EF Lens

[dicklaxt]

I'm awfully close to biting the bullet and going for a Canon EF f/4.5-5.6 100-400mm in the next few days. I hate to turn loose anymore of the green but in reviewing what my 70-300 does versus what a 100-400 does(just in viewing pics) I know I would be an unhappy camper if I didn't.What are the yeas and nays about this lens should I or shouldn't I?
dick

[jerryph]

Have you researched the reviews of this lens? Google is a good place to start. Dpreview.com is another. :)

[coffee]

I agree with Jerry, read up on it. I'm assuming you are refering to the L version right? If so I have that version and I know Deb does too. Maybe she can pipe in here and give you some thought. As far as me, I couldn't be happier with it. The L series is real quality glass. It gives you a little more reach than your 70-300, but what you will notice right away is how clean your captures are. Mine is a Image Stabilizer version. I'm not sure if they make a non-IS version or not. But if you can get the IS I would.

There are 2 IS modes on the lens. Mode one is for stationary shots. Mode 2 is for panning such as following a BIF. Both modes work well in good light, but you really notice it when you're sitting on the camera shake fence.

Where are you getting it from? Is the 40d back in good hands?

[dicklaxt]

Yes I got the 40D back this afternoon and got a read on the repair work which they said they found nothing wrong,they just cleaned it. I don't know were that is going . I took some shots with it this afternoon and all seemed well.

If I buy that lens I don't know from where Amazon and B&H both have it for the same price some of the so called camera clubs I found have it about $250 cheaper but I don't know if I trust them(bait and switch tactics). I also am going to check the Houston Camera exchange and see if they will do a tradein on the 70-300

dick

[dkippen]

Yes Dick, I have the 100-400 as well. I didn't go new, but the lens is very clean and takes sharp pictures. B&H and Adorama both have very good reputations and probably have the best prices and reputations. If you decide to go used, try KEH.com. If you go with another retailer, check out their feedback at http://www.resellerratings.com/ and reviews. I second IS as well. Good luck.

[dicklaxt]

Now I'm thinking about the f/5.6 400 its a little cheaper but doesn't have IS, Most of my shots would be about 90 -10 still/perched to inflight so maybe it would behove me to go with the 5.6 and learn to operate from a Mono Pod. Whatcha think about them apples?

dick

[coffee]

Now I'm thinking about the f/5.6 400 its a little cheaper but doesn't have IS, Most of my shots would be about 90 -10 still/perched to inflight so maybe it would behove me to go with the 5.6 and learn to operate from a Mono Pod. Whatcha think about them apples?

dick

Hi Dick, With everything I read on that lens, you can't go wrong getting that one either, and it is less expensive that the 100-400 with IS. And being a prime, you might even get a little better quality than a 1-4L, but may not really notice the differance. There are only a few differances in these two lenses that you will want to consider.

1. Zoom. There is no zoom on the prime obviously. You will always be at 400mm, with no way of zooming out in the event your subject gets to close to you to compose the shot the way you want. This may not be a big deal if you only use this for your birding. If you ever want to use that lens for other things, you may find it limiting because you can't zoom out enough. But for wildlife photography, you usually don't get so close to your subjects for this to be a factor. I did find once that even my 1-4 was too long to get a few shots. Once I was so close to wild deer, that even at 100mm I was too close. But that just doesn't happen very often. The dear was in my yard, about 15 feet away at it's closes. One other thing I find helpful with the zoom, is when I track a bird getting closer to me, I may zoom out to find the bird easier, then zoom in when I find it. I use this technique ALL THE TIME. I might not zoom all the way out to 100, just enough to find the bird fast, then follow it while zooming in. If you are always at 400, and you try and find a flying bird in the viewfinder, it can be difficult sometimes cause you are at such a long focal length, you have a narrower area of sky to search. One good thing about the prime when doing wildlife though is if you find yourself always being at 400mm anyway, then you don't have to fiddle with the zoom. With this lens, the zoom is push/pull. It take a little getting use to when you've always twisted for zoom. You do get use to it in short order though. This lens also has a locking ring that you can lock down what ever focal length you want to stay at. The locking ring can also be used to set the tension of the push/pull. So if you are photographng the moon, and your lens is pointing at the sky for instance, it won't slide it's way back to 100mm. Very useful.

2. IS. You will probably have less keepers without IS, and you may find that in not so perfect light, your keeper rate will go down from there. But if you mostly shoot in great light, this may not be a factor either. What I find very usefull with IS is the panning mode. When you are following a bird in flight, even in good light, you might have camera shake depending on the speed of the panning and your settings. Panning is really when IS kicks in gear for me. It really does help. If most of your shots are stationary subjects in good light, then you might not miss IS so much.

3. Weight may also be a factor. The prime is much lighter.

If I had to do it all over again Dick, I would still have to think about it even knowing what I know. It's really hard to weigh this decision. I wouldn't want to give up the IS, but I would love a 400 prime. But I would also miss the technique of zooming out, finding the bird in flight, then zooming in as I follow it. You will miss shots because finding a BIF at 400 is tough sometimes.

So there you have it. Probably not too much help really. Like all of us when making this decision, we make it on paper. You won't really know till you try these lenses which one may be better for your type of shooting. It would be a good idea to rent one of these lenses and try it out first. I suppose you can always buy one and take advantage of the 30 day return policy, and it it doesn't work out, take it back and get the other. Just make sure when you do buy, that you have lots of opportunity to use it during that 30 days so you can really asess whether it will work out for you.

Here is one link that has a little reading for you. I would do other searches and read as much as you can as you get ready to great your arrivals for the season. I hope this provides a little insite. Good luck

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-400mm-f-5.6-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-primes/canon/PRD_83391_3111crx.aspx
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43436

[dicklaxt]

Joseph there certainly is some facts in this to be aware of thanks I can try my 7-300 zoomed out and see if the distance ratio is going to be a problem as my shooting locations are limited and I know the flight paths are established from the housing positions. I'll check that today,


thanks again

dick

[dicklaxt]

No problems with the 70-300 going full Zoom.

I have decided to just let things ride and see what I do with learning some techniques of shooting and how to get the most from a photo editor.

The IQ has a lot to do with the nut behind the camera.......

dick

[coffee]

The IQ has a lot to do with the nut behind the camera.......

dick

Hehe. You've said a mouthful. I've always thought that if someone spent time learning their equipement more, as well as better technique, that will go farther than new equipement. Which of course takes more learning and more technique. I think you are doing the right thing and holding off for a while. Work the new lens you have and find out for yourself what limitations if any it may have. And you have to know that with your 70-300 is a very good lens. You might find it covers everything you want a lens to do.

Now I think it's about darn time that we start seeing a few shots from you. Post a few when you can.

[dicklaxt]

I'll get around to it one of these days ,,,,I have really been busy with other things and experimenting with the camera some . I do some contract design engr as well and things are really hopping on that front.

I have been really busy getting ready for the return of the Purple Martins too.

dick