Canon lens question?
Jan 20, 2017 09:14:24 #
Mr.Ft
Loc: Central New Jersey
I'm looking at a few lens and was wondering if there is any advantage or disadvantage to a push pull zoom lens?
Thanks
Thanks
Jan 20, 2017 09:55:07 #
I've used both push-pull & double ring zooms for years, in fact still have some of both. Push-pull ones seem to be faster to zoom, but often when pointed up or down the zoom tends to slide a little; at the same time, for me, they are a little more difficult to accurately maintain focus as the same ring controls 2 functions. The Nikon manual one I have though is incredibly sharp without the creep. Given my druthers, I think I'd prefer a two ring lens, but the optics would always win out over the zoom function.
Jan 20, 2017 09:56:59 #
One disadvantage is the increased potential for sucking dust inside the lens. that said, It usually does not cause enough damage to degrade images, though it affects resale value. So actually it is not that bad.
Second downside is that some of them will change length if pointed up or down, so check if your lens is loose, or has a locking device to hold the lens at whatever adjustment you chose. Both are not as critical as they sound.
Advantages are the shorter length that they can be stored in camera cases. So convenience is a plus. Many push pull lenses are very very good. So it is not the type, it is the individual lens which will make the difference.
So, be careful how you change length if you are in a dust storm. The pluses make this type of lens very popular.
Second downside is that some of them will change length if pointed up or down, so check if your lens is loose, or has a locking device to hold the lens at whatever adjustment you chose. Both are not as critical as they sound.
Advantages are the shorter length that they can be stored in camera cases. So convenience is a plus. Many push pull lenses are very very good. So it is not the type, it is the individual lens which will make the difference.
So, be careful how you change length if you are in a dust storm. The pluses make this type of lens very popular.
Jan 20, 2017 10:37:57 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
The only push pull lens that I have seen advertised, is the inexpensive Opteka lens. There are two different models of long focal lengths. They are usually aperture f8, T-mount, manual, has a lock ring for a focal length setting, and no stabilization. And of course not razor sharp. But can be satisfactory to any amateur photographer on a budget, who wants to do some wildlife photography. You can purchase both models new, for less than $250, and it comes with a warranty. When reading the reviews, one said a tripod is absolutely necessary, and it is slow to set up. But it works OK after a long setup.
Jan 20, 2017 14:49:25 #
I have Canon 100-400L MK1 which is push-pull (unlike the MK2). It's the only push-pull I own, but surprisingly, it doesn't seem to be an issue to alternate between this and my other twist zooms. It is slightly faster to zoom, and since I often leave it at full zoom, I don't worry that much about dust "inhalation" in the environments I use it in. It also has adjustable tension so you can set it so it doesn't "creep" if held vertically. In all, I like the lens and would only trade it for the MK2 for the superior optical properties, not the zoom mechanism.
Jan 20, 2017 17:42:28 #
I own the Canon EF 28-300 f/3.5-5.6L zoom lens, it is a push pull zoom. It has its advantages and disadvantages. It is easier to zoom single handed but you need to have the lock ring adjusted correctly. It is a fairly large and heavy lens and new they cost around $2600. As for the dust pump rumors, mine is used quite often, is over 10 years old and it's practically dust free. For those who insist this lens will blow copious amounts of dust on the image sensor, well, I doubt they ever owned one and I use mine on my 5Dsr all the time with absolutely 0 ill effects.
Jan 21, 2017 08:24:45 #
I have avoided pull/push lenses because, and I may be wrong, but I assume they lend themselves to "lens creep".
Jan 21, 2017 08:46:36 #
TriX wrote:
I have Canon 100-400L MK1 which is push-pull (unli... (show quote)
Same with me. I did trade my MI for the MII for the optics only and yes in use the push pull was faster and easier to use for zooming. I also have a 70-105 that when held vertically extends and it is a twist zoom, it doesn't drop immediately but after walking a bit with it it will extend if carried over my shoulder with lens down.
Like others, optics trumps method of zoom and quality large zooms have tension rings to prevent creep. Even the MII has a tension ring for this issue.
Jan 21, 2017 09:46:54 #
Buckeye
Loc: Dayton, OH.
Mr.Ft wrote:
I'm looking at a few lens and was wondering if there is any advantage or disadvantage to a push pull zoom lens?
Thanks
Thanks
I have used the Canon 100-400 MKI to shoot air shows and find the push pull zoom quicker when tracking moving airplanes. Especially as they enter and leave the display portion of the venue. I would have to assume the same would apply to birds in flight. Also the 100-400 MKI has a tension adjustment to prevent lens creep.
Jan 21, 2017 10:39:35 #
rmorrison1116 wrote:
I own the Canon EF 28-300 f/3.5-5.6L zoom lens, it... (show quote)
I agree. I use mine a lot. And used the 35-350 before it. If you adjust the tension ring correctly, it doesn't creep at all. I really like not having to move my hand to a different ring to operate the lens. For me the ease in operation outweighs any possible downside - and actually I haven't found any. I also have two lenses that aren't push-pull, and I really wish they were!
Jan 21, 2017 10:43:22 #
Mr.Ft wrote:
I'm looking at a few lens and was wondering if there is any advantage or disadvantage to a push pull zoom lens?
Thanks
Thanks
The advantage to push/pull is SPEED - and where speed matters, it trumps IQ !
Some people attempt to push/pull twist zooms for this reason !
Sucking air, can not only affect the surfaces of the lens elements, but also premature wear of the lense's mechanics ( from abrasive particles/debris )
Jan 21, 2017 12:53:24 #
I've found with all my camera equipment, you just have to adjust yourself on how to use it. Push Pull lenses are no exception, you'll mount the lens, adjust the tension for feeling, and go out and shoot. You'll make tension adjustment on the fly from then on. Personally, I like twist zoom lenses, because you feel a problem as soon as it comes about. The problem will be felt as I twist the zoom ring, like a grain of sand it will grab for a moment, and I'll feel the resistance, and know something is going South, and I'll have to send the lens in before more damage occurs. On a push pull, or trombone lens, you tend to zoom faster, and may miss the slight feeling of restriction until real damage occurs. Just my thought. Did you get your new 5D Mark IV?
B
B
Jan 21, 2017 12:58:11 #
Mr.Ft
Loc: Central New Jersey
Bill Emmett wrote:
I've found with all my camera equipment, you just ... (show quote)
Bill , I'm going to pick it up this week. I've been really busy at work but it looks like I'll have time this week. I was also going back and forth between the M IV or the sony a7r11 but decided that the canon fit my needs better.
Jan 21, 2017 14:45:31 #
I have the same lens and I also have no issues, NONE. The locking ring adjustment is the key to mitigating lens creep and having a smooth zoom. Also I do not have ANY issues with dust. Rent one and give her a try.
rmorrison1116 wrote:
I own the Canon EF 28-300 f/3.5-5.6L zoom lens, it... (show quote)
Jan 21, 2017 14:53:50 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
Mr.Ft wrote:
I'm looking at a few lens and was wondering if there is any advantage or disadvantage to a push pull zoom lens?
Thanks
Thanks
There is only one recent Canon push/pull zoom... the original 100-400L. It's one of only a few push/pull Canon's ever made for the EOS/EF system (there was the 35-350mm from 1993... and there were several push/pulls in the old FD/FL system, manual focus and incompatible with modern cameras).
Some folks really like push/pull, especially for certain things, fast action shooting such as birds in flight and airshows, for example.
And some folks dislike push/pull. That includes me. I just found them harder to get a steady shot, when I used them many years ago. The original 100-400L has image stabilization that probably helps a bit with that, though.
So I bought the 100-400mm "Mark II", which is no longer a push/pull design. I'm quite happy with it.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.