Image quality of Canon 70-200 F4L vs 100-400L?

[Mr_Sukebe]

Has anyone got experience of both of the above lenses and can give a comparison on image quality for the focal length that they overlap.

I'm fully aware that they cost different amounts, weigh different amounta and have different coverage. Just curious about IQ.
Thoughts?

 

[A.N.Other]

The 70-200 f/4 is probably the sharpest zoom lens that Canon make. In my experience of playing with other peoples', the 100-400, while having a good zoom range, really isn't anywhere near as sharp.

 

[V-Spec]

I've not used the 100-400 before, but my friend has it and its noticably soft at 400, still a good lens though.
Chances are if you're buying it with 400mm in mind, you'd be better off buying the 400mm F5.6 as its one of the sharpest lenses canon make and can be picked up for around £750,

 

[wez130]

i had a play with the 100-400 in Newcastle a few months back and it wasn't as sharp as my 70-200 F/4, still a cracking lens though

 

[SDK^]

Naturally the 100-400 won't be as sharp because it covers a wider focal range. If it did match the 70-200 for sharpness then that lens would be a pointless product (aperture aside).

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

The background to my query is that I already own a 70-200 F4L and a 400mm F5.6L.
I did wonder whether I could consolidate on a single lens without giving away too much quality.
The feedback that you're giving me is that the answer is no, which at least means that I wouldn't have to worry about selling my existing glass.
Thanks for that.

 

[V-Spec]

The background to my query is that I already own a 70-200 F4L and a 400mm F5.6L.
I did wonder whether I could consolidate on a single lens without giving away too much quality.
The feedback that you're giving me is that the answer is no, which at least means that I wouldn't have to worry about selling my existing glass.
Thanks for that.

You won't get a zoom with is anything like as sharp as the 400 5.6