Canon 100-400 L IS, dust pump or not - experiences?

I am redoing my kit towards digital (5D) and have the opportunity to rethink

some lenses at telephoto end for traveling landscape/wildlife. I am very

interested in the 100-400 L IS as it packs a lot of range into a nice package.

I top out now at 400 5.6--Sigma 400 APO Macro 77 that the 5D doesn't like and

sigma no longer supports/rechips--so I am happy with the far end, and I'll add a

canon TC. I also gap from 180/200 to 400 unless I use a TC. Thus the 100-400

fits nicely, and I get IS, albeit an older incarnation.

 

I see in the postings that many people are concerned that the push-pull

mechanism will toss lots of dust into the camera which will be especially

noticeable with the digitals. By definition, this means that air can pass

around the rear elements into the body, when the lens is compressed and it just

doesn't pass out, or in, along the zoom seal? Could people who use the lens

comment on their experience regarding dust?

 

Cheers, Jim

I have used the 100-400 on a 3 week trip in East Africa, changed the lens every now and then between 2 EOS 10D bodies without experiencing any dust problems untill the visit to the Ngorongoro crater. Because of the enormous dust clouds I have only used one body in the crater, that showed some dust afterwards. Problems seem to be more related to the presence and amount of dust than to the push-pull design of the lens.

I just bought one and used it at Indy for the Formula One weekend. No problems. So far so

good. Great lens. Just terrific for motorsports. (& other uses ofcourse). No dust problems. But

not very dusty in Indianapolis.

Not. In my experience, it's changing lenses that puts one at most risk of sensor dust, not

the zoom action of the 100-400.

No problems with my Canon 100-400 sample over the past several years, seeing lots of travel and sideline sports events on 20D and 5D. Handheld IS and AI Servo on the 5D (using the CF 4, option 1 focus/exposure setting) have been a great combination at any focal length in its range. I've noticed no more accumulation of sensor crud using/changing this lens over using/changing other Canon zooms or primes with either body.

"I see in the postings that many people are concerned that the push-pull mechanism will toss lots of dust into the camera which will be especially noticeable with the digitals."

 

Are you sure you're reading those reports right? I had one and it sucked tons of dust INTO THE INSIDE OF THE LENS, not into the camera. After sending it to Canon at least five times to have it cleaned I sold it.

I have had mine for three years and have not had any notable dust problems with it. Furthermore I use this lens very often!

For the most part, I have read that it is dust in the camera body that folks are concerned about. I perhaps, too subtly noted in the post, that this implies that the rear of the lens vents into the body which didn't make a lot of sense to me unless the rear elements move, thus the request for experiences. I should have more correctly posted dust in the lens barrel or camera body. Thanks for the info. What did Canon hit you up for for cleaning the lens?

No problem that I can tell. I use several lenses, including the 100-400, and I've only cleaned the sensor once on my 10D in the several years I've owned it. The 100-400 is a great all-purpose telephoto. Don't worry about the dust. Get the lens and enjoy it.

 

Phil

I have found it to be no different than any other "L" zoom. Plus it is an excellent very versitile lens.

I have read several reports claiming the 5D to be a dust magnet without regards to which lens is used. Still, cleaning an image sensor is easy to do, so I don't think it's much of an issue.

 

Some other non-push-pull lenses grow and shrink when zooming, and to a lesser extent while focusing. All of this certainly causes air to be exchanged in the lens and camera body, and if the air is dusty some of the dust can get in. Even if the lens is sealed the vacuum is going to be satisfied one way or another, even drawing in air from the pores of the camera. I don't think a push-pull design changes that.

 

But there are complaints of dust with the 100-400. Same with the Canon 17-55 f/2.8, but mine's still clean

Perhaps you would enjoy the 70-300 4.5-5.6 DO IS zoom or 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM over the big, white, push-pull L lens for travel. They are smaller and less obtrusive. The DO is incredibly tiny for what it's packing. You already have a 400 5.6 if you really find yourself needing that much length on a trip....but I would just leave the 400 and bring a TC.

 

Keith

I have had no problems with dust and have used my 100-400mm lens for over 5 years.

I have used this lens in Africa and Arizona for several years. Don't worry. It is no worse than any other lens. You have to be careful in that environment with any camera and lens