Which 100-400 EF lens

[GJR1]

I have an EOS Rebel SL1 and would like to get a Canon 100-400 lens. I'm confused as to which version to purchase as I believe there have been some changes in the lens over the years. What lens should I be looking for to ensure that all features work as they should? Thank you very much for help.

[shadowsports]

@GJR1 

I like @SignifDigits recommendation best.  

R50 + RF100-400

Also grab an EOS R to EF if the other lenses you own are not ancient.  Forget the R100.  No articulating LCD, No touch screen and limited ISO in comparison to the R50 which the R50 has + better low light performance.  The features are worth the $250 price difference. If you buy these items refurb you'll save a bundle and get a lot more (modern) and higher performing bang for your buck.  

[ebiggs1]

"I have an EOS Rebel SL1 ..."

I am never a person that says don't buy a new camera but if the SL1 is working as it should and you have no desire to get a new body get the lens instead. Lenses are where it's at not the camera. Good lenses always, always, trumps a good camera. Actually in order of preference a good post editor is first, a good lens is second and a good camera is third.

[ebiggs1]

"...look at something like the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Canon EF."

Excellent idea and avice. You say you have a 300mm lens so going to a 400mm isn't going to be a huge gain. Going to 600mm is a huge gain. It is going to be a bigger and heavier lens but a big tele is going to be ... well... big.

[ebiggs1]

"I'd recommend taking your money and getting an RF 100-400 f/5.6-8 IS USM and an R100"

Here's the deal, any and all your EF lenses will go right along with you if you decide you want that new R100 or R50 later on. So, buying EF lenses and using them now on the SL1 is a no brainer especially if money is an issue. That's another reason why lenses are where it at, not the camera.

[SignifDigits · Accepted solution]

I agree it is a no-brainer to choose the newer RF setup.  Certainly lenses are where it's at.  But consider :

• Lens tech of 2014 (EF) vs 2021 (RF) gives the nod to RF. 
• IQ is at best a toss-up,  and probably goes to the RF lens as  APS-C only uses the center of full-frame lenses (and RF lens actually looks better to my eyes at https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1572&Camera=1508&Sample...) (and as you have pointed out before out any IQ concerns can likely be solved in SW in post)
• EF lens support period will undoubtedly end before RF
• L lens is weather - sealed, but for years nobody cared and only a few people really do today, but that nod goes to the EF
• Build quality goes slightly to the EF L lens, but doubt the OP is a full-time pro tossing lenses around in a case shooting an SL1.  Canon makes extremely good lightweight lenses
• 5.5 stops of IS (RF) vs 4 (EF)

So the RF lens is better, at least for APS-C and anyone on any sort of budget when ROI is a concern.

So unless one is working to satisfy some white lens status or envy, and really wants to just take great pictures (samples of this for the RF 100-400 abound on this site), going RF and spend the $$ on a new camera is a no-brainer, because doing so you get:

• New camera warranty and support - SLI is beyond EOL with no support by Canon
• At least 650 AF points instead of 31 and 9 zones on the SL1, and an AF system developed (All of the lens IQ in the world won't fix bad focus)
• 4 FPS on the SL1 vs 6.5 on the R100 and 15 on the R50

I'm not saying the EF 100-400 isn't great glass, but plunking done one's hard-earned cash on good glass to use on a camera that is more likely to croak due to age and is out of support seems like a bad ROI decision.

So I agree, for the same $$ the spent on a new RF system the decision is a no-brainer.

We've at least let the OP know they have different choices to think about and factors to consider..

[GJR1 · Accepted solution]

I want to thank the Canon community for their range of responses. Since funds are tight and my, so far, relatively light usage of the SL! (which works fine for me) I'm going to pursue a 100-400 lens. Although a camera upgrade may occur in the future, I think at this time it's best to put some money into a bigger lens to enhance my interest in wildlife/bird photos and then maybe a newer camera body later on.

[ebiggs1]

"EF lens support period will undoubtedly end before RF"

It seems so many people seem to think EF or EF-s lenses will  self destruct when Canon support ends. That's not true. They will continue to work as they have for years, decades to come. And, if budget is an issue it is the least expensive to get great lenses. Plus those lenses will still operate admirably on a new R series camera if that is the next chapter in the OP's life.

Look I am not saying never go R series I am only saying buy the lens use it, learn it, gain experience and then decide if a new camera is the solution. The OP does not know what he/sh needs that is why the query which is a good way to start. Suggesting you need to start from scratch because what you have is going to "croak" soon is nonsense.

[ebiggs1]

" I'm going to pursue a 100-400 lens."

Although I wouldn't buy that lens you made the right decision. Going slowly not just because of budget is almost always the best course. Jumping in the deep end before you can swim type thing is always going to be the wrong path. That new camera will always be there and your new lens will be right there too.

Now make some great photos.

[SignifDigits]

I agree @ebiggs1 - the OP was right in going slowly.  I didn't want to suggest old gear is going to "croak" or "self-destruct" today or tomorrow, but new is more likely to outlast old (unless it's Stanley tools made in the US).  I love old gear (often too much), but if they were going to drop up to $2k I just didn't see wisdom in putting that into the EF line.  The EF line and gear will, I have not doubt, outlast me.  I drove my cars over 200,000 miles long before it was more common to do so and only buy used cars, so used and old stuff is right up my alley.

But the EF line support will dry up before the RF line.  That's just a fact.  But I do NOT mean to say anything negative for those that live the rest of their photographic lives in the EF line.  If you love it, don't leave it!  It's a bargain hunters dream!