Many of us have agonized which lens to go with for hand held telephoto’s. I have decided the 100-400 is usually the better choice. The zoom can be a lifesaver and it’s also not a bad lens wide open. Another of its strengths is the ability to shoot up close – just under 6 ft. That is a huge asset.

There is absolutely no question in my mind that 400+mm lens needs either a tripod (preferred but many times impractable) or image stabilization. You would be kidding yourself if you think you could develop the technique that would guarantee a low shutter speed (below 1/500 sec) performance that ensures sharpness at that crucial and exciting moment that the picture must be taken - and there will be no second chance.

Never assume that wildlife will allow opportunity for a nice stance/posture for a picture. This is where the versatility of the 100-400 IS comes to the rescue. I have successfully handheld down to 1/15 sec, routinely take pictures with my body twisted in weird angles (many times from a jeep full of shifting passengers that do not know how to stay STILL or in a jeep with a rough idling engine).

I have used this lens for 10 years and probably have taken at least 50,000 pics with it. For wildlife photography it goes with me everywhere. Although it does not compare to my 500 f/4, which is my sharpest lens by far for wildlife, still I have taken some of my best pics with the 100-400.

Here are some samples taken with this lens. With exception of the Long-tail Nightjar and Spotted Owletts taken at 540mm, all these shots are handheld. Please note shutter speed and f/stop – which is many times wide open.