From NaturePixels.org
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Review by Starrynight
Handling
Physical size and price comparing with canon 400 mm 5.6 and Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED
This is how it looked like in the field zoom in at 400mm (above)
The unique physical feature is that the zoom is a push n pull mechanism instead of the usual ‘turning’ ones. This will require some practice to get used to. This matters when it comes to flight shots. Also if one pushed in and out to frame the birds in flight at the same time focusing, image will not be as sharp. It is better to fix the focal length before hand then focus.
Some said that this zoom mechanism will cause dust to accumulate in the lens itself. Hence in dusty area, I often cover it with some cloth of protection coating. I personally had no problem with this.
Auto Focus
AF is reasonable but compare focal length to focal length, the fixed focal length prime is actually faster. The speed of AF is adequate for large slower birds or small birds that hovers and allowed you to get close.
Vulture in Africa (above)
Canon EOS 20D 1/1000Sec F8.0 ISO Speed 200 at 400.0 mm AI Servo AF
Picture is uncropped, down size to 500 pixel and save as jpeg under 100kb. No sharpening / enhancing applied
Humming bird (above)
Canon EOS 20D 1/160Sec F5.6 ISO Speed 800 at 400.0 mm AI focus AF
Picture is uncropped, down size to 500 pixel and save as jpeg under 100kb. No sharpening / enhancing applied
With or without TC
I only had 2X TC when I own this lens. With 2x TC, shooting under optimal condition and setting, the images are just barely usable. My personal opinion is that 2X TC should not be added to this lens.
Golden Pacific Plover (above)
Canon EOS 20D 1/320Sec F11 ISO Speed 400 at 800.0 mm
Picture is uncropped, down size to 500 pixel and save as jpeg under 100kb. No sharpening / enhancing applied
Image cropped to show the softness
As you can see, the image with 2x TC is softer. It is much more apparent when view in full size.
Image quality
Many said that this is a sharp lens. I agree to a certain extent. One of the issues is that apparently the QC of this lens is not that consistent. Some copies are very sharp but others are so-so. I do get sharp pictures from my copy especially in good light and optimal setting.
Monkey (above)
Canon EOS 20D 1/160Sec F5.6 ISO Speed 800 Focal Length 220.0 mm
Picture is uncropped, down size to 500 pixel and save as jpeg under 100kb. No sharpening / enhancing applied
Conclusion
1. This lens is very versatile. I love it as a traveling companion because it is also relatively light weight. It also saves one the trouble of carrying a few more lens as well as changing lens in the field.
2. The push-pull zoom requires practice to get use to.
3. It does produced reasonable quality image but it is unfair to compare with prime lens focal length to focal length
4. Because of the zoom, it is great for safari, larger animals and situation where you can’t shift around.
5. The AF capability for flight shot is good enough for large birds and smaller, non skittish hovering birds.
6. Adding 2X TC is a no go. Unless you don’t mind small images
A few sites that has more detail reviews
[1]
[2]
_______________________________above review contributed and copyright of Starrynight
Review by Jw73
Introduction
“Versatile” is the name I will use to describe this lens. Having used an EF300mmf4IS and a 400mmf5.6L before, I understand the limitation of fixed focal lens although both lenses sharpness on paper are better than a zoom.
On February 2008 came the 1st Singapore Air show which was held in the new site. I took the opportunity to rent the EF100-400mm (1-4) for the event.
Pull-push Zoom
Within the first minutes of using this lens, I immediately feel very comfortable with the pull-push zoom motion. I set the zoom tightness to “smooth”. The overall built of this lens is definitely of L lens quality. As it is an event, zooming in and out to capture the displays and candid shots was a breeze. I feel a sense of freedom without the need to add extenders as I was a fixed lens user for the past years.
AF
Comparing to the AF speed, I felt the 1-4 can focus quieter and faster than the 300mmf4IS when the IS was activated. The IS mechanism on the 300mm seems louder. However, the 400mmf5.6 fixed lens can focus faster than the 100-400mm with and without the IS on.
The real test came during the flying display. As the black knights were doing their stunts, zooming in and out was crucial as there are moments where the team of 5 planes were flying together and you need to zoom back. Within the split seconds there will be a solo flight where you need to zoom in. This lens handles well on such situations.
Sharpness
As for sharpness, I would rate it above average through out the range through viewing the photos at 100% crop. I have attached some photos to show the sharpness through cropping.
1st set
Uncropped
Cropped
2nd Set
Uncropped
Cropped
Conclusion
In conclusion, I am impressed with its AF speed and versatility in one package. The IS was the 1st generation type and does work well in certain conditions. It will be a great add-on to my EF28-135mm IS and EF600mmf4.
_______________________________above review contributed and copyright of Jw73
