Lens comparison: Canon EF 100-400mm L - Mk 1 Vs Mk 2

[@Orwaha]

8 years late to this video but thank you for making it! I’m shocked at the lack of availability of information on this subject but you remedied that!

[@Sjdhsha]

same dude

[@nikonmark37814]

The version II can also be used as a push-pull lens. I have the first version which I love and had a chance to check out the version II in my local camera store and the zoom ring is nice but zooming is faster if you hold onto the lens hood end of the lens and pull or push, it's much, much faster. As for dust, I've never had a problem with my 70D or 6D. Optically the version II is better but not $2400 better.

[@grantatkinson8108]

All valid comment. Since its been some time after making this video, I am now finding that dust gets inside and onto the elements of the EF 100-400 IS ii also, perhaps not as much as the version one though. However, I have yet to have any of those dust spots in either version (or my EF 70-200f2/8 IS ii) show up on my images. So I don't worry about the dust, until I am selling the lens when it costs a fair bit to have removed.

[@alanginger1349]

Hi Grant, my son has recently bought a Canon EOS 250D and has taken some great bird pics using a 55mm-250mm lens. I thought I'd buy him a bigger zoom for Christmas - however I know utterly ZERO about cameras or lenses. But this video of yours is utterly thorough, fantastic, and unbelievably informative! Thankyou so much! Alan

[@simonpacker5517]

Tried the 1 and 2 side by side on a 5d3 and 7d2. Really not much difference, on the 5d3 you'd really struggle to tell at all. Although wide at 400 the new one is noticeably cleaner at the edges.

[@HCVAdvocate]

Thank you so much for the excellent review Grant. I went out and bought my 100-400 MkII and Ex 1.4x III today and was blown away by the speed, balance and etc. It does autofocus on the 800D at 27points.. I shoot single point or 9 point focus.. I am very pleased. I had read a lot of reviews by many many people and yours finally make me bit the biscuit!!! Thank you

[@grantatkinson8108]

Thanks for that feedback, glad you like the lens and thanks for sharing the confirmation that the 800D can do autofocus at 27 points, I did not try that body out yet :-)

[@sivaramanv1235]

Canon 800d and mark i of 100-400mm does it perform well?

[@XperiaVideosCR]

Very nice review Grant. I used the old version for a while and never like it. I bought the version 2 six months ago and I am pretty happy with it. You forgot to mention that the new lens has a rubber ring around the bayonet that will help prevent water or dust to enter into the camera. I live in a tropical country and that is very welcome. Also, the new lens minimal focusing distance is improved and can ALMOST be used as a macro lens as I can now get a lot closer to some subjects including hummingbirds.

[@grantatkinson8108]

Good points that you mention Xperia, I did forget about the rubber ring..and the MFD is a big benefit...

[@63maddog]

Thank you very much. I just received a 7dii and I've been looking at this lens. I'm excited to get it and start chasing birds! Great series!

[@grantatkinson8108]

Both are good lenses for going after birds, though for birds in flight, the faster and more accurate AF of the Mk ii lens makes it a better choice!

[@nikonmark37814]

I have the original or first version of the 100-400 and I almost always use it at 400mm. I gave the 400 f5.6 a lot of thought before buying the zoom and concluded that since I use it at the long end most of the time plus the advantages of Image Stabilization helped me make the decision for the zoom. My next long lens will probably be the Tamron 150-600 VC.

[@grantatkinson8108]

I also always preferred to choose the 100-400 IS with the zoom over the fixed lens like you, due to the lack of image stabilization. Undoubtedly the fixed lens is sharper at 400mm but for me, having IS is just so helpful!

[@bryanbaskett4010]

Hi Grant, great comparison review! I was looking at the MK1 for Sports Photography, but after your review I think I'll get with the MKII, very helpful! Thanks again!

[@swiftnick3]

Great video Grant. Thank you. I own both and use the 100-400 mark 1 on a 5DM2 and 100-400 mark 2 on a 5DM3. The quality of construction is better on the 100-400 mark 2 and the quality of images on both 5DM2 and 3 is noticeably better, but i still love the mark 1 because of its push pull zooming! That is why I am keeping it. Was the 100-400 mark 2 worth the money? Yes. Definitely. The improved sharpness of the images, colour reproduction, the almost imperceptibly fast AF, the IS modes and the fact you can focus down to .98m is incredible for a 100-400mm lens. Well done Canon. Superb piece of kit

[@grantatkinson8108]

Thanks for the interesting feedback from an owner of both :-), and i can fully understand why you have kept the original 100-400, as for sure, that zoom action is just the most natural, smooth and instant control method once you get used to it...

[@papergaery5257]

I have both ... and exactly the same feeling ... apart from the comments above, I would also add that ... in the long run .. I feel the build of the MK1 has help up better ... and for some odd reason I find it stabilizes better than the MK2 whole I take high speed Panning shots .. be it vertical or horizontal .. I wonder if it’s just me .. or if you expertises the same ..

[@Rafael-wi5rd]

Thanks for the video Grant, the analogy between them is amazing! you've got another follower. cheers

[@TheBertieW]

I never understood why the version I is called a "dust" collecter (because of the sliding zoom) and version II is not (because it has a rotating zoom). With both versions you'll change the inner (and outer) volume while zooming out or in because the length of the lens varies. So both versions will suck in air while zooming in and pushing air out while zooming out. So both lenses will collect dust. Or am I missing something?Hope my English is good enough to explain my point.

[@grantatkinson8108]

You are right about the changing volume being the same on both lenses, what perhaps helps the Version ii lens ingest a little bit less dust is that it has a 'seal' or 'gasket' that is meant to make it harder for dust to get inside or water droplets. However the Version ii does take in dust. The new RF 70-200 f2.8 has still an extra filter in its design to try inhibit dust getting inside. Don't know how effective it is yet, can take a while to figure it out :-)

[@TheBertieW]

Time will tell Grant. Thanks for your answer and your great reviews. Bought a 100-400 II 2 days ago. Great lens. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@matv176]

Excellent comparison Grant. I had the version 1 of this lens with my old 40d and hated the dust pump focus style. I now have a 5d4 and am saving like mad for the 100-400ii. I've tried it with my new camera and WOW, what a difference. Between the full frame sensor and the new glass, it's a whole new ballgame. Thanks for your vids mate.

[@RickyLJones]

Excellent video Grant, I've had this lens a few months now, and love it. Keep up with the excellent videos.

[@alexannis4740]

Thanks for the review, I bought mind Mk2 last week. I didn't know it was out that long ago, it certainly a solid wildlife lens. Love it.

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

thanks for this you have convinced me and I will be buying one of the type II lenses

[@saulmirandaaliaga]

Absolutely love your videos, Grant. All the best to you and God bless!

[@crhundermark6930]

Great review, thanks Grant.

[@smcsilva]

Some stunning images in here! Thanks for the information!

[@lulu480]

Although I already have one I appreciate the detail and clarity of your explanations.

[@Richard_Hoekstra]

Good and helpful review. I’m afraid the MK2 is a bit out of my budget. I want to buy a lense for bird photografy but I find it difficult to choose between used versions of the 400mm 5.6 prime, the 300 mm 4.0 prime or the 100-400mm MK1

[@grantatkinson8108]

That is a bit of a tough call, between those three Richard. I would probably go for the EF 400L f5.6 prime, though I really do miss not having IS!

[@Richard_Hoekstra]

Grant Atkinson thank you for your reaction. Not having IS on the 400mm prime would indeed be the main reason to go for the 100-400mm MK1. Because I like to shoot without a tripod I think I need IS. I’m a bit concerned about the sharpness of the 100-400mm MK1 though.

[@grantatkinson8108]

@@Richard_Hoekstra I have had mixed results with the 100-400 Mk 1 IS especially at 400mm and wide open apertures. I often had to take a few frames to make sure I ccame away with a properly focused one. I did best with it when used on Canon bodies with superior focus systems like the 5D Mark 3, and 1D series, as well as the 7D Mark 2.

[@richardpcrowe]

Grant I love your videos. I have a 7D2 and a 100-400 Mk2 lens. I usually carry these in tandem with a 70-200mm lens on a full frame camera. That way I have the focal range from 70mm to 640mm (equivalent) covered. By the way, I really like the Kirk aftermarket foot for the 100-400 Mk2 lens. RRS puts one out which also looks pretty nice. The Kirk foot gives ma a sturdy connection between lens and camera and it also has a built-in tripod socket for the occasional times (like when using my Manfrotto Gimbal) that I am not mounting the lens on an ARCA compatible clamp...

[@grantatkinson8108]

Hi Richard, sounds like you a strong camera and lens combination, and those two lenses are both good performers when it comes to image quality and sharpness! I have seen the Kirk lens foot for the 100-400 but not managed to get one for myself as yet...i might do so sometime in the future!

[@toto_Maori]

Would you recommend this or Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6 L USM

[@grantatkinson8108]

I would recommend the EF 100-400 IS version 1, its a more modern lens and for hand held shooting the IS is a strong advantage.

[@Skillow]

I'm really divided, I want to upgrade from my 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM, using for wildlife and just about anything that's far and daylight use... I like the 400mm limit, it is a very specific lens but I got a 24-105mm L when needed, I'm just afraid of getting an outdated lens, it is going to be a great upgrade from the 70-300 but $US700 more for the MK2 is too much, i have the option for the 70-200mm f4 IS or the f2.8 non-IS... Maybe wait to get a cheaper refurbished MK2 or something

[@grantatkinson8108]

Hi Skillow, that is a bit of a tough one but what about getting a used EF 100-400L IS version 1, and just use it for a while and then sell it on..that way you wont lose much I am thinking as the initial outlay will be lower and then wait till a refurbished or good used EF 100-400 L IS ii comes along?

[@Skillow]

Yeah that sounds like a good idea, there are 100-400 for US$900, just gotta be patient! Also, what's your opinion on the 70-300mm L?

[@grantatkinson8108]

I really, really like the EF 70-300L IS and we own one. Even though we have a 70-200 f2.8 IS ii and an EF 100-400 IS ii, we still keep the EF 70-300L IS for its fast focusing, super light weight and good image quality and image stabilization. www.grantatkinson.com/blog/canon-ef-70-300-f4-5-6-l-is-lens-review

[@xgreenjacket]

I would stick with your 100 -300 I have the 100-400 but rarely shoot zoomed further than 300 due to image sharpness falling off past this point. Don’t know how the Mkii performs yet in this instance

[@davethinkingsystems]

Thanks very much for this. Great review and some fabulous images :-)

[@davidglabais4919]

Excellent review. I was looking at picking up a used copy of the Mark I but now I'm thinking about holding out for the newer version.

[@houcinesinaceur5170]

The elephant eye shot is flawless

[@ramonbentim7305]

What do you think about using a 1.4 iii extender with the ii version

[@grantatkinson8108]

It does allow viewfinder autofocus to function on most more recent Canon cameras, but there is a noticeable slowdown to the AF speed and an increased tendency for the focus to hunt, back and forth with difficult subjects. The internet is filled with some users who have taken some very good shots using the 1..4xiii on the 100-400 IS ii though it works best for things that are static, or moving slowly, and in quite bright light, as the max aperture is around f8.0. If those are typical requirements for your photography then it can work ?

[@sloanroyal]

Thanks for the excellent information, Grant. I'm also looking at this particular lens for wildlife photography. Maybe I'll hold out for the mkii now! Thanks!

[@jakebrittain1145]

Awesome review! Just got the mark i version with my 5d mark iv and I couldnt be happier. I personally dont think the mark ii version is worth the extra $1150. I love the push pull zoom and with the mark i stabilization, I can easily shoot at 1/250s and get sharp images while moving. I love it

[@grantatkinson8108]

Thanks for the feedback Jake Brittain, and they are both good lenses, the first version is still preferred by many users like yourself and its taken many, many really good images in its time!

[@markrigg6623]

The mark 1 is an absolute pile of poo compared to the new one. Its the softest L lens Canon have ever made. The new one is very definitely worth the extra money. Sorry to be so blunt but there are so many people that have been bitterly disapointed with the performance of the old model, myself included.

[@kieranlehane]

Just bought the mk II :)

[@grantatkinson8108]

It is a fantastic lens, hope it does you well Kaypho

[@donniedarko1345]

Just bought the version 2! I'm strong and have BIG hands!

[@zenyattamondatta8505]

Excellent review , but as below I have just purchased the mark i , use it for sports and wildlife , I don’t believe I will miss out on much against the mark ii , both great bits of glass though

[@markrigg6623]

Your missing out on a lot of sharpness. The newer version is on another planet sharpness wise compared to the version 1.

[@markrigg6623]

@@itsGREGSWORLD I actually owned two, (having broken my first one). They were both the same. But yes, back when these were made, there was problems with sample variation that meant some were quite possibly sharper than others. But seriously, the new version would blow you away with how sharp it is. When Canon released the 50 mpx 5dsr, it put out a list of lenses that had enough resolving power for that sensor. The mark 1 version wasn't on the list. But if you're happy with what you're getting I guess that's what matters.

[@BokehKai]

I really want to know if both lenses focus something close, so both have focus breathing issues?

[@tintin69rr]

Another great vid I was looking at getting a 400 prime but think the weight will ground me so I think I’m gonna trade my sigma 150-600c for the mark 2 as I’m just not happy with how soft the images are with that lens on a7dmk2 do you think I’m making a good decision ???

[@grantatkinson8108]

So long as you can get close enough, then the 100-400IS ii is a very effective solution. I dont know anybody who uses one (and we have two of them) that finds it to not be sharp enough..!

[@tintin69rr]

Grant Atkinson nice one cheers for that think this is the way I’m going to go then who knows maybe if I’m just not getting the reach I want in poor light conditions then maybe trade it in and then get a prime 👍👍👍

[@markrigg6623]

Apart from lens sharpness ive found the 7d mkii to be a very "soft" camera due to its very aggressive AA filter.

[@KeepItSimpleSemperFi]

I have Mk1, but can’t justify upgrading.

[@harryzet5797]

kudos to your reviews, grant, they are the best here on youtube, made by a man who knows his stuff. and excellent photos. thank you for your efforts, i learn a lot

[@Benjamin_Jehne]

The MKI has a very expensive quality issue with it’s thighten mechanism. Please have this in mind, when you consider to buy one. If you buy a used one, ask the seller, if the mechanism is still working, other wise the tubus is sliding out all the time.

[@grantatkinson8108]

Thanks for that input, Benjamin it can be something to look out for on a used lens for sure. I have seen a few of the Mk 1 lenses having their locking collar mechanism fail but many other examples show no problems. So far no mechanical problems noted with the Mk 2.

[@manojkumarbehera8676]

Sir, if i can ask you from what farthest distance a parrot or a sparrow can be focused to its detail using this lens with canon camera 70d ?

[@warren4234]

Can you use the 400mm M1 with a 1/4 extender along with the Canon 80D

[@Vlad_in_the_Dale]

Yes!

[@flymo3075]

Thinking of investing in the mark 2 already have the mark 1 how does it perform in low light.

[@kingofbratz3626]

Great review, Grant.

[@hitmhard]

Hi I have the canon 70-300 is usm ii nano and was considering upgrading to this 100-400mm 2 would this be a worthy upgrade? I'll be using it on a canon 80d and a canon 5dm4.

[@explorer8888]

Great video and great pictures! Thanks!

[@alastairwoodward9347]

Great comparison Grant, thanks. I'm just deciding whether to go for a cheaper 2nd hand mki or go mad, broke and get the mkii :-)

[@cjpreyes]

Same here.. ;)

[@geraldol6160]

Muito Obrigado!! Simples e objetivo!

[@ArcanePath360]

But it's twice the price now. Thanks for the overview

[@ultradave]

Thanks for thinking about those of us with small hands! I think I'm leaning on starting with an m1 since I can get a used one for a decent price now. I've been using a 70-300L w/a 6Dm2. I've been using a nano filter on my lenses just from a safety standpoint to keep from scratching the glass, but after your review I definitely need to take some tests shots w/and w/out. Great review of these lenses. Cheers!

[@grantatkinson8108]

The nano filter is a good idea for safety but for those users that prioritize maximum image quality, having no filter is always going to give slightly superior output. The Mark 1 version of the EF 100-400L IS is still used by many people that I work with ...

[@erikruizphotography5382]

Amazing video, I have just subscribed to your channel. What is the minimum distance lenght focus on both of them?

[@teslar1]

Hi Grant I’m considering the 100-400 mkii but I’ve also been offered a 400/f4 DO mk1 for around the same price. How would to rate the older DO against the zoom. I know the newer DO is excellent but my budget doesn’t stretch that far.

[@grantatkinson8108]

Thats is a good question but a tough one. I don't have access any longer to an original 400f4 DO but a few things to consider. How badly do you need f4 maximum aperture at 400mm? The original 400 DO is getting quite old in years now and I do know of a couple where the barrel within broke and also the odd IS failure but if you can get spares for it that is no problem. If you are buying the 100-400 IS ii purely to shoot it at 400mm then the fixed lens might be better? In sharpness, detail and colour I don't see any significant difference as I do still have clients working with the old 400DO and am familiar with the raw files on modern Canon bodies like the 5Dmk4 and 1DXmk2.

[@teslar1]

Grant Atkinson thanks for responding, I’m keen on wildlife photography and looking to fill the sensor so likely to work at 400mm. I friend has the 100-400 mkii but with 1.4x and F8 is too slow for anything moving especially birds with only access to the Center point. This is why I was thinking of the DO with 1.4x and f5.6 I’d have more focus control and hopefully faster to lock focus. The 100-400 is very sharp even with the 1.4x but the loss of focus point and slow focus puts me off. If the DO is as sharp with the 1.4x and faster focus with more points I’d probably go that way. The mk1 DO is currently still supported by canon to that eases any worry over repairs

[@grantatkinson8108]

@@teslar1 Personally if I where going to be working at 560mm then I would rather have the 400DO with a 1.4x extender than the zoom. You will be at f5.6 which is still reasonable in terms of light gathering, and you will have access to all the focus points and focus groups and modes. Plus on those occasions when something is closer by you can still remove the extender and get f4 background blur capability

[@teslar1]

@Grant Atkinson thanks I appreciate you’re advice. I was hoping that would be the case. I was only worried that the old 400DO might not be as sharp as the 100-400mkii

[@grantatkinson8108]

@@teslar1 I used two different copies but did not own them, of the original 400DO and I found it to be similar enough to the 100-400 in how detailed the images where.

[@ANANDManandimages]

Quite surprising that I haven't received this on my email. I switched over from Mk1paired with 7D to pairing with 7D MK II.

[@raadmooneyhan5720]

Y

[@eduardofreitas8336]

Did you feel a great improvement in autofocus?

[@ANANDManandimages]

Eduardo Freitas Yes. Within a few days I switched to 100-400MK II. Most of my work is in wildlife.

[@Albert-qy8jj]

Who lens are more sharp?

[@carlraetzsch]

Great! Everything I wanted to know.

[@AJCsr]

How smooth is the zoom on the MK II lens? Fro. The video it looks like it's a bit jerky for the girl trying to work it. I shoot Highschool football videos and need smooth transitions while zooming.

[@grantatkinson8108]

The Mk 2 lens has a pretty light zoom action if you set the tension collar at its most loose setting. I find that it is light enough to be able to turn with thumb and index finger. I am not sure exactly how that would translate into the kind of smooth transitions that you mention....

[@willburton6987]

Hi, I'm 13, but am seriously into wildlife photography/filmmaking and have the canon 77d and the 55-250mm lens. I've been wanting to buy a new lens for a while to get closer to wildlife as I spend practically all my free time outside and taking pictures. I take pictures of: Red foxes, buzzards, kites, kestrels, deer, all sorts of garden birds, swallows etc and have found it challenging to get close enough to the subject. Sure, I can get close enough sometimes, but I feel like I need that extra zoom to improve my wildlife photography. Do you think this would suit my needs? And do you think this is a good investment that will last over 4-5 years? Many thanks, Eliza.

[@grantatkinson8108]

Hi Eliza, for sure this lens will get you a lot closer than your 55-250mm lens. It is also still compact and light enough to be easy to manage, and either one of the two models in this comparison are built to last. It also will get you to 400mm of focal length without losing light compared to your current lens, with its f5.6 maximum aperture. Their are other lenses that have more magnification like the Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm lenses but they are a lot bigger and also need more light with their maximum apertures of f6.3.

[@willburton6987]

Grant Atkinson thanks Grant, your reply really helps! I may get I'm contact again soon. I've just been outside taking pictures of a fox and... the first cub of this year!!!

[@grantatkinson8108]

You are welcome, and very lucky to have foxes close by :-)

[@willburton6987]

Grant Atkinson certainly am! I love wildlife!

[@anildev03]

Hi Grant, it’s a very impressive video thanks for the info, I have been using 100-400 mk I and very happy with the performance and planing to upgrade the body, 5d mk iii, 7d mk ii, 90d which one do you suggest and no plans in upgrading the lense for now.

[@grantatkinson8108]

Hi Anil, it can be helpful to say which body you have using up til now?

[@anildev03]

Grant Atkinson 600d

[@anildev03]

Learned with it

[@grantatkinson8108]

@@anildev03 I would say if pure image quality at high iso was the main requirement, then the 5D3 would be the best, as well as autofocus performance. The 5D3 will offer the least fine pixel resolution of the three bodies you mentioned though. It also has excellent external controls. The 7D2 will offer the weakest image quality in low light of the three bodies mentioned, but it has excellent external controls and speed, with a deep buffer. Its also got a tough build perhaps tougher than the 5d3 even. The 90D is the lightest, offers the highest resolution as well as the finest pixel resolution so its good for small subjects and has a very versatile design with its tilt swivel screen. In viewfinder autofocus its very similar to the 7d2 for me as we own both still.

[@anildev03]

Grant Atkinson thank you sir, so if you say say 5D iii is the best option for clear and sharp pictures can I still use my original 100-400lens with it

[@hemidesign]

Hello Grant.. you are the master of wildlife photography.. love your stuff bud!! But I have a few questions for you: 1- where you from? (born and live) 2- Are you Canon ambassador? 3- Does the 100-400 mk1 takes extender? does the mk1 have weather sealing like the mk2?.. prices on Ebay getting super cheap for the mk1.. Thank you and God bless you brother!

[@grantatkinson8108]

I am from South Africa. Not a Canon ambassador, it would be nice :-). The original 100-400 mk1 can take the 1.4x extender but will only still do autofocusing with a 1D series camera or 5Dmk3, 5dmk4 or 7dmk2, also 6Dmk2 and 80D. With entry level Canon bodies it wont focus.

[@mbarns100]

Hey Grant! Would the original Canon 7d still work well with the new 100-400 ii. Thanks for the great videos!

[@grantatkinson8108]

Hi Mark, the original 7D will do a very good job with the new 100-400 IS ii..not sure what lens you are used to using on your 7D before for comparison but i have not seen any issues with the original 7D and this lens!

[@mbarns100]

Thanks for the reply Grant. Much Appreciated!! I'm coming from a sigma 150-500 F5-6.3 DG OS. It's just WAY too heavy! Keep up the great work!

[@grantatkinson8108]

Mark B, coming from that Sigma lens you ought to experience faster and more accurate focusing as well as lighter handling :-)

[@shivakumarpagad9892]

Can it be used on 200d..?

[@grantatkinson8108]

Yes, it can be used on the 200D, either one of those lenses, as that camera has an EF mount.

[@shivakumarpagad9892]

@@grantatkinson8108 ThankYou sir I'm a huge fan of ur photography... Love your work keep going... Do you have an Instagram account..?

[@derekshearer9049]

I had the mark ll. The actual focal length is NOT 400mm more like 350 (a little disappointed). Very hard to zoom and track birds in flight. Sold it. Bought a 70 to 200 f2.8 with a mark Ill 2x teleconverter. No appreciable loss In sharpness. Much easier to use. Cheers

[@markrigg6623]

Sounds like you had a faulty copy of that lense.

[@MrOliii1]

Hello Grant, Thanks a lot for the awesome and informative video. I work for a Bots safari company and heard a lot about you, it was great to stumble onto your youtube channel - now subscribed! I am seriously getting into photography but cannot afford to buy a new 100-400 mark 2 just yet. I found a few 2nd hand 100-400 mark 1 in good conditions for about R9500-R11,000 and am really interested. For a beginner, would you recommend getting a second hand mark 1? Or is it outdated and not worth it? Thank you in advance for your advice. Olivier

[@grantatkinson8108]

The original 100-400 can take great images, no doubt about it. Definitely worth R10 000 if you can get one in good condition. There does seem to be a little variability in individual lenses in this model...some seem sharper than others, so if it is at all possible to try out one before you buy it, that can help....

[@jayneparker8331]

Learning lots from you videos, thank you. We are heading to Borneo soon so thinking about what lenses to take. I have 7d Mkii and 70-200 ii f2.8 and 100-400 and 1.4. extender. The 100-400 was perfect in Africa but wondering about the low light in the jungle. Any recommendations ?( primates and birds are our focus).

[@grantatkinson8108]

For birds, Jayne Francis, I don't think that the 70-200 will get you close enough. For the primates, if you have some certainty that you will be able to approach them closely then the 70-200f2.8 will be ideal for its ability to gather lots of light, even under a canopy of leaves or in overcast conditions. For me it would come down to proximity..how close do you think you'll get? If your approach distances are far then you may not have much of a choice but to use the 100-400 for its extra reach?

[@jayneparker8331]

Thank you, think the answer is to try to take both. The airlines are making it difficult with carry on restrictions. Air NZ is 7kg and polices it closely. Might have to wear a big coat and use the pockets 😎. How do you rate the quality of pics for the 70-200 with the extender vs the 100-400?

[@grantatkinson8108]

I would take the bare 100-400 IS ii rather than the 70-200 with a 1/4x extender. Without the extender i find image quality very close between those two lenses- that is the EF 70-200L f2.8 IS ii and the EF 100-400 IS ii. Most places we go we are also faced with the 7kg restrictions but a big coat is one way to do it :-). Or one camera body around the neck on a strap with a wide angle lens to lower the bag weight

[@Nope123username]

Jayne Francis which part of borneo? I think we can shoot together as I am using my 100-400L mark 1

[@RogerZoul]

Thanks for the review, Grant. I love this lens.

[@joaquinloustaueisele4216]

great job!

[@davet3530]

Great comparison between these lenses Grant. And a great set of stunning images you have used there to show the results taken with the MKII. For anyone considering the MK II,. Just to add to what Grant has said, the lens collar holding the tripod foot on the MKII version is not completely removable as the original one is, but you can remove the tripod foot leaving just the the collar. Also, for anyone using a polariser filter on this lens, there is a small slidable window on the lens hood that allows to slide it back when fitted to the lens, allowing you to then adjust the polariser. Quite a useful feature for anyone who uses one. I have had both versions, and the new lens is IMHO very, very good, and because it focuses down to a very short distance too, it makes it much more versatile than the original.

[@grantatkinson8108]

Thanks for that Dave :-), and mentioning the filter window...although I dont use a filter so I have taped my window closed..

[@justmewo]

Nice one Grant great presentation

[@conservative-proud]

What about image quality ?

[@grantatkinson8108]

Image quality, there is some small improvement in detail with the Mark II lens evident, as well as fewer occasions when the backgrounds might come out a bit "nervous" but image quality evaluation depends upon how critical the final images are viewed. If you are shooting in-camera jpegs you might not notice much difference in image quality at all. But for my own use the more reliable and more accurate and quicker autofocus of the Mark II made the biggest difference.

[@conservative-proud]

@@grantatkinson8108 thank you, I only shoot RAW… But I expected the image quality to be a vast improvement on the previous lens since the MkI has been out many years…

[@grantatkinson8108]

@@conservative-proud for sure image quality can be perceived differently by different users, but the original push-pull Mark 1 IS was always an L lens and if i recall correctly, it had flourite and UD lens elements. So i consider it to have decent image quality to start with. In my opinion, the EF 100-400 IS ii has a small improvement in image quality over the Mark I IS but if that improvement is significant depends upon the users personal requirements. Both of the lenses met my needs for image quality when I was using them. I do still use an EF 100-400 IS ii in my work.

[@rthyrsthdrfhfrdh]

Very informative.Thank you sir.

[@shootermcgavin4999]

I'm curious to know how the new 100-400 compares to a Canon 70-200 2.8 ii with 2x teleconverter...mainly with the focus speed.

[@grantatkinson8108]

Hi Tyler, the new 100-400ii will focus significantly faster and more accurately than a 70-200L f2.8 IS ii and 2x extender. It will also be much more accurate, specially with moving subject matter. Adding the 2x extender to the 70-200f2.8ii also changes the physical balance of the lens quite a bit, which makes it quite a bit heavier. Adding the 2x extender to the 70-200f2.8 IS ii gives a combo that is more comparable to the older 100-400L IS, but the newer lens outperforms in it almost every field, in my opinion. I own both the 100-400ii and the 70-200L f2.8 IS ii. Hope that helps cheers Grant

[@dronespace]

great video, thank you

[@aleksandrmalakhov7552]

Thank you...

[@coolay11]

Thanks

[@sarasubirana7606]

Does this lens work well with the canon 90d?

[@laurenzbambach4817]

Yes

[@hpwan2]

I can't believe even the Mk2 is 10 years old now... (and I'm still saving money to buy the Mk1..)

[@eldergeek9416]

I have both, mk 1 is sharp, mk 2 slightly sharper, I prefer the push pull zoom, my mk 3 1.4x converter only works with the mk 2 auto focus

[@hpwan2]

@@eldergeek9416 I rent Mk1 serval times during air show - push pull zoom reacts quicker to capture fast moving airplanes but people also say it's also easier to get dust inside.. 🤔 but all the online review articles say that Mk2 is much better than Mk1, but it's also significantly more expensive on ebay.. I'm not sure if it worth the extra to get Mk2..

[@hpwan2]

@@eldergeek9416 I want to use the 100-400mm lens for airshow, I hired the Mk1 before and I quite like the push pull zoom because it's really convenient to change focal length when aircraft is approaching. I guess at my skill level, the Mk1 is probably more than enough..

[@eldergeek9416]

@@hpwan2 The push pull is great for approaching aircraft, also depends on the camera body and what AF method your are using, quite similar to Birds in flight

[@nickyclassen2827]

Awesome review, love the mk2 lens:)

[@YesNoMaybeSometimes]

How would a Canon 100-400 Mk1 compare to a Sigma 150-600 Contemporary?

[@grantatkinson8108]

I only have direct experience with the Sigma 150-600 Sport (not the Contemporary), but, from what I can tell, the Sigma Contemporary should give similar image quality to the original Canon EF 100-400 Mk 1, and I would believe the image stabilization on the Sigma to likely be of newer design and more effective. Both those lenses focus with moderate speed when compared to Canon's newer models or telephoto lenses with bigger maximum apertures. The Sigma has the long-range focal length advantage quite clearly at 600mm. The Canon is much smaller, lighter and easier to manage. Both are good value for money in what they offer.

[@paulroush5269]

@@grantatkinson8108 I have both the Sigma 150-600 C and the Canon 100-400 MK2. The MK2 is immensely better, both in sharpness and focus action using an 80D.

[@grantatkinson8108]

@@paulroush5269 I would agree with that, and I have had some experience since I did this video with the Contemporary. The 100-400 Mk2 sets a high standard for a telephoto zoom..

[@rarity2006]

Would this lens be suitable for a crop sensor camera like a 700d

[@grantatkinson8108]

Both lenses suitable for use with a 700D. Yes.

[@Crazyantek]

great video :)

[@sorpingskatterna]

Thx! :-)

[@marvona3531]

👍✳️👍✳️👍✳️

[@alessandrobergamaschi1521]

Speak in Italian

[@PapiBienzobas]

You “only” speaks over MK2 model. Only pics of Mks 😎🤔. Nothing over Canon 100-400 MK1. None pics. I have good pics - like MK2 - with my Mk1.