Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

I have been researching canon lenses for months trying to decide on a purchase. I have a Canon 50D and I have rented a Canon 100-400 mm l f4.5-5.6 lens from Lens Giant for 8 days. I have a heavy duty tripod and yesterday I took some pictures at the local pond at different focal lenghths and f stops, using the timer. I was hoping to see some very sharp photos but I am a little disappointed because they weren't very sharp. I want to submit some photographs for evaluation. Should they be jpeg, raw, no post processing, download at full size etc. please make suggestions. The 50D is considered an entry level camera for advanced amateurs. Is it possible that I am wasting my time looking for better glass for this camera. I will follow suggestions and post pictures. Thanks in advance.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Rent a Sigma 150-500mm and try it out, I think you will be amazed when compared to your 100-400 Canon shots.

Canoe50d

Agree with MT on this. A friend has that lens and she loves it. As for the 50d, no it's not the camera. The 50d is a fine camera. I learned that more then a few high end cameras have the same sensor (processor) but more speed or features that seperate them......I think it key to determine what type of shooting you do most. Myself, I shoot nature wildlife. Not so much landscape and never people. I tried the 100-400 and din't like it at all. I decided to go 300 prime for most my shoots. I found with a zoom I was always maxed out anyway so why have the ability to go lower. yes I do have many other lenses, but this one fits my style much more. Find your style and work with that for a while then step out of the box and try others.

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

Mt, I appreciate your reply but at the present time I have the 100-400 for the next 7 days so if you could help me with my questions I would really appreciate it.

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

Thanks Canoe, I am looking at the 300 prime also and will probably give that a try. How about some help with my questions.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

50D is a fine camera... Don't get caught up in newer, bigger better because that dog will never stop chasing his tail.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

1. Turn off image stabilizer when on the tripod.
2. Balance the lens using the collar attachment to the tripod (if you are not now)
3. Lock up the mirror.
4. Try manual focus (maybe in live view) if AF is not spot on your AF point. It can be an AF problem, either back or front focusing... who knows with a rental lens.

The 50D is a fine camera and gives a very sharp image. I have a 40D as one of my backup bodies and regularly use L glass on it with sharp results.

Canoe50d

If by "answer my question" being how to upload the photo, I would suggest what ever form you normally use to upload. If you shoot Raw, I would save it as jpeg and then upload it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Good suggestions. I would also suggest shooting a different mid-apertures.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

The Canon 100-400mm L-series lens has a reputation for often being out of focus. It varies from lens to lens.
Since you rented one, all of the suggestions above will help improve focus. Use f/12 to f/16 if possible for a deeper DOF.

If you are still unsatisfied with the results:
If you had a different camera your could calibrate the lens within the camera.
But you can also take a photo of a ruler or tape measure with fine increments at a 30 degree (+/-) angle and see if the area the camera focused on is in sharp focus. If it is not, you will at least know which direction it is out of focus and have some idea about how much.

Armed with this knowledge, you can use autofocus and then swutch to manual focus to adjust the lens slightly in the biased direction and shoot. Alternatively, try focusing manually.

Also, the Canon 100-400mm focus often has a significant travel past infinity. If you are taking distant landscapes and the autofocus is on infinity, switch to manual focus and take some shots on both sides of the infinity indicator to help you locate the true infinity setting on that particular lens.

Frustrating, I know, but renting a lens before you buy it is often a good idea.

Many here will tell you their Canon 100-400mm L-series lens is tack sharp. That is probably true. But there is more than the usual focus variance between examples of this particular lens and without an in-camera lens calibration to fix the problem, you may be somewhat handicapped when taking action shots and anything that does not allow you to tweak the focus each time.

BTW, I own one.

Photogdog Loc: New Kensington, PA

I had a 50D and traded it in on a 7D. I also have the 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM. One thing I found out was that when used on a tripod, the IS should be turned off. Canon IS is set up to anticipate motion. When it's not there, the camera searches for it creating motion on its own which results in soft focus on the tripod.

If you still have problems, Canon will calibrate the lens to the camera body.

pilotboat

What does it mean "to lock up the mirror"?

60D Loc: Springfield Mass.

Hi M/mote. I like what you are doing with the lens. I myself would like to get the canon 100/400 before I retire in the next year. So I would like to keep in touch with you on your lens research. Also if you rent the Sigma 100/500 can you post what you like and dislike. Thanks and Good luck Gary B……

Rbode Loc: Ft lauderdale, Fla

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

I want to submit some photographs for evaluation. Should they be jpeg, raw, no post processing, download at full size etc. please make suggestions.?????????

Million $$ question. Save them as jpg files size is up to you. Lets take a look at the photos. They might be alright after all or maybe not.