Good lens for the price.

I‘ve had this lens for about six years now. I’m using it for outdoor sports and some wildlife photography. I used it on my old 40D with mixed results, but since I switched to a 7D, most of my shots are well focus. I can’t run up and down the field to follow the play, so it’s a good lens for me. I can focus in on the play when I’m on the opposite side of the field. It’s heavy, but I hand hold it most of the time. The zoom is a push pull design and I have notices that it can suck in dust and moister on occasion. I should learn to use rain gear when shooting in a downpour. I’ve had it professionally cleaned within the last year for about $100. I’ve always heard this lens focus soft, but from my experience, the images are sharp and crisp when used correctly. I shot outdoor sports at F5.6 with a shutter speed of 1000 and auto ISO. The only time I’ve had an issue is in low light situations and I think it’s mostly due to the 7D limitations. I would like a faster lens, but can’t afford it and this one is working for me right now.

I bought my first 100-400 in 2002 when they were only four years into their existence. It was medium sharp but I carried it everywhere and it was my walk around lens for at least six years. I sold it and tried the 70-200L IS f/2.8 for a couple of years. Even with the 2X TC, the 70-200 never suited me so I sold that and bought a refurbished 100-400 from Canon. That second copy is quite acceptably sharp even with the 1.4X TC II. I am ordering the new version but I don't have to hurry because this older design is quite adequate for me.

Here's a sample from my current 100-400. Shot with the 1.4X TCII, wide open (f/8), 1/80, ISO 2500, +2/3 stop EC. Handheld with the 5D MK III. No processing whatsoever has been done save for converting to 85% quality JPEG.

Looks like a very interesting lens with some useful focal lengths. I hate the push/pull design in lenses, however, and hope the upgrade will eliminate it.