telephoto lens for wildlife photography

Performance and lightweight

The results of this new telephoto zoom lens are extremely positive. Performances are at a very good level even if we can regret the drop of sharpness at the longest focal length especially on the edges. This will require a little software enhancement in post processing. At the shortest and medium focal length, the performance is perfect for the animal photography enthusiast or sports photos amateur. On the field, however, I regret the absence of a ring clamp, even if it is available as an option. We will therefore remember above all its reasonable weight, its exemplary construction, its efficient stabilisation and its fast focusing which is already almost remarkable. The best for the end: this zoom lens is sold at a very reasonable price.

Note: Compatibility with the Teleconverter TC-X14 (x1,4) to get 560mm at F/9

Rating : 8/10

telephoto lens mount on Nikon camera

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Very good overall performance
  • Good construction
  • Excellent stabilisation
  • No chromatic aberrations
  • Price

Cons

  • Lens ring clamp not supplied
  • Loss of sharpness at 400mm
  • Vignetting

Samples Images

village weaver bird flying
340mm F/6,3 - 1/1600s

Full Specifications

Model A035
Focal Length 100-400mm
Maximum Aperture F/4.5-6.3
Angle of View (diagonal) 24°24′ – 6°12′ (for full-frame format) 
15°54′ – 4°01′ (for APS-C format)
Lens Construction 17 elements in 11 groups
Minimum Focus Distance 1.5m (59 in)
Maximum. Magnification Ratio 1:3.6
Filter Size Φ67mm
Maximum Diameter Φ86.2mm (3.4 in)
Length* 199mm (7.8 in) Canon
196.5mm (7.7 in) Nikon
Weight 1,135g (40 oz) Canon
1,115g (39.3 oz) Nikon
Diaphragm Blade Number 9 (circular diaphragm)**
Minimum Aperture F/32-45
Image Stabilization Performance 4 Stops (CIPA Standards Compliant)
For Canon: EOS-5D MKIII is used / For Nikon: D810 is used
Standard Accessories Lens hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts Canon, Nikon
Available Firmware updates Click for detailsCanon EOS R compatibility
Nikon Z compatibility
Format Full-Frame DSLR***

Jacques Julien

French photographer based in Paris specialised in black and white photographs, animal photos, architecture, portraits.