IS on the Canon 100-400L

[mikeyb]

Hi,

just a quick question, when the IS is working on the 100-400 should the image be rock solid or is there still small movement depending on how well you are holding it? The image through the lens seems shift quite a bit when focusing and then settles.

When I had the 17-85 IS it was rock solid when the IS kicked in or is this just because it was soooo much lighter than the 100-400, the only reason I ask is because the 100-400 is still under warranty until 21/6/07 and would want it checked/sorted before the warranty ran out. The lens itself is supersharp so I am also wary of having it looked at and making it less so.

Sorry if this seems a stupid question

Mike.

 

[Grendel]

Hi Mike,

You should notice a distinct difference when the IS is on. On mine I almost feel a small clunk in the lens when I half press the shutter and you can notice the image, well, stabilise in the viewfinder. You can hear the IS working too if it's not too noisy around you. HTH

 

[Grendel]

Just to add, I wouldn't say the image is rock solid but very "stable". Without the IS it's almost impossible to keep a subject centered in the viewfinder (harder the further towards 400mm you go) but with the IS on you can easily keep the image where you want it

 

[mikeyb]

Hi Mike,

You should notice a distinct difference when the IS is on. On mine I almost feel a small clunk in the lens when I half press the shutter and you can notice the image, well, stabilise in the viewfinder. You can hear the IS working too if it's not too noisy around you. HTH

What took you so long , sounds fine then mine makes a clunk and then whirrs away quietly, I am just being super cautious and thought that whilst I have NO camera just now as both of them are dead, that it might have been worthwhile having Canon check it out whilst still warrantied.

Mike.

 

[mikeyb]

Just to add, I wouldn't say the image is rock solid but very "stable". Without the IS it's almost impossible to keep a subject centered in the viewfinder (harder the further towards 400mm you go) but with the IS on you can easily keep the image where you want it

Hi,

thanks for that, probably best to leave it as it is in case the Canon boys make it worse

Cheers for the super fast replies.

Mike.

 

[CT]

Not a stupid question mate - it's a lot of dosh so it can be a bit worrying if you think there's something wrong. I find that with the 100-400, when you press the shutter button half way there's a slight delay before it kicks in and when it does you can just about hear it and you can slightly feel it. It obviously doesn't compensate for large movements of the lens, but you can see that jittery viewfinder image become still when the IS kicks in. That's the best way I can describe it mate.

I'd try taking a few shots a couple of stops below normal safe hand holding speeds which should show you whether it's working or not. Don't forget to select IS Mode 1 unless they're panning shots.

 

[Grendel]

Hi,

thanks for that, probably best to leave it as it is in case the Canon boys make it worse

Cheers for the super fast replies.

Mike.

HTH Sounds like you lens is fine then - or both of ours are bust

 

[CT]

HTH Sounds like you lens is fine then - or both of ours are bust

And mine!

 

[mikeyb]

Not a stupid question mate - it's a lot of dosh so it can be a bit worrying if you think there's something wrong. I find that with the 100-400, when you press the shutter button half way there's a slight delay before it kicks in and when it does you can just about hear it and you can slightly feel it. It obviously doesn't compensate for large movements of the lens, but you can see that jittery viewfinder image become still when the IS kicks in. That's the best way I can describe it mate.

I'd try taking a few shots a couple of stops below normal safe hand holding speeds which should show you whether it's working or not. Don't forget to select IS Mode 1 unless they're panning shots.

Hi Cedric,

thanks for the input, I can only assume that mine is perfect then, I didn't think there was anything wrong but just wanted the operation of it confirmed before the warranty expired in a couple of weeks.

It might be that I'm getting withdrawal symptoms as I have been cameraless for 2 weeks now and getting jittery

Mike.

PS: so three busted 100-400's on the same thread

 

[mrgubby]

Hi Cedric,

It might be that I'm getting withdrawal symptoms as I have been cameraless for 2 weeks now and getting jittery

I'd be happy enough to look after it for you & give it a good testing .


Ps. It's meant to be the lens that gets jittery not you

 

[mikeyb]

I'd be happy enough to look after it for you & give it a good testing .


Ps. It's meant to be the lens that gets jittery not you

ok you send me your camera I'll send you my lens..... oh b****r that won't work

Mike.

 

[mrgubby]

ok you send me your camera I'll send you my lens..... oh b****r that won't work

Mike.

Sounds fair , I'll send you my 300D & your 100-400L will fit nicely on my 30D

 

[mikeyb]

Sounds fair , I'll send you my 300D & your 100-400L will fit nicely on my 30D

You can go off people very quickly , 2 bloomin' cameras showoff :razz: and here's little ole me with none :bang:

[S2]My 30D at the hospital, my 350D killed by 2 yr old grandaughter[/S2]

If you lived a bit closer you could certainly have had a shot of the 100-400, ( hopes he doesn't have holiday home in Scotland )

 

[mrgubby]

My parents are in Etrick for a week & the rest of the family live in Dunblane & Dunfermline


Mrs G says I've got to sell the 300D or she'll make me send the 30D back :shrug:

 

[mikeyb]

My parents are in Etrick for a week & the rest of the family live in Dunblane & Dunfermline


Mrs G says I've got to sell the 300D or she'll make me send the 30D back :shrug:

Och, just tell her its financially NOT viable as it's worth so little, I'm getting in the same boat with my 350D once I get it repaired, not sure whether to sell or just keep as a backup.

Bet she has more than one pair of shoes so try that angle

Mike.