed jets at air shows, fast action dog agility and herding and other action events like this.

And it also works just great on a tripod of static displays like waterfalls, birds, landscapes, etc.

Mike

How did you guys get the cars so crisp and clear given they were probably moving pretty damned quickly? Especially you RFMSports. Did you just use a high shutter speed, or are there other tricks?

Panning. Practice, practice and much more practice.

The shutter speed was 1/250 on the top photo and I have shot much slower. It's awesome when you get it right on.

Panning - that's the word I couldn't think of! You must be a pretty quick panner to get that though. Very nice

As long as there is enough light it's a decent enough action lens. I find that AF tends to get a bit flaky with it as the light fades (on a 10D) so I rarely use it wide open, but it has good reach and is a very flexible lens.

Yes it can get into search mode from time to time on the 10D in reduced light. I did notice that too, but it recovers pretty quick and I didn't seem to have that problem with it on the MKII. I have not even tried it on the 20D yet. That's why I also have the 400 f/5.6. AF is faster and it never searches.

Hey, I was searching around on yahoo, and found this site, thought maybe it would be helpful for ya

http://www.wakeboarder​.com/display.phtml?id=​553

It gives tips on wakeboard photography.