Canon 300mm f4 IS + 1.4x or 400mm 5.6... [Archive]

grotty

11-04-2010, 20:05

Looking at either of the above for mainly wildlife use. Would the 300mm with IS + the extender hold up to the 400mm prime? If so I assume it would be a more versatile option.

I'd love to hear some opinions of those who have experience of either or both.

Thanks, Joe.

menthel

11-04-2010, 21:24

I asked the same recently. Have a look for my thread. The outcome was that the 300 with tc is a capable mix but that the 400 is better still and generally sharper!

EdBray

11-04-2010, 21:37

The 400 can't do 300mm though or f4 or IS.

Brachytron

12-04-2010, 06:22

I've got the 300mm+1.4tc. You get 420mm with a very effective IS (no IS on the 400mm f5.6) as well as 300mm. If wildlife is your thing, the 300mm focuses to 1.5m compared with the 400mm's 2.5m which means its great for closeups and larger insects such as butterflies and dragonflies too, especially with the 1.4 attached. My two recent posts of the toads and swan and Robin were with this set-up.

menthel

12-04-2010, 06:31

The 400 can't do 300mm though or f4 or IS.

That was part of the trade of discussed. It has still led me to want the 300 as I already have the 1.4 to go with my 70-200 f4.

grotty

12-04-2010, 08:38

I've got the 300mm+1.4tc. You get 420mm with a very effective IS (no IS on the 400mm f5.6) as well as 300mm. If wildlife is your thing, the 300mm focuses to 1.5m compared with the 400mm's 2.5m which means its great for closeups and larger insects such as butterflies and dragonflies too, especially with the 1.4 attached. My two recent posts of the toads and swan and Robin were with this set-up.

Some very nice shots in your posts I must say. Do the lens + extender images hold up well at 100% size?...also, is the AF still very capable (speed and accuracy)?

Brachytron

12-04-2010, 11:15

Some very nice shots in your posts I must say. Do the lens + extender images hold up well at 100% size?...also, is the AF still very capable (speed and accuracy)?

Hi Grotty

On my 40D, they are still pin sharp at 100% with the 1.4tc. With regards AF, I haven't noticed any significant impact on speed and accuracy seems the same as without the tc. My main interest is dragonflies in flight so I am looking fiorward to the spring when they start appearing to test it for some really demanding shots.