Is upgrading worth it?
Apr 18, 2016 20:36:45 #
In anticipation of an extended trip to Alaska later this year I'm thinking of upgrading my current Canon EF 100-400 4.5-5.6 L lens to the new II model. The current lens works well but some shots have been missed because focus was not achieved quick enough. Was that the lens fault or my fault or no fault? No one will ever know. All the reviews indicate the new model has superior focus speed and accuracy.
Those of you who have made the upgrade, what do you think? Are the improvements worth the cost? Getting photographs of grizzlies, snowy owls, etc are worth a lot but if the improvements are not that noticeable then perhaps it would be wiser to upgrade my wide angle to an L lens.
Those of you who have made the upgrade, what do you think? Are the improvements worth the cost? Getting photographs of grizzlies, snowy owls, etc are worth a lot but if the improvements are not that noticeable then perhaps it would be wiser to upgrade my wide angle to an L lens.
Apr 18, 2016 20:38:06 #
If 'some shots are missed' and not 'all' or the 'majority' there is no point to an upgrade.
Apr 18, 2016 20:49:06 #
Rongnongno wrote:
If 'some shots are missed' and not 'all' or the 'majority' there is no point to an upgrade.
:thumbup:
Apr 18, 2016 20:58:32 #
Oklahoma 46 wrote:
In anticipation of an extended trip to Alaska late... (show quote)
The new lens is both sharper and faster focusing, not to mention an improved IS system.
Apr 18, 2016 21:53:45 #
If you are going to Denali and are taking the 8 hr wildlife trip, then you'll need fast focusing since a lot of what you shoot will be on a moving bus.
Apr 18, 2016 22:39:23 #
I had the old one about 7 years. Bought the new one a couple months ago and love it!
Apr 18, 2016 22:59:38 #
You might want to take a look at this article from Roger Cicala at lensrentals.
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/02/canon-100-400-is-l-mk-ii-teardown-best-built-lens-ever/
Copy variations hare significantly more consistent that the version one and as Blurryeyed said sharpness, auto-focus and image stabilization is claimed to be considerably improved.
For the naysayers...it's a personal choice to upgrade or not and how to spend our money...simple as that...
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/02/canon-100-400-is-l-mk-ii-teardown-best-built-lens-ever/
Copy variations hare significantly more consistent that the version one and as Blurryeyed said sharpness, auto-focus and image stabilization is claimed to be considerably improved.
For the naysayers...it's a personal choice to upgrade or not and how to spend our money...simple as that...
Apr 18, 2016 23:51:10 #
Apr 19, 2016 05:35:24 #
What camera are you using? The II is much improved, but AF performance is also a function of the camera body.
Apr 19, 2016 06:11:52 #
Unless the new model is vastly superior, and you can sell your current one for a very good price, I'd save the money.
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/
Apr 19, 2016 06:31:22 #
Here are some shots recently taken with the Mark II, the eagle in the tree top was taken from over 300 feet away, I did have the 1.4X III extender attached and was able to lower the ISO to 100 because the bird was stationary. I guess that you can decide if you could get that shot with your current setup. I was using the 20.2 megapixel 7D MarkII.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-382803-1.html#6441801
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-382803-1.html#6441801
Apr 19, 2016 09:12:19 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Oklahoma 46 wrote:
In anticipation of an extended trip to Alaska late... (show quote)
A young lady that I shoot with just upgraded her canon 100-400 last year. She has a Canon D7 Mark II camera. She raves about the difference. Her shots are great, she just won the local competition at Green Cay in Florida. I would highly recommend the newer version.
Apr 19, 2016 10:02:09 #
Mark7829
Loc: Calfornia
Oklahoma 46 wrote:
In anticipation of an extended trip to Alaska late... (show quote)
Lenses work on cameras, right? S let's start with your current camera and frame rate. Then let's consider low light and how different sensors handle it. It is not as simple as many would think.
Apr 19, 2016 10:41:40 #
I think you'll benefit from the new 100-400mm lens. As stated above, it's sharper, and faster at focusing, but if used on a newer camera body like the 7D II, it can be used with the 1.4x teleconverter for more focal length.
Oklahoma 46 wrote:
In anticipation of an extended trip to Alaska late... (show quote)
Apr 19, 2016 11:18:53 #
RRS
Loc: Not sure
Oklahoma 46 wrote:
In anticipation of an extended trip to Alaska late... (show quote)
Welcome to to forum. What camera are you shooting? In the camera set up do you have the option to select focus or release as a priority. Check and see how you have your camera set up. Is 400mm giving you the reach you want and do you use an extender,1.4? Give us some more info and maybe you could get answers that may help. In all honesty you will be getting opinions. You know yourself better then we do. Have a great trip with whatever you do.
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