Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6
After several years of fairthful service I'm selling this great lens. I've just had it serviced by Colchester Camera who are a Canon authorised service facility. They replaced several parts including the zoom band and rollers. I've tried three 100-400 lenses and this is now the smoothest zoom I've felt on one. They also did a full service: "Clean and service project and set up to canon spec". £244 worth of work in all. I will include a copy of the receipt. As such it is in good functional condition. Aesthetically, it has seen better days, which isn't surprising given its age. There are various nicks in the paintwork and wear of some of the labeling. Obviously though, this makes no difference to its function.
There is a tiny amount of fungus on the inside of the front element which I only discovered on close inspection before sending it off for its service. I spoke to the technician at Colchester Camera about this and they assured me that it would make no difference to the optical quality as it is so small and right at the edge (see pictures). I would agree with this as I hadn't even noticed it untill closely examining the lens under good light. The technician also said that it would be at no increased risk of fungus than a new lens. The risk is dependant on how you look after the lens. As with any lens, brand new or old, if you keep it warm and damp, it will grow fungus. If you look after it, it should be fine for many years. I reiterate the optical quality on this is not effected by the fungus and it produces nice images. As will all 100-400, its peak sharpness is about f7.1-8 but it is still very acceptable at f5.6, this is just what the 100-400 is like.
The real beauty of this lens it its ability to cope in lower light conditions than similarly priced 400mm lenses. The IS allows very low shutter speeds. I've successfully got images from it at 1/30 and can be sure of sharp results at 1/100. The IS is quite, unlike the sigma 150-500, so better for video work.
The other great feature of this lens is its close focusing ability. I've used this lens to shoot many macro insect shots. The last 8 images on this page were shot using it, as well as several of the next page. When you add extension tubes to this lens it becomes a very adept butterfly lens, allowing for big magnification without getting too close.
Generally it is also very good as a lowish-budget wildlife lens. If you're looking to get into wildlife photography in a serious way, I would start with a 100-400. It's not the "best" 400mm available, arguably the 400mm prime is better, but for the money and the freedom of lighting conditions and focal lengths, I would call it the best "first lens" for a budding wildlife photographer. It served me well in this regard and I have sold many images taken with it.
It will be packaged in the same packaging Colchester Camera used, so nice and secure.
Comes with front and rear caps, hood, original Canon case and tripod collar.
Please email me to request sample CR2s.
I will be selling it on eBay if you prefer that, but I can sell it for lens person-to-person as I don't need to worry about the 10% (!) cut that eBay takes. I'm looking for about £700 ONO. Do contact me with the link in the menu.
If you do buy it, do look after it. It deserves it.
