I bit the bullet!

[mrsfotografie]

I've been struggling with getting a longer lens for way too long.  I have debated 300 f4 vs. 70-300 L vs. 400 f5.6 vs. 100-400 vs. 70-300 DO (not too much consideration) along with the TC issue (I have the Canon 1.4 but would need a Kenko to use with some of the above).  You see what I have below.

Thought I'd settled on the 70-300 L after taking some shots of the moon with my 70-200+TC last week.  The night was cloudy but the shots were not too bad with cropping post (BTW, the Redged legs are great but I'll probably up the ballhead in the future).  I knew what I wanted and was just waiting for the right price. 

Then, the 2 day Canon refurb sale comes up.  As I was ready to buy a 70-300 L, I had a quick change of heart and purchased the 100-400!  Should arrive soon.  I truly hope there is no "buyer's remorse," but my thoughts were to expand my options with some IS and little overlap.  We'll see.

100-400 is the best way to reach 400mm on a budget. About 2 years back I was in the same type of situation and went for the 100-400, happy ever since

[JPAZ]

FINALLY got a chance to play around with the new toy.  Everything hand-held.  Did prove to myself that with the 1.4TC, hand held at 1/125 is kinda rough  ........

But, even hand held with or without TC, this lens is a keeper. Expect with tripod, it would be even better.  And, I (like everyone else) wait to see the firmware update.  The 5diii did not autofocus at all with the 1.4TC on this lens.

Attached is jpeg right out of the camera with no PP at all (400mm 1/250, iso 500).

[JPAZ]

Cropped to fit size requirements.  Hand held 400 mm at 1/30!  Please don't critique the exposure or composition.  Not my point for posting this.  I was worried about getting a refurb, and now I am not.  In the end, I think the 100-400 was the right choice for me.

[mrsfotografie]

Cropped to fit size requirements.  Hand held 400 mm at 1/30!  Please don't critique the exposure or composition.  Not my point for posting this.  I was worried about getting a refurb, and now I am not.  In the end, I think the 100-400 was the right choice for me.

To get critically sharp photo's from this lens when shooting little critters I'd suggest shutter speeds of at least 1/400 and aperture of f/6.3-9. High iso and short shutter gives the best result for anything that moves.

[JPAZ]

Yeah.  But I wanted to see what this could do handheld at a shutter speed that was a bit too slow and I proved to myself that this lens is a "keeper."

[greger]

I picked up my new 100-400 Zoom on Monday April 22. I got it with the rebate. I think I saved more than $200.00.
We went to the river today (Tuesday) to see if I could get any Eagle Pics. I got some BIF pics of the Male Flying. Some were trash a few were keepers. I will get better over time. Practice, Practice, Practice. LOL I think I got a good copy of the lens. From what I saw on the LCD and computer screen when we got home, some pics are razor sharp. This lens is a Beast. It's heavy and your arms know they are carrying weight. I am going to leave home carrying less gear next time. I
may get to take more pics on Wednesday afternoon if we go to Rocky Point for fish and chips for dinner. I will have lots of
chances to retake pics I have taken before with my 70-200 with 1.4 Extender. I will let you know how I make out with this lens. I read online that the dust pump moniker may be an urban myth. I'm sure dust can get inside if you change zoom in dusty conditions. I will be wiping the dust off the barrel before I change length like I do with my 17-85.