The 100mm - 400mm zoom isn't just for wildlife and motor sports photography

The 100mm – 400mm zoom lens is one that all photographers should own. There seems to be a common misconception the 100mm – 400mm zoom lens is only suitable for motor sports photography and long range wildlife photography, but this is not the case. The 100mm – 400mm zoom lens is a versatile lens you can use for taking photos of many subjects, including motor sports and wildlife of course.

The 100mm – 400mm lens is a great travel lens. Okay, the 100mm – 400mm zoom lens is a big, and as such reasonably heavy, lens but the large range of focal lengths makes it an ideal “all in one lens” you can use for travel photography and those other occasions when it is not possible or practical to carry several smaller lenses.

The 100mm – 400mm lens is a great butterfly lens. With a 100mm – 400mm lens you can stand back from the butterfly and use the zoom to get a frame filling shot. Standing back from the butterflies increases the chances of getting the shot as you won’t spook the butterflies and scare them off.

The 100mm – 400mm lens is a great dragonfly lens. Dragonflies, like butterflies, can be timid and easily spooked. Once again, you can use the long zoom to get in nice and tight for a frame filling shot whilst keeping a fair distance from the subject.

The above is just a taster of what you can use the 100mm – 400mm zoom lens for, and there are others besides.

The 100mm – 400mm lens I use is the Canon 100mm – 400mm L IS lens, and the pros and cons of this awesome lens are included in the following clip

If you shoot a Canon camera the Canon 100mm – 400mm f3.5 –5.6L IS lens is definitely one you should consider.

Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest

Essential lens for portrait photography - the 16mm - 35mm tele

I am sure you would have heard, or read that using a wide angle lens for portrait photography is not the thing to do. Wide angle lenses are said to distort the facial features, which leads to unflattering shots, which in turn is not going to endear you to your subjects.

Okay, I agree that you do need to be a little careful using a wide angle lens to capture individual portrait shots, and couple portrait shots but there are times when a wide angle lens is the only viable lens for capturing those stunning portraits.

The situations where a wide angle lens is essential for portrait photography is when taking group shots and portraits. Weddings, parties, events and corporate functions are all times when portrait photographers need a wide angle lens, as explored in the following video:

If you shoot a Canon camera and want to take group portrait shots you won't go far wrong with the Canon 16mm - 35mm f4L IS lens, and it is definitely one you should take a look at.

Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest