Having just returned from a great trip to California, the first thing awaiting my return was a new Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5F IS USM Zoom Lens, a lens ordered specifically for that trip and arriving a day late. My wife had made it an especially great moment as she the picture you see here on her FaceBook Page, knowing that I would pine to get my hands on it while in California. Being married more than a few years, she knew that every shot I took this past week would leave me longing for that lens. Not even on the ground a full 12 hours, we were off to the Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls for some first hand testing of this new 'monster' lens. THE CAMERA EQUIPMENT My main rig is a Canon EOS 6D Full Frame Digital Camera and it was purchased with a Canon 24-105L IS AF Lens, which was followed by a Canon 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Lens for close electronic shots as you might see in the articles of our main site, The SSD Review. It took me less than a week (and a great day taking some amazing shots as official press on a flotilla at the World U23 Rowing Championships) to realize what I was missing in the Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5F IS USM Zoom Lens. I have also added a Spider Pro Camera Belt System of which I immediately unscrewed the belt clip from the belt and holster and connected the plate to the bottom of the camera. The belt clip is a dream on my normal belt and the plate on the camera allows for quick and easy tripod mounts, as well as a steady hold of the camera as it hags on your side, even with the new lens.Last but not least, I threw in a Canon 90EX flash and various filters. Here is the family: CAMERA HABITS The Canon EOS 6D has just too many camera modes to stick to just one or two.. Typically, I find myself using the Scene Intelligent Auto (I know, I know), Program, Creative Auto and Aperture modes in normal everyday shooting. Program is handy when I want a center focus point only, Creative Auto when I want increased color saturation (Vivid) or a quick and easy way to clear or blur the background and Aperture Mode is what one might find my camera set to normally. Having the Canon EOS 6D in my hands for only a few weeks now, the two biggest pluses of this camera are its size in comparison to other DSLRs and the fact that it has built in Wifi which allows me to tether wirelessly to my home PC, Samsung Galaxy Note II as well as my iPAD. CANON 100MM-400MM F4.5L IS USM LENS For those considering purchasing the F4.5L lens, let's dispel a bit of confusion right off. This lens has Image Stabilization and it works like a charm, as does auto focus, although auto focus can get a bit finicky for those close (1.8m or 5.9ft minimum) or darker shots. At 7 3/8" closed and 10.5" extended, this lens is big and a bit heavy (3.1lbs), but by no means a hard carry. Using the Spider clip described above, this camera hung from my belt, when not in use, for a great deal of walking around Niagara Falls for the full day without and difficulty whatsoever. It is also an older lens and some have stated that they prefer the Image Stabilization of the newer 100-300mm lens, however, this lens is key to some great shots as you will soon see. Extending the lens is a bit unnatural to some as it extends or retracts with a straight pull or push. A tension ring on the lens itself assists in setting how smooth the tight extends. I personally like this as other lenses get worked in over time and you sometimes find them unwantingly extended as you are walking with the camera at your side. This lens will no doubt garnish a bit of attention and can truly be considered a sidearm.TEST SHOOT LOCATION - BIRD KINGDOM Living in Niagara is ideal for test shoot locations and our last camera review saw us at the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory where we tested the Fuji HS50 EXR Point and Shoot along with taking some comparison shots with my new 100mm macro lens at the time. This time we visited the Bird Kingdom which is a bit off the beaten track for those visiting the Falls but only a few steps from the base of Clifton Hill. Many just overlook its location as they need to turn to the left as they face the Falls and walk under the overpass to get there. Its address is officially 5651 River Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. I need to say right off that the hospitality of the Team at Bird Kingdom and access to the birds was amazing. We were initially concerned with getting shots through cages but, as you will see, that wasn't the case. Not only were the birds in an open setting with the photographer, but as well, many felt very much at home with human interaction as you can see here: You will have to excuse the quality of this picture as I didn't take it, however, it seems to illustrate what a bird's eye view we had when testing lenses. From the cameras perspective, we saw this: Wait until you see the result later on as I display a few macro shots with the 100mm F2.8L. Here is another that demonstrates the willingness of the subjects to take part in the shoot: Yes...these pictures were definitely NOT taken with the new F4.5L lens but they were the best opportunity to demonstrate just how close we could get in for some great shots. Lighting in the aviary was excellent as external light was very bright (except for those bat shots that you will see) and it was a clear and sunny day.CANON 100MM-400MM F4.5L IS USM LENS SHOTS To start things off, this page is going to display what I thought were my top 5 shots of the event. All pictures were taken with the EOS 6D and the 100-400mm lens. Constructive criticism is ALWAYS appreciated, however, let's remember that I am an avid camera enthusiast, at best, and not professionally trained in any way shape or form, unless we are counting 'Canon EOS 6D For Dummies'. Other than compressing these pictures for posting purposes, they have not been enhanced or cropped whatsoever: I included the last one to point how how small of an area is required to grab ones focus. A smart man once told me to always focus on the eye in such shots. Before getting to the gallery, let's take a look at what I call 'Stolen Kiss'. Watch the transition below... [nggallery id=2] Now for the100-400mm F4.5L lens gallery... OTHER LENS SHOTS Simply because of the caliber of the remainder of the pictures that we took with both the 100mm F/2.8L Macro and the 24-105mm F/4L lenses, I wanted to include those to portray just how amazing the Canon EOS 6D works in different conditions. This picture of the Indian Flying Fox, for instance, was taken with manual focus in near complete darkness with the Macro: The same hold true for these bats hanging around and trying to grab a bite to eat. I don't think I have ever seen bats in as much detail as these shots...again manual focus in near complete darkness without flash: Next up on my favorite list had to be the Lorikeets which absolutely loved the cameras as we saw earlier. Here is a decent closeup using the 100mm Macro: And if you didn't think they were patient and friendly, try this on for size: This is a sample video using the Canon EOS 6D with the Canon 24-105mm F/4L zoom lens: REPORT ANALYSIS AND FINAL THOUGHTS Before purchasing the Canon 100-400mm F4.5L IS USM lens, I was very mixed between this and the newer 100-300mm model but I have to say that having that much more 'reach' is definitely evident. Another plus is that fact that there are several extenders that will work to as much as double this lens to 800mm (just imagine), whereas, there are none for that will work on the newer 1oo-300mm version. I truly thought that it would end up being no more than a weight in my bag but, on the contrary, it is a dynamic addition to my lens library. As for the location of the shoot, Bird Kingdom was the ideal environment for this lens and the staff there were amazing. Quite frankly, having lived less than 20 minutes from the aviary for most of my life, I am not sure how it was overlooked but I can guarantee it will not be in the future. Many are not aware but inside the Aviary is the only authentic 19th century Javanese House, circa 1875, in North America which has been modeled into a Tea House and Rest Stop. This building has been reconstructed, as per the original construction, without nails and is solid teak. Inside you will find its curator Lenora who is definitely a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle outside the front doors. Surprisingly, their cocktails are the best and cheapest you will find anywhere in Niagara which ties right into the amazing surroundings and hospitality of Bird Kingdom. Last but not least, here is a shot of the American Falls while standing on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls: If you enjoy our articles and are considering the purchase of any of the equipment used in todays report (or any other Amazon related purchase), please click these to check out Amazon pricing on your hardware needs. Every little bit of appreciation counts! Canon EOS 6D Full Frame Digital Camera Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5F IS USM Zoom Lens Canon 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Lens Spider Pro Camera Belt System
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