Is a LensCoat worthwhile on the Canon EF 100-400mm L for protection and camouflage?
Asked 1/29/2012
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I use a Canon EF 100-400mm L for bird photography and often shoot in grass, brambles, and woods. I’d like some protection from scuffs and also to make the lens less conspicuous than the usual white Canon telephoto finish.
Has anyone used a LensCoat or similar cover on this lens? Since the 100-400 extends when zoomed, I’m wondering how well a cover actually works in practice and whether it affects usability.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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The LensCoat isn't going to cover all the lens when it is zoomed out. Only the parts you see when it's retracted will be covered. I haven't personally used the LensCoat with the 100-400, but it's going to be very similar to the 300/4, that has the built-in hood. With the hood extended, a big section of the 300/4 is uncovered. I wouldn't buy a LensCoat for that type of lens again.
I really like the LensCoat on the 300/2.8 and 500/4, though. There, it functions exactly like you think it would, and covers most of the lens.
Originally by user7777. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7777
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A LensCoat can help with minor scuff protection and camouflage, but on an extending zoom like the Canon EF 100-400mm L it has a clear limitation: it won’t cover the parts of the lens that extend when you zoom out.
Based on user experience with similar Canon telephotos that have extending sections or built-in hoods, the coat mainly protects the portions visible when the lens is retracted. Once extended, a significant section can remain uncovered. So if your main goal is full-time physical protection, it may be disappointing on this type of lens.
For large non-extending telephotos, LensCoat tends to work much better because it covers most of the barrel consistently. On the 100-400, it’s more useful for reducing the bright white appearance and adding some limited surface protection than for complete coverage.
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