Canon Ef 100-400mm F/45-56l Is Ii Usm Lens Review

I was a little skeptical when a Canon representative told me that the new Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.v-5.6L IS 2 USM lens ($2,199) is only as good as the EF 70-200mm f/two.8L IS II USM ($1,249.00 at Amazon) , the all-time zoom lens of that range we've tested. But subsequently some time shooting with the 100-400mm, and having run it through our standard assortment of lab tests, I'm confident in that exclamation—it'southward just an incredibly sharp lens. It also handles well, thanks to a compact design and a traditional zoom mechanism with adjustable tension, making it a much more modern take on the outset version of the lens. Nosotros recently named another lens, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG Os HSM Contemporary ($1,249.00 at Amazon) , as an Editors' Choice, and it'due south nevertheless a phenomenal lens, specially for its price. But Catechism camera owners who don't demand the achieve that a 600mm zoom provides should wait to the 100-400mm equally a smaller, lighter option. It costs about twice every bit much as the Sigma lens, just its impeccable performance makes it an Editors' Selection besides.

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Design
When you consider its reach, the 100-400mm is non a large lens. It measures 7.vi by three.7 inches (HD), weighs about 3.half-dozen pounds, and supports 77mm forepart filters. The butt does extend while zooming, but that doesn't compromise its dust and h2o resistance. The Sigma 150-600mm is larger overall (10.2 by iv.1 inches, iv.3 pounds, 95mm front end filters), though it does offer a significantly longer telephoto reach. Canon includes a reversible lens hood, which has a retractable window that allows you to adjust a round polarizing filter without having to remove or opposite the hood. A soft carrying case is included as well.

A removable tripod foot is as well included, just the lens is light enough that you can agree it for extended periods without having to reach for a monopod. The tripod neckband rotates, so you can switch from mural to portrait orientation when you are using the lens along with a camera support system. Canon states that the lens is protected from dust and water, and it does take an O-ring gasket around the lens mount. I didn't run into any harsh weather condition during testing, but Canon Fifty lenses have earned a reputation for durability, and in that location'southward no reason to remember that the 100-400mm falls short.

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The zoom ring sits at the front of the lens, and is covered by ribbed safety so you tin grip information technology with ease. There's an adjustable tension ring, with markings for Shine and Tight behind it, and a manual focus ring behind that. A series of toggle switches sit at the base of the lens. A focus limiter switch allows the autofocus system to chase along the duration of its range, or only from three meters to infinity to speed acquisition of distant subjects. In that location'southward also an AF/MF toggle, a switch to enable or disable the 4-cease image stabilization system, and a Stabilizer Style switch. The Stabilizer Mode switch has three positions: one is ideal for well-nigh subjects, 2 is used when panning the camera forth with a moving subject, and iii limits the stabilization system to the the actual time of exposure, then yous won't see its effects in the viewfinder.

Eyes
The 100-400mm can focus downwardly to three.2 anxiety, even when zoomed to 400mm. At its minimum focus distance it captures images with 1:3 macro magnification, which is sure to make nature photographers happy. It'southward non a substitute for a truthful i:i macro lens, but the close focus capability certainly adds some versatility to this zoom. The Sigma 150-600mm doesn't focus every bit close; it'south limited to about a ix-foot minimum distance, merely its longer focal length provides a 1:5 magnification ratio.

I used Imatest to meet just how precipitous the 100-400mm is when paired with the total-frame 6D ($ane,249.00 at Amazon) . Nosotros consider an image to exist sharp if information technology scores i,800 lines per picture height on a center-weighted sharpness test. The 100-400mm exceeds that marker throughout its range. At 100mm f/4.5, information technology shows a centre-weighted average of 2,770 lines, with very even functioning correct up to the edges of the frame (two,468 lines). Resolution is about the aforementioned through f/8, with diffraction setting in at f/11 and dropping the score to about 2,600 lines. There is a little bit of butt distortion (i.4 percent) at 100mm, but it's not drastic, and it'due south hands corrected using Lightroom ($i,249.00 at Amazon) .

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At 200mm, the lens is near every bit abrupt, scoring ii,701 lines at its maximum f/5 aperture, and is just every bit proficient at the edges as information technology is in the center. Again, the score is about the same at f/8, and it notwithstanding shows two,650 lines at f/eleven. Baloney isn't an effect here. At 300mm, the maximum aperture is all the same f/v and the score dips downward just a bit to ii,546 lines, with even performance beyond the frame and very modest (1 percentage) pincushion baloney. At f/eleven there is a slight drop in dissimilarity, dropping the score to 2,439 lines.

The lens is at its weakest at 400mm f/5.6, but it's still pretty darn good. It scores two,201 lines at that place, with edges that bear witness near 2,000 lines. The score improves to two,299 lines at f/8, and it shows 2,170 lines at f/11. Shooting at 400mm, even on a full-fame camera, puts our exam chart to the limits, with fewer data points that we're able to track at 200mm or wider. Images shot in the field show that, despite the drop in score, the lens is nonetheless fantastic when zoomed all the mode in.

I also used a 6D to run tests on the Sigma 150-600mm. I was able to get solid data out of it through about 250mm, where it showed about two,600 lines on a center-weighted exam. It also is no slouch when it comes to capturing detail.

Conclusions
If you shoot with a Catechism photographic camera and desire a telezoom, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.five-5.6L IS II USM is an first-class, albeit pricey, option. Information technology's adequately meaty and lite when you consider its attain, doubles every bit a decent macro lens, and is very quick to accommodate focus, especially if you utilise its focus limiter function. Its asking price, effectually $2,200, is not out of line for a lens of its quality, and if your photographic needs don't extend beyond 400mm, it's an obvious choice to pair with a Canon SLR.

If you do demand more attain, however, the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary is your nigh sensible, affordable option. Catechism sells an EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM with a congenital-in teleconverter that extends its reach to 560mm at f/5.vi, but information technology's an 8-pound lens that costs but under $xi,000. Sigma's 150-600mm Contemporary sells for about a tenth of that. The Sigma is larger and heavier than the 100-400mm, and it doesn't have the same level of weather protection or close-focus capability, simply there is a $2,000 Sigma 150-600mm Sports lens that's fully sealed against the elements if you need a long attain and the ability to shoot in inclement conditions.

The Catechism 100-400mm and the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary are both neat in their ain style, and are both worthy of being called Editors' Pick—it just comes downward to whether or not you're in need of a lens that can attain 600mm and comes in at a very bonny price, or if 400mm manages to meet your needs and you're willing to spend more on a smaller, lighter lens.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.five-5.6L IS 2 USM

Cons

The Bottom Line

The Catechism EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a telezoom lens with a compact design and incredibly sharp eyes.

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