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Author Topic: Supertelephoto  (Read 3761 times)

BobbyT

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Supertelephoto
« on: June 25, 2005, 04:34:07 pm »

I bought the Canon 100-400L IS and consider it my smartest lens purchase.  I can shoot animals at varying distances with the zoom and get pictures I could not get with a fixed length lens.

I've shot a variety of animals with it using my 20D and regularly print 13x19 of elk, bear, deer, bobcat, wild turkey, etc.

I leave the 100-400 on the camera, set to programmed exposure and ISO 800.  It's ready for immediate use.

I only change my setup for other, temporary, photo opportunities.

Good luck with your purchase.

 
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Ray

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Supertelephoto
« Reply #1 on: June 26, 2005, 08:55:29 am »

I own a 100-400 IS which I think is great value. After reading Michael's review of the 400/5.6 prime and his comparison of that lens with the 100-400 zoom, I decided to order this prime. It's not the sort of lens that would be carried in stock, so it wasn't possible to order it for the purpose of testing it before buying.

However, when I did test it, after buying it and taking it home, I found it to be worse than my copy of the 100-400 IS zoom.

I went to a lot of trouble carrying out rigorous tests; printed them out as well as recording the tests on a CD-ROM and handing them to the shop. There was no question they would refund my money, but before they did, the supervising salesman suggested they replace the lens; get me another copy. I agreed on the basis that if any improvement was not greater than marginal, I would still want my money back.

What surprised me was, instead of replacing the lens, they sent it in for calibration and adjustment and gave me back the same lens.

There was a slight improvement, but it still wasn't as good as my 100-400 at 400mm, so I took my refund.

On reflection, it was an annoying experience because it showed a certain lack of enterprise and a degree of slackness on the part of the retailer. It would have been really encouraging if someone has said, to the effect, "This is not good enough. This lens should be better. If you still want one, we'll get you a good one for sure."

This was my first lesson in lens buying. Always try first. If that's not possible, test later and insist on a refund if you're not satisfied. Of course there's a danger you could become an unwelcome customer if you return too many lenses. It's a real problem.
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Bobby

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Supertelephoto
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2005, 12:57:26 am »

I would like a supertelephoto fror my canon 20D
I am thinking about the 100 - 400 4.5-5.6 EF IS USM AND the EF 400 F5.6 USM.
It is my understanding that the prime lens are sharper however I hand shoot a lot with a 70- 300 mm IS lens and it works great.
I know there are a few 400-600 mm lens that have IS however they run about 5000 dollar plus.
I would like to spend less that 2000 dollars and buy a teleconverter with what is left.

Any suggestions
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Andrew Larkin

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Supertelephoto
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2005, 05:54:48 pm »

My buddy and I get excellent results from the 100-400 IS lens - I have the 10D and he has the 20D.

Be aware, though, that using a teleconverter has its limitations - expect that you will have to manual focus with the converter in place.

Andrew
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