f2.8 f4

[Chipper]

could any one advise me ive got one decent lenes its a 100mmf2.8 marco cannon,im thinking of buying al lenes im not sure what one it will be a 200-400f2.8 or the f4 cannon,im limited to were i go throu having walking difficulties i know they are very expencive but i think thery are the best and after all you only live once,i like to take shots of birds etc and they are just out of range with what i got.

[KrishnenduKes]

Query Approved

I feel that to shoot birds, 400mm f4 would be better.

[arvindm29]

Canon 100 400L f 4.5 -5.6 IS might be good for bird shoots. Its most popular wildlife lens.

[KrishnenduKes]

Canon 100 400L f 4.5 -5.6 IS might be good for bird shoots. Its most popular wildlife lens.

Most popular does not necessarily mean better. A prime would any day be better than a Zoom and less expensive as well. From what I know, the 400 f4 would be about as expensive as the lens that you mention and would give times better resolution.

Another expensive option is the 500mm f4! Supposedly brilliant lens.

[Vicky]

Most popular does not necessarily mean better. A prime would any day be better than a Zoom and less expensive as well. From what I know, the 400 f4 would be about as expensive as the lens that you mention and would give times better resolution.

Another expensive option is the 500mm f4! Supposedly brilliant lens.


Ken, I think you are confusing the 400 f/4 with the 400 f/5.6. The 100-400 L with IS goes around $1400, the 400 5.6L non IS around $1200 and the 400 f/4 DO IS goes for a whooping $5400:eek::eek:

I'm a big fan of the 400 5.6 L and its definitely sharper than the 100-400 L at 400mm, but, the 100-400 wins by a long margin at all fl's from 100-399mm;)

The convenience that a 'zoom' offers should never be underestimated for wild life / birding... you never know how close your subjects would come to you:)

Only other option is to carry two bodies with different FL's, say 200mm on one and a 400 on one to keep all bases covered:)

[Aryan]

I would like to add, if we need any example shots from the 100-400L, we should have a look at redrage's introduction thread. He has some of the brilliant birding shots, all shot with the f4.5 - f5.6 100-400L! :)

I had tried this lens (the 100-400L) recently at a shop, here in Delhi. Had taken a few shots with it, and it felt brilliant when in-hand and while shooting. Also, the 'push-pull' zoom mechanism didn't feel finicky or odd at all (like they have mentioned in majority of the reviews). I loved this lens, except for the humongous price! :D

But, I totally believe even at that price, the 100-400L is one of the best lenses around for wildlife photography. Also, remember that it gives a phenomenal 160 - 640mm reach when used with an APS-C sensored digital SLR! :D

[nelson_sanjoy]

And last but not the least the I.S. in the 100-400L is a big plus .

I think I.S. is a must for any tele lens.

[KrishnenduKes]

Ken, I think you are confusing the 400 f/4 with the 400 f/5.6. The 100-400 L with IS goes around $1400, the 400 5.6L non IS around $1200 and the 400 f/4 DO IS goes for a whooping $5400:eek::eek:


Only other option is to carry two bodies with different FL's, say 200mm on one and a 400 on one to keep all bases covered:)

Nope. I am not confusing between the two. I was even going to suggest the 500mm f4, dedicated wildlife and sports photography lenses. Or even the 600!

And last but not the least the I.S. in the 100-400L is a big plus .

I think I.S. is a must for any tele lens.

How good is the IS in these lenses? I know that the IS in the 28-300 is pretty effective. Have seen the effects myself.

[nelson_sanjoy]

How good is the IS in these lenses? I know that the IS in the 28-300 is pretty effective. Have seen the effects myself.

A direct copy-paste from :
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100-400mm-f-4.5-5.6-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

"One of my favorite lens features found on the 100-400 is image stabilization. The image stabilizer helps significantly when handholding in low light - that is as long as you have a still subject. Keep in mind that the version of IS on this lens needs to be turned off when tripod-mounted. Not doing so may cause the image stabilizer to act erratically. You can estimate IS on this lens to help with 2 stops or so of shutter speed handholdability."