Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Primarily used for Plane Spotting (aviation photography)
I did much research before committing to this particular lens. I considered the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM, the EF 70-200 f/2.8L II IS USM, and the 1.4 and 2x Extenders for use with either of those listed lenses. After much reading, I decided to spend my money on this for the following reasons:-I want the most versatility while carrying the least amount of lenses.-I am not concerned about carrying large and heavy lens/camera combinations. Thanks USMC.-I take photos of aircraft at airports and in overhead flight.-I wanted to avoid using Extenders (see next comment).-I would use an Extender on the EF 70-200 f/2.8L (and the II) IS USM but that’s much more expensive.Pros:-I actually love the telescoping characteristic of the zoom function of this lens. I got used to it quickly and have learned to appreciate how quickly I can capture aircraft traveling at me, past me, or away from me. Keep track of the tension ring to ensure you don’t upset stability of hold while on burst settings. I have used this lens many times and have yet to experience the “dust pump” phenomenon that many have written about. I think this urban legend may be anecdotal nonsense.-Lens comes complete with hood, lens cap, rear cap, and quality storage case (don’t purchase those separately).-Tripod ring included and it can be loosened and rotated to 12 o’clock for when in the hand-held mode for ease of carry.-I’ve found that WITH GOOD LIGHTING, I obtain excellent photos on f/8, ISO 100, ~+.25-.5 Exp. Comp., and with a shutter speed appropriate for the speed of aircraft.-Autofocus is pretty fast…not as fast as my EF 70-200 f/4L USM, but fast enough. Hunts every once in a while, but this hasn’t been a problem. Out of thousands of shots, I’ve only lost a couple due to AF hunting (in the sets of rapid fire shots).-Doesn’t cost as much as an EF 70-200 f/2.8L II IS USM; especially when one adds the cost of an Extender (and then deals with the associated loss of aperture stops, albeit minimal with the aforementioned world class lens).-Makes me look like I know what I’m doing. For those who [really] know what they’re doing, after reading this, you know that I’m a newbie. Oh, and airport security can see that I am just a harmless plane spotter from a long ways off since the lens is off-white and HUGE and they leave me alone.Cons:-Expensive no matter how one slices that. (Not really a con, per se, for me).-Needs well planned and continuously worked lighting to support crisp shots.-Not as precise at 400mm than say, at 350mm (but that’s probably just the way it goes).-Can be tricky when using an Extender in the mix. Frankly, though, I haven’t yet found a situation with the lens, as it is, that really finds me needing an Extender anyway. That’s why I bought the 400mm in the first place.-In tight plane spotting situations (i.e. Gravelly Point Park at Reagan National…where the airplanes are literally feet above you) 100mm is just too much zoom and one looses shot opportunities on close aircraft. So that’s why I kept my trusty EF 70-200 f/4L USM and carry it with me in the bag. Again, I’m not worried about the weight.Would I recommend this lens to someone else? Absolutely. If you want 300-400mm capability (on top of ~100-300), then you’re pretty much stuck with this choice. Great glass (it’s an “L”) and solid build. Don’t be frightened away by the myth of the “dust pump”. Perhaps that might be a problem if you live in Afghanistan, but it’s not been a problem whatsoever for me. I’ve grown to love the sliding zoom feature and have figured out the tension ring to ensure I don’t have to pull too hard to get adjustment while I have the shutter release depressed for a series of shots.If you’re a plane spotter and find yourself in situations with pesky air traffic controllers who like to play tricks on you, then you better get this lens. It is the only one I’ve found that can do the relatively close shots well and gives you that 300-400mm for those shots you wouldn’t otherwise attempt. LOVE THIS LENS.I have also purchased a B&W 77mm UV haze filter (that works great) and a 77mm circular polarizer to enhance aircraft/sky contrast since many aircraft are painted white/gray/or light blue.Now fork over the cash and get some great photos with this lens (and be sure to learn all those crazy functions on your Manual setting and forget about automatic modes).

Très bon zoom. C’est l’ancien modèle à pompe, acheté d’occasion et totalement révisé en Angleterre.Pèse son poids, mais c’est la rançon d’une qualité irréprochable.Sa focale de 100 à 400mm laisse une plage d’utilisation conséquente et la qualité est présente à tous les étages.Très bonne ouverture parfaitement opérante, même en conditions de nuit. Et, même en très longue focale, un excellent piqué. Toutes les photos d’illustration ont été prises à 400mm et sans aucun problème, les deux de jour à main levée, les deux autres sur pied.Il vient remplacer très avantageusement mon ancien Canon 75-300mm 1:4-5,6 III USM et complètera à merveille mon Canon 28-135mm 1;3,5-5,6 IS USM.

Always been a great lens