This lens is awesome!!! It’s what I used to take this shot of the moon. I’ve wanted a telephoto zoom for a while now to be able to get great wildlife, sports and landscape shots, in which you just need that extra reach.
I had originally thought about waiting until I could find a Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS II, because Canon fans always start drooling as soon as you just mention it. But then I considered a few different things. Although you don’t get the f2.8 with the 100-400, to me the 400mm reach is pretty amazing and I think makes up for it. Also, this lens is about $1000 less. I think the 70-200 would be a better walk-around lens, but I wanted something that would really make a dramatic difference in the shots I could get.
This is a heavy lens. Sturdy L series build that you would expect. It comes with Image Stabilization which really helps with hand-held shots, but I think the lens still works best on a tripod. It uses the push-pull method of extending the length of the lens, rather than using a zoom dial. Not sure how I like that feature yet. I’m more familiar with using a zoom dial, but this is pretty straight forward. The only thing I’m concerned about is that I’ve heard that this method of extending the lens may increase the possibility of getting dust on the sensor.
Two additional things I need now that I have this lens (note both are weight related).
1. I need to work out more because I’m determined to get better hand-held shots with this lens, and diminish camera shake.
2. A better tripod. I’ve got a Manfrotto, but it’s one of the less expensive ones and I’ve already had one episode of the camera popping off the mount. Luckily I was able to catch it. (phew!) But now I need something I can count on to hold the weight of the 5D Mark II with the 100-400mm lens.
Note: the photo of the lens on this page is from the Canon site. You can get more details about this lens on their site at: http://bit.ly/eyNeFV
