Question about canon 100-400 L version 1 vs version 2

[Karsaa]

Is the image quality how noticeably different with those versions?

[BillW]

IMO.....yes. I had the 100-400 vers 1 as my first long lens. I sold it when I had an opportunity to buy a 500.
I rented the 100-400 vers 2 for a trip to photograph Puffins on Machias Island and was truly impressed w/the improved crispness and bokeh of the vers 2.
I would buy vers 2 without hesitation if I thought I would get a lot of use....but w/the 70-200 2.8 vers 2 and the 500, I've found I don't miss the zone between 280mm thru 400mm.
I would rent the 100-400 vers 2 without hesitation if I go on another trip that would require its abilities.
Go to my Flickr site, page 3 for a few examples of the Puffin shoot; www.flickr.com/photos/wwwakehamjr/[/URL]

Bill

[Joel Eade]

Big improvement in IQ between version 1 and version 2 IMHO.

I think Version 2 has a closer minimum focus which makes it useable for "macro" work although its not a true macro lens.

Version 2 will accept the 1.4 TC which takes you out to 560mm focal length....the AF and IQ hold up very well using the teleconverter.

Version 2 zooms with a rotating ring vs push-pull for version 1 .... I think this is easier and more intuitive to use and it has been reported to reduce internal dust compared to version 1.

[Jonathan Huyer]

I never owned version 1, but version 2 is ridiculously sharp and has great bokeh. Very happy with it. I haven't tried it with the 1.4 TC but I believe Joel's testimony that it would maintain decent performance.

Example shot at 400 mm and f/5.6:

[Joel Eade]

Here is a sample of performance of the new 100-400 with the 1.4 TC
I would expect even better if taken from a solid rest or tripod (this was in a rocking boat)





5D MKIV
Canon 100-400mm Version II + 1.4 TC @ 560mm ... hand held from a boat
1/1600
f/9.0
iso 320
Exposure bias -1 EV

[Kayaker72]

I am only reiterating what others have said, but I can now comment on this thread as I now have owned both. Yes, the IQ is noticeably better v2 vs v1. This is definitely noticeable with a 1.4xTC. I did not care for the IQ with 1.4x TC on the V1 model whereas with the V2 model it is actually very good. Actually, thinking about it, the V2 +1.4TC is as good or better as the V1 model without a TC.

So, a solid improvement, IMO.

[Busted Knuckles]

where would you put the 100-400 with TC next to the 150-600 you have?

[Kayaker72]

Funny you should ask....

So far, I think I like the bokeh from the 150-600S and it does give a bit more reach (still estimating how much more).....IQ seems to be a toss up, but size, weight and AF speed (may be the deciding factor) favors the 100-400 II with 1.4TC.

I'll post more in the "ultimate super tele" thread shortly....but that is the quick summary.