After several weeks without my 100-400 lens I finally got it back today. The problem had been with the zoom ring, which varied between providing no grip on the zoom to tightening so much it would 'grind'. It's a great lens but the zoom is a push-pull (rather than twist), and the tightening mechanism is somewhat prone to work loose. The repair looks good (which it ought to be for the cost of Canon repairs). The entire barrel has been replaced, and peering into the glass it looks as though it's had a good clean as well. It's either been rebuilt from scratch or very possibly replaced (new serial number as well, but that could just be the barrel which has the number stamped on it). Anyway, I wanted to test it out so headed to the beach at Rottingdean.
The beach
View of Brighton Marina
There weren't that many birds about to test out the speed/accuracy of the auto focus, but I did get a couple of distant shots.
A passing Cormorant
Sandwich tern
Black-headed gulls
The tide was in so there was no risk of getting caught out on the rocks today, but someone must have known I was around because the Air Ambulance came overhead, just in case :whistle:
Sussex Air Ambulance
The lens seems to be working fine, and it was good to have the use of the zoom again. I'd started to miss the flexibility it offers, plus the fact that it has image stabilization.
Nice to have an old friend back. I've probably used this lens more than any other, and if I'm going out with only one lens then this is the pick.
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
gdare
25 Aug 2009I like the first photo and one of the running black headed gulls 😆
Cynthia23
25 Aug 2009Yeah, I do also, very funny and cute. Glad to see it working great!
SittingFox
25 Aug 2009Glad you've got it back! Also glad that you saw the sandwich tern without going swimming 😉
Ukwildlife
25 Aug 2009Nice shots. Looks like the lens is working fine
Flying Red Fox Blog
25 Aug 2009Very good and the Police Heli making sure you wont drown LOL! 😆
Once i use to try and take a photo of the local police heli G-SUSX, based at Shoreham over Bognor at night, but when i flashed he tried to shine a light at me so i hid and didnt do that again 😛
Words
25 Aug 2009Darko, thanks. The gulls were all sitting peacefully until two young lads ran on to the groyne and startled them. It made for a nice shot though. 😉
Words
25 Aug 2009Cynthia, thanks!
Words
25 Aug 2009Neil, yes it's working ok. Took it out again today and got some interesting birds (more on that later).
Words
25 Aug 2009Adele, thanks. The term was a nice surprise (again) and difficult to spot among the gulls. Glad to have the lens back, but now I'll start fretting over whether to take the zoom or the prime out (mad to take them both because I doubt I'd switch).
Words
25 Aug 2009Mark, yes I'm sometimes wary of the police helicopters. It's perfectly legal to photograph them, but I guess they won't like the flash going off.