Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 ii IS Review from the Galapagos Islands
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
- To see the full-sized images I shot for the review of the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 II IS lens visit www.brendansadventures.com/rev...
I was really glad to get the chance to borrow a Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 version ii lens from Canon for my trip to the Galapagos Islands. And, since the lens is still very new, I thought I'd give it a review. In general, I was a massive fan of the Canon 100-400mm lens. I think it's far better than the former version of the 100-400mm lens by Canon which I actually wasn't a fan of. This second version of the lens, however, is not only much easier to shoot, but it's extremely sharp, and the image stabilization on the lens is tremendous.
Of course, if you want to see the full-sized copies that I shot with the lens, head over to Brendansadventures.com and have a look. This is my last episode from the Galapagos Islands, now. I have a bunch of other cool destinations coming up, though. So, stay tuned.
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I love this video but I can not take my eyes off your beautiful hand crafted doors and jams ! I'm an ex-woodworker and your doors are absolutely amazing....
Those doors are amazing...
Just ordered this lens and this review has got me hyped! Good review man-from the UK!
What a well done, thorough review, Brendan. Thank you!
this was an intelligent and well executed review of this lens, and it placed the "focus where it belonged; on the lens and its performance, and not on the reviewer! well done.
Thank you very much for this detailed Canon 100-400 lens review, which included really useful advice about how to take advantage of it's unique feature set: image stabilization and focus options, etc. Just returned myself from the Galapagos Islands, Quito and Mashpi Lodge in the Ecuador Cloud forest: highly recommended.
My modest camera advice for others traveling to the Galapagos is to consider bringing the inexpensive DxO ONE with an underwater case for snorkeling videos (standalone) and low level light shots when attached to an iPhone as my wife and I did on our trip.
You sold me on this lens, Brendan. Good job on the video. Thank you!
Great video. Another review that's making me want to save up for this lens!
Great review Brendan .... I have only had this lens for a week now and everything you say about it is true ...
Superb presentation. Appreciate discussion of narrow dof. Thank you
Great review Brandon, you've made me want to go to the Galapagos Islands now with my imminent 400mm purchase :)
Great review, and great pictures. I have the lens, and I agree with you all the way, the lens is amazing. Only thing you forgot to mention is the AF speed, which is mind blowing. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the nice review, Bravo !!!
This is called a full-fledged review ! Nice pictures, fast and clear speech etc, we really walked through your review.
Keep posting !
Breath taking photos to go along with the review
Mode 3 is designed to initiate only when the shutter button is fully pressed, and not a constant (like when half pressing the shutter release button).
I must admit I love the push pull makes it easy to get your focus length quickly. The mark one is a good lens
This was EXACTLY the video I needed. I literally got handed one 30 minutes ago for a shoot later today. Thanks, man!
No you didn't. Phoney.
perfect review and the best
Glad to see you were able to get the lens in your hands for the Galapagos trip. I have only used this lens once over a weekend to cover a track event. I started off not being too thrilled with it, in all honesty. But that was because I came in with a pessimistic attitude from the first version. After day 1, I had already begun leaving the 70-200 in my bag. By day 2, that was all she wrote for me! haha I was head over heels in love with the new 100-400 and added it to my list of "must have" lenses. Glad you appreciated the minimum focusing distance as well. That was a pivotal discovery for me when I realized this lens could achieve so much. Here's something that will absolutely BLOW your mind as well: attach the 70-200 on the 6D and the 100-400 on to the 60D and you have 70-640mm covered in two lenses and bodies. Probably not something you do often, but for my track work, it's absolutely going to be killer.
Oh, and the image stabilization was incredible as well. You can fight it as much as you want and it shrugs it off. Very impressive.
Any reason why the video back on the computer was so pixelated? Looked like a live stream from a webcam.
+Kevin DiOssi Yeah, if I trusted the 60D more at higher ISOs I would have done just that. But, I really found myself not needing more than 400 in the Galapagos.
As for the screen, it's pixelated because the stupid program I'm using to screengrab the video kept crashing and I had to drop the quality to make it work. I've got to find a better solution to that program. It's killing me.
Haha bummer! At least you've shared some hires samples so people can see them. Once again I say, some of your best work. Although the Cuba portraits were very good and emotional!
I rarely need more than 200mm now and only shot 4 races this year. So the lens would have been a waste for me. I think I'll keep rent again until it picks up.
thanks for this great review
Thank you, it is a really great review, complete and clear.
Glad it was helpful, Andrea.
Great review and Kudos to you for getting out there and living your dream dude. This will be my next lens for sure have been using a 50-250mm stm kit lens I got with my 700D/ T5i rebel with pretty good results. National Geographic Australia confirmed today by email they are going to publish one of my shots in January on there website. I really want to be in a similar place to yourself in a year or so. Love your videos you are inspiring and the real deal. Thanks for sharing your insight and wisdom is appreciated
The “pump action” zoom on the 28-300 is actually very easy to use and allows for quicker zoom changes. And yes, when you have a lens that versatile that can take both wide-angle and telephoto shots and everything between, you want quick adjustability. The push-pull design comes in quite handy.
Do I prefer it to twist zoom? No. But it still has its advantages.
That was an excellent review! You really covered the essential details (we're all worried about the speed of the lens) and supported your conclusions with actual images. You didn't waste my time with a lot of 'subscribe, hit the like button, post a comment' and describing what you're going to discuss ad nauseum before you got to the point. Just at the moment I was considering selling my 70-200 2.8 USM IS lens, you mentioned that you were thinking the same. Truly an excellent, to the point, review. Thank you!
Did you end up selling your 70-200? I am wondering what the point of having one is if I get the 100-400
great review, i gotta have one...
6:20 - Isn't mode 3 only active when the shutter releases, and doesn't do anything until then? That's what I understood from reading about it, not a combination of the two as you said.
Thanks for the review though, and nice shots!
Yeah that's actually correct. Mode 1 is the stabilize all mode. Mode 2 is panning mode, horizontal IS only.
excellent review thanks
Loved the video... Nice review. Thank you for this.. Do you think this is a good piece of lens to invest for landscape photography?
I use it for landscape - check out my Nepal series. But, I think something like the 70-200mm f/4 non-IS is better for landscapes. It's lighter and smaller. Unless you need 400mm, it's going to be better for you.
You were impressed with the overall sharpness, as you mentioned several times. Does that mean the sharpness didn't waiver from one focal length to another, or was the focus sharp throughout? My sigma is razor sharp at 400mm, but goes softer and softer the closer you get to 100. I HATE it. I want something that is tack sharp throughout the focal range. Thoughts?
Also, what were your findings regarding low light shooting with this lens? Some reviews Ive seen have mentioned it gets lost regarding focus under low light. Thoughts on that as well please.
well done review!
The original 100-400 was a push pull zoom because that system is simpler mechanically. Thus smaller, lighter, cheaper to manufacture. I do like the new one, and prefer the twist, but the reason for the push-pull is pretty obvious. I've never heard it called a pump action, but that sounds awesome.
2:00 The little door on the hood is useful for still photographers who also use ND filters, but also polarizing filters. Never used a polarizing filter???
Edward Rex actually the old one is more fragile with small parts etc. I had one and it had to be repaired twice. The new is superior but the push pull is better for quick and constant framing of moving subjects.
Love the video
good review, thanks
Amazing video
Brilliant review
I'm glad you enjoyed it Michael.
very very nice video, thank you!
AWESOME!!!
The hole in the lens hood is usefull for photographers as well if you need to adjust your polarizer :)
+Martin Tomes Yup good point! It's a very smart addition to the lens hood on the Canon 100-400mm
Martin Tomes - photographers also need to adjust ND grads...l I'm assuming some photographers never use them...so don't know how important the window will be.
Great review! I'm heading to the Galapagos in a couple of weeks and questioning whether to bring this lens (100-400mm II) or my 70-200 due to the closeness of the subjects. After watching this I'm leaning towards the 100-400. I see you are on a tripod or mono-pod. I wasn't planning on bringing either. I did not need one in Africa but the subjects were further away.
Do you recommend a mono or tripod for the Galapagos?
Take the 100-400mm because of the macro-ness of the lens. Big difference.
Yes, bring a monopod. Probably no need for a tripod, but getting so close to the animals you'll probably want a monopod for sharpness.
Great review A ++++++++
I love your review on the Len , so I went out and purchase one and absolutely love it , thanks so much . What lens would you recommend for all-around use ? Thx you so much
+Norman Inong I'm a believer that there's no such thing as an "all-around" lens. I tend to use a variety of lenses, so I might not be a great person to ask for this. But, if you're looking for something wider that will go well to compliment the 100-400mm the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 is fantastic. It's here: amzn.to/1VY6QkY
The 24-70mm f/2.8 is an outstanding lens for all around. Don't hesitate about the cost, it's remarkable. Your images can only be as good as your glass.
I always see your videos, but I have never commented in any of them, so I'm here to say that I love your videos and your photos! Hugs from Brazil!
+Thiago Perilo Thanks for commenting Thiago, I love hearing from you guys!
Very informative, I learned things from your review on this lens that I hadn't heard before and it makes me want this lens even more then I did before. I hope one day I can get this lens.
Did you know you can tighten the lens where it wont slide down ??? I had one for many years and I love it ! It also works well with the Canon EOS R 5 camera...
Thanks for the review. I am debating this lens. I have had the 400mm prime f5.6 for years. This version 2 lens finally caught up to that lens in terms of sharpness. If you don’t need the zoom, the 400 prime will blow you away and not your wallet lol. There are circumstances where a zoom is necessary though. I also have the 70-300 L lens so I could perhaps sell that one and get this. Definitely 300mm is way too short for most wildlife. Still, I think the 100-400 zoom is SLIGHTLY less sharp than my 400mm prime. Tough call though
Thank you for this great review. I have the mark I and upgraded to the mark II recently and haven't had much time to use it yet but I am confident it will be a great lens on my new 6D and my old 70D and 1D mark III. I bought it for three reasons; better sharpness. the close focussing distance for macro and was told it was stunning with the 1.4 extender. Wonder if you have any experience using it with 1.4 extended?
I'm planning on buying the lens. Have you had any experience on how well it works together with the 70D?
Think it works better with 80D
John Dutton ....so, 1 year w this lens, right? Would you buy it again or have just kept the mark 1?
Great review, thank you. I used this lens along with a 1.4 teleconverter on my 7D Mk II in the Kruger park a few months ago. I really enjoyed using it but am struggling to get sharp focus of the eyes of eagles in flight. I have been using the image stabilization in mode 1. I wonder if 2 would have been a better option for hand held and shooting from a stationery car window?
At 560mm (400 x 1.4) I find that I need to shoot at 1/800 or faster with an iso of 1000 or higher in bright sunlight.
My results are ok but they are not spectacular, any advice would be appreciated.
Brian Holder I have the first version and use it with an 80D.
Both lens versions don't let in much light, especially with an APS-C sensor and teleconverter. So you'll always need to crank up the ISO, or use a tripod and longer exposures (for non-moving subjects). I had similar sharpness problems as you even without a teleconverter, so I highly recommend you to walk or drive closer to a subject (if you can) and avoid the converter at all, especially with a non-full frame sensor.
The IS 1 mode stabilizes in all directions, whereas mode 2 only does it in the non-moving axis, i.e.: if you pan (horizontally or vertically), use IS mode 2, otherwise mode 1. When on a tripod, turn IS off altogether.
MacPhantom Thank you for the words of wisdom. Best regards.
Brian Holder for 5 d 3
I hear reports of substantial focus breathing with this lens.would you comment on this as I'm a newbee and trying to decide the birding potentials of the 400 5.6 vs. this lens. Lots of green separates these two, and I wonder if the gives and takes between justify the money. Thanks.
Very good review, i will buy this lens.
And you will love it. 2020, and this lens still goes with me everywhere I go.
@@BrendanvanSon Thanks a lot!
Great review! I'm upgrading from my old 70-300mm 4-5.6, right now I'm really divided between the 100-400 MK2 and the 70-200 2.8 MK2... I need a telephoto in my gear, I'm divided because its a $100 difference between them, I love and need a telephoto in my gear, I'm not afraid of the f/4.5 (I've done miracles with my old 70-300) but I don't know, I really wanted to see a review of the 100-400 on the city, maybe a zoo not only open wildlife spaces, darker places... Decisions!
What camera body do you recommend with this lens. I’m waiting for this lens to arrive and purchased the 6D Mark Ii to complement this lens. Is there a better choice for a body? I have 14 days to return it. I was questioning myself for not buying the Canon 100-500. Your thoughts? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Great video!
Brendon, I shoot a 7D Mark II and purchased this lens. I absolutely love it! You mentioned many times about shooting f6.5 to f7.1. I do a lot of bird photography in shutter priority for in flight stuff and I have pushed my aperture up to f11 many times with excellent results, especially for static shots within 3 to 4 meters as long as I had good light to work with. Do you consider f6.5 to f7.1 the sweet spots for this lens or is that simply your preference? I live in Florida where I have good light most of the time...
f/11 is good if there's not a lot of movement. But, I found this lens to be at it's sharpest right at f/7.1 o f/8 actually. But, if you don't need the speed, f/11 is great too. I'm a big fan of a really shallow depth of field, though. So, I actually tend to shoot closer to the f/5.6 range.
Thanks for your response. Being a nature photographer, especially birds in flight, I like the deeper DOF. I just push up my ISO and keep a fast shutter speed then deal with any noise in post. But I'm always learning.
Oh, they pair great together. Happy shooting!
Hi Brendan, I am just getting into bird photography and was wondering what your thoughts were on this lens for tight shots for that application.
Love it for birds! It's light enough to shoot handheld and to pan with, and it's sharp. I also love how tight the minimum focusing distance is. In the long term, you're probably going to want something like the 400mm f/2.8 but to start out with, there's probably not a better option out there for the price and quality..
beautiful shots, thanks for the review, i really enjoyed it
+Moody I'm glad it helped! I loved the 100-400mm I'm looking forward to buying it for good myself, soon.
Brendan van Son me too :)
It almost never leaves my camera!
Can I please know if it is going to work with the Rebel T3i, and would it preform good enough or do I have to upgrade my camera?? Thanks a lot for the video
It will work fine. The glass is more important than the body.
@BrendanvanSon You are the second photographer that says that. I have the T7i and people keep saying that I need to upgrade but Jesus they are expensive!
thank you
great video thanks
ahhh i can't wait for mine to arrive.. and to go somewhere and shoot some amazing pretty creatures :D
I’m on the fence. I’d like to have both eventually but am trying to choose between the 70-200 ii and the 100-400 ii. The 70-200 seems like a more versatile lens. And the low light stuff scares me a little with the 100-400. If you had a choice, which would be your go to lens between the two?
What type of photography are you into
Hi, Nice review. Is this lens compatible with Canon eos 600D? And, if I upgrade to 6D or 7D Mark2 later?
+Sameer Sachdeva It's compatible with all of them. It's a full frame compatible lens which means it'll work on all full frame bodies (6D for example), and all crop sensor EOS (600D and 7D Mii).
+Brendan van Son Thanks a lot. (y)
I love my 100-400 so much I gave the 70-200 to my son!!!
Nice video, although some years old. What a super good lens this version II is. No regret, I purchased mine here in Shanghai for about 1250 Euro or 1450 USD. It is worth ever Euro or USD. Super sharp, super fast Auto Focus and my Goto Zoom for Wildlife when I want to travel light (and leave my Canon 600mm 4.0 II at home).
And we have to pay at least 1600euros here in switzerland
OMG that's a big head 😂... Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic... FANTASTIC REVIEW 😀👍... I feel a need that lens now 😑
Why does everyone rag on the first model? I love the push/pull zoom, I'm able to go in and out and always have my hand directly under the lens for stability.
Great review. Im not a photographer but learning. I want a camera first and would love a recommendation. Was thinking about mirrorless? What you saying? And I will get this lens if that helps. Thanks in advance
Best value mirrorless camera is the Canon RP, in my opinion. It goes nicely with this lens.
@@BrendanvanSon thanks. I was looking at sony or fujifilm but will check this one out. Cheers
What’s your thoughts about using it on a t6i ?
What is the camera body you were taken pictures with in this video? And will this kit lens be a good match with a canon 70D?
+Ameer Fisher This was used on the 6D. Yes, it would work great on the 70D, but remember that the 70D is a crop sensor so it'll be like a 160-600mm equivalent when used on the 70D. The ideal body for this lens would be the 7D Mark ii or the 5D mark ii. But, yeah, it will do wonders on the 70D as well.
great images man!
which camera did you used?
I don't know how you get that sharpeness, I have a 6D and it looks like butter
So go for the Canon 200-800 mm
What app u using
Nice very informative review. Thanks!
Great review!
Nice review Brendan , I’ll probably sell my 300 f/4 and 400 f/5.6 so I can get one of these for bird photography and also macro too - one lens to rule them all !
Yup! If you don't need more that 400mm, this lens is a huge winner.
Brendan van Son , thanks I have a EF300mm f/2.8 plus 1.4x and 2x extenders for when I need more reach or more light
Hi, thanks for your explanation!
My english is not vey good, specially at listening, but I really think your explanation is very good. I have some experience with photography, specially with macro. But I want to explore the nature pictures with tele lens. Do you recommend me the new Tamron 150-600, or perhaps the Canon 400 mm 5.6? I have really a lot of doubts to make my decisión.
for photogs the window allows you to spin circular polarizing filters. so don't say it's not useful for photogs
Great review. I am thinking about buying this lens.
You definitely wouldn't regret it. The 100-400mm is a great piece of glass!
Brendan van Son Bought it yesterday. Now I need to play.
hello brendan i hope you are fine and enjoying your life ..I have canon 70d and i want to shot wild life please help me which lens should i buy 70 200mm/f2.8 or 100 - 400mm 5.6.As i have a crop body so i am scared f5.6 max aperture will be farther reduced due to 1.6crop factor
If you are shooting wildlife, you need the 400mm. It's a great lens, even on the crop.
@@BrendanvanSon How do you like it for video? Is the 400 mm long enough or do you need 600mm do you think?
Glad I'm not the only one that hated the mark 1. Probably about the only L lens I ever hated.
Thanks for the review, very detailed :D Now, this is potentially going to be a very amateurish question, but would this also be good for very high resolution macro photography of insects? Also, as I have a physical disability I would likely (Not bought yet and only a maybe at this stage) need to mount the camera on a tripod for the majority of the time. Could you suggest a good quality all round tripod for me please that would be suitable for a Canon 80D and this lense? Your advice would be much appreciated.
I think for macro you're better off buying a macro specific lens, actually.
The tripod I use is this one: amzn.to/2mtRyt4
Excellent review: what a fantastic experience in the Galapagos. On my bucket list. I have just bought myself this lens for Christmas!! Just for information, IS mode 3 only works at the point of pressing the shutter button or as per manual "MODE 3: Press the shutter down halfway to initiate computation of stabilization, then press down all the way to enable stabilization". It functions as per manual: "Corrects vibration only during exposure. During panning shots, corrects vibration during exposure only in one direction the same as MODE 2'" The advantage? Again as per the manual "Since camera shake is stabilized only during exposure, following a subject is easier such as when shooting a fast and irregularly moving player during sports photograph." Which setting were you using for the subjects on the Galapgos? Did you switch IS off on the Tripod?
I think I heard say you shot with a 6d is that correct and if so how did you get such great focus, great video
Yup, I shoot the 6D. The 6D is actually very good at AF, but only with the center autofocus point. I usually use it, and then reframe.
Awesome vid!
Going to shoot some bears in Alaska... not a professional photographer and have a dumb question.. do you need some type of an adapter to attach it to my Canon 5d mark iV
Nope. Straight onto the body. Enjoy!
subscribed! thanks
love the information
+Jesse Detevis glad it was helpful.
+Jesse Detevis glad it was helpful.
Sorry if you said in video, were these shots with your 6D? Was thinking of getting this lens for my 6D the image quality seems superb
Yup, it was all shot on my 6D.
HELP!!!!! Brendan....PLEASE help!!! Canon 100-400 ii modes questions abound and answers are cryptic. If I am using back button focus for flying birds left to right at eye level, should I: 1) use mode 3; and 2) keep the back button focus depressed constantly if set to High Speed Continuous shooting? Or a different mode or not continuously press the back button focus? Love your videos! thank you
What camera did you use ?
This was the 6d
Are the stills shot on RAW?
Yes.
You still planning on picking this lens up, or did you change your mind? is adding the 2x to the 70-200mm a comparable set up, in your opinion? I'm itching to get a lens for wildlife but haven't pulled the trigger just yet.
Still going to pick it up. Just waiting for the right situation to sell my 70-200mm. As for the 2x extender, I have had terrible results with the extender. So, for me it's not an option.
hows it compare to 400 mm /5.6 prime at 400mm ?
+Parrots park sHarper, and faster. I definitsly prefer it.
but i have heard prime lens are sharper than zoom ..what should i do wait for 400/5.6 mark 2 version are buy 100-400 mm.
Hello. Does this lens fit CANON EOS T6S?
Many thanks for your answer in advance.
Yes, the Canon 100-400 will fit the T6S
Thank you, Brendan. I appreciate your sharing very much.
God blesses you.
would you use a full frame lense on a lower end apsc camera body like t6s? wouldnt the you lose the sharpness especially at extremely distant subject.
Wanting to buy this lens, this kind of videos are so usefull. Love they removed the Pump like shit on the previous one. Now need to get 2000 euro xD
Very good review. One of the best field reviews out there in a short video. Maybe you can post an update. Been researching this new lens. I'm not a pro. I'm not making money from my photographic efforts and development expectations. I do it mainly for my own enjoyment after my retirement. So photography is a wonderful and expensive hobby. I enjoy my wide and normal lenses. But I want more reach. I'm really close to convincing myself to spend the money. Good glass is good glass is good glass. The pricing of this lens seems reasonable for the Canon quality. We are not talking $10-18 grand for a long lens when I'm not making money out of it. So as long as I don't break it my widow can sell it after I'm done and gone. Do I need more convincing??.
On push-pull zoom design you can zoom and focus at the same time.
Valid point, although:
1) I rarely MF anymore as the AF systems are so good (and faster than I am)
and 2) I can do both on a non-push/pull zoom as well. It's just a bit trickier.
gud review..want thses lens for wildlife photography for mammals in tiger reserves in india
Is it less sharp than the Canon Ef 200-400mm 4.0???
No, from what I know it's more sharp.
I
5 years later...interested...
5 years later I still own it, and still love it.
@@BrendanvanSon Been spending all night looking at the lens, used. But, I may be pulling the trigger on the Sigma 150-600 "Contemporary" lens instead, new...