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

[maverick]

Has anyone had the opportunity to play around or own this lens? Im
considering buying one in a couple of weeks.
I have read the reviews on FM and DPR, but would like to hear from
backpackers who have experience with it.

Thanks

[Robert]

I'm about to buy one as well. I've heard some very good reviews of this lens, so I've already decided that I'll own one very soon.

[maverick]

Hi Robert

What are you going to use it for? Mainly wildlife and birds or are you
also going to use it for landscape?

[maverick]

I forgot, did you take a look at the Tamron 200-500 also? I was
tempted but the sharpness and IQ of the Canon lens beat out the
length alone advantage of the Tamron for me.

[Robert]

I'm with you on the quality of the Canon L glass. I don't know much about the Tamron or Sigma or Tokina lenses, but the Canon is well known for their quality. If I wanted something that reaches out, I might opt for one of those cheapo 1200mm f8 Chinese lenses. But I really want the sharpness of a quality lens.

I plan on using it mainly for wildlife/birds. I already have the Canon 17-40 f4L for landscapes. I'm pretty happy with that lens, it does a nice job.

[copeg]

I haven't personally tried the lens, but I did consider purchasing one last summer. From what I've heard and read it is an awesome lens. I ended up opting for a 70-200mm f4 with a 1.4x extender at the time, mainly because a) cheaper b) I purchased them for the galapagos and didn't need to go out that far c) didn't like the push pull design d) pretty heavy for backpacking. I now have a 400mm f5.6L for birds and wildlife - but I won't ever carry this backpacking (I do carry the 70-200mm with the extender however). Both these lenses rock, and cover the focal lengths I want very well. This rambling probably didn't help much... Don't know where your located, but some photo stores rent (keeble and schuchat in palo alto to name one)and you might be able to test it out before you shell out all the money...

[Robert]

TB, I was going to suggest to Maverick also about renting the lens. I've never done that before and I'm not entirely clear on the process. Does the store in Palo Alto have any stipulation requiring the lens be purchased afterward? If so, can the rental cost be applied toward the purchase price? Also, I wonder how their price compares to online sources such as Adorama and B&H? This is a $1400 piece of equipment from those online sources! I would imagine a brick & mortar store would tend to be more expensive, not to mention the sales tax, etc.
Every cost savings counts!

Regards,
Robert

[copeg]

I personally have never rented form them. I doubt the rental fee would count toward a purchase, but it doesn't hurt to ask them if you plan on renting from them. With respect to k&s, their prices for purchases are a bit higher than many online sources, so it would perhaps offset that difference.

[maverick]

K&S is more expensive than purchasing online but you if you have
any problem with the lens you can take back to them instead of
having to go thru the hassle with someone back east.
I got bait and switched once several years back when purchasing some
photo gear but I have also had good dealing with B&H and Onecall.
K&S does rent and renting on Friday allows you to have the lens till
Monday and only paying for one days worth of rent.
I work out in Portola Valley so I can stop buy on the way to work.
I bought my 30D on their anniversary sale back in Sept.

[Robert]

I work in San Jose, so I guess I'm obligated to stop by and check it out!