For Canon folks, the 7D Mark II is definitely the most exciting camera announcement of 2014, particularly if your hobby (or job) is shooting sports or wildlife images. The original 7D was popular in these niches as well, but Canon have gone after these markets in a much bigger way with the 7D Mark II. The 65-point AF system is generally on a par with that of the 3-times more expensive flagship EOS 1-DX, and in fact features a much wider spread of AF points across the frame. I think it’s the best AF system I’ve ever used, and the customization options are frankly incredible. Here’s an example of one of my 7D Mark II customizations that I call “Dual back button AF”:
Hopefully you are all familiar with back button AF, where the AF is only active when the AF-ON button is pressed on the back of the camera. On the 7D Mark II I have the AF-ON button assigned to engage AI-Servo tracking, but I can also assign the * button next to it to engage single spot-focus in One-Shot focus mode. This way I never have to use any menus to switch between AI Servo and One-Shot focus. I simply hold my finger down on whichever button I need. I can even squeeze the DOF preview button to engage full 65-point AF at any point as well. Switching between AI-Servo and One-Shot in a fraction of a second is incredibly powerful, particularly with wildlife photography. You can use the super accurate spot AF point to set focus on your static subject, but if they suddenly start to move, just move your finger to the AF-On button next to it and you unleash the full power of the AI-Servo system instantly.
As well as the incredible AF system, the 7D Mark II is also built like a tank and according to LensRentals.com, has the best weather sealing of any DSLR they’ve ever dismantled. High praise from a company that’s probably got more experience with dissecting camera gear than anyone else in the business. A solid build and strong resistance to the elements also make it a great wildlife photography option where you’re often out in the wild and want to have the option to brave all weathers while you wait for your critters to appear. Let’s not forget as well that when they do appear, and the lightning fast AF system locks on, you’ll be able to fire shots off at a blistering 10fps.
Shortly after the 7D Mark II hit the shelves, Canon also unveiled the long awaited replacement to the 100-400mm L IS, the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM. The term “long-awaited” often gets thrown around in the photography world because we’re an impatient bunch, but this time it’s fair because the Mark I was 16 years old!! That’s half my entire life!
When it comes to sports and wildlife photography there’s really no escaping the fact that you’re going to need a pretty long lens. You might be happy with something in the 400mm range, but quite often you’ll need longer than that, especially if bird photography is one of your favourite subjects. Quality long lens options are relatively few and far between and the old 100-400 has been a steady seller for it’s whole life to fill this area. Yes there’s the old 300mm f/4 IS and the 400mm f/5.6 as well, but the zoom has always been a more popular choice. What we need to remember is that on an APS-C sensor camera, like the 7D Mark II, the 100-400 is actually a 160-640mm equivalent. Now we’re talking!! 640mm is a very respectable focal length for wildlife photography, and more than enough for most sporting applications. For the first time in a non 1-Series or 5-Series body, Canon have also included the ability to autofocus with a lens featuring a max f/8 aperture. This is HUGE news for wildlife photographers as well, particularly with this lens because it means you can attach a 1.4x extender to this lens and get an equivalent 896mm lens and still use autofocus. Not only that, but it seems that Canon are so confident in the performance of this combination that they included MTF charts for it and they look pretty damn impressive. In fact, for the first time, Canon also included MTF charts for this lens with a 2X extender on it! Now that particular combination will not autofocus on ANY Canon camera, but the mere fact they included the charts suggests to me that they are quite proud of the results and this would give you 1280mm equivalent focal length which is just insane! Check out the graphic below for your options.
The 100-400 features several new innovations for a Canon zoom lens as well. Firstly it comes with an all new type of lens hood that has a small window in the side for allowing you to adjust a circular polarizer. This is of less significance to sports and wildlife shooter who rarely use such filters, but it’s a nice improvement nonetheless. The next improvement is in the design of the lens foot. As you can see from the images on this page, a small thumb wheel now allows you to release the foot when it’s not needed. Importantly, it’s no longer joined to the actual ring so you can quickly and easily store it in your bag when it’s not needed. All previous models where a right pain in the ass to store as you had to remove the whole ring and it was very awkward! Another first for this lens is the variable friction control for the zoom mechanism. The Mark I version of this lens featured the infamous “dust pump” push-pull zoom mechanism and for the Mark II this has thankfully been replaced with a more standard zoom ring, with an added friction control that allows you to customize the feel of the zoom, and also lock it out to prevent creep when carrying. Optically this lens features a fair bit more glass than the original version and that accounts for the slight weight increase, even with the new magnesium chassis. It also features multi-layered Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology which uses trapped air bubbles between glass to decrease the deceleration of light as it enters the lens and cut down on ghost and flare-causing reflections. Canon’s recent run of zoom lenses (200-400 , 24-70 f2.8 L II, 70-300 L IS etc) have been remarkable in terms of optical performance and in some cases surpassing, or at least equalling the prime equivalents that their zoom range passes though. Given the extended development tim of this lens, and the recent quality of Canon’s zooms, I suspect this lens will be quite remarkable compared to the original version. The MTF charts that you can see below also confirm some impressive performances.
So is this pair a perfect match? For $4000 you can get a 10fps shooting camera with best-in-class AF system and an equivalent reach of over 600mm. I know there are other options for zoom lenses, like the excellent Tamron 150-600 which I have here mounted to a 7D Mark II in front of me. But the Tamron is a much larger lens and the relatively compact 7D + 100-400 package is, for me, one of its most attractive features. It’s a combination that you could put in your pack, along with a wide zoom like a 16-35 f/4 L IS, and be well equipped for a day of landscape and wildlife photography or a sporing event from the sidelines. A killer, simple setup that doesn’t break your back or the bank. Not that $4000 isn’t a fairly hefty price tag, but when you consider the price of other options like the a 400mm prime or a 600mm prime, this is a drop in the ocean.
MTF Charts
Will Your Camera AF at f/8?
Not sure if you will be able to maintain AF with your camera, and the combination of the 100-400 + extender? Since this is a question that was asked so often in the comments, I have created a resournce to list all cameras that will maintain AF with a lens+extender combination that delivers a max aperture of f/8.
Additional Reading
- 7D Mark II ISO3200 Samples
- 7D Mark II Full Resolution Sample – 1254mm
- 7D Mark II Saves The Day
- 7D Mark II – What’s Really Going To Make A Difference For Your Photography?
- 7D Mark II – Initial Thoughts
Please tell me a step-by-step on how you ‘. I can even squeeze the DOF preview button to engage full 65-point AF at any point as well’. I already have AF-ON set to AI-Servo and * set to One-Shot……but how to get the AF 65 point to the DOF preview button? I’d be eternally thankful!
Following the question, I’m having the same issues, not seeing any changes when I press the DOF button. I also see no options in the Custom Controls.
This is a double whammy !
I have already ordered the 7D mk ii to replace the original 7D which was my very first DSLR and was seeing very little work load of late. Now, next week, the Mk ii will add to my two full frame bodies to give me that added longer focal length angle of view.
Similarly one had discard the 100-400 and moved on to the second generation primes onto the unmatched 200-400 from Canon but now we are being offered this option for the days we want to give the old back-bone a bit of rest without regretting the lens choice after looking at the images. This does promise a good option for wildlife without braking the back and a bank vault !
Really interested in comments – I have a 7d Mk2 ( had 3 Mk 1’s before that) but was leaning towards a 1D-body for a 2nd sports camera but the more I think of it the 7D may be all I need… plus use that $$ for another lens.
I generally suggest people invest more in lenses. They last MUCH longer and the technology advances slowly. It’s a better investment .
Hi, Dan, Thank you for a great article to read, I was already thinking about buying this lens, but you inspired me to get the canon 7D 2 as well.
I have also got a canon 1×4 extender on order.
I have had this combo for a couple of weeks now, and I am over the moon with it.
I live in Perth Western Australia and with the daylight we get I have took some fantastic photos already.
We will be going travelling around Asia & Japan soon so it will get a good work out soon.
Once again thank you for a great read.
Joe.
I’m so glad it was useful Joe! I’m sure you are going to love this combination. It’s so powerful!
Hi, Dan, I have had my 7d Mark 2 and the 100- 400mm lens and the canon 1×4 extender
For a while now, And I am blown away by some of the Bird photos I have shot with this combo.
I intend buying the Canon 2x extender soon , now I know I can’t get auto focus but I can manual focus, do you think clear shots are possible with the 2x on in Manual focus.
I also have my camera set up on back button focusing with it beeping when i get focus.
Is there any way to set the camera to beep when you achieve focus in manual with the 2 extender on.
Thank you for your published articles, they are great reading.
Regards. Joe.
I think you would get decent photo if you really knew where your subject was going to be. For example pre focusing on a branch by a feeder. I don’t think you’ll get the confirmation beep, there simply isn’t enough light to the AF sensor for the camera to determine if it is in focus or not. But you can use live view at 100% to pre focus. It’s not ideal…but I think the photo would still maintain reasonable sharpness if your long lens technique is good.
Hey thank you for the great article 🙂 I’m really looking into investing in the 7D2 and the 2x extender! So with this full
combination, the 7D will allow autofocus at f11? Will I get the same results with the yongnuo 2x extender III? Thank you for all the help!
No there will be no AF for f/11. Manual focus only.
Hi Dan,would you be kind enough to expand on the non auto focus with 2x extender in relation to F/11?Does that mean it will not autofocus from narrower apertures to F/11 or from wider apertures to F/11?
Thanks in anticipation
When you use a 2x extender, it cuts out 2-stops of light so the f/5.6 aperture at the 400mm end actually becomes f/11. So it’s not possible to even select a wider aperture than f/11. Therefore, for everything f/11 and smaller, you cannot use AF. There are no cameras that can AF using a lens with a max aperture of only f/11. Does that help? You simply cannot even select wider aperture than f/11, the camera will not let you do it with the lens at 400mm.
Hi Dan,
I am just starting out on my keen amateur journey, and already have a 7D mark 11. if I purchase the 100 – 400 lens for my camera, is there any set up needed, or is it just a case of attaching the lens.
thank you
chris
No setup should be needed.
Hi sir I am Dr guru Prasad and I have canon 760d, apsc sensor camera and bought canon 100-400 mk ii , please let new know like 7d mk ii does 760 d support 1.4 x Tele extender, will auto focus work
Hi, there is no camera called the 760d, so this is a hard question to answer. Do you mean the 7D? Or the 70D, or maybe the 60D? Please check the model of the camera and I can help.
The EOS 760D does exist! You probably know it as the Rebel T6s.
Canon state that only the EOS-1 series, 7D Mark II and 5D Mark III with firmware 1.2.1 will allow autofocusing with a 1.4x tele extender on the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II
Ah, thanks for chiming in Mike!
Dan, thank you so much for your fantastic review.
I recently got my 7D Mark II and want to know what would be a better combination for wildlife?
70-200 F2.8 USM II IS + 2x Tele or 100-400 USM II IS + 1.4x Tele.
The second option with the 100-400 will be much better! That gives you the option to go to 560mm vs. 400, and also the native AF speed of the 100-400 is faster than the 70-200 with the 2x extender.
Thank you so much, Dan!
Could you please also advise between 100 – 400 II v/s Sigma 150 – 600 Sports?
Which would be better in terms of optics, sharpness and overall picture quality? They share same build quality I guess. I went through lot of reviews and kind of in a confused state. Few are in favor of Canon in terms of ability to render better picture quality and overall IQ whereas few are in favor of Sigma being equally capable.
I could summarize below advantages of each.
Canon 100 – 400 II
– Much better Minimum Focus Distance
– Much better to handhold
– Slightly better wide open aperture (F5.6 v/s F6.3)
– 77 mm (Can share filters with other lenses)
Sigma 150 – 600 Sports
– Extra reach (600 mm v/s 400 mm)
– Custom settings and micro adjustments with USB Dock
Thanks a ton!
I’d say the image quality is better in the Canon, but really, these are lenses with two very different potentials. 400m vs 600mm is a HUGE gap when photographing things like wildlife. There’s no point having the 100-400 if you’re always going to be disappointed that you weren’t closer to your subject. So really, the question should be, if you had the Sigma, how often would you be using the 400-600mm part of the zoom range?
Also worth noting is the 100-400 is a lens you can pop in your bag without much thought. The Sigma 150-600 Sport is staggering heavy and large. I would not recommend buying it until you have held one in your hand to feel it.
Thanks Dan!
I will go with 100-400 II, looks to be a safer bet and better IQ lens. Also, to your point, I don’t know how many times I would require that 400 – 600 element v/s close focus abilities of Canon. May be will get a 1.4x Tele for that :).
Yeah seems like a good choice. The close focus of the 100-400 is BRILLIANT! So nice to have that capability.
Hi.
I have used my 7D Mk II and the Sigma 150 – 600 C combination for a time and found it too heavy to hold for a whole day’s shooting.
I now use the Canon 100-400 IS Mk2 (and 1.4x extender when I need more reach).
In my opinion the Canon lens and extender give better image quality than the Sigma.
Note that the 100-400mm lens on 7D or 7D Mk II, plus 2x extender, will autofocus in ‘Live View’ mode. This is also true with the 760D (Rebel T6).
Thanks for the insight! Glad you have found a combination that you are happy with.
Dan,
Fantastic information.
i am going to the buy the 7D mark II via your link.
Still can not make up my mind between 70-200 2.8 and 100-400 II.
Would love to get the extra range for baseball games, but will the 100-400 be good enough for high school football games (ie under lights). Just taking pix of my kids on the side lines.
Thanks
If that football subject is your main priority then I think the f/2.8 would be better for you. Major stadiums can be shot at smaller apertures like you like 4.5-5.6 but it’s unlikely your kids soccer fields will have lights of that kind of intensity. I think the 70-200 will be a better bet for you, and then the 1.4x extender might be a consideration to get 320mm @f/4. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my 100-400, but I feel like you are going to struggle with the speed of football and requirement for fast shutter speed without f/2.8.
Dan
I currently take photos of amateur football/soccer on saturday afternoons and rarely take night photos. I have a 70-200 non IS and sometime use an extender, with Canon 7D Mk II. Some of my photos are good but quite a few are out of focus and not sure if this is because of the movement on the Camera when following the action and the non IS.
I have been looking to upgrade the lens and looking at some thing like Canon 300mm F4, but have seen a few reviews of the Canon 100-400 and wondered whether this would be a better all round option.
IS really makes little to no difference to image sharpness if you are panning and following action. The result is probably a combination of a shutter speed that is too slow, and also the fact that the non-IS 70-200 is quite old not quite up to the job, especially with an extender on it. I think you would really get a great deal out of the 100-400 II if you can afford the upgrade. You’ll appreciate the 400mm vs your current 320mm (with your 1.4x). If you were using a 2x extender on that old 70-200 then that would definitely be a big factor as that combination was not good with that lens.
Hi Dan will my 300 f4 L is plus 1.4 mk ii extender autofocus on the 7D mkii or only the new mk iii extenders
It will focus, but I’ll be honest, it’s not going to be quick, so its usefulness will depend on what you are shooting. I used to own that 300mm lens and the problem is that it’s about a 20-year old design. Sharp lens, but AF motors have come a long way and you’re going to find that it’s slow to focus when used with an extender. If you can afford it, it would be much better to upgrade to the new 100-400 II. This will be light years ahead in terms of versatility, sharpness and af speed. I can only assume you have been considering this since you are commenting on an article about the 100-400…?
Hi Dan,
Thank you for your helpful insights.
I have the Canon 7D Mark II with the 100-400 mm IS II and am very pleased with these upgrades over the previous 7D & 100-400 mm lens.
I almost entirely “shoot” birds and I especially like the 65 focusing points for shooting flying birds. (I have my “flying’ settings preset as a Custom setting so I can quickly go there.)
So here’s my question: I’m considering getting the 1.4x extender but hate to “lose” so many focusing points although I of course realize that most shots are not of flying birds but rather of sitting birds that are at some distance away.
Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
I think the extender is well worth purchasing. It works well with this lens for static subjects and I’ve no doubt you’ll get some great images with it. You just have to approach it with the mindset that you’re going to get some tight shots in the bag, and then remove it for flying shots.
Thanks for the prompt reply.
I will order the 1.4 extender and as I have a couple of birding trips coming up, I’ll let you know how I did.
Happy New Year!
Happy one to you as well!
Dan–!st time reader. I have the 70dD crop sensor, & love its features–the flip-out LCD screen, the Q,& being lighter camera body compared to full-frame,& of course less $$, etc,
Also coupled with the 100-400 1st version. I need to push out further focal wise, & have AF control with the 1.4 X extender.
After reading this article I agree to “push-out” some cash for the version two. Wanting to keep my 70D in the process may not be best? Would moving up to the 80D with the 100-400 ll improve sharpness with birding?
Also, plan on getting a the1.4 tel. converter.
Appreciate your insight for this crop sensor fan. Thank you.
Dave Stilwell
Hey Dave, you main issue is that the 100-400 II with the 1.4x will not autofocus at all on the 70D. You’d need to get the 80D for that reason. I don’t think you’d see much difference in image quality between the two of them, but the AF system in the 80D is improved for sure, and able to handle f/8 lens combinations. See my post on Shutter Muse : http://shuttermuse.com/canon-cameras-autofocus-extenders-f8-aperture/
So, if you REALLY think you need the 1.4x, you have no choice but to upgrade the camera as well I’m afraid.