I've got a chance of buying a used 4/5 year old Canon 100-400mm L lens for my 5D at not too bad a price.
Due to distance, I'd have to buy by post so will have no chance of testing it out before parting with my money. The owner tells me that it is in good condition, about 4/5 years old, but that the zoom friction lock is not as tight as when new - so there is some evidence of mechanical wear and tear.
A quick galance through reviews for this lens mention the zoom lock problem, but more worryingly, zoom slide bearings seizing up + variable optical performance due to optical element loss of aligment as the zoom slide/bearings wear and slop about!!
Mmmmm ..... an L lens with all sorts of problems built-in by bad design!! All sound expensive to sort out!
I've already got a good version of Canon's 70/300mm IS, but was wanting a bit more reach on the 5D for wildlife, I'm near the Ribble Estuary with lots of wildfowl.
A nice big white lens might be great for the ego, but if it hits my pocket does it just become a big white elephant......
Am I being too cautious and the problems mentioned are very rare and easy to sort out or should I stick with the 70/300 and crop a bit more?
What's your experience with the 100/400mm? I know the 400mm f5.6 L is the lens of choice, but it's outside my price range.
Due to distance, I'd have to buy by post so will have no chance of testing it out before parting with my money. The owner tells me that it is in good condition, about 4/5 years old, but that the zoom friction lock is not as tight as when new - so there is some evidence of mechanical wear and tear.
A quick galance through reviews for this lens mention the zoom lock problem, but more worryingly, zoom slide bearings seizing up + variable optical performance due to optical element loss of aligment as the zoom slide/bearings wear and slop about!!
Mmmmm ..... an L lens with all sorts of problems built-in by bad design!! All sound expensive to sort out!
I've already got a good version of Canon's 70/300mm IS, but was wanting a bit more reach on the 5D for wildlife, I'm near the Ribble Estuary with lots of wildfowl.
A nice big white lens might be great for the ego, but if it hits my pocket does it just become a big white elephant......
Am I being too cautious and the problems mentioned are very rare and easy to sort out or should I stick with the 70/300 and crop a bit more?
What's your experience with the 100/400mm? I know the 400mm f5.6 L is the lens of choice, but it's outside my price range.
