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

Canon EF

Review

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that has been a favorite among wildlife and sports photographers. This lens combines a long focal length range with impressive image stabilization, making it an excellent choice for capturing distant subjects with clarity and precision.

Build Quality and Design

The lens is constructed with robust materials typical of Canon's L-series lineup, ensuring durability in various shooting environments. Its weather-sealed design adds to its reliability when shooting outdoors, protecting against dust and moisture. Weighing approximately 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg), it strikes a balance between solid construction and manageability, though it might feel a bit cumbersome during extended shooting sessions. The zoom mechanism features a push-pull design, allowing rapid focal length adjustments, although some users might prefer a more traditional rotating zoom ring.

Optical Performance

In terms of image quality, the Canon EF 100-400mm delivers excellent sharpness and detail throughout its zoom range, particularly at the wider apertures. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, and the lens exhibits minimal distortion, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios. The included image stabilization system is effective, allowing for sharp hand-held shots at slower shutter speeds. Users can expect beautiful bokeh thanks to the 8-blade aperture, which enhances the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas.

Autofocus System

The lens features a fast and accurate autofocus system, thanks to its ultrasonic motor (USM). This is especially beneficial when tracking fast-moving subjects, such as in wildlife photography or sports. The AF speed is impressive, although some users might experience slight hunting in low-light situations. In such cases, manual focus override is possible, adding versatility to the shooting experience.

Portability and Usage

Portability is a crucial factor for a telephoto lens, and while the 100-400mm is relatively lightweight for its class, it still may require the use of a monopod or tripod for prolonged periods, particularly when shooting at the longer end of the zoom range. The lens also comes with a removable tripod collar, enhancing flexibility for stability when needed.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent image quality with sharpness and detail across the zoom range.
• Effective image stabilization allows for steady hand-held shooting.
• Fast and accurate autofocus, particularly useful for moving subjects.
• Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting.

Cons

• The push-pull zoom mechanism may not appeal to everyone.
• It can be heavy for prolonged handheld use.
• Autofocus may hunt in low-light situations at times.

Verdict

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM is an outstanding choice for photographers seeking versatility and performance in a telephoto lens. Its optical quality and robust construction make it ideal for capturing stunning images of distant subjects, whether in wildlife or sports photography. While it does have a few drawbacks, such as its weight and the zoom mechanism design, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making this lens a worthy investment for any serious photographer.