Canon 400mm f2.8 v 300mm f2.8 with 1.4 extender

Gogster

Gogster

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Darryl
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Given the topic where Kipax is struggling to get his 400mm repaired and the lack of CPS support, I'm reassessing my options for a new (second hand) long lens.

Aside from the known shift of f2.8 to f4 using the 1.4 on the 300mm and AF only working on the centre point, what are people's opinions on this set-up? I primarily shoot rugby which most of the time is a Saturday afternoon, which can be cloudy, but generally daylight. However occasionally there are night games, like the cup final one coming up soon which is a 7.45pm kick-off.

I used to own the 300mm f2.8 but I'm sure I used to find it a little short, although my memory could be poor! But I believe this lens is still supported on CPS so it may be a better option to go back to it.

Appreciate your experiences.
 
If you're thinking of the 300/2.8 IS MkI then it's no longer supported by Canon....like the 400 MkI.

As far as focussing....for rugby it should be fine (slowish game) but I found that it's too slow for football (in general).

Bob
 
I've recently replaced my MkI with a MkII for that very reason.
 
You might be OK with a recently serviced mkI for a few years. It's a gamble. Just be very careful with it. Some parts may be still available through some companies... there is always a broken one on ebay with a different problem. Not that you have any choice if you can't afford mk2 at 2X the price.
 
Gogster said:
Ah, I thought it was still supported, so same position - b****r!
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I think you will find anything that has a mkII then the original gets dropped..

the 400 beats a 300+tc any day of the week especialy in the UK for night matches and even dark winters where floodlights can be on at 3pm... not only is af slightly slower (unless you do something like sports you dont notice) but i also found it hit and miss... again unless you do sports where you want a lot of pics in a short time to be bang on you might not notice its not 100% reliable IMHO

Canon dont support the pre mkII 300 and 400 BUT other places will fix them.. My problem isn't so much getting it fixed as the time frame.. with canon CPS I can guarantee a quick turnaround or loan lens.. other place will fix an earlier lens but its how long? the 400 is the only lens i dont have an alternative.....and is a workhorse used every other day.. currently i can use it on half a dozen jobs without a problem. its so random :(

i am in the process of maybe buying a 300 mk1 from a reliable source and if i do then that will eb workable while i get my 400 fixed...
 
When I did football albeit kids I used a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8sport and it was great as an alternative to Canon and Sigma service was also excellent and quick. I believe they are bringing out a 400f2.8 this year and if it is as good as their 500mmf4 S it will be worth having.
 
PINNACLE said:
When I did football albeit kids I used a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8.
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I used sigma 120-300 for a few years it was great :).. yes got excellent customer support from sigma...then i discovered canon primes and no comparison... also as the OP is looking for longer than 300 then the sigma option isnt any better than 300 prime +tc which he wants.. in fact worse and the 400 that might appear.. you sure thats 2.8 ?
 
It is better if you want it fixed. Yes it is rumoured a 400f2.8 is coming, seen a few posts. Only having one big white a 500f4is which I will be replacing pretty soon with a Sigma 500S after trying one for a few days. I would still go for a 120-300S over a Canon 300 prime for quite a few reasons let alone price.
 
I think the 100-400 mk 1 is still supported if that's an option.
 
PINNACLE said:
It is better if you want it fixed. Yes it is rumoured a 400f2.8 is coming, seen a few posts. Only having one big white a 500f4is which I will be replacing pretty soon with a Sigma 500S after trying one for a few days. I would still go for a 120-300S over a Canon 300 prime for quite a few reasons let alone price.
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So would i with one body but the op is looking for around 400mm and was thinking 300 + tc . I am saying thats not a good idea . Sigma 120-300 + tc even less so. Certainly wouldn't knock the sigma as it worked well for me. But for what the op is asking? Really?

Good nees about a sigma 400 2.8. hadn't heard about it myself ta :)
 
I’ve had both and would definitely go for the 400 2.8. I had a second hand mkII and it just kept on working and working and working, and it’s still working well with the new owner as far as I know. Pretty bulletproof. And you can stick the 1.4 on it and get a 560mm f/4 (which I did quite frequently).
 
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