First Impressions of the New 100-400!

[Doug Brown]

Just received my Canon 100-400 mm version II lens today and I wanted to share some initial impressions with you. Let me start by saying that I was not a big fan of the image quality of the old 100-400. I used a 70-300 mm L and a 400 mm f/5.6 to cover that range of focal lengths. I loved the sharpness and compact form factors of both lenses. But I wasn't keen on needing 2 lenses to cover that range of focal lengths. I have extensive experience with the version II super telephoto lenses (I own the 300, 500, and 600), and I've been blown away with the quality of each and every one of them. But I was wary of the new 100-400, perhaps because the predecessor lens was only so-so IMO.

While at the Bosque a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak with both Artie Morris and Chris Dodds about the new 100-400; both of them had an opportunity to test out a pre-release copy of the lens. Both photographers gave absolutely glowing reviews of the lens, and based upon their words I decided to go ahead and order one.

The lens is comfortable to hold, and handles much like the 70-300. I was impressed with RAW file sharpness and contrast from wide open to f/9. The IS is excellent, allowing me to obtain sharp frames at shutter speeds as slow as 1/40. What I really liked was the minimum focus distance of the new lens; how's 3.2 feet sound!?! This compares to an MFD of 5.9 feet in the old 100-400, 11.48 feet in the 400 f/5.6, and 5.74 feet in the Nikon 80-400. The close focus allows you to get frame-filling head shots of birds when you pair the lens with the 7D Mark II.

I'll post a few unprocessed samples below with additional samples on my website (http://www.dougbrownphotography.com).

[Doug Brown]

Here's a downsized uncropped shot that illustrates how large you can get a bird in the frame; remember that this is a bare 400 mm lens.

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[Doug Brown]

Here's a 100% LR-default processed crop shot stopped down to f/8 at 400 mm.

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[Ashley Cohen]

Look forward to hearing more from you about this lens. I have the original and I'd love to upgrade to this lens at some point soon. The lens than one meter close focus sounds great for semi macro work, like lizards, frogs, dragonflies while also being able to photograph anything else that might suddenly appear unlike if you switched over to a macro lens. Sharpness looks great wide open at 400mm, very impressed. Could you do the same kind of shots with the 1.4x on and the 7D MK2 Im very interested in seeing how it handles it, from what I've seen on another forum it looks really good indeed.

[Jason Holzworth]

it's sharp as a tack for sure, but i prefer the push pull.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice images, Doug.
I couldn't find the ones on your website you mentioned .
I'm glad to hear all the good news about the new 100-400 Canon lens.
We ordered two one for my wife, one for me and I can hardly wait not having to hand hold my 500 f 4.0 L IS II. for a change.
Coupled with the 7D Mark II, it will almost give me the same image size as the 500 +1.4 with the 5DM3.
I might even be able to use the 1.4x extender and still get good quality image.

[arash_hazeghi]

Very nice Doug! It is a big improvement optically and mechanically. I wonder how the crop looks like when converted with DPP ?

[Bob Serling]

I know you haven't had this lens for long, but how would you compare the IQ to the EF 300mm f/2.8? If it's near comparable, I'm thinking that the 100-400 would give me more flexibility.

[arash_hazeghi]

I converted Doug's RAW with DPP 4.1 (default parameters, no additional sharpening). As expected it does a great job with micro-contrast, noise and demosaic. it came to life!

The DLO module does not support 100-400 MKII yet, but I suspect when it does, this lens will benefit from it, especially when used wide open. It's a nice addition to your bag, it does the job of old 100-400 (I hated that lens), 70-300 and the 400 f/5.6 in one package!


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note: the above image had to be compressed. see the low compression file here (http://ari1982.smugmug.com/photos/i-mNSvLM4/0/O/i-mNSvLM4.jpg)

[Amit Rana]

I know you haven't had this lens for long, but how would you compare the IQ to the EF 300mm f/2.8? If it's near comparable, I'm thinking that the 100-400 would give me more flexibility.

Many folks have been reporting that even in the 100-200 range the new 100-400 IS II is very comparable to the 70-200 f2.8 IS II making the 70-200 redundant in their kits.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/100-400mm-ii.htm#rex

Doug I would appreciate any feedback on comparing the 70-200 2.8 II vs 100-400 IS II in the 100-200 range with regards to IQ, AF etc.

[Amit Rana]

Many folks have been reporting that even in the 100-200 range the new 100-400 IS II is very comparable to the 70-200 f2.8 IS II making the 70-200 redundant in their kits.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/100-400mm-ii.htm#rex

Doug I would appreciate any feedback on comparing the 70-200 2.8 II vs 100-400 IS II in the 100-200 range with regards to IQ, AF etc.

[arash_hazeghi]

It wouldn't make the 70-200 redundant that lens is f/2.8 vs. f/4-5. That's a fast portrait/zoom lens vs. a slow telepehoto-zoom, they are for different subjects.

I will compare my 70-200II + 2X III with the new 100-400 II to see how they stack up...

[Amit Rana]

Thanks Arash. I look forward to the comparison.

[Robert Hardy]

I know a few people did not like the fact the foot does not come off -well if you drop your lens it does come off with quite a clean break , I don't think an after market one will fit as there are screws and what looks like 2 guide wire's under the ring these would stop an add on one from running smoothly .

Rob.

[Rajesh Mohanasundaram]

I just got mine. It looks solid and just clicking inside home seems to produce good images. I will take it out over weekend to test it. Besides all the good points, its close focus is incredible. I will test it with an extension tube. The front element doesn't rotate, useful if you want to add a polarizer. Not sure what is the foot problem. It comes off easily and RRS foot is on pre-order. I hope Mongoose releases one.
I am excited as it would be an excellent lens for rainforest hiking and will eliminate a whole range of lenses.

Raj

[Doug Brown]

Many folks have been reporting that even in the 100-200 range the new 100-400 IS II is very comparable to the 70-200 f2.8 IS II making the 70-200 redundant in their kits.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/100-400mm-ii.htm#rex

Doug I would appreciate any feedback on comparing the 70-200 2.8 II vs 100-400 IS II in the 100-200 range with regards to IQ, AF etc.

Hi Amit. Sharpness is excellent and AF is solid. There's no comparison in the bokeh department though. The 70-200's 2.8 aperture wins hands down.