5D MKIII - 100-400 MKII - 1.4x MKIII

[Ronald Barker]

I think an updated talk on PSE would be of interest to the club, as we have a few new members it could be a help. I for one think its a good idea.

[Mike Farley]

OK, there seems to be some support for this, but if I am going to do it I'll need some input from members as to which topics they would like to see covered to ensure the presentation is relevant.

I'll put a separate post on the General forum and I'll see what sort of response I get.

[Mike Farley]

OK, there seems to be some support for this, but if I am going to do it I'll need some input from members as to which topics they would like to see covered to ensure the presentation is relevant.

I'll put a separate post on the General forum and I'll see what sort of response I get.

The new topic seeking interest is here. Fill your boots.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1431

[Mike Farley]

I have found an article comparing the old and new lenses. One surprising claim was of reports from Internet forums* that the old lens was not very sharp, which was a surprise as I always thought it was one of Canon's sharpest, despite the age of its design. The writer says that image quality is similar from both, but many of the improvements are elsewhere, improved image stabilisation and bokeh for example, not mention conventional handling. Although Rose no longer has her old lens to make a direct comparison, it would be interesting to know her views and whether she concurs with the author's findings.

http://livingwilderness.blogspot.co.uk/ ... rk-ii.html

* Internet forums are probably like the Bible. You can find someone, somewhere to support any contention you might hold. This is the only forum where you will find unbiased and accurate information.

[Rose]

I no longer have the camera I used it with either so comparisons are difficult. My instinct though says it is sharper than the old lens - and I would agree that the MK I was no slouch. It focuses quicker, and closer. I took some shots of a robin at Sevenoaks on Sunday at 560mm (ie with the 1.4x) and the bird was barely more than 3 feet away. It has a third IS option which I've yet to work out

[Mike Farley]

It has a third IS option which I've yet to work out

Thanks for the update, Rose.

The third mode is active only while the shutter is open and prevents the image in the viewfinder jiggling about when the IS kicks in. It was first introduced on Canon's newest super telephotos and makes it easier to keep the subject in the frame while setting up a shot.

[Rose]

It has a third IS option which I've yet to work out

Thanks for the update, Rose.

The third mode is active only while the shutter is open and prevents the image in the viewfinder jiggling about when the IS kicks in. It was first introduced on Canon's newest super telephotos and makes it easier to keep the subject in the frame while setting up a shot.

Thanks Mike... so still for static shots then, and not panned, which is the second setting.

[Mike Farley]

The third mode is active only while the shutter is open and prevents the image in the viewfinder jiggling about when the IS kicks in. It was first introduced on Canon's newest super telephotos and makes it easier to keep the subject in the frame while setting up a shot.

Thanks Mike... so still for static shots then, and not panned, which is the second setting.

Well, it's your lens and I do not have one to experiment with, nor a manual for that matter, so I am reliant on what I can find out on the Internet.

According to the Canon USA website, mode 3 is an extension of mode 2, i.e. stabilisation of the axis perpendicular to the panning direction, but does not activate until the shutter is fully depressed. That would be the most useful option and allow you to track a subject without jittering in the viewfinder. Possibly there might be a small delay before the shutter responds while the IS activates, but would not necessarily be noticeable in use. I believe that Canon has tweaked the IS algorithm to minimise IS adjustment and make it less apparent while framing a shot.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/ ... vantage_IS

Whatever mode is selected, there will be no jigglies visible while the shutter is open.

[Rose]

Thanks for the link Mike ! I was clearly wrong and mode 3 is going to be the one to use for birds in flight and air displays ! Fab

[Mike Farley]

Mode 3 seems to be the one which those who shoot action shots are favouring. As I said previously, you will need to experiment to find which works best for you.