Canon 100-400 5.6 verus the 100-400 ii

[Fred Woodman]

I have the Canon 100-400 version 1 is the upgrade to version ii worth considering.? Shooting 7d ii and 5dii.

[Loi Nguyen]

The new 100-400 II is a really wonderful lens, great value for the money. It's just as sharp as my 500f4. Loi

[Diane Miller]

I love mine -- amazingly sharp throughout the zoom range -- compares well with my 600 II, and hand-holdable! I've just been trying shooting with my 7D2 and the 1.4X II on it for birds in flight. Focus is slow to acquire with only the center point, and you can't see the subject without pre-focusing pretty close, but it's excellent if you can hold it steady to keep the focus point on the subject.

It's also a 140-560 macro, with 3 ft close focus. Wonderful for insects. I'm about to post a damselfly battle in Macro and Flora and the sequence in Story Sequences.

[Wendy Kates]

Loi and Diane: I am really tempted to buy the 100-400 II, and I realize that compared to the 600mm, the new 100-400 seems light, but I am finding the idea of carrying around a lens that is almost 4 pounds intimidating...especially since my comparison is the 300 f/4 which is only about 2 pounds (and still feels heavy). Is there something about the build of the 100-400 II that makes "egonomically" comfortable to carry around even though it is relatively heavy? Or is it just light in comparison to what you have been using up to now?

[Diane Miller]

I haven't used the 300 f/4 -- my carry-around comparison is the 300 f/2.8 IS, which is just over 5.5 lb. That's getting to be my limit for long walks or more than half a minute at a time held up to my eye. So the 100-400 feels light to me -- I had to double-check the specs because it doesn't feel like what I would expect of 4 lbs. (3.5 without the TC.) A lot has to do with where the center of gravity of the lens is, and this one must be fairly well aft. I have no issues keeping it on a shoulder strap and putting it up to my eye as needed. I use a belt bag for walking very far.

That being said -- I'm 71, 5 ft tall and weigh 120 lbs, 20 of which is flab. So it's not like I'm in shape. My favorite exercise is getting up from my computer occasionally to glance out the window to check the light.

[Fred Woodman]

I have a 300 2.8 as well and I love it, but the zoom option of the 100-400 comes in so handy at times.I am looking for something more portable for sort of a pack and go setup,maybe a 24-105 and a 100-400, with camera body or two a lightweight tripod.and just start walking.I do this currently with my version 1, and it works reasonably well, but I am reading so much good about the Vii I was wondering is the upgrade is something i should do, I can easily sell my V1 so its really not a big expense ( relatively speaking).?

I haven't used the 300 f/4 -- my carry-around comparison is the 300 f/2.8 IS, which is just over 5.5 lb. That's getting to be my limit for long walks or more than half a minute at a time held up to my eye. So the 100-400 feels light to me -- I had to double-check the specs because it doesn't feel like what I would expect of 4 lbs. (3.5 without the TC.) A lot has to do with where the center of gravity of the lens is, and this one must be fairly well aft. I have no issues keeping it on a shoulder strap and putting it up to my eye as needed. I use a belt bag for walking very far.

That being said -- I'm 72, 5 ft tall and weigh 120 lbs, 20 of which is flab. So it's not like I'm in shape. My favorite exercise is getting up from my computer occasionally to glance out the window to check the light.

[Loi Nguyen]

I have a 300 2.8 as well and I love it, but the zoom option of the 100-400 comes in so handy at times.I am looking for something more portable for sort of a pack and go setup,maybe a 24-105 and a 100-400, with camera body or two a lightweight tripod.and just start walking.I do this currently with my version 1, and it works reasonably well, but I am reading so much good about the Vii I was wondering is the upgrade is something i should do, I can easily sell my V1 so its really not a big expense ( relatively speaking).?

You will absolutely love the Mark II. The Mark I is just a bit soft at 400mm when I had it a couple of years ago. Then I traded it in for the 300f2.8 mark I, then traded it in for the 500F4 Mark II. As I said, the 100-400 Mark II at 400 mm is just as sharp as my 500f4 Mark II. If you can afford it, it is the best lens wildlife lens for the money. Good for close in BIF too.

As for weight, it all depends on your frame of reference. If you carry a 300f2.8 or 500/600f4, then the 100-400 seems like feather. On the other hand, if you have been carrying a 300f4, then I suspect you will feel the added weight.

Loi

[Sandy Witvoet]

I have been looking to buy the Canon 100-400 II for the last two months .... all the Sites (BHP, Adorama, Canon USA, etc.) simply state "out of stock". (Will also likely "add in" the 7DII)... Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Fred Woodman]

Here in Canada, Henrys has them in stock, ordered mine Friday and it shipped yesterday.!!

[Sandy Witvoet]

Thanks, Fred (I think!) ... sure wish the US was as accommodating! Enjoy!

[David Stephens]

Thanks, Fred (I think!) ... sure wish the US was as accommodating! Enjoy!

Order from a Canadian retailer and you'll save money, get your lens quicker and still have a North American warranty. I've used Camera Canada for lens purchases with total satisfaction.

[Fred Woodman]

Have had my 100-400 version ii for a couple weeks now and am loving it as a carry around lens.

[David Stephens]

That being said -- I'm 72, 5 ft tall and weigh 120 lbs, 20 of which is flab. So it's not like I'm in shape. My favorite exercise is getting up from my computer occasionally to glance out the window to check the light.

Oh, stop bragging!

[Diane Miller]

I was complaining.... I know too many people who are young and fit. And big enough to lug around the best equipment without a donkey.

I'm also apparently getting senile. I never could type, but I'm only 71!!

[john farnsworth]

I have been looking to buy the Canon 100-400 II for the last two months .... all the Sites (BHP, Adorama, Canon USA, etc.) simply state "out of stock". (Will also likely "add in" the 7DII)... Any suggestions? Thanks.

I was having this problem checking those three sites. Ordered on Adorama and then waited two weeks without any progress. Then I checked with my local camera store, and they'd just gotten one in.

It's a marvelous lens, by the way. Well worth the wait. I bit heavy, but extremely versatile.