FloridaDrafter
Ive only had this lens for 2 months, but Ive put it through its paces. Probably 1000 shots +. Everything from insects to flowers to birds and landscapes. I use it on a Canon 7D mark II and it is my "walk around lens". Out of the box my copy had a back focus issue at 100mm, but a quick micro adjustment solved that (-10). I shoot hand held, so it was really hard to get used to that extra 100mm moving from my EF 70-300L f/4-5.6 IS USM. I was kind if disappointed how little that extra 100mm gave me. Not sure exactly what I expected, but it was more than what I got, LOL. I have to be really careful to control camera shake withe the 100-400 because as we all know, the longer your focal length the more exaggerated shake is. Now, the IS in this lens is bona fide 4 stops. Ive taken shots with a single room light bulb, hand held, at 1/10 second and they were as sharp as could be expected. Where I have problems is shooting in cluttered areas like tree leaves. The camera wants to hunt a bit more than I would like. The EF 70-300L locked on in these situations without any problem what so ever. I use the 1st AF spot in the 7D2, the square within the square, so I can literally pin point a focus spot through the leaves and branches. I realize the auto focus is largely done in camera, and the 7D2 is amazing, but there is something with this lens that makes it hunt in these few situations. I do set the lens AF to 3m to infinity, and that helps, but doesnt eliminate the problem. 90% of the time, it locks on instantly, even in clutter. I suspect low light to be the culperate. It just causes me to take as many shots as I can until the subject leaves. Sometimes Ill get 100% others Ill get 60% (Im used to 90%) with the 7D2 and the EF 70-300L. Im not a fool, so I know camera shake plays a part. Another problem Im adjusting to, but its a good problem, is finding my target when zoomed to 400mm. Now, here is what I dont get. All the reviews that say the twist in the zoom ring is to long. I have small hands and fingers, and I just dont get that. I can go from 100mm to 400mm in a flash, in one twist and its not the least bit aqward. Im not sure if these people have ever used this lens or their technique is wrong.. I just dont get it EDIT: Note, this lens will focus to 3 feet, even at 400mm. You have to be aware of your DOF or you will think you are having focusing problems. Check out a youtube video by a guy who tested this lens in the Galapagos Islands. Close focusing is actually what sold me on this lens. I realize that images uploaded are not really a good representation of the lens, but you might get something out of these shots: 1) Hummingbird at 30 feet; Roseate Spoonbills at 200 feet; Lizard at 6 feet (400mm); Gull at 100 feet; Skipper at 4 feet (400mm); Flower and Bee at 5 feet (400mm); Pileated Woodpecker at 100 feet; The obligatory moon shot : ) All of these shots have been CROPPED. EDIT 5/26/2019: This lens is holding up well. I am notorious for not taking care of stuff and being a little rough, so that is why I even mention it. You would expect it too, but I am not the normal user. Its been dropped, banged, taken out in the rain, fog, heat, cold... You get the picture? I always do, LOL.