New Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

[DeanChriss]

FYI: Available for pre-order in some stores.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6l_is_ii_usm

[John Koerner]

Nice.

[Huib]

I have the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM + Extender EF 2X III
Excellent lens!
I wonder with using this lens combining with the extender on it, you can notice much differences with the new lens EF100-400mm

[vulture]

Does anybody here own this new lens and worked with it?
If so, I would like to know if the MF will work WITHOUT power from the camera body.
Say, if I'd like to use this lens via adapter (Redrock, which is powering the diaphragm only) on a Pana GH 4 as well, will the MF work?
Anybody who acquired this lens, please turn the focus ring when the lens is NOT connected to a camera body and please let me know if focus is working.
I have no access to a sample, the retailers take pre-orders but don't have one in my place yet.
Thanks!

[spidermike]

Why would MF (manual focus?) not work without any power?

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Why would MF (manual focus?) not work without any power?

Hi,

Because some lenses focus-by-wire, not really mechanically driven but by an electronic system. I don't think that applies to the new EF100-400 mm, but I couldn't say for sure, it's just unlikely since Canon has not used that focus-by-wire much (my EF 85mm f1.2L II doesn't focus when rotating the focus ring, unless it's powered).

Cheers,
Bart

[manfred1]

Hi,

since some days I use the the new 100-400. Very impressing, especially between 100 and 300mm.

For a review have a look at http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/896-canon100400f4556is2.

Manfred

[Manoli]

my EF 85mm f1.2L II doesn't focus when rotating the focus ring, unless it's powered.

Hi Bart,

Que ? Is there no AF/MF decoupling switch on the lens barrel ?

M

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Que ? Is there no AF/MF decoupling switch on the lens barrel ?

Yes there is, but even in M mode one needs to turn the camera power on to be able and change focus (otherwise the focus ring just turns without any effect). Only a few Canon lenses used that system, so it's unlikely that the new 100-400m does, but it doesn't hurt to ask before splashing out the money.

Cheers,
Bart

[spidermike]

Interesting. Thank you for the explanation, Bart.

So I googled 'Canon focus by wire' and it seems most of the focus-by-wire lenses are primes (this list from 2010 - http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/36211967) as well as the newer STM lenses or those optimised for vodeo work (http://www.pointsinfocus.com/reviews/lenses/canon-ef-m-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-is-stm/)
That latter article also suggests that something like the the 100-400 would not be focus by wire.

[vulture]

Yes there is, but even in M mode one needs to turn the camera power on to be able and change focus (otherwise the focus ring just turns without any effect). Only a few Canon lenses used that system, so it's unlikely that the new 100-400m does, but it doesn't hurt to ask before splashing out the money.

Cheers,
Bart

Exactly! And that's the reason I am asking. My prime 2.8/400 is one of those. Even MF doesn't work unless the lens is powered by the camera body.
I would really like to know if that's different with the new 100-400 before I place an order.
@ Manfred: Would you be so kind and check it with your new 100-400 for me?

Thanks

[manfred1]

Hi,

>@ Manfred: Would you be so kind and check it with your new 100-400 for me?

in MF mode when the lens is NOT connected to the camera and when I turn the focus ring I can see the last lens (versus sensor) rotating.

In MF mode when the lens IS connected to the camera and the batteries are REMOVED and when I turn the focus ring I can see the image focusing/defocusing.

If you have any more questions please let me know.

Manfred

[dwswager]

I have the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM + Extender EF 2X III
Excellent lens!
I wonder with using this lens combining with the extender on it, you can notice much differences with the new lens EF100-400mm

Have not seen test data, but I'd bet the farm that it is sharper 300-400mm than using TCs.  I know the Nikkor AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5-6G VR is sharper than the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 with TCs.  Waited 5 years for Nikon to update the 80-400mm and 8 months after I sold the 80-200mm to get the 70-200 and TCs, they did.  My timing sucks.

[manfred1]

Hi,

>I have the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM + Extender EF 2X III. Excellent lens!
>I wonder with using this lens combining with the extender on it, you can notice much differences with the new lens EF100-400mm

for a comparison, see http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=972&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=3&LensComp=242&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=8&APIComp=4

Manfred

[kers]

another interesting comparison with the " old' 100-400 on Lens Rentals

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2014/12/a-brief-400mm-comparison

[vulture]

Thanks @ Manfred1 !
will help me in purchase decision.

[shadowblade]

If anyone's used it, how does the lens sharpness compare with the 70-200 II (without TC) and Canon 24-70 II? Does it continue Canon's recent run of super-sharp L-series zooms, or is its performance a notch down from these?

Also, how does it compare with the new Sigma 150-600 Sport, which is its most obvious direct competitor?