Canon 100-400mm L Series

[Joe Taylor]

Can anybody share their experiences with Canon's 100-400 L series zoom? A photographer friend of mine in Pahrump, NV is selling off his Canon gear and has offered his 100-400 for a generous price. I know this lens has been around for awhile, and I would like to get some users experiences before I lay down my $800.

[KETCH ROSSi]

Is an okay Zoom but it is the worst of all L series Zooms ;)

[Anson Fogel]

I've shot it on the old sensor a fair amount when we needed to carry the camera setup in backpacks miles in on skis - its light. But as Ketch said, I share the opinion that its the weakest of the Canon L glass. At the longest end especially its soft. Focus is a bummer as the focus ring is also the lock ring for zoom - there is not actual zoom ring, you jsut pull the barrel in our out, which I don't like. Its slow.

Now, all that said, I've gotten good images with it - but the 70-200L is so superior optically and mechanically, I use it all the time and if I need longer and don't have a long prime, I use the Canon 2x extender and its STILL better than the 100-400.

[KETCH ROSSi]

In fact to add to my comment, if the only reason you are buying it is for the need to go to 400mm, then get a 70-200L with the
new 2x Extender, and will still give you better results then the 100-400.

[Graeme Nattress]

It's not my favourite Canon telephoto. I much prefer the 70-300 DO, or straight to the 500m prime.

Graeme

[Joe Taylor]

Thanks, everybody, for your input. The only Canon long zoom that I've used was the 35-350 L, which is also an older lens, and was replaced by the 100-400. I was impressed with this zoom. The new 70-200 I've heard many good reports.

[Scott McQueen]

Not to mention the lens' pump action will blow dust into the lens and possibly into the camera if you're in a dusty location.