CANON 400mm+

P

Paul Philpott

Suspended / Banned
Messages
273
Name
Paul
Edit My Images
Yes
OK I am looking for some advise please!!

I have a Canon 100-400L which I am very happy with.

Only problem is that I need more than 400mm at times!

So what should I go for?? I am looking at retaining AF and IS do not want to use a TC on the 100-400 but can go for a Prime+TC if that is a good route!

Main use will be aviation.

Any ideas??(below 2K!!)
 
400mm 5.6 L + 1.4 or 2x convertor, should come to about 1500 notes so well within budget. I recently bought the lens but still getting used to it. I have the 1.4 convertor but not used it on the prime, I have used it with my 100-400 L though and it's awful, so you're right not to go that way.
 
Last edited:
I also own a 100-400L and recently had a simular dilemma. I wanted extra focal length, but knew I would not use it that often.

In the end I decided the cheapest way to get extra focal length was to add a 1.4x convertor (which I already had) onto a 1D body, so it would still AF albeit at f8. I was originally going to buy a 1D MK3, but eventually decided to try a 1D MK2. I only got the new body this last week, so have only done a few test shots with it, but the results look ok.

I figured if it didn't work out I could always sell the 1D body on for pretty much what I paid for it, but saying that I like the 1D and it is a minter with only 2945 shutter actuations so I may end up hanging on to it whatever I finally decide!

I would love a 500mm F4, but really struggle with parting with that kind of cash knowing how little I would probably use it.

It will be interesting to see what other people suggest for your 2K budget.
 
Below 2k your only (Canon) hope is the 400/5.6 + 1.4x TC.. While it's a slow lens, it's good wide open, the AF rocks your socks off and you can swing it around all day as it's light and there's no IS to turn off ;)

Had a play with one a week ago and it's exactly what it says on the tin. IQ at 400mm is better than the 100-400 even though it's f/5.6 with both of them. You do lose AF with the TC though, unless using a 1D mkX body!
 
Paul Philpott said:
Good idea but will I loose AF with that set up??
Click to expand...

Not if you tape them:thumbs: I believe Sigma may do lenses up to 500mm within your budget but dunno how good they are.
 
Thanks for the suggestions-this AF thing with the TC really screws it up!!
I am thinking that there is no answer to this problem other than a EF 500L which I cannot justify(or afford!!):'(
 
Credit Cards are great things. Why worry, you can't take it with you. Go for it, no regrets;)
 
True, you can leave the credit card bill for someone else to deal with :D
 
Actually a 300f2.8 and 2xTC would be cheaper(less expensive??) than a 500 hmmmmmmmmmm
 
How about a Sigma 300 f/2.8 with a 2x TC? 600mm at f/5.6

Edit: Well, that was too late to look impressive.
 
Last edited:
sigma 50-500 and 150-500 both have OS the equivilant to IS
 
Yes thanks but to be honest I am actually looking to get to 600 so a 300 and 2xTC would be the best bet-The Sigma is a possibilty-any aircraft togs have experience of that set up?
 
Paul, if your going for Sigma and TC, the 300mm f/2.8 prime is by far your best bet, look out for good second hand gear, the 300 prime and 1,4 and 2X tc should come in under 1500, but you will not have IS/os/vr( I would not use the 2x for aircraft as it will slow the AF down to much)

The other combo I would go for is the Cannon 300mm F/4 IS and 1.4TC, the IQ on this combo is top class!!!, this would give you the IS, but it only gives you 420mm

The only time I use IS/VR when shooting Aircraft, is for prop planes and very slow shutter speeds, for the Jets it is not needed.

Just a couple of combos to have a think about, both well under your price range.

This shot would not really be possible(handheld) without IS/VR
D300, 300mm f2.8 and 1.4tc @80th
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s223/xup11/Herc1024.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thanks xup. The only problem is that I need 600 and that means 2xTC!

300x1.4=420 which is only slightly more than I have!

Anybody know how a 28-300L with a 2xTC works-is the IQ any good and what about the AF??
 
Paul Philpott said:
Yes but what IQ would that give me?
Click to expand...
I had a similar dilemma a while back - after having the 400/5.6 prime for several years I wanted more reach. The 500/4 was out due to weight/bulk for my style (and age :lol: ). I went for the 300/2.8 and could not have been happier, What really surprised me was just how good the lens was with a2x tc attached - See HERE for examples of the 300/2.8 with both 1.4 and 2x tc's. I have even had reasonable shots with a 2x and 1.4x stacked (840mm).

I liked the 400/5.6 very much but IMO the 300/2.8 + 1.4x (420/4) is better than the bare 400 and the 300 with a 2x tc is better than the 400 with a 1.4 tc (and you do not need to tape the pins for AF).

Below is a shot I posted yesterday in the birds section, taken with a 7D + 300/2.8 plus 2x tc to give you an idea (look on the link above for more samples).
EDIT: just notice to budget, a used 300/2.8 will cost a tad more than 2k.


white1.jpg
 
Last edited:
How about saving for the Sigma 500mm F4.5? MPB have em for £2.4K ?

Or an older Canon 500mm F4.5L seem a few cosmetically rough ones go for under £2K but with good optics. That is if you don't mind an out of service support lens but I'm sure someone would have spares lying about.:thinking:
 
Thanks that gives me a couple of ideas-I must admit the 300L2.8 and 2xcTC does appeal!(cracking shots by the way) as that gives me 600 with AF and cracking IQ. Only drawbacks seem to be cost and weight!!

The Sigma 500 is something I hadnt considered so that is also a possibility!
 
He's already using a 7D and 40D how does he get more cropped than that?
 
I only saw that he had got the 7D, did not realise he had a cropped body already. was a quick post while nipping in the office (im at work). stll trying to get used to the way things are layed out in this forum
 
7D is cropped as well :)

Btw, the 28-300L doesn't work with TCs at all.. At least the canon ones.
 
You can get a used Sigma for about £1200 and I sold a nice Tokina 300mm f2.8 SD for much less than that.
 
I am thinking that the Sigma 300 with a 2xTC would be a good option BUT will it AF quick enough for fast aircraft and what is the IQ going to be like??
 
500mm for less than 2K and not the budget sigma zooms like the sigma 150-500mm, then I definitely would be looking 2nd hand.

What about the sigma 120-300mm f2.8 + 1.4 or 2x TC, the flexibility of a zoom, add the TCs to create 2 new lenses. This lens is suposed to be optically better than the sigma 300mm f2.8

I must admit that I was dubious over the performance of the 2x TC on the 300mm f2.8 until I tried it out at Silverstone and Brands, and have been very impressed with the results, especially as it was still produced good results in very challenging conditions, overcast skies and rain at Brands for the qualifying of the BSB.
 
Pete, Thanks for your input. I realise that a 2K budget is pretty marginal but being realistic I would have to go up to nearer 4K to get an ideal piece of kit eg 300L with 2XTC.

Bear in mind that I am really after 600 here-ie a substantial increase on my 100-400L which I am very happy with.

The plan is to use this on the 40D and keep the L on the 7D.

Also weight is a factor and the Sigma is less than the Canon's(of course because its IQ is not as good which I understand!!)

So am I moving towards a Sigma product and if so which is best IQ with the 2xTC: the zoom or the prime? Also which will AF best??

Questions questions!!:eek:
 
Paul Philpott said:
Pete, Thanks for your input. I realise that a 2K budget is pretty marginal but being realistic I would have to go up to nearer 4K to get an ideal piece of kit eg 300L with 2XTC.

Bear in mind that I am really after 600 here-ie a substantial increase on my 100-400L which I am very happy with.

The plan is to use this on the 40D and keep the L on the 7D.

Also weight is a factor and the Sigma is less than the Canon's(of course because its IQ is not as good which I understand!!)

So am I moving towards a Sigma product and if so which is best IQ with the 2xTC: the zoom or the prime? Also which will AF best??

Questions questions!!:eek:
Click to expand...

Very very interesting thread and I look forward to the answers to the above post as they are also 2 lenses I am considering!
 
i have a canon 300 f4L non is, always use a 1.4x tc on it and dont notice any difference in quality, super lens and tack sharp which allows for cropping if needed. :D

example @ 300mm

heli.jpg



example @ 420mm and cropped quite a bit too.. :)
IMG_4068.jpg
 
Last edited:
Cracking photos Westley-only problem is I need 600 which means a 2XTC and no AF on an f4.....................
 
unless you get a 1d ;) or tape the 3 pins, i done this when i had a canon 2x would imagen it would focus good on aeroplanes but when i had it the weather was poor and didnt lock onto birds quite like i wanted it too.. :(
 
Paul Philpott said:
Good idea but will I loose AF with that set up??
Click to expand...

Yep, i did not find that a problem when using one recently unless you are tracking a moving object.
It is a very sharp lens even with an extender and i wish i had brought one rather than my 300mm f4.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top