[CT]

I currently have the 50mm 1.4 and the 17-85mm EF-S. I'd really like to have just about 4 lenses in total eventually, and I've decided to go with L Series lenses as and when I can afford them. I'm really leaning towards the 100-400mm IS L as my next lens but I also keep looking at at the 180mm 3.5 L Series macro.



This lens appeals obviously for it's macro capability and doubling as a quite fast telephoto - with the 1.6X factor (288mm). I've read it's quite slow focusing though. Is it a realistic proposition as a medium length telephoto or not, and is it going to be a bit 'long' as a walk around lens sometimes.?

Opinions from anyone with experience of this lens would be much appreciated. I have a birthday in the offing and I think I might be getting one or the other with a bit of luck! :lol:

Oh... and is it a constant aperture? :?


Thanks

[SDK^]

The 180mm L Macro is a superb lens but on a 1.6x crop factor camera it's too long for an everyday lens.
For macro photography you could buy some Kenko extension tubes for your 50mm 1.4 which cost roughly £80, these increase magnification to life size 1:1. Or you could buy the cheaper Canon Macro lens : Canon 100mm F2.8 lens which costs around £400, this can also be used for portraits etc.

[CT]

Sound common sense there - thanks. 8) What I really need to do is rob a bank. :wink:

I was thinking you had this lens, but I see it's the 100mm USM macro and some of your fly shots were the nutz!

[Matt]

Have a look at the Tamron version, its half the price and reported to be equal to the canon version.

The only downside is the autofocus is slightly slower, but if used for macro work you'll find you will be manual focussing anyway.

If you are planning on doing insect shots the 100mm version will be no good to you.
By the time you get the subject in the frame, it will have disappeared.

[AndyD]

I can only offer a comment on the 100-400L IS USM lens. I am very happy with it (just takes a bit of a while to get used to the push/pull zoom). The aeroplane shots in my gallery were all taken with this lens.
My next lens is likely to be the 200mm f2.8L USM, which on the 1.6 crop factor cameras is equal to a 320mm f2.8, which for the pennies, is a good value lens. Whether or not I need the overlap (I already have the 70-200f4 L USM) in my inventory, will be the test question before I part with my cash (or PX goods) But it is a prime and it is fast!



AndyD

[CT]

Originally Posted by CT

Oh... and is it a constant aperture? :?

Thanks

Duh! Course it is - it's not a zoom! [smilie=t:

Thank fellers. The 100-400 I'm pretty sure it's going to be. 8)

[IanC_UK]

Same here if/when my bank balance ever recovers ! lol

[SDK^]

Originally Posted by CT

Thank fellers. The 100-400 I'm pretty sure it's going to be. 8)

The 100-400L is a superb lens, you'll love it
Where abouts in the Midlands are you ?

[CT]

Walsall - I can spit to Junction 9 M6 from where we are.

I must have read every user review of the 100-400 on the internet and it's amazing how opinions differ. Most of it's biggest fans concede it's a tad soft at the 400 mm end, but when you consider the flexibility offered in a single lens for the casual sports/nature shooter, it's really a no brainer. Obviously prime lenses of a similar focal length should be sharper, but the sheer flexibility of this lens is it's main attraction and any minor criticisms have to be offset against that consideration. I've seen some stunning results from this lens anyway.

For every owner who complains about the dust problem there's another who scorns the idea that there's any problem at all, so I'll just have to form my own opinions I suppose. :wink:

[Matt]

You won't have the dust problem if you don't zoom while the shutter is open.

[SDK^]

The 100-400L is actually sharper at 400mm than it is at 100mm.
The MTF charts and user comparisons prove this. Also, someone on the Canon Forums bought a 400mm L F5.6 to replace their 100-400L and found that is was identical in quality so sent the prime back.

Dust isn't a problem, the camera mount end of the lens is sealed inside so it's the same as any other lens – just avoid getting dust in there

My 100-400L is coming up to a year old now, at a guess I've probably taken at least 10,000 images with it and I haven't had a single problem.

[CT]

Originally Posted by Matt

You won't have the dust problem if you don't zoom while the shutter is open.

That's encouraging then Matt - I don't do too much of that anyway.

[CT]

Originally Posted by SDK^

Dust isn't a problem, the camera mount end of the lens is sealed inside so it's the same as any other lens – just avoid getting dust in there

It's as good as in the bag (literally) July(ish) or a tad before. 8)

[seberri]

i have the 180mm and will not change for the 100mm ( i could try it one week )..
i see only advantages to own it .. even for landscape or portrait
i was yesterday shooting my daughther reading a book .. at 4 meters i get only a part of the head :-) but very sharp and full of light

i got it second hand for half price on ebay :-)