PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

After 2 years of saving $ and finally deciding which lens would best suit my needs, I ordered a new Canon 100-400LII on Friday and it's on the truck to be delivered today!! I'm very excited!! When I first started saving for a lens, I was sure it would be the 70-200 f/2.8LII, but after getting a great refurb deal on the 24-105, I started wondering if I'd be happy with only another 95mm in reach. Then, the new 100-400 came out... I still had to decide which I needed/wanted more - speed or reach. Since I shoot more outside, I went with reach. I also reached out to a fellow UHH forum member for his advice, and coupled with reading all of the various threads here, I feel I made the wisest decision for me. I'd still love that 70-200 some day, buy maybe version I. Thank you, everyone, for posting your various questions and concerns about different lenses. I read them all, and it really helped my thinking process! :)

KarenKaptures Loc: New Jersey

Congrats!!!!

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Thank you!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

We gotta do what we gotta do! Enjoy!

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

May the truck and its contents arrive safely ...

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

haha...true! Thanks, Dave! I will definitely enjoy!!

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Thank you, Ralph! :)

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

If you don't already have it, you will need to get the 100-400's little companion, the 1.4X III teleconverter. It works really well with the 100-400. I use this combo on a 5Dsr body for shooting birds and the results are absolutely amazing.
Plus the 1.4X gives you 560MM of reach and if you're using crop frame body, 896MM equivalent.
Enjoy your new lens...

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Thank you, rmorrison! I've admired some of Regis' photos of the bald eagles using that combo. It's next on my wish list! Might have enough saved by next fall. :)

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Sounds great, congratulations.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Patty, I'm just plain jealous!!!
I wish I had a mkll! I'm sure the lens will be everything you expect it to be.
Congrats!!!! 📷📷📷📷📷📷📷
SS

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I believe you made a good choice going with the 100-400 II first. I have both that lens and the 70-200 f/2.8 L II and I find myself using the 100-400 the most of the two. They are both incredibly good lenses but the extra reach of the 100-400 and it's ability to focus closer then the 70-200 make it very versatile. It's even a good portrait lens. It's not as fast as the 70-200, but for daytime shooting you are going to love it. Like the 70-200, the 100-400's focusing is lightning fast and virtually silent. It may even convince you that you don't need the 70-200, thus saving you money!
Have fun!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Hi PattyW, welcome to the club of 100-400mm owners! I live in an area that suffers winter like most of the USA does. I love the snow and all it brings but I want to get outside and cannot do so. I also love shooting birds no matter what the time of year. I have several feeders hanging in a hemlock outside my bedroom window. For the past 6-7 years I have been disappointed with my results at trying to shoot feeder-birds. I have tried various combinations of lenses and T/Cs but have never been satisfied with my results. Until this year! I acquired a new version of the EF 100-400mm zoom and have been thrilled with the results! The lens and camera are mounted on tripod inside the window. The feeders are just outside the window. The min. focus distance is about 3+ feet and now I am able to "full the frame" with very small finch, chickadees, nuthatch, etc. Of course the woodpeckers get into the act and have provided some terrific shots. No squirrels! I can use it with either Canon T/C and go out 800mm! The lens is very fast in focus and has delivered great color and terrific sharpness. Considering that I bought full-fare and new I am extremely happy with the results of this lens. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar I think this might be the best value in my kit. I even tried various combinations of my 70-200's with no luck. They are both for sale now, if you are serious. I have little need for either, I am very happy with the 100-400! Hope you enjoy your's as much as I have mine. Good luck.

Jim Bob

Why do people post about stuff they are buying?

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Thank you, Mac!