Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ii | A Walk in the Woods

[@PainterDougLA]

I wasn't impressed by other reviewers on KZbin in regards to image quality with this particular lens. You managed to produce the best images I've seen and now I feel comfortable buying this lens. Thanks!

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks, don’t think you’ll regret it 👌

[@Daiversion1]

Espen- I ordered mine yesterday. Up to then, I was pretty sure it was the right choice for me but having just seen this, I’m now certain. Thank you so much - your relaxed and quietly contained enthusiasm ( not just for the lens but wildlife as a whole) means that you are passing on knowledge and guidance in such a wonderful manner. Finally, I normally hate music in instructional videos as I don’t want distractions from the information given- but your choice was just perfect. Very well done!

[@EspenHelland]

Cheers Rhys, much appreciated 🙂

[@PotatoeChipz]

Struggling in the Arizona desert to stay alive, but this video was a reminder why I wanted to upgrade my 400 5.6. The minimum focus distance is amazing and you reassured the sharpness at the long end that the mark i lacked. Really liked this walk in the woods :)

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you :)

[@Picklelangford]

When he said it wasn’t a techie review I was sold.

[@EspenHelland]

😅👍

[@Qpwrtm]

This review was a drop of honey into my soul

[@EspenHelland]

Poetic :) Thanks!

[@koshyphilip8135]

Great review ..... simple and getting across points one really needs to know without getting too technical. Just reminded me again what a great lens the 100-400 really is ..... Thank you and happy shooting and walks in the woods always

[@EspenHelland]

Koshy Philip thanks for that! Appreciate it 🙂

[@BigJimsHanginHog]

I rented this lens last year, and I just bought my own actual Canon 100-400 and it arrived in the mail today. I love it so much

[@EspenHelland]

Nice! Enjoy 👍🏻

[@johnstafford8405]

Best purchase I have made in a while on my 80D and a second hand 1dIV ,great pics from this beauty .I am having better results with focus now I don't use a filter on the front.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks John! Yeah I used to use a filter to protect my lens, but stopped using it as well.

[@johnstafford8405]

@@EspenHelland I think it may be the newer type of coating on the front element ,when you add a filter the auto focus may get confused just a thought .worked very well with high speed motorcycle racing .

[@jimbL200]

Really enjoyed this video. Its nice just to be able to watch a video of the lens in use as a pose to being say behind a desk in a studio talking about it! Cheers pal 👍🏼

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks James, glad you enjoyed it!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Bro!...that was absolutely gorgeous. Amazing work indeed!

[@EspenHelland]

Cheers man!

[@KGsPhotography]

Hi Espen. Couldn’t agree more about the flexibility of this lens. I use it for macro, wildlife and landscape it is a stunning lens on my 7D I body. Great video.

[@EspenHelland]

KG's Photography thank you 🙂 same setup as me! Have you tried it with the 1.4x extender? I'm wondering how the autofocus handles it.

[@KGsPhotography]

@@EspenHelland I think in my last messageI put 7D I but i actually have the 7Dii. I have the 1.4x and the autofocus is good. a little slower and you only get max 5 focus points. Focus points doesn't bother me too much as I believe if you can't focus with that then the subject is probably too far away to be taking the shot. The major downside of the 1.4x converter is that it stops you down to f8 and you can only really use it in good light if you want to keep the shutter speed up. I do find the 7D ii is no good in low light and pushing the ISO up creates a lot of noise. I am thinking of getting a 5D iv for use in low light then I would probably use the 1.4x converter more as I could bump up the ISO.

[@EspenHelland]

KG's Photography yeah I'm on the 7Dii as well, focus points not a worry hardly ever need many. Agree on the ISO, I don't really like to go very high with it at all, but would be good to get the extra reach with the extender 👌🏻 probably won't take many flight shots with it though 😅

[@steverich_photography]

Great job with this video, you do a great job explaining just enough detail, thank you.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Steve 🙂

[@richardpcrowe]

This lens is absolutely great! I love it on my 7D Mark-2 and even on my 6D Mark-2. What is amazing is that with a Viltrox 0.7 Focal Reducer the lens does pretty darned well on my Sony A6400 mirrorless APSC camera.

[@EspenHelland]

Nice! I've been thinking of getting an adapter so I can use it on my Canon M50 for shooting video of wildlife. The autofocus while filming is so much better on this camera than on the 7Dii.

[@VideoNatur]

Very nice video, well explained! And nice shots!!!

[@EspenHelland]

Video Natur thank you very much 🙂

[@tomhter8940]

Yes, it's a great great great lens! I use it on my Canon 5DS. It's so sharp, so fast, so exactly in focus! Focus is 98 cm (or even a little less) from sensor in camera. You'r also making great reviews, no stress, relaxed. Like the style a lot! Greetings from Holland!

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you very much Tom :)

[@MrDennisk4]

Hi Espen, I love the way you explain in such easy and clear understanding to how best to shoot birds in your video using the 100-400mm Canon which I planned to purchase very soon because I beleive it’s a super lens for wildlife, great video ‘cheers!

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks for that Dennis 🙂

[@jimtipton8888]

Great review. I've watched a half dozen tech reviews. This sold me. Appreciate the review. Subscribed.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks for that Jim! I don't think you'll regret it, the lens is brilliant 🙂

[@MartinFransson]

Great review. I am seriously considering this lens for my R6. I have a Sigma 500/4.5 but it's a beast to carry around!

[@MartinFransson]

@Espen Helland I can follow up and reveal that I bought the lens and I LOVE it! The sharpness is ridiculous and the IS works wonders for handheld. New favourite lens.

[@u0096]

Another superb video Espen. I had resisted buying a long tele zoom for ages, wrongly thinking that it would only be useful for a very small subset of shooting situations. However, since getting one a few months ago, I agree with you - they're really versatile and it is my lens of choice to put on the camera if I'm just out for a walk in the countryside (and don't mind looking a bit odd!).

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Euan! I think I remembered you saying you had the Fujifilm equivalent, so started to consider this one after my Tamron broke. Glad I did :)

[@-WhizzBang-]

This is a PHENOMENAL lens. I would recommend it to anyone to buy it! It is not cheap, but worth every penny! You won't be disappointed!~

[@laurabrenphotography7948]

Hi Espen, just found you on youtube and really enjoyed you non tech type off approach in your videos as asked I subscribed and hit that bell thingy and looking forward to more wildlife and birds in flight ... cheers Brenden Ps. those squirrel shots were awesome loved them

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you very much Brenden!

[@danielbrehmer4912]

Thank you for a very easy to grasp video. I have had this lens for about a yaer now and I really agree wirh you on all the positive features of it. One thing I think you missed though is the speed of the autofucus. I remember the first time I used the lens, and how I thought I just nailed the focus on the target instantly. Really a lens worth its price. Besides, you have a new subscriber 😀.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Daniel! Yes you're probably right the autofocus is brilliant 👌🏻

[@I_snap_wild]

Great video yet again mate. Those squirrel shots are stellar bud. !!

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Mikey! When are you coming out with a new vid from Thailand?

[@I_snap_wild]

Espen Helland heading back next week so hopefully soon. I’ve been really lacking in that area, but will be on top of it again very soon matey 🤙🏼

[@rblast1]

Great quality video!

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks!

[@marvinschechter659]

Just got this lens and found your video extremely helpful......much thanks.

[@EspenHelland]

Glad it helped!

[@isaachaze1]

wanted to use this lens for my step-daughter's soccer games (no soccer going on right now). hopefully it's fast enough

[@grephusingati7807]

Good music in the background

[@bbriede7424]

Amazing video, Espen!

[@EspenHelland]

B Briede thank you 🙂

[@williampaul236]

Hi Espen, yep another great video although I’ve only got a small fix lens camera , I really enjoy your videos I find it really hard to get out in winter time and I’m sure I’m not alone, just like to say that you’re videos really inspired me until I can get out I’m sure I speak for a lot of us that are disabled thank you 📷👍

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you very much Paul! Really appreciate that 🙂

[@sarahhuggins7217]

I got this lens too....its amazing.....not too heavy and a good focal length for wildlife

[@EspenHelland]

Absolutely agree Sarah! Don't know how I got on before I got it now 😉

[@ahmedbebars6844]

Getting that lens for my Canon 70D, but I'll probably be let down by the AF system so I'll likely end up upgrading the body as well to a 7D II

[@saulmirandaaliaga]

Thank you very much for your review, Espen, it really helped a lot!!

[@adamrichardson9917]

I’m thinking of getting this lens. I’m torn between this and the sigma 150-600

[@keithparr547]

Good video, thanks. I've just bought this camera pre owned, Can t wait to get out with it.

[@EspenHelland]

Nice one! enjoy your time out with it 👍

[@ankitbaksi8789]

Man just loved ur honest reviews ❤️🤙

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you very much for that Ankit 🙂

[@christophercarr1331]

That looks like a good lens for wildlife photography , I am thinking about getting one of them

[@EspenHelland]

Can really recommend it 👍

[@gdb2db]

Nice images. Thanks for the review.

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you Gerald 🙂

[@houcinesinaceur5170]

Stunning shots really good 👍

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you Houcine!

[@liamminerYT]

Awesome squirrel photos!

[@johnlambe2912]

Great review. Hoping to purchase this lens in the next couple of weeks. Btw love the backing track ? Link

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you John! I'm sure you won't regret it 👌🏻 music is from epidemicsound

[@MarcleNaour]

Great video and presentation as usual! Thanks a lot! what would be a full frame equivalent?

[@EspenHelland]

For the lens? It’ll work in full frame as well

[@MarcleNaour]

@@EspenHelland I thought 150-600 ?

[@cerec69]

Do you ever use a monopod? Carrying a tripod around is a bit of a chore. Great, inspiring video👍🏻

[@EspenHelland]

Handhold mostly

[@rasecroel2366]

Loving your videos... Subscribed

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you very much Cesar :)

[@autumnbrowning9682]

Hello and thank you for your videos, love your approach. Every video I see about this lens, the talk is about the minimum focal distance. Since I want to shoot surfers from the beach, I am more interested in how far away the subject can be and still get a great shot (similar to your images of the squirrel running with the nut, assuming I don't crop the photo after the fact). My first time out with this lens, I am getting a bunch of useless photos (not so much blurry but fuzzy and not a lot of detail), but guessing I am too far away from the surfer - it was low tide and I would guess that I was about 50-60 meters away at 250-350mm. I will try stabilization mode 2 next time but beyond that do you have any tips? I prefer hand-held simply bc I like to be able to move around.

[@EspenHelland]

Autumn Browning thank you very much 🙂 I don't think I would try IS mode 2 as that's for panning when your doing slow shutter speeds. My advice would be to make sure you have a high enough shutter speed to definitely freeze any action, also try to use a higher f stop so that your depth of focus is larger, try to use one focus point and use burst mode and take lots of shots. Good luck 🙂

[@jonnygeez]

nice review. thanks. Maybe a noob question but was the lens mounted upside down and if so, why (are the IS buttons easier to access or something)?

[@EspenHelland]

I like to carry it by the lens collar :)

[@hanzkilian1806]

Hi Espen, thank you for the video. Love the squirrel photo. Tell me, how does this Canon lens compare to the Panasonic Leica 100mm - 400mm f4 lens. I have watched so many of your videos during this C19 virus, and was sure I saw a video of you with the mentioned Leica lens. If you can tell me your thoughts as to how they compare. Again I have enjoyed your viideo's. Thank you Hanz from Australia

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Hanz, that may have been someone else I haven’t tried that lens.

[@gerriewessels9690]

Hi, nice review, I'm interested in diff btw this lens 100-400ii v 300f/4+1.4ext combo, to me versatility of 300m f/4 & 420mm f/5.6 (incl IS) of combo better than versatility offered by zoom, but would like to know IQ of this lens at 400mm v 420mm of combo on APSC.. any comments, thanks

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Gerrie! I've never tried the 300mm f4 so don't know how they compare. The 100-400mm is incredibly sharp and I think at 300mm it gives you f5. I really like the versatility of the zoom and being able to focus on something as close as a 1m. (1.5m with the 300mm f4 I think). I would go for the 100-400 over the 300mm f4, however, if you can afford the 300mm f2.8 with extender I would much rather have that combo! Hope this helps a little.

[@jowb575]

Nice review, I have this lens also and find the image stabilization fantastic, I have a question, are you doing any noise reduction with the higher iso's in your overcast wildlife and woodland shots?

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Jo! Yes, I tend to do a bit of noise reduction in Lightroom. Usually just moving the luminance slider to somewhere between 15-20 🙂

[@marcsworld1love]

At 1:35 is it ok to carry the camera strapped on shoulder with the 100-400. I was told that the lens being a bit heavy is not so good for where it mounts to camera. IDK, but just curious because I'm tired of always holding my camera when not shooting and just walking and awaiting for my next subject to photo to shoot.

[@EspenHelland]

Really good point! I think you're right, it's not good for the camera body connection to let a heavy lens just hang off your shoulder. I actually wrap one side of my strap around the tripod collar of the lens. That way the lens is holding more of the weight. I'll try and show that in a video so I don't encourage people to break their gear :) Cheers!

[@marcsworld1love]

@@EspenHelland 🕵 thank you.

[@RRNaturePhotography]

Hi Espen. I’ve not long bought that same lens, love it so far. Are you using it on a crop sensor? I have the 5d mk4 and have tried with a 1x4 converter , it’s good but at f8 which , in these grey English winter days can be a struggle. Great vid again, thanks..

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Rich! I'm thinking of getting the 1.4 converter for it. I'm on a crop yes (7D), and a bit worried about f8 - I've been shooting a lot with low shutter speeds already at f5.6. How are you finding the sharpness when using it?

[@RRNaturePhotography]

It is good but I am having a few issues with sharpness but I think they are down to technique rather than then lens. When I get it right , it is fabulous.

[@EspenHelland]

Rich Rogers Photography good to hear! Could easily be like you say, low light in winter for f8

[@KGsPhotography]

Hi Rich. I am interested to know, are you not able to compensate with a higher ISO on the 5D mk4 when using the 1.4x converter. I have seen some shots taken at high ISO that don't seem to have mech noise. I only ask because I am thinking of getting a 5D mk4 in addition to the 7D. Thanks

[@RRNaturePhotography]

KG's Photography hi. Yeah definitely, when I was doing wedding I used it at 6400 and got usable images but I’m happy at about 1600 for Wildlife. Of course you only get f8 with the 1x4 converter though at 400mm. The 5d is a great all round body, I use it for landscapes and Macro as well but I am looking at the 7dmk2 for birds particularly, crop factor and faster frame rate

[@sarahcorrigan205]

Hi Espen, just found your channel and loving your reviews. From your experience of these two lenses would you mind if I asked you about image quality. I was thinking of getting this lens, canon 100 400 M2 or the tamron 150 - 600mm G2.. I have currently use a 77d with a canon 70 - 200 f4 which I love but is just too short a reach and a tamron 18 - 400mm which is great general all rounder but to be honest not great image quality .. As a painter of wildlife I download the photos to my tablet for reference and need to expand them on the screen as I work to clarify features etc .. I have read that the tamron can be a bit soft at the 600mm range. So I thought the canon for IQ and in time maybe get the 1.4 extender. Total weight as ever is always a factor .. any advice would be appreciated.. keep the videos coming ..thanks

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you very much Sarah! I've only had the first version of the Tamron 150-600mm, but between that and the canon 100-400 ii it's like night and day. The canon produces very sharp images consistently, the likes I would only get occasionally with the Tamron and never when I used it at 600mm or near it. To be fair I've not tried theTamron G2. I'm super impressed with the Canon 100-400 ii though and I've been told that the image quality with a 1.4x extender is pretty good, but maybe a bit softer when fully extended. Hope this helps 🙂

[@sarahcorrigan205]

@@EspenHelland thanks for that, really helpful. Have been leaning towards the Canon and sharpness is important for me I don't mind loosing a bit of distance ..👍👍

[@danielbrehmer4912]

Hi Sarah. I first used the Tamron 150-600 G2 and was satisfied with the lens. But it did not really nailed the focus as fast as I had expected and the sharpness between 500 an 600 was ... not what I consider good. Then I tried the Canon 100-400 and I changed as soon as I could afford it. Thus, I have tried both of them and the Canon will stay with me. A really good lens for many purposes.

[@sarahcorrigan205]

@@danielbrehmer4912 thanks for that Daniel, yes I am going for it, no one has said yet that they swapped their canon 100 400 for a tamron or sigma...lol...I am now just waiting for a nice on line sale !

[@EspenHelland]

@@danielbrehmer4912 Good to know!

[@GingerPhotographer]

From my understanding you came from a 150-600? I currently have the Sigma 150-600 C and been thinking of upgrading to this lens.. What was your reason for changing? Thx

[@EspenHelland]

Ginger Photographer I broke the auto focus and it would be an expensive repair. Though, had I known how much better and sharper this lens was I would have traded mine in and paid the difference for the upgrade.

[@GingerPhotographer]

@@EspenHelland So the Canon 100-400 II was a worthy upgrade! :)

[@BakiNBG]

You missed one point, if a mountain lion or a wolf attacked you, you could easily use the lens as a cold weapon

[@EspenHelland]

😅👍

[@mpicx.deepsky]

Hey Espen, how far can you push your ISO on the 7dMKII and still get usable results? I like your content. Stay safe

[@EspenHelland]

Depends, easily 3200 and using noise removing software after.

[@RainTechTime]

I have a question Espen. I am choosing between the 70-200 f2.8 and the 100-400 f4.5, I don't know which is better. I want that large f-stop, but I also need that 100-400 range. Does the f4.5 perform well in lower light settings, which one would you pick? thank you

[@EspenHelland]

Rain Tech Time I traded my 70-200 f2.8 and paid the difference to get the 100-400 and don't regret it for a second. I miss the large f stop but not enough, I need the range much more. In low light conditions you will notice that you need to play around with low shutterspeeds and high ISO and depends on your camera how it handles the higher ISO. If you capture mostly wildlife then I think the 100-400 is a no brainer.

[@RainTechTime]

Espen Helland Ok. I own a 5D3, I do some nature shoots and portraits. I sometimes to shoot night photography. I own a 24-70 f2.8, which one do you think is the best for me now? Thanks

[@EspenHelland]

Rain Tech Time I'd still say the 100-400. Unless you really need the 70-200 for portrait photos! The 24-70 f2.8 must be great for portrait and night time shooting.

[@tomcooke6670]

Is this the only lens you use or do another you carry with you

[@GingerPhotographer]

Hi Espen - Have you used a 1.4x converter on this lens? if yes, thoughts?

[@EspenHelland]

No not tried it yet, heard it's pretty good though - slight loss of sharpness but nothing major. Will probably get one soon 🙂

[@berkaykaanozcan]

hello, would you recommend the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM, which was released in 1998, the first series of this lens? Is it a good lens?

[@EspenHelland]

Hi, from what I hear it's a good lens, but doesn't have as good IS. I've never tried it though, so best to ask someone with more knowledge.

[@berkaykaanozcan]

@@EspenHelland thank you

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Great video thanks for sharing. Lens looks the goods for wildlife etc.

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you very much Adrian!

[@marioguitar100]

I know Tony & Chelsea Northrup have done this comparison already but have you though about a Canon 70-200 f2.8 with a 2x teleconverter? Then at least your getting the flexibility of essentially two lenses and f2.8! Personally I also like the fact that with that lens it’s an internal zoom so dust and water won’t get into the lens....just a thought! Great video! Keep up the good work! 👍🏻

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Matthew! I would have liked to do a comparison of the two, but unfortunately I don't have my 70-200 anymore. I thought about that setup before I traded in my 70-200 for the 100-400. Just a hunch, but I don't think the sharpness would be as good with the teleconverter. I do miss the f2.8 though!

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

70-200 with 2X is 5.6 so actually worse in wider focal lengths. Also Sharpness and AF speed takes a Hit.

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

It’s a good lens indeed! Unfortunately wildlife is most of the time in low light situations and at f/5.6 a high ISO is needed and Canon cameras aren’t very good in dealing with shadows and noise. Even using the 70-200 f/2.8 on a crop sensor isn’t quite good. enough and, Canon full frame cameras aren’t fast at shutter speed either.. with the exception of the 1DX Mark II which is a bit pricey. I’m considering switching to other brands. Good video thanks for sharing!

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks! Yeah, I could definitely do with a lower f-stop sometimes. I often shoot with very low shutterspeeds, which works fine until I try to capture some wildlife in action.

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

@@EspenHelland Last night spotted deer in darkness at f/2.8 1/50 and ISO went up 12000/16000 crazy. Watch it here if you wish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4a8Y5RspdVkqLc

[@EspenHelland]

Sorry, I just noticed KZbin had blocked this message. That is crazy high!

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

Crank that ISO 😀

[@zdarowdy]

Hi,nice lens!!! )))))

[@vladimirtorres1953]

Bro it works with canon 6d Mark ii?

[@EspenHelland]

Yes 👍

[@stevestinnett6777]

I want this lens - BAD.

[@sanah.6158]

Is it weatherproof?

[@EspenHelland]

It can take a bit of rain, but I would use a rain cover when it gets bad

[@PenCHHEYLEANG]

I want this len, How much bro

[@EspenHelland]

I got it used for about £1300 - worth it :)

[@imrenagy8122]

Amazing shootings.

[@lifewatcherkonstantin1637]

Good job dude , I fucking want this object now:)

[@EspenHelland]

+Lifewatcher kostya 🤣 thanks man!

[@peterebel7899]

It's a great lens, but I take the RF 100-500

[@tedbrown7908]

Just bought this beast. There is no way anyone is going to hand hold this and expect sharp photo's.

[@EspenHelland]

I've found the IS amazing and have got sharp images at 1/100s, but not with a 100% success rate. Increasing the shutter should do it :)

[@CarlosMartinez-rk2bt]

i just but this lens for $300 😎👌🤙 🤫

[@EspenHelland]

Carlos Martinez that's an insanely good deal!

[@cerec69]

@@EspenHelland Must be the Mark one for that price. Or he bought it in the pub😏