Canon EF 100-400mm Reviews and Samples

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM certainly can’t compete in the imaging department with the likes of Canon’s long telephoto fixed lenses such as the EF 400mm f/5.6L or EF 500mm f/4L, but what it has in its favor are IS (image stabilization) capability, a lighter weight (most just need to use a monopod with the 100-400, as opposed to mandatory tripod use with the 400mm or 500mm lenses) and zoom flexibility.

This lens will find a happy home with photographers who need a reasonably good, fast focusing long zoom lens and aren’t too spoiled by the (obviously) superior optical qualities of fixed telephoto lenses.

User Image Samples

Romy’s Bird Photos
Romy was kind enough to share 100% crops from a couple of photos. I have to admit that the quality is surprisingly good, given that he coupled the lens to Sigma and Tamron 1.4x tele converters (not something usually done with zoom telephoto lenses having small apertures).
And the lens was wide-open too - excellent! Cameras used were the EOS 20D and Canon 1D Mark II.
If you’re a fan of avian photography, hop over to Romy’s galleries where you’ll be treated with amazing photographs of Philippine wild birds.

Romy’s Macros
Romy is back and now shows us that the 100-400mm can also double up as a closeup lens, and again, he treats us to some wonderful photography in this gallery that’s a mix of pics taken with Canon and Sigma lenses, and various EOS camera bodies.
My personal picks of EF 100-400mm samples from that gallery are: IMG9331, IMG9327, KZ2L9240 and EUREMA Butterfly.
Note that the lens is at 400mm for all the shots.

African Wildlife
Brian has three photo samples - a leopard at rest in Botswana, lion cubs and a cheetah taken in Tuli Block in Botswana.
Camera used is the Canon EOS 20D digital SLR.
The busy background in the photo of the lion cubs shows the bokeh qualities of this lens - and it’s something that’s not liked by a number of owners. You’ll need to judge for yourself if this is a major issue to you.

Birds in San Franciso Bay Area
Garrett Lau shot this with the 100-400 mounted on his Canon EOS 1D Mark III, and he remarks that he hasn’t had AF (auto focus) issues shooting bird-in-flight photos. He’s getting a higher success rate with the 1D3 compared to the 20D.
Species photographed are: Barn Swallow, Caspian Tern, Forster’s Tern, Snowy Egret.

Availability, Deals and Price Check

• Canon EF 100-400mm

 

 

Posted: Tuesday, August 7th, 2007