Many photographers will say, “Canon’s 100-400mm isn’t as sharp as the 300mm or 400mm f/2.8,” or “The contrast doesn’t compare to the 70-200mm.” My favorite gripe about it is, ”The 100-400mm isn’t fast enough to be a professional lens.” I won’t argue with any of those statements. However, I learned very quickly that carrying around a 400mm f/2.8 lens with a monopod is very restricting, and it isn’t very fun. There’s a reason those football photographers don’t do a whole lot of running around! In my opinion, the 100-400mm is a great lens that fills a specific niche. This is a fun lens that allows me to go out and have a blast with my camera, without slowing me down!
The 100-400mm is long glass in a small package, and I’ve probably had more fun with it than any other lens I’ve owned. In certain ways, it’s even re-ignited my passion for photography and made me realize that making images or carrying a camera isn’t always work. It can be fun too! I use Canon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS for almost everything. For weddings and portraits there are certainly better lenses out there, but in terms of going out into the world and having a great long lens option in my camera bag, it’s the only choice. I don’t have to carry a 300mm or 400mm lens that weighs 10 or 11 pounds to get the shots I want. Carrying those lenses dictates everything from where I can go, to what I can do, and how I shoot once I get there. This lens on the other hand fits in a small bag and can be whipped out if I need it, or I can forget about it all day without feeling like I lugged around a huge beast of a lens for nothing!
My favorite use is for nature photography. Anyone who’s tried to capture animals in the wild knows that it can be hard to fill your frame with a small bird or lizard, but this lens makes it possible. Best of all, it’s small and light enough that I don’t need to leave home exclusively as the photographer. I can go about enjoying my day as usual, and bring it along in my camera bag in case I need it.
Despite it’s shortcomings, this lens has helped me capture many great moments, and all without sacrificing the freedom to enjoy my day!
