Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

[Oggie]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

I agree with the others about single shot focus.

I would also try to avoid F5.6. Mine comes to life at about F8.

[Muscat]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

I may have missed it but have you tried to micro adjust the new lens to truly match it to your camera? I have the same lens and found that I had to adjust the focus of the lens to work properly with my camera. If you still have problems then you could send the lens and camera to Canon who can match the focus of the lens to your camera

[MX5]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Thanks to all for your comments. I get the point about AI servo though that does not explain stick misfocus when I was on single shot. Will give the back button a try - what a shame I can't allocate AI servo to the back button so I could easily kick it in when a stationary bird takes off!

If you've got C1/C2/C3 on your DSLR ... you can set C1 for BIF and C2 for birds what are still for example. [Setting appropriate parameters for each]. I can re-programme the DoF preview button on my 7D although I've never done that.

[kcrook]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Thanks to all for your comments. I get the point about AI servo though that does not explain stick misfocus when I was on single shot. Will give the back button a try - what a shame I can't allocate AI servo to the back button so I could easily kick it in when a stationary bird takes off!

[mikep]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

I agree with Woolley's comments above. Also for still subjects, try using AF and single shot, take your first shot to get the focus where you want it, then check the screen to see it's ok. If it's good, select MF and the focus won't change for the next shots!

Alternatively, a more advanced technique would be to set up the buttons using the custom settings to use back button focus, then you keep the focus and exposure separate. Focus using the back button you've assigned for focusing, and take your shots using the 'shutter' button, with each press of the shutter button setting the exposure at that time.

Hope that helps! Mike

[Woolley]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

with AI servo.

Seems to be the standout phrase in your post. I wouldn't be using that for still subjects.

In your duck shot I'd suggest movement of the lens has shifted the point off the duck, the lens is refocusing and you've taken the picture before it's changed back. You haven't got to wobble much at 400mm for the focus point to wander off the duck and back. Try single shot AF and see if that helps?

[kcrook]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Hi - so here are a couple of examples. Firstly 'stick'. This was stuck in a lake about 20 ft in front of a bird hide at a local wildlife reserve. Selecting centre point I focussed on the very tip of it as you can see so as to be ready when a bird landed. The tip is not in focus but an area lower down is. I focussed with no tripod but the lens was supported on the edge of a bird hide. It was taken at 3200ths ISO400 f5.6. I took several stick shots and did not manage to get a single sharp one.
Duck 1 and Duck 2 were taken split seconds apart 1200ths ISO200 f5.6 with AI servo. The first is sharp - in the second the focus has moved off the duck and picked up the background even though the duck did not move.
There a plenty of other examples where I have centre point focussed bang on the target but its not sharp.
I too have the odd shot that is tack sharp, fantastic, but it seems to be a random event.

[superdel]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

I use this lens a lot. Sometime I get frustrated with shots out of focus. Other times I am really pleased with the results. So it means I can't put any problem down entirely to the lens. What I believe ( I can't really prove this) is that the lens is sometimes a bit slow to focus and I press the shutter button a bit to quick. When you think that I mostly shoot from the long end, not the fastest lens in the Canon Range . When I take shots that I have enough time to think about what I am doing I do hold the first pressure for a bit longer and I usually get a good shot.

[MX5]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Please can you post an example of an image you are not happy with.

[kcrook]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

I recently bought this lens for wildlife photgraphy on my 60D. I am really dissapointed with it and more so when I read how happy everyone else seems to be. I am finding it very difficult to get sharp shots and the focus often seems to latch on behind the focus point I select. With AI servo on the focus seems even worse. I am deleting 99% of the pictures I take with this lens adn I am pulling my hair out as it cost a lot of money to buy. I would be interested to know what tests I can do to try and identify if its me or the lens or the camera that is causing the problem.

As a general comment I would agree the lens is best at f8 - but unless its a really sunny day I find its impossible to get f8 without compromising on the ISO.

[ukfalc]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Interesting thread, as I was thinking of investing in this lens. Am not sure whether to go for the 70-300mm L series lends, or older the 100-400mm

AndyL I'm from W.Wales as well, and just getting in to photogrphy. Can you recommend any other good nature photography spots in easy travelling distance?

[Applefan]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

hhcanon I really like the bauble on the Xmas tree!

[hhcanon]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Love mine and it seems good through the whole range. I tog a lot of cricket in the summer and you can get shots like this...

[F.S.P.]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

I have only good things to say about the 10-400mm the same as Colin,Neil & David. This lens is ideal for Nature photography & sport photography.

[SamFisher]

Re: Canon 100-400 f4-5.6L IS USM Lens

I normally use my 100-400 wide open at f5.6 and get great results.
F8 will probably be better though.
I find it quick in the AF dept.
I was loaned a Sigma 150-500 the other week and that really was slow compared to the Canon.

The only downside for me was when I had it on the 1D Mk3 - No matter how much MA I just couldn't get a sharp image.
Now that I have the 7D in place of the 1D3 all is rosy again.

All-in-All a great lens that I wouldn't be without

Mike