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Message: <blockquote data-quote="LeeDavis" data-source="post: 1791753" data-attributes="member: 6392">zoom vs primeHiThis is one of the same old debates, and its down to matter of opinion and what you want the lens for. I have a 100-400mm and also used the 400mm. My opinion is that My own 100-400 was never that sharp against a fixed 400mm 5.6L ( as i have said in the past when these posts crop up ) But saying that the 100-400 even slight soft on focus a quick touch in adobe and its back. The 100-400 is a all rounder lens, slap it on the camera and will cover most range any photographer would require. This lens is good for flight shots when the subject is moving towards or away from you a push or pull will keep it in the frame. Also the IS would give you about 1 stop extra for hand holding which will help with shake.The 400mm is a super lens providing good quality images ( i feel a bit sharper than the 100-400 IS ) Also would work better with a 1.4 converter if you need it. The only issues i would say this lens against the 100-400 is that its fixed and that if the subject moves toward you then you need to be moving back which can be impossible at times and lacks IS if thats an issue.I have not used one of the newer 100-400 lenses so i would rely on the other peoples posts regards the sharpness etc on a newer lens than mine, as this is what my post is based on. Think about what you will be using the lens for then make your mind up</blockquote>