Product Description

The CANON EF 100-400mm f/4.5- 5.6L IS USM lens is designed for use with any 35mm Canon SLR Camera that accepts EF-Mount lenses. Manual Focusing - Enabled with focus mode switch and focusing ring (full-time mechanical manual focusing provided) Focusing Range - 1.8m/5.9 ft. to infinity (at all focal lengths) - Does not have macro-focus (close-up) mode Filter Size - 77mm (Filters available at extra cost)

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 100-400IS
• Dimensions: 6.10" h x 8.10" w x 10.70" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• 100-400mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4.5 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
• 2 Image Stabilizer modes make it easy to capture far-off action or close-in portraits
• Flourite and Super UD-glass elements largely eliminate secondary spectrum
• Compatibility with extenders 1.4x II and 2x II; 5.9-foot close focusing distance
• Measures 3.6 inches in diameter and 7.4 inches long; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Equipped with an Image Stabilizer, the Canon EF 100-400mm telephoto zoom lens makes it easy to capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with a blurred background. The lens offer such features as fluorite and Super UD-glass elements that largely eliminate secondary spectrum; a floating system that ensures high picture quality at all focal lengths; two Image Stabilizer modes; and compatibility with extenders 1.4x II and 2x II. The lens carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 100-400mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:4.5-5.6
• Lens construction: 17 elements in 14 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 24 to 6 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 5.9 feet
• Zoom system: Linear extension type
• Filter size: 77mm
• Dimensions: 3.6 inches in diameter, 7.4 inches long
• Weight: 3.1 pounds

Customer Reviews

Just received it at Christmas but wow...!
I've tried this lens on my Canon Digital Rebel XTI a couple of times in my house since I received it for Christmas. It's been too cold and snowy/rainy to try it outside. From the two photos I took (one of my dog and one of a Christmas wreath) it's not hard to see how incredible and sharp the optics are on this lens. I wanted this lense for outdoor photography rather than indoor shots so I can't attest to how it'll work outside just yet. The focusing is fast, relatively quiet and the slide zoom takes no time to get used to. From what I've read from reviews the cons of this lense are the weight and the look. Sure it's a little heavy and it catches a lot of attention due to it being white and fairly long (especially with the lens hood) but you have to expect that with a lens of this quality. Due to the weight, the use of a tripod is definitely recommended but the pics I took handheld prove that a tripod isn't necessary. I love this lens so far and I can't wait to get out and field test it!

A++++

Love this lens
I wanted a lens to shoot birds and wildlife. I have the 70-200 f/4 IS but it just wasn't long enough. I did a lot of research and decided to go with the 100-400. I am very pleased with the sharpness and ease of use. I like the push/pull. I don't find it hard to use at all. The IS makes it possible to hand hold at 400mm. While it is heavy I think it's pretty well balanced. I use it with a 40D. I'm glad I bought it.

Soft? Don't Make me Laugh
I live about fifteen minutes from the Miami Metro Zoo and wanted a lens with very long reach to get the great portrait style shots of the animals that weren't possible otherwise. I use a 40D. I agonized for weeks between this and the 70-200 2.8 and finally decided to go with 2x the reach over razor sharpness (based on the many many many reviews I had read). Much to my delight, however, I got 2x the reach and haven't lost a pixel of sharpness. The images I get at the zoo are TACK SHARP. I'm talking every single strand of fur on a monkey - as it swings on a branch. I'm talking truly amazing contrast, saturation, sharpness and reach. It is quite simply an indispensible lens for nature photography. I highly recommend using a monopod with it - besides, with the monopod attached, extended to 400mm with the lens hood on, you'll get so many admiring, borderline lustful stares you'll feel like a half naked showgirl.

I felt compelled to write this after reading some reviews that were accusing this beauty of being soft. I'll put my best shots with this lens against any others and win every time.