100-400L or 70-200L f2.8 +2x extender

The 120-300 works really well with the 1.4x, I really regret selling mine. The new version with OS also works well with a 2.0x but is again much more expensive.
 
I use a 7d with 100-400 for airshows and it's not a bad setup. I also have a 70-200 f/4 but thats not really used too much apart from static ground shots or when i'm really close to the action.

Even with the crop body though i would really prefer a 500mm prime for airshows. But, all i shoot really is aviation so eventually i will get one!

From what i have heard (have no experience myself on this) the AF speed is majorly hit when using a TC on the 70-200 as well.
 
could i use a kenko 1.4x dgx pro 300 with the canon 70 - 200mm f/4 usm L or IS version will this combo work or will i just get blurry pictures.

I have a set of Kenko tubes that work well with my Canon 100f2.8. I use thee to increase macro from 1:1.

As the 1.4 dgx pro has a glass element, the limit would be the quality of the glass Kenko use

A review can be read here

Code:
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/camera-lenses/kenko-teleplus-pro-300-af-dgx-1-4x-1030858/review

and here

Code:
http://www.steveoakley.net/template_permalink.asp?id=263

As it's half the price of the Canon it would be something I would be looking at if I didn't already have the Canon 1.4
 
I use a 7d with 100-400 for airshows and it's not a bad setup. I also have a 70-200 f/4 but thats not really used too much apart from static ground shots or when i'm really close to the action.

Even with the crop body though i would really prefer a 500mm prime for airshows. But, all i shoot really is aviation so eventually i will get one!

From what i have heard (have no experience myself on this) the AF speed is majorly hit when using a TC on the 70-200 as well.

I'm going to severely miss the 7D this year! I only go to 3 airshows a year though so I'll have to console myself with getting shots when I can and actually enjoying watching the aircraft once they're out of range. Or I might just rent a long prime! :D
 
The AF will be slower with the 2x on a 70-200. Seeing as some people are using the mkII over the 300mm f4 with 1.4x and 100-400 lenses, I just had to give it a go. I'm selling my mkI IS and 150-500 to fund it. I'm going to try the Kenko or Sigma TC's first, just need to source some!

Here's why I've gone the 70-200 mkII route.

Here's why you probably shouldn't with a mkI 70-200.

Both the new Canon and Nikon 70-200 are much improved with TCs but the Canon with a 2xTC wide open is not as sharp as the 100-400 wide open a 400mm.

So it is stll the case that if you need the 300-400mm range sufficiently often then the dedicated lens provides better sharpness.


Look at the 400mm f/5.6 vs the 70-200 IS MKII:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...meraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=7&APIComp=2

I wish Nikon made a modern 400mm f/5.6 . They did release a patent so maybe one is coming.
 
Both the new Canon and Nikon 70-200 are much improved with TCs but the Canon with a 2xTC wide open is not as sharp as the 100-400 wide open a 400mm.

So it is stll the case that if you need the 300-400mm range sufficiently often then the dedicated lens provides better sharpness.


Look at the 400mm f/5.6 vs the 70-200 IS MKII:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...meraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=7&APIComp=2

I wish Nikon made a modern 400mm f/5.6 . They did release a patent so maybe one is coming.

Only when pixel peeping and the 100-400 advantage is there but not enough to make a difference for me. I'll use the 70-200 95% of the time without a TC, for the other 5% the performance looks to be more than adequate.

Long primes would be nice, but the flexibility of a zoom at an airshow and motorsports is paramount for me. AF speed of the 400 f5.6 is way faster though.
 
As I said, if you need the 300-400 range frequently then a lens of that focal length without TCs would be a better purchase, but since you want to use the 70-200 without a TC most of the time then it is obviously the better option.

Buying a lens with the intention if using a TC frequently, unless we are talking exotic primes with a 1.4x TC, is not really a great investment.
 
As I said, if you need the 300-400 range frequently then a lens of that focal length without TCs would be a better purchase, but since you want to use the 70-200 without a TC most of the time then it is obviously the better option.

Buying a lens with the intention if using a TC frequently, unless we are talking exotic primes with a 1.4x TC, is not really a great investment.

Actually I'll be using it a lot with a 1.4x TC, IQ and AF impact is negligible. That would be in relation to number of shots taken as I get through a lot over a weekend event.

edit: I guess even though I'll probably only do 4 airshows this year the number of shots would be pretty high! I'm more concerned over the lack of reach over performance at the moment though to be honest.
 
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It is always a double edged sword trying to get more reach by using TCs that then impact your effective resolution such that you are not really gaining anymore than simply cropping the image and potentially upscaling.

Getting sufficient reach is a real pain and there is no magic solution, except trying to get closer to the subject (which is not always possible).

I was thinking of updating my 70-200VR1 to the newer version so it handles TCs better but i am no so sure. I may bet better seed simply saving up and buying a 500mm f/4.0 VR selling and replin gthe 70-700 with a couple of primes.
 
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Have you consider the 28-300L. Some say it attracts dust owing to the push/pull operation, but it has good range and is quite compact. Would also give you over 400 with the 1.4.

They are over £2k new, but there is one here for £1499, and it will have a warranty I would imagine, albeit only for 30 days, but still plenty of time to know if it is a good copy.

Code:
http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/used/Canon-CANON-28-300mm_43445.html
 
It is always a double edged sword trying to get more reach by using TCs that then impact your effective resolution such that you are not really gaining anymore than simply cropping the image and potentially upscaling.

Getting sufficient reach is a real pain and there is no magic solution, except trying to get closer to the subject (which is not always possible).

I was thinking of updating my 70-200VR1 to the newer version so it handles TCs better but i am no so sure. I may bet better seed simply saving up and buying a 500mm f/4.0 VR selling and replin gthe 70-700 with a couple of primes.

If I did more wildlife I would definitely go the prime route. Cars, aircraft and rugby players don't quite need the finesse that feathers and fur do :D
 
I have the 100-400 and also had a 70-200. It does depend on what you use them for but I eventually sold the 70-200 as it always seemed to be in the middle of what I really wanted.

I use it mainly for aviation and the 100-400 is flexible enough for ground taxi shots and good air shots but the 70-200 was generally too short for air and at airshows not wide enough for static. I ended up with the 17-40 for my general lens.

The 100-400 has been a great investment and I have never found it problematic being hand held and never use it on a tripod.
 
I personally think buying second hand, then selling second hand is better value than hiring.

I currently have the Canon 100-400 and the 70-200 F4L IS... I use both for very different shots. I just wish I had more of an opportunity to use my 100-400 as it was so nice to use. Generally I choose the portability option so the 70-200 tends to stay in my bag.
 
Maybe the suggestion to hire something to try is a good idea, any suggestions where from, midlands bassed ?

I've used Lenses for Hire a few times and the service is top quality. If you contact them, they will advise you of which lenses would suit your aim better too.

It may well be cheaper to find a local place to save on delivery (LfH estimate around £28 total delivery costs for big lenses)
 
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