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

by Geoff 12 Sep 0 Comments

Canon EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Zoom Telephoto Autofocus Lens is a great lens for the nature and sport photographer. It covers a wide range fro 100mm to 400mm, however at 400mm the maximum aperture is f/5.6.

The lens incorporates fluorite and super UD glass to give superb colour rendition. If you can accept the f/5.6 aperture at 400mm ingood lighting conditions then this may be the lens to go for. It can be a great birding lens.

There are quite a few different lenses to choose from when selecting a good Canon zoom telephoto lens. Some of the aspects to take note of are as follows:

  • EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens – Telephoto without image stabilization, cheaper alternative but with a limited f/4 aperture.
  • EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens - Telephoto with image stabilization, sport and nature, aperture of f/4. A very high quality lens which is suitable for nature photography.
  • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens – An extremely fast focussing large aperture f/2.8 for fast sports action or low light nature photography.
  • EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens – Variable aperture telephoto lens, but limited in low available light by its aperture of  f/5.6.
  • EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens – Variable aperture L-series high quality lens, limited in low light.
  • EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens – Variable aperture diffraction optic telephoto lens, limited in use with low available light.
  • EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens – Wide focal range variable aperture lens, limited aperture of  f/5.6.
  • EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens – A very flexible wide focal length range lens for sports, nature and very popular with bird photography, limited by its aperture of f/5.6.
The above lenses with limited apertures of  f/5.6 are not always suitable for all types of photography, f/4 and f/2.8 lenses are far better when you are shooting in low light situations or require a larger aperture of f/2.8 for creative selective focus. So carefully consider your photography subjects and requirements. Aos bear in mind that some cameras will not focus as accurately and as quickly when using an f/5.6 lens.

See Flickr for sample images from this lens.

Refresh the page to see more of the above lenses.
Specifications

  • Focal Length, 100 – 400 mm
  • Aperture Maximum, f/4.5 – 5.6
  • Aperture Minimum, f/32 – 40
  • Camera Mount Type, Canon EF
  • Format Compatibility, 35mm Film, Full Frame Digital Sensor, Canon APS-C
  • Angle of View, 24° – 6°
  • Minimum Focus Distance, 5.9′,  1.80 metres
  • Magnification, 0.2 times
  • Maximum Reproduction Ratio, 1:5
  • 14 Groups, 17 Elements
  • Diaphragm Blades, 5
  • Filter Thread, 77 mm
  • Dimensions (DxL), 3.6 x 7.4″,  9.14 x 18.80 cm
  • Weight, 3.04 lb,  1.38 kg.

Features

  • Image Stabilization, Yes
  • Autofocus, Yes
  • Tripod Collar, Yes
  • Floating internal lens element
  • Rear lens group focusing
  • Fluorite lens elements
  • Ultra low dispersion lens elements
  • Tripod collar.

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