300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

[Lepus]

I have been very happy with my 300 F2.8 , which I waited for over thirty years to own , but I have to confess I very rarely take the 2x converter off , as being a wildlife enthusiast , I am seldom close enough , even at 600mm . The 500mm f4 especially joined with the 1.4 converter seems to produce real good results and does seem to be favoured by many wildlife photographers as the set up to have . I wonder what I actually really gain from progressing to this set up though . I know it`s going to cost me at least another couple of grand with the trade in of my beloved 300mm . So realistically what am I gaining ? Another 100mm with 1.4 fitted on the 500mm , as this , if I calculated correctly gives a focal lengh of 700 mm , does that really make that much difference ? Will there be any real worthwhile difference with AF speed ? I am thinking yes likely . I don`t have two spare grand in my pocket , so would have to save and sell some stuff , it`s niggled me for some time weather it`s worth the cost and effort to try and obtain it . Anyone any words of wisdom ?

[the black fox]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

A hard one to quantify ,yes the combo is good and it used to be a case of the best glass wins imho more to do with a larger aperture for winter low light use ,however the advent of better sensors capable of shooting at far higher and smooth iso values is now becoming a game changer ,the sigma sport I use on the right body can take a 1.4 tc as well and give 840mm focal length ,albeit possibly a bit less if you account for focus breathing ,coupled with the higher iso abilities of the modern cameras then you have a cheaper longer reach alternative .
Even then I look at what's happening with bridge cameras to ,pushing the boundaries all the time both canon and Nikon are quietly pushing the limits the latter brands p900 gives a useable 2400mm length I believe .to quote Bob Dylan the times they are a changing

[Lepus]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

Thanks for the input Jeff . I did think about the Sigma and 1.4 you mention , there is no doubt in capable hands it`s a powerful quality lens for Wildlife , but I am sure with the 1.4 fitted AF must be limited in focus point options and speed ? I am thinking of alternatively upgrading my 7D to a newer body , not sure if I am quite there yet though , the 7D MK2 and 80D would be my choices , but now as Canon seem to be finally improving the Dynamic range on newer bodies , particularly showing in the 80D , I am hoping the next new 7D style camera will be even better...if I can wait that long . This will give me a decent reach , with hopefully better quality images , often I have to pump the iso up and the 7D just isn`t great at high iso .

[DrJon]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

I think the 500 edges it (as the mk II 300 and 500 lenses are just great, so the extra loss of the 2x over the 1.4x will IMHO carry the day), but not by an amount to justify all that money...

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=739&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=2&API=0&LensComp=745&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=1&APIComp=1

[the black fox]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

i now use the sigma on a 80d the higher iso capabilities and resolution have really made a difference ,I,m back on a canon mkii 1.4 tc as its the only one that works with that camera lens combo ,a.f speed I don't have a problem with check out my b.i.f pics .,again I,m shooting up to so far 6400iso without noise being a nuisance .o.k it's not the best of rigs but my lens costs £5500 less than my lads mkii 500mmL ,it's a no brainer really .

[Cyberman]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

o.k it's not the best of rigs but my lens costs £5500 less than my lads mkii 500mmL ,it's a no brainer really .

It's still a decent set-up.
And to be fair you've proven again what is often said on this forum...

It's not the kit that gets the image it's the photographer.
You've practised with the kit you have to ensure you can get the best out of it, and that is what is important.

[Lepus]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

I suppose what ever reach we have regarding lenses , we will always want more . I am not unhappy with my set up , was just considering if I it was worth upgrading to a longer prime , as as I mentioned I rarely take the 2x off my 300 .

[TonyT]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

I bought a used 500mm F4 mk1 and it is as you say a great lens with a 1.4x on it, but it is a heck of a lot heavier. If you are near Derby I would let you try it. The 300 though is about as sharp as you can get and has an excellent reputation, it is the ideal airshow lens. I couldn't see or justify the extra 2 plus thousand to get a 500 mk2 for what little advantage I would gain, and I got a cracking lens from the dealers :)

[Lepus]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

I had not really considered the weight increase , though it`s not so much a big deal for me at the moment . I suppose there is also a good deal of versatility with the set up I have , as I have a good 600mm f5.6 , a decent 400 f4 , and a blinding 300 f2.8 , so there are some advantages with what I have . I think the conclusion is , it`s probably not worth the money for me to upgrade at the moment .

[TonyT]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

Try popping in a shop and trying one on a body, it surprised me the weight of it all. I took my body and 1.4x in and shot some images up the street and of pigeons, then looked at them at home before deciding :) they will not mind as they are hoping for the potential sale.

[Lepus]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

Try popping in a shop and trying one on a body, it surprised me the weight of it all. I took my body and 1.4x in and shot some images up the street and of pigeons, then looked at them at home before deciding :) they will not mind as they are hoping for the potential sale.

If I do that , it will force my hand to buy one .

[TonyT]

Re: 300 f2.8 with converters VS 500mm f4 with 1.4

Ahhh been there, seen it, and done it