Ok - I suppose technically this isn't an entirely new lens. I've been borrowing my buddy Tom's Canon 100-400mm lens for about the past year (huge thanks, Tom!), and I have finally managed to buy my own. However, I purchased the newer version of that lens - the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. The Mark II version has upgraded Image Stabilization, a shorter minimum focusing distance, better weather sealing, a twist zoom ring (instead of the push/pull zoom of the Mark I) as well as an updated zoom tension adjustment ring, upgraded lens hood and tripod mount, and probably a bunch of other improvements I'm missing. I honestly had my doubts as to whether the Mark II version would be worth the added price, but so far the new IS system alone appears to be well worth every penny.

We took the lens out to Goddard State Park the other day, and while subjects were hard to find, I did get some time with a patient Great Blue Heron that allowed me to reposition several times and get fairly close (down to about 21 meters) for some decent shots.

400mm, 1/320 sec at f/8	400mm, 1/400 sec at f/8	400mm, 1/80 sec at f/8	300mm, 1/60 sec at f/8

Technical Data: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at various focal lengths and exposures as listed. ISO 320. IS Mode 1. RAW processing in Adobe Camera Raw.

I've got a couple more cool things to share from this little outing, so stay tuned.

- Bill