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Customer Reviews for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
L-series super telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilizer
Fluorite and Super UD-glass elements largely eliminate secondary spectrum
Image Stabilizer has two modes and it is compatible with the Extender EF 1.4x II
17 elements in 14 groups
Average Customer Rating:
(61 Reviews) 61
Rating Snapshot (61 reviews)
5 stars
43
4 stars
12
3 stars
3
2 stars
3
1 star
0
55 out of 61(90%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Review 1 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Jdjohnson
Location: Utah
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Love it!
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:November 20, 2011
I use primarily for wildlife photography, I love it's speed and zoom. The push-pull is a little different to get used to but easy to get the hang of. The 1.4x III extender works amazing with this lens, however the 2x II extender does not work in auto focus. But I rarely pair them together any way.
400 mm really gets you close to the action. I have used this lens from the deserts of Arizona to the islands of Alaska and it has never disappointed me! It's an incredible lens!!
400 mm really gets you close to the action. I have used this lens from the deserts of Arizona to the islands of Alaska and it has never disappointed me! It's an incredible lens!!
191 of 194 people found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: marion
Location: mississippi
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Travel
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: No
still pondering purchase
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
4
out of
5
Date:May 20, 2013
Pros: Superior build quality
Cons: very heavy, slow speed in low light, slow auto focus in low light
been wanting a lens that would give me more coverage than my 55-250. been looking at purchasing this lens for some time. just received the lens and took it to the zoo to try out. I am a petite person with small hands and this lens was very heavy for me to carry on a two hour visit to the zoo. I also had problem in adjusting lens in and out due to my small hand size and the large size of the lens. the detail of the photos is outstanding. I realize now that I was very satisfied with the 55-250 and the weight and size of the 55-250 lens is more comfortable for my hand and body size. I also found the auto focus to be slow in low light conditions inside a building. the lens is also heavy to pack around in a camera bag.
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Review 3 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Apexshot
Location: Pea Ridge AR.
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Sports
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Dependable
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 7, 2013
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality
Cons: none
At some race car tracks your allowed to be in the hot grid area while the cars are on the track. I used this area to capture eyes in the helmet while flat out on the straightaways The eye expression is priceless. This lens made that shot effortless. And as for wildlife this lens works well also. For me the wide uses of this less made the cost very reachable.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: texfstop
Location: Carrollton, TX
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: Yes
A Lens to Own and Use!
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 4, 2013
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, versatile
I've only had this lens for about a week but it's been on my cameras 90% of the time. I've used it on a 60D with the 1.4x III and by itself. The auto focus is fast and reliable. The sharpness is outstanding. I shot some photos of a green winged teal duck this afternoon. Every feather is clearly defined. Yes, the push/pull design seems a little like a throw back, but nostalgia never hurt anyone.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Jrock
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
Really COOL Lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:January 10, 2013
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, works great hand held
I have had my EF 100-400 for about three days not got a lot of use out of yet (because the weather has been poor) BUT I will. I got this lens because it was a zoom so it was more versatile than a prime lens and because it had the extra reach that my standard telephoto did not have. I cannot wait to get out into the field and give it a complete run down and a good day’s work and send it through the passes. I got it mainly because I like to take nature shot of wildlife and landscapes. I thought the price was a lot, but reasonable, considering that there are some lens that cost A LOT more than this one!!
The Build is nice it feels sturdy and well made. So far the shot in the poor weather have been great, real sharp and crisp images and I have found that it is really easy to take hand held shoot with this thing. I have a Anna’s Hummingbird that has a territory outside my house and I have spent a good few hours taking pictures of him and they are great. I really cannot wait to see what this lens is capable of in better light conditions!! When you first pick it up it feel like it weighs a TON but once it is on the camera and have it on your shoulder it really is not so bad! I really like that the auto focus does not change when tracking subjects, many time with other lenses i have been following an subject and the auto focus will focus on something else and i would loose my target!!
Overall good build quality and great lens to add to a kit, especially for wildlife nuts like me.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Agugslp
Location: New Jersey
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
waste of money
Overall Rating
Features
2
out of
5
Performance
2
out of
5
Price/Value
3
out of
5
Quality
2
out of
5
Satisfaction
1
out of
5
Date:October 18, 2012
Cons: Slow auto-focus, Semi-sharp images, Poor build quality
Started out ok, but after a few months this lense turned out to be a waste of money. Images not sharp, very slow. Not worth the money. It's been in for service several times. Image stabilizer burnt out twice. I think I received a lemon.
16 of 29 people found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: GreyWulff
Location: Cadillac MI
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
Great Tele-zoom
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
4
out of
5
Date:October 4, 2012
Pros: Superior build quality
I bought the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM (my first lens with my new 60D) primarily for wildlife photography. It was super for monitoring our nesting tree swallows this spring, plus hummers and butterflies. Just shot it tight across the valley to isolate fall color. Everything sharp enough for at least 8.5x11 so far.
I do wish there was a zoom lock, to keep the tube from extending when carried pointing down - a minor quibble. Not fixed focal length, so probably incompatible with extenders, and not real fast - but plenty good/useful for me!
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: ophiuchus
Location: CT
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Sports
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Excellent outdoor companion
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:September 29, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, fast focal length change
Cons: could use better sealing
I use this lens mainly for airshow photography and it delivers great results. Even with my little experience. Solid built and fast AF assure me that the purchase was a good choice. The pump focal length change requires a bit of used to, but eventually gets very comfortable and fast. Great thing, though sealing could be a little better. And Image Stabiliser effectiveness could use improvement ;) Aside of that - fully recomend to anyone interested in wildlife or airshows photography.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Photojo
Location: RIchmond, VA
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
Moon Shot
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:September 14, 2012
Pros: Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
I had the opportunity to shoot some full moon shots with 100-400 on my 20D. The results were excellent. The clarity of the craters and impact shock waves. The is lens allowed my shot to have much more detail than I was able to capture with my 24 - 105. A bit expensive but well worth it when you get the great shot.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Anonymous
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
The crisp images you get from the lens.
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
3
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:September 6, 2012
Pros: Super-sharp images
I like the clear crisp images you get from the lens.I shoot all sort of photos and I love how clear my photos of eagles come out compared to other lenses.I have no complaints about this lens at all.I would recommend it to any one.
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Review 11 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Grandpa "H"
Location: Wisconsin
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: Yes
Best lens ever
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:September 1, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
I have always wanted a lens that I could get the most clear, detail photo's. I have found it with the 100-400 L iS USM. I have kept this on my 50D camera for all of my pictures of wildlife as I do like taking all wildlife pics. I also have a 24-105 L IS USM and that is also a great lens for wide angle shots. I don't really need any other lenses. It can be heavy but I don't mind it when you get such great photo's, ti is not even an issue for me. The IS and AF work very quick for quick captures. So , yes I would recommend this to any serious photographer. You won't be disappointed.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Aspdauk
Location: Northwest Montana
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: No
This lens needs to be learned.
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:May 8, 2012
I called Canon after I had this lens for about 5 months. I was complaining of soft images. Tech support asked me to submit some random images as some of mine appeared sharp and some soft.
I learned two things. This lens is incredible if you learn what settings to shoot your particular lense.
I found out several things. on a Canon 7D if you can shoot live mode zoom with a tripod and remote shutter release and manual focus with IS off this lens can produce stunning results. Incredible results.
I also learned on one shot auto focus and spot metering If you set the lens to AF and focus the lens past infinity before you touch the shutter button to focus the images on my lens turn out incredibly sharp.
Also my 100-400 lens is perfect at F8 to F16...and just short of 400mm.
I shoot aperture priority all the time now to bring out the best in an incredible lens.
Play with your lens...I think there are very few bad copies. I think a lot of us don't take the time to learn our particular lens. By the way...I took a friend out with a much less expensive 70-300 non L lens out and within 3 hours he had tack sharp images...Aperture first...focal length second...shutter to get the shot. Try it. I think you may be surprised.
I learned two things. This lens is incredible if you learn what settings to shoot your particular lense.
I found out several things. on a Canon 7D if you can shoot live mode zoom with a tripod and remote shutter release and manual focus with IS off this lens can produce stunning results. Incredible results.
I also learned on one shot auto focus and spot metering If you set the lens to AF and focus the lens past infinity before you touch the shutter button to focus the images on my lens turn out incredibly sharp.
Also my 100-400 lens is perfect at F8 to F16...and just short of 400mm.
I shoot aperture priority all the time now to bring out the best in an incredible lens.
Play with your lens...I think there are very few bad copies. I think a lot of us don't take the time to learn our particular lens. By the way...I took a friend out with a much less expensive 70-300 non L lens out and within 3 hours he had tack sharp images...Aperture first...focal length second...shutter to get the shot. Try it. I think you may be surprised.
99 of 103 people found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Anonymous
Location: Northern Ca
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Don't give up
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:May 3, 2012
Pros: great value
Cons: test lense carefully
Nature photographer. At first seemed to work fine. Began to shoot all out with distance and started to see much ghosting. Sent it back to canon. Everything checked out. Suggested a more quality uv filter. Shot without filter, same problem. Sent back again with camera. Facility was irvine, ca. They suggested sending it to New York corporate. After full review they told me there was an issue with the glass and sent me a brand new lens. Nothing but happy with lens now. Tack sharp is what I expect now and get it enough for me to be totally satisfied. Great bokeh and colors are always rendered to pop. Good experience with warranty facilities.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Michael
Location: New Jersey
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
Superb lens, especially for wildlife
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:April 29, 2012
Pros: great image quality over the whole range, silent image stabilization, really nice bokeh, goes out to 400mm
Cons: large and heavy, push/pull zoom takes some getting used to
I've been using this lens for wildlife photography and birdwatching for several years now, and has been an extremely valuable addition to my kit. Image quality is extremely sharp at 100mm and only a tiny bit softer at 400mm - I still get excellent shots over the entire range of the lens, but if you're planning on only using this all the way out to 400mm, you might see a marginal gain from the similarly priced 400mm prime lens. The bokeh is nice and smooth. For those who need the versatility of a zoom, this is, in my opinion, one of the best lenses which Canon has ever made. I consider it a particularly excellent choice for birdwatching.
Only two cons: the lens is large and heavy, and the push/pull zoom is unwieldy.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Best Exposures
Location: Chicago, IL
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: No
Great Reach
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:April 12, 2012
Pros: amazing reach, fast auto focus
Cons: push pull is annoying, potential for getting dust
Where else can you get 400mm for such a low price, with the build quality of an "L" series lens? My main bread and butter income is from Wedding Photography. But for fun I like to shoot aircraft. With this lens and the crop factor of the APC sensor in the 7D I can get so close to the action if feels like I am flying in formation with the air show aircraft. The autofocus works great with this lens, its fast and accurate. When I really want to reach I attach the 2x teleconverter. It works great during the day, but I would not recommend it for night or dark situations unless on a tripod. With the APC sensor crop of 1.6x and 400mm with the 2x converter I now have equivalent 1280mm reach! Amazing! Just amazing. I've heard that the T3i has digital zoom as well, just imagine the effective focal length with this!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Beancounter
Location: South Carolina
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
Disappointed
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
1
out of
5
Price/Value
2
out of
5
Quality
2
out of
5
Satisfaction
1
out of
5
Date:March 28, 2012
This lens was purchased to capture wildlife. I too agree with the review by lorendn on 3/3/12 and have the same result. I'm very disappointed with the sharpness and wondering if I should send the lens back to Canon for repair or replacement.
I am very pleased with other Canon lens that I have.
I am very pleased with other Canon lens that I have.
1 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: lorendn
Location: Florida
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Not up to par
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
1
out of
5
Price/Value
2
out of
5
Quality
1
out of
5
Satisfaction
1
out of
5
Date:March 3, 2012
Pros: size weight, cost
Cons: image quality, is system is weak
I purchased the 100-400 f4.5-5.6L about 2 months ago and have never been satisfied with its sharpness. I have 4 other EOS L lenses and am constantly amazed at the quality of the images I capture with my 7D. This lens totally misses the mark and its performance is disappointing. The images are excessively soft and lack the sharpness of other L lenses. It is almost unusable at f4.5-5.6 and barely acceptable under ideal circumstances at f8-16. The quality is OK from 100-300mm but deteriorates at 400mm. I added this lens to get better reach for wildlife photography and nearly always use a tripod. When shooting handheld, the IS gives only about 1 stop of improvement.
I am sending the lens back to Canon for inspection and repair or replacement. If it cannot be fixed or replaced, it will probably stay on the shelf while I shoot with my 70-200mm f2.8L ISII and a 1.4x extender.
9 of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: Architect
Location: Williamsport, PA
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Long Wait Worth It
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:March 1, 2012
Pros: sharp, good weight for size, love the push-pull zoom
Cons: weather sealing
I waited a long time saving up for this lens and followed the other reviews and rented this lens prior to making the purchase. I had the FD system with the 80-200L lens and loved it. This replaced the 100-300 and this lens blows that one away. My wife and I both fight over who gets to use it for pics of birds and other critters.
Great color and sharpness with my 10D. The IS is amazing for us doing a lot of handheld shots. No it is not perfect, would like it to be weather sealed as my other L lenses are. But for the zoom range and flexibility and relative light weight just love it and recommend it to others.
Great color and sharpness with my 10D. The IS is amazing for us doing a lot of handheld shots. No it is not perfect, would like it to be weather sealed as my other L lenses are. But for the zoom range and flexibility and relative light weight just love it and recommend it to others.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: kevin
Location: Chicago
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: Yes
Glad I own it
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
3
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 29, 2012
love using it- great sharpness - tracks birds and race cars perfectly
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Review 20 for EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Nickname: CLICK
Location: Phoenix AZ
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Love it
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 4, 2012
Pros: great build, quick focus, push pull easy to learn, locking ring does not let lens creep happen, sharp, focal length amazing
Cons: heavy, wish it was a f4 or lower, no weather sealing or rubber gasket
This lens is amazing I was holding off on buying it becaue it was a puch pull with very little weather sealing. I was also hoping in my own mind canon would update it weather seal it and make it an F.2.8 but I realized that probably would not happen for some time so I took the plung. I have taken this lens outside in AZ now for weeks and have not noticed any dust collecting in the lens. I carry a plastic bag and some rubber bands for windy days but that is all I have done. It take sharp images it focuses fast for this size of a lens and above all it an L. To all of you on the fence I held off for 4 years on puchasing this lens and have since realized how many photo ops I have missed out on. If canon ever does update the lens I will sell it and being an "L" im sure it will hold its value for a long time to come. I am very pleased with my puchase. Good job canon.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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