Beginner Is buying a new Canon 100 - 400 L Mk 1 a good idea ?

Zimmer

Zimmer

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Tom
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First of all I have a crop sensor (Canon 60D), I'm an amateur and always will be, but never the less I would like a "decent" long lens, in case I see something interesting. :)
I looked at the 150 -500 Sigma, considered the Tamron and of course like everyone else, I would like the Canon MkII 100 - 400, as I have the 24 -105 lens so adding the 100 - 400 seems ideal.
The Mk II is a lot too expensive for an amateur with nothing in particular to shoot and I don't really see the point of buying secondhand Mk1s as most people are asking £700 upwards for well used lenses.
I can get a new Canon 100 - 400 with warranty for about £1000 and reading many online reviews, I think I would be fine with this. I'm also an impatient wretch, once I have got an idea into my head.
What ya think, good idea or not ?, will the Mk1 price fall a lot, or will I just get it and will I live happily ever after. :ROFLMAO:
 
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Thanks for the reply, but with the 400 f/5.6L, then I will have nothing in the bag between 105mm and 400mm
 
I'd get a tamron 150-600 or wait a little to see how the new sigma 150-600 contemporary turns out. If you're happy with the reviews and cost of the 100-400mk1 though then I think you know what you're going to do. :)
 
daugirdas said:
Do you need in between or do you need good 400mm? You can't have both unless you buy mk2.
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That's not true

I've had two 400 5.6 lenses and two 100-400 lenses. The 100-400 I currently have is by far the best of the four at 400mm.

People are quick to rule out a lens once a new shiny version is released.

If the mark 2 100-400 is beyond your budget and you don't want the the limitations of a fixed 400 then the original 100-400 is a good choice.

As for new / used - there will be lots of decent 100-400 mark 1 lenses for sale at the moment due to people buying mark 2 so don't rule used out. Keep an eye out for a recent date code model and if possible one close enough to go and try out.
 
daugirdas said:
Do you need in between or do you need good 400mm? You can't have both unless you buy mk2.
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I know what you are saying m8, but I think I need in between as losing 105mm to 400mm and foregoing IS seems too much of a trade off for the IQ improvement at 400 mm.
But then again as I said, I am a relative beginner and know little about the IQ difference apart from reading online reviews.

stu.artd said:
I think you know what you're going to do. :)
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I think you might be right :)
 
dinners said:
If the mark 2 100-400 is beyond your budget and you don't want the the limitations of a fixed 400 then the original 100-400 is a good choice.

As for new / used - there will be lots of decent 100-400 mark 1 lenses for sale at the moment due to people buying mark 2 so don't rule used out. Keep an eye out for a recent date code model and if possible one close enough to go and try out.
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Thanks for the reply m8.
To be honest, considering it's likely the lens will not get a lot of use, I have difficulty justifying the price of the Mk1 and definitely not the Mk2. (don't tell the wife)
The reason, I am kinda ruling out secondhand, is I am in Ireland so trying out most of the lenses is not really an option. Also insured delivery is expensive. Where as from Amazon for £1000 all in I have delivery, warranty and brand new. Finally it appears if I change my mind, I could sell/trade my new lens without losing a fortune
 
Zimmer said:
I am in Ireland so trying out most of the lenses is not really an option.
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Being in rural Scotland I can relate to that.

Coincidently, my 100-400 had a prolonged holiday in Co Meath recently after I accidentally left it at my brothers house.:facepalm:
 
I've previously owned a used 100-400L and despite it having to go back for an issue, I would happily buy another used one, even more so as the used price has started to drop now the MK11 is out.
However, I am a way off before owning another super zoom and if I was in your shoes and prepared to pay for a brand new MK1, I would seriously consider the Tamron 150-600 as the reviews are very good and the extra reach would be beneficial for wildlife, especially small birds.
 
I've bought two 100-400 lenses, both second hand, both £600, both pin sharp and excellent.
It's a great lens and I think works really well for sport, as the ability to quickly zoom with the push pull is brilliant (once you get used to it, it feels a little alien at first). We use them on a full frame and crop camera and a great lens. As you have said, if I'm out walking I can cover lots with a 14mm wide, 24-105 and 100-400.

One looks like new, one has a few minor marks on it that you have to look closely at.
Don't discount second hand, or if you want warranty, mpb photographic have a few around 700-750. Everything I've bought from them has been in really good condition and better than described.
 
I would really consider MPB, they will deliver to Ireland and are a top notch company to deal with. I've had a mk I & sold it to Mpb to help fund a mk ii. You will get a warranty from them and save about £250. I would think that many of the lenses in there would be in next to new condition.
 
Byker28i said:
Don't discount second hand, or if you want warranty, mpb photographic have a few around 700-750. Everything I've bought from them has been in really good condition and better than described.
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Adam J said:
I would really consider MPB, they will deliver to Ireland and are a top notch company to deal with.
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Thanks m8s

I did look at them. They have one Ex++ condition one and it's
"There is some very light dust within the lens,. The lens barrel shows only the lightest cosmetic marks."
It also seems to be missing the soft case and missing the tripod mount and it comes to £772 delivered.
At £1000 brand spanking new complete with everything and full warranty, I'm not sure at that price that secondhand wins.
 
Just because the new one has arrived the old ones don't automatically become c**p.
Given that there is about £1K difference between the two if you don't want to spend £2K, which lets be honest is a lot of cash for a hobby, then get the Mk1, there is nothing wrong with it, I certainly am not spending £1K to upgrade mine.
As others have said look at MPB they are very good but it depends on how important £200 and the canon warranty is, only you can decide that
 
One thing you've not mentioned is what your primary lens usage would be for. That does play an important role in whether or not out can be recommended. Speaking broadly though, if you want to cover a very large focal range without breaking the bank and have it still be portable I can't see any reason as to why you would pass on it other than the aperture being relatively small and the push pull design not being to everyone's personal taste. The image quality should be perfectly acceptable, especially on crop where you're not going to see any vignetting.
 
There is one in the classified section for £600 complete with the soft pouch and tripod collar.
There have been many 100's of successful trades on here, I've bought and sold (including a 100-400L/) loads of kit on her without a single problem.
No you don't get a warranty but 99% of the people who have used the classified section are decent and honest.
People post close up shots to show any wear and tear and also photos taken with the lenses including links to full size images.
Just a thought and few 100 quid left in your pocket :D
 
Zimmer said:
Thanks m8s

I did look at them. They have one Ex++ condition one and it's
"There is some very light dust within the lens,. The lens barrel shows only the lightest cosmetic marks."
It also seems to be missing the soft case and missing the tripod mount and it comes to £772 delivered.
At £1000 brand spanking new complete with everything and full warranty, I'm not sure at that price that secondhand wins.
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Yup I can see your thinking
 
Thanks everyone for all the help, it's now been decided.

The 100 - 400 Mk1 it is.

As for sellers on here, as I am not in the UK, it needs to be an established seller with good feedback as it can't be a face to face deal. If it's an established seller with a good price, then it will be snapped up as the seller will understandably prefer a "local" sale.
Then insured delivery to Ireland will be on top, then bank transfer is a pain so the payment method is usually Paypal with the buyer (me) paying the fees. It is of course a totally different scenario, if you know the seller, or can drive to his/her house and check it out.
Much as I would like the extra dosh in my pocket, I will go for new, as full warranty, everything complete and "brand spankin' new" shades it for me.
 
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Yup can't fault your logic at all. It'll be a lens you'll hang onto so a worthwhile investment.
 
Big Andy said:
Now comes the hard bit, waiting for the delivery. :D
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Got home late last night and my pride and joy had arrived. As a relative newbie who never had a lens of this type before, first impression "gosh it's heavy" and boy am I crap at trying to hold it steady. :)
Nothing to aim at except the little clock on the mantlepiece, so 1:30 am, sitting in my armchair, at 400 mm in my shaky hands, my very first shot with it, I know it's a crap photo but I'm a happy bunny.
The weather is dreadful here today, so nowhere to go. :(



 
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A new version doesn't make an old version immediately rubbish. I adore my mk1, hope you enjoy yours as much.
Matt
 
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