Which telephoto?

[David Morison]

As I explained in an earlier thread I have been having problems holding the AF spot on a small static bird using the non-IS EF 400mm f5.6L. Within the price range I can justify it is probably the best lens for BIF as I use a fast shutter speed but for smaller less mobile objects I often cannot get the spot to stay on the target long enough - therefore missing some important shots. So I have decided to sell the 400 to part fund the purchase of an IS lens. I still need the ability to stretch to 400mm so as I see it my options for use with the 7D are:

1. EF 300mm f4 L IS USM + 1.4x
2. EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM
3. EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM II + 2x

All three give me the 400mm I desire plus IS plus flexibility although the last option is around 2x the price of the others (I already own a 1.4x)

My first choice would be no.1 (closer MFD as well) but what do folks recommend?

Thanks

David

[tesarver]

Re: Which telephoto?

Well my understanding is that with a 2x you loss 2 stops of light and a IS compensates for Approx 2 Stops, so I don't think you would be gaining much on the last option. But that is just my Opinion.

Tom

[Nathaniel]

Re: Which telephoto?

David, as I use the 300mm f4L IS USM + 1.4TC as my favourite combination I would recommend that to you, without any hesitation. They seem made for each other & the AF is very smooth and precise. Of course that is my opinion again!

[Hereford_EOS]

Re: Which telephoto?

David, as I use the 300mm f4L IS USM + 1.4TC as my favourite combination I would recommend that to you

This is a proven combination, so I agree with Nat

[Pete]

Re: Which telephoto?

Of your choices I also agree with Nat and Stephen the 300f4 with 1.4x is a great combo, use this combo all the time

[colin C]

Re: Which telephoto?

Another vote for the 300mm + 1.4.

This combination is Stan's set up for wildlife and macro and he does very well with it, but don't tell him I said so!

[briansquibb]

Re: Which telephoto?

I use a 200 F/2.8 with the 1.4 and 2

- lightweight
- good pictures

The 100-400 and 70-100 f2.8 are on the heavy side

I had thought about the 300, but my 200 arrangement gives me 3 options for a more versatile use

[mikep]

Re: Which telephoto?

Hi

A simpler solution might be a mono-pod and a ball head!

The 100-400 is an older implementation of IS (2 stops? would have to check whether 2 modes of IS or 1), and the 70-200 weighs quite a bit, so keeping the focus could again be an issue!

I agree the 300mm F4 + 1.4 is a proven match to a 7D, so that would be the route I'd take!

Mike

[Stan]

Re: Which telephoto?

and he does very well with it, but don't tell him I said so!

I heard that

The best combination is going to be the 300 f4 and 1.4x, with which most of mine and Dee's wildlife shots are taken. I also have the 70-200 f 2.8 L IS ( original version) which also works well with the 1.4 but i vary rarely use the 2x with it unless the light is really good

Stan

[DP the Snapper]

Re: Which telephoto?

I use a 200 F/2.8 with the 1.4 and 2

- lightweight
- good pictures

The 100-400 and 70-100 f2.8 are on the heavy side

I had thought about the 300, but my 200 arrangement gives me 3 options for a more versatile use

I use the same set up as Brian and find it works very well. The only thing I notice is that when using the 2x it is slightly slower, on occasions, at locking on to the subject.

Dave

[MicroWyred]

Re: Which telephoto?

Hi David,

I would totally agree with Stan and Nathaniel choice. I have had my EF300 f4 IS USM for about a week now and I haven't been disappointed with the results. The MFD is a lot closer than the 70-200 which i have found to be very useful. It is still early days yet and still getting used to using the lens but it works very well on the 7D. It has only 2 stops IS but so far I haven't found this to be a problem. Weight wise it is the lightest combination of the three. I hope you find this helpful.
Good luck with your choice.

Dave.

[MX5]

Re: Which telephoto?

Another vote for the 300 f/4 plus 1.4x when I need reach, although I tend to use the 70-200 f/2.8 Mark II plus 1.4x more often.

But don't let the lack of IS (400 f/5.6) sway your decision if your targets are moving [But with your static birds it's probably essential]. When I tested the 300 f/4, 100-400 and 400 f/5.6 I concluded the 400 had the best IQ, the zoom the most versatile and the 300 the ability to take an extender without loosing AF. Horses for courses ... I started with the zoom, then the 300 ... and may swap for a 400 at some point.

Just my thoughts ... but you need to play with the lenses you are considering before you buy ... a Canon Pro dealer should facilitate this for you.

[Thndr_strck]

Re: Which telephoto?

Off the OP topic, but I'm looking at a 300 f4+2x tc on my 5d3. Any ideas ?

[Riggers]

Re: Which telephoto?

(Edited - slightly off topic so started new thread)

[collywobbles]

Re: Which telephoto?

Off the OP topic, but I'm looking at a 300 f4+2x tc on my 5d3. Any ideas ?

Then your maximum aperture would be f/8.0; but then again, I understand that there is firmware coming to enable the 5D Mk III to focus at f/8.0