which lens is best

[davidcutts]

Hi,
My name is David and this is my first post. I'm trying to get a foot in the door in nature photography. I'm currently shooting with a Canon EOS XSi (450D) but will be up grading to the Canon EOS 7D hopefully in the near future. After the up grade I will be in the market for a new lens. I have two lens that I'm torn between.

Canon EF 100 - 400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

or the

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM

I guess my question would be is the Image Stabilizer (IS) on the 100-400 going to be that important? I usually shoot from a tripod but not always.

Just looking for your opinions.



Thanks

David

[bob_r]

If you're using a tripod, you'll need to turn off IS, however, it is very useful when not using a tripod. I had both the lenses you're considering at the same time and ended up keeping the 100-400.
The IQ difference is so small that it's not worth considering, but having the convenience of a zoom should be considered. Even if you shoot at 400mm 90% of the time, you'll still have 10% of your shots poorly composed.

The IS is an older version, but it is still effective. Here's a shot I took one morning just before sunrise at 1/30s. I don't believe the results would have been as good with the 400mm without IS.

[davidcutts]

Thanks Bob,

Both lenses get such great reviews. The price difference isn't that big. I just can't make up mind.
Your comments really help though. I've been leaning toward the 100 - 400, but you might have helped me make up my mind.
That is unless someone else can make a good case for the 400....Thanks Bob

[bob_r]

You're welcome, Dave.

One other point you'll see often repeated on forums, but normally not from people that have actually used both lenses, is that the 100-400 can be soft at the long end.
I thought I show you a few shots taken at 400mm with the 100-400 and let you decide if they're soft. (These were all taken with a 30D - 8.2mp)

Here's a shot of a chipmunk that I shot through a storm door. Notice the flee under his jaw.
1/80s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso500 (this was shot at 1/80s and I doubt I could have had similar results with a 400L.)


This was shot with a flash and Better Beamer because the feeder was in a magnolia tree and they simply don't allow much light to pass through.


This was shot at the Memphis zoo.
1/400s f/7.1 at 400.0mm iso400


Another zoo shot, 1/30s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso400 (Another where the IS came in handy - 1/30s)


And here's one, I know I couldn't have taken with the 400L. It's a shot of one of my grandsons taken at KY lake while we were on a pontoon boat. The 400mm simply can't shoot at 100mm.
1/200s f/5.6 at 100.0mm iso400



Hope these were helpful.

[davidcutts]

Great pictures. The only draw back I have now is the use of the 1.4X teleconverter. It's my understanding that the AF will not work with this set up (Canon EOS 7D + 1.4 Teleconverter + Canon 100-400mm )

[ngocquynh]

you should use canon

[ngocquynh]

Great pictures. The only draw back I have now is the use of the 1.4X teleconverter. It's my understanding that the AF will not work with this set up (Canon EOS 7D + 1.4 Teleconverter + Canon 100-400mm )

Canon X110