Proof positive that the aging Canon 100-400mm lens can take high quality images.
Canon introduced the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens in 1998 and the now 16-year-old lens has taken some hits in the past for its trombone-style push/pull zoom mechanism (something I never had an issue with) and its slightly less than prime image quality. I used this lens exclusively while my 500mm prime was in the shop and I was very happy with many of the images I took with it. Following are two examples.
1/2500, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM @ 400mm, +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this Northern Harrier along the Antelope Island causeway 13 days ago with that lens. The photo was cropped to exactly 50% of the original image and in my view image quality held up nicely, especially considering the use of the 1.4 teleconverter with that lens and the sizeable crop.
1/5000, f/8, ISO 1000, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM @ 400mm, +1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
A day later I photographed this harrier in almost the same spot along the causeway. The image is nearly full frame with a small amount of canvas added up top. Once again I think the image quality is very good with this lens and attached teleconverter.
Since these images were taken I’ve purchased the new version of this lens, the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. I haven’t given the new lens much of a workout yet but if the improvement is as much as advertised I will be extremely pleased.
I apologize for the photo-geekiness of this post but photographers live and die by our lenses and cameras so they’re never far from our minds.
Ron
I was still hedging about the new 100-400 until I saw these harrier shots with your old copy. Sealed the deal! I was able to find a series II here in SLC yesterday and the backyard test shots look great. That’s the second time your images resulted in my credit card being torched- the first being my 27″ iMac. It’ll be strike three when I lose the willpower battle and throw down for a Mark II. Now I just gotta find a harrier…
Hah, I remember the story of how you bought that iMac after looking at my Prairie Falocon in flight carrying a duck, Mike. If you want to use that new lens with a teleconverter you’ll be buying that Mark II. BTW, I only saw one of the Golden Eagles on the island this morning nut it was light years away.
As a bird photographer who enjoys very much your photo-geekiness and who strives very much to achieve your mastery of this discipline (and strives, and strives, and strives),I would like to thank you for all your tips and information. You are one of the most accomplished bird photographers I have encountered. These Harrier shots are a great example of this. That being said, I have to say, hopefully without sounding blasphemous, I feel the same way about Nikon as you do about Canon. I feel they are pretty much equal in quality and they are also pretty much equal in price. I’m in the same boat as Mr. Dick Harlow—-I would love to own the Nikon version of the 100-400, but alas, my wife refuses to sell the house so that I can purchase another lens. But I can dream and enjoy it vicariously through you. Thank you again
Not blasphemous at all, Steve (and I appreciate your very kind words). Most of us have our preferences but if we’re honest we’ll admit that no camera line has all the answers or the best solutions. Personally I’m glad that there are choices out there – we need the marketplace competition and Nikon certainly provides a great choice with a line of very high quality gear. Nikon enthusiasts (and those of some other brands) are as passionately loyal to their brand as Canon users are, and deservedly so.
That said, don’t expect to see me driving a Chevy, drinking a Pepsi or shooting Nikon anytime soon… 🙂
Simply sensational shots Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
I think i’ve discovered how to manage the evil iPad…I ignore what it tries to do and don’t give it the satisfaction of my being frustrated and enraged…seems to be working. Time will tell….OR, maybe I’m becoming a computer geek…..
LOVE that second image. It sets my heart soaring.
And please, geek to your heart’s content. Anything which brings us the daily joy that your posts do HAS to be a good thing.
Based on your experience and comments with the 7DmkII, you reinforced my desire to purchase one. I have used it with the 100-400mm and the +1.4TC, and now I can’t wait for your comments and images with the new 100-400 IS II. This is without a doubt the best bird photography blog for Canon users. It is unfortunate that Canon did not realize it while they had your 500 mm in the shop.
“It is unfortunate that Canon did not realize it while they had your 500 mm in the shop.”
Yes, it is, AR. I’m a Canon fanboy through and through, with the one exception of some of their policies when they’re servicing your gear. I even talked to a “supervisor” about it but what I had to say likely went in one ear and out the other.
Maybe its time to pass this old lens down to someone who won’t mind its age 🙂
Yep, I’m hoping to put it up for sale soon, Leah – just gotta find the time to do it!
I may be interested.. 😉
I’ve sent you an email with more info, Leah.
Ron, yet another great post and two superb photos. And I of course like the photo geekiness, if only because I would love to get my hands on a lens of the quality of the new Canon 100-400mm and 1.4x converter. I hate having to get too close to birds to get good shots!
“I hate having to get too close to birds to get good shots!”
I agree, Pierre – that’s often a dilemma, especially with shorter lenses.
You can post your camera geekiness all you want. I’ll just sit back and enjoy the beautiful images. 🙂 I can see why you are happy with these.
Enjoy away, Susan! Thank you.
These images are beautiful and I really appreciate the geekiness of your post. My husband is very interested in the new 100-400mm and is anxious to see some of your images from that lens. We rented a couple of different original 100-400mms a few years ago and were very disappointed in the images we got with them (we certainly don’t have your eye or experience and never got even close to the quality of the two images in this post). We’ve been waiting for this new version to come out and are thrilled that it is finally here and that you purchased one. We know that having a great lens doesn’t mean we’ll get great shots, but a better lens will increase our chances. Thanks so much!
“We know that having a great lens doesn’t mean we’ll get great shots, but a better lens will increase our chances”.
Well said, Sharon – that’s it exactly. Hopefully I’ll be posting more images soon taken with the new version of that lens.
As a non-photo geek, I appreciate your willingness to share that kind of info…it’s like a peek into another world…one I don’t understand but sure enjoy the results of….the more you “geeks” share, the more the rest of us profit….
Thanks, Patty. BTW, it looks to me like you’re becoming the master of your “evil iPad”!
Geekiness rules. Show no shame for loving what you do! 😀 I really love the top photo. Marvelous. I am not a photographer but I enjoy reading about the craft of what you do as well as about the wildlife. Geek on, Mr. Dudley. Geek on.
“Geek on, Mr. Dudley. Geek on.”
Made me smile big time, Arwen. Thanks for the encouragement, especially from a non-photographer.
I have dreams of being a photographer, but honestly? I have a little point and shoot and my iPhone. I’ll just love on the professionals like you. 😀
Ron, good luck with the new lens. Would love to see some comparison shot. I find the Canon 7D2 and Canon 100-400 Mark2 a killer combination. Fast AF and fast frame rate. Cheers, Rich
Thanks, Richard. I’ll try to do some comparison shots down the road sometime.
For this photo-geek, your geekiness is much appreciated. Hopefully when we sell our house this year (being optimistic since it has been on the market for two years) I will purchase the EF100-400 L IS lens. To me, my lens is passable, has given me some good shots, but I’m all for improved technology.
These shots of the Harrier did it! If you can get that kind of clarity with a 50% crop with the old lens, then I’m in for buying the new lens. I can’t get that close! These are, in my opinion, great shots of an elusive bird for us.
Many thanks.
I think you’ll be very happy with your lens choice, Dick. And I appreciate your photo-geekiness!
Thanks for the helpful info as usual!
Thanks for that feedback, Tana. I know I’ve been spending a lot of time covering photo gear lately but many photographers follow this blog and we often find this kind of information helpful.