viper1963's Full Review: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
A few months ago it was time for me to replace my aging Canon EF lens for a more efficient variable zoom lens that took extra sharp images. This lens would be use for my youth sports photography business. The lens I chose had to be resilient because I was going to be shooting with this lens during the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. Plus it had to put up with being in salt air conditions as I have photograph surfing and other water sports events.
I chose the Canon EF100-400/4.5-5.6L IS lens as my next new lens mostly because of the reach of this lens plus prior experience using this lens in my sports photography business.
THE CANON EF100-400/4.5-5.6L IS The Specifications
Lens Construction: 17 elements in 14 groupings
Diagonal view: 24º - 6º 10’
Focus Adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM (Ultra Sonic Motor)
Closest Focusing: 1.8m or 5.9 feet
Zoom System: Linear extension (push/pull)
Filter Size: 77mm
Weight: 3.1 lbs
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
• Lens Case LZ1324
• Lens Cap E-77U
• Lens HoodET-83C
• Rear Lens Cap
IMAGE STABILIZATION
I hear constant complaints about image stabilization not working on people’s lenses all the time. It is not recommended that you use this device when the lens is attached to a camera on a tripod. Why? When activated, the image stabilization device in the lens requires movement. Any movement will do but when it is on a tripod or monopod, the image will appear jumpy. That is because it is seeking out movement to stabilize it. This is a normal function of the image stabilization.
USE OUT IN THE FIELD
This lens is going to be primarily used out on the football, baseball, soccer and La Crosse playing field. Shooting fast action and kids running here and there is a skill in itself but with this lens I can run with the action, stop, zoom up close to the subject and fire. I love to capture the facial expressions as the young athletes evade the defense of as they harass the offense to force them to give up the ball or puck.
I also use this lens for wildlife photography near my home. My favorite area to shoot in is the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Nature Preserve. This area has been set aside and acts as a resting ground for millions of migrating birds that fly up and down the western United States both in the winter and summer seasons. The Wetlands is also home to much aquatic native life that was recently reintroduced to the wetlands.
The Canon EF100-400/4.5-5.6L IS lens is a perfect match for anyone who loves wildlife photography. When I shoot wildlife, I normally have my EOS 1D Mark II or EOS 30D on a monopod so that I can walk quickly to an area to take my best image.
The controls for this great lens are within easy reach. Your manual/autofocus switch and Image Stabilization switch is easy to use. It is either on or it’s off. Next you have your distance setting where you control the closest focusing range you desire. This allows for quick and instant focusing. One feature I use is the focusing ring adjustment which is located on the zooming barrels. This allows the user to set the tension of the zooming barrel to their choice. It comes in handy if you shoot a set distance so that you do not have to set the zoom for every image you take.
When using the lens hood ET083C there is no lens flare whatsoever. All images were very sharp. Your images will appear to pop out because it is so sharp. I was surprised at the sharpness of the images I took.
When you buy a filter for this lens, remember to choose a high quality filter. I use the thinnest UV filter so that it will not distract from the primary subject I want to take. Some manufacturers use a thick ring which can cause distortion of a black hue around the top of your images. Do not stack too many filters on this lens. When using a polarizing filter, I remember my standard UV or Skylight filter.
I cannot say enough about the Image Stabilization. It works fantastically for those who tend to shake your cameras. In my case, I use it to stop fast action sports where I want to freeze the player(s) during a game. Sometimes you are caught up in the action and you forget to set the Image Stabilization. Don’t worry so long as you had the camera relatively steady, it will capture a sharply focused image.
THE COST FACTOR
This lens is not cheap by any stretch of the word. My lens set me back $1,499.00 US dollars. This is a serious lens for those who will use it in their photography. If you are going to be using this lens once or twice a year, I would recommend you rent this lens rather than buying it.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This lens is becoming one of my favorite all around lens that I have to carry with me when traveling. The 400mm focal length in itself is the reason. This lens can reach distances a standard zoom cannot and is perfect for zooming up to typical point of interest subjects.
As a sport photography lens, it is one the lenses I cannot be without. I use it 60% of the time when I am out on the playing field. Sports photographers will appreciate its reach.
Warranty: One (1) Year
Canon USA, Inc.
http://www.usa.canon.com/
800-828-4040
800-OK-CANON
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