Canon 100-400 question?

**stepheno** · 07-12-2006, 12:03

I have just acquired this lens and so far I am well pleased. I have it on a 30D and wondered if the lens mounts are strong enough to allow the camera and lens to be carried over the shoulder. Does anyone actually do this or is it tempting providence? TIA.

dod · 07-12-2006, 15:43

I had mine on the 20D just held using the handgrip which probably put extra pressure on the mount, never caused a problem but not everyone would be comfortable with that I suppose.

**stepheno** · 07-12-2006, 16:09

Thanks for replying Dod

dod · 07-12-2006, 16:37

congrats on the lens by the way, how you getting on with the push/pull, not everyones cup of tea?

**stepheno** · 07-12-2006, 17:55

A bit strange at the moment. I bought the lens mainly for sport so it'll need some practice to be able to zoom and move the lens at the same time. But for wildlife, using a tripod, it's a no brainer

Trouble is I had to sell my 70-300 IS USM to finance this one and I'll miss that lens.

dod · 07-12-2006, 19:57

I've found that for motorsport you're almost as well treating it like a prime. Pick your spot, frame the first couple coming past and them fix it at that. Doesn't always work 100% but increases the odds rather than faffing about.

**stepheno** · 08-12-2006, 07:10

I appreciate the tip. For me it's mainly field sports - I could be behind one goal and the ball is at the other end.

Rob Barron · 08-12-2006, 14:15

Whilst the mounts are perfectly strong enough, I personally prefer to use the ring mount, even for general holding. I tend to use a monopod a heck of a lot and I happily sling that over my shoulder a bit like a hod carrier.

In terms of the push/pull system: that took me all of ten minutes to get used to. The thing to remember is the locking ring does not need to be locked off tight, a simple push with the index finger of the left hand is enough to lock it and release it so you shouldn't need to move your hand to release the locked focal length.

I guess I was used to the old one-touch zooms in the early days, had a Vivitar 80-200mm one-touch with my Canon A1 for donkey's years and that was much the same. I entirely agree with Dod about using it for motor sports and things. You'll usually just settle on a fixed length and then just worry about focus.

One thing is for sure, won't be long before your 70-300mm IS lens is a distant memory :o)

Cheers,
Rob

**stepheno** · 08-12-2006, 15:09

Thanks Rob. Weather permitting I'm hoping to get out tomorrow.

Whipspeed · 08-12-2006, 15:33

Usually hold onto mine by the ringmount & generally use a monopod (fixed to the ringmount) at rugby games in dull light and handhold when it's sunny.
Cracking lens that gets the action almost from one end of the pitch to the other with a bit of cropping & so far I've found it pin sharp.
I do sometimes sling the camera round my neck with it on, but make sure its hanging straight down & not at an angle which I think would be a bit of a strain on it.
Hope you enjoy your new toy

**stepheno** · 08-12-2006, 16:02

Thanks for that, Whipspeed

07-12-2006, 12:03	#1 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,622	Canon 100-400 question? I have just acquired this lens and so far I am well pleased. I have it on a 30D and wondered if the lens mounts are strong enough to allow the camera and lens to be carried over the shoulder. Does anyone actually do this or is it tempting providence? TIA.

07-12-2006, 15:43	#2 (permalink)
dod Feet under the table Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nairn Posts: 1,911	Re: Canon 100-400 question? I had mine on the 20D just held using the handgrip which probably put extra pressure on the mount, never caused a problem but not everyone would be comfortable with that I suppose. Last edited by dod : 07-12-2006 at 16:15. Reason: unfortunate spelling error corrected

07-12-2006, 16:09	#3 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,622	Re: Canon 100-400 question? Thanks for replying Dod

07-12-2006, 16:37	#4 (permalink)
dod Feet under the table Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nairn Posts: 1,911	Re: Canon 100-400 question? congrats on the lens by the way, how you getting on with the push/pull, not everyones cup of tea?

07-12-2006, 17:55	#5 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,622	Re: Canon 100-400 question? A bit strange at the moment. I bought the lens mainly for sport so it'll need some practice to be able to zoom and move the lens at the same time. But for wildlife, using a tripod, it's a no brainer Trouble is I had to sell my 70-300 IS USM to finance this one and I'll miss that lens.

07-12-2006, 19:57	#6 (permalink)
dod Feet under the table Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nairn Posts: 1,911	Re: Canon 100-400 question? I've found that for motorsport you're almost as well treating it like a prime. Pick your spot, frame the first couple coming past and them fix it at that. Doesn't always work 100% but increases the odds rather than faffing about.

08-12-2006, 07:10	#7 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,622	Re: Canon 100-400 question? I appreciate the tip. For me it's mainly field sports - I could be behind one goal and the ball is at the other end.

08-12-2006, 14:15	#8 (permalink)
Rob Barron Loves the place Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Poole, Dorset Posts: 5,200	Re: Canon 100-400 question? Whilst the mounts are perfectly strong enough, I personally prefer to use the ring mount, even for general holding. I tend to use a monopod a heck of a lot and I happily sling that over my shoulder a bit like a hod carrier. In terms of the push/pull system: that took me all of ten minutes to get used to. The thing to remember is the locking ring does not need to be locked off tight, a simple push with the index finger of the left hand is enough to lock it and release it so you shouldn't need to move your hand to release the locked focal length. I guess I was used to the old one-touch zooms in the early days, had a Vivitar 80-200mm one-touch with my Canon A1 for donkey's years and that was much the same. I entirely agree with Dod about using it for motor sports and things. You'll usually just settle on a fixed length and then just worry about focus. One thing is for sure, won't be long before your 70-300mm IS lens is a distant memory :o) Cheers, Rob __________________ Rob Barron robbarron@aol.com If you look down on other people, don't expect them to look up to you!

08-12-2006, 15:09	#9 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,622	Re: Canon 100-400 question? Thanks Rob. Weather permitting I'm hoping to get out tomorrow.

08-12-2006, 15:33	#10 (permalink)
Whipspeed Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 1,306	Re: Canon 100-400 question? Usually hold onto mine by the ringmount & generally use a monopod (fixed to the ringmount) at rugby games in dull light and handhold when it's sunny. Cracking lens that gets the action almost from one end of the pitch to the other with a bit of cropping & so far I've found it pin sharp. I do sometimes sling the camera round my neck with it on, but make sure its hanging straight down & not at an angle which I think would be a bit of a strain on it. Hope you enjoy your new toy

08-12-2006, 16:02	#11 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,622	Re: Canon 100-400 question? Thanks for that, Whipspeed

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