Anyone use a Canon 70-200mm F4 and 2X converter combo?

[andy_fozzy]

I ask because I'm currently using a Nikon D7000 (which I adore) and a Sigma 170-500mm (which is rubbish!)
Ok that's a bit harsh. When conditions allow it's pretty good. I've had some great shots from it. But I miss as many as I keep, and yesterday just added to the despair.
Really getting into wildlife more and more, and yesterday I was about a hundred yards away from a buzzard which took off as soon as it saw me. Fired away and all my shots were crap :bang:

I can't afford to keep missing stuff like this!

In my eyes, I don't see that there's anything better for me out there, on my budget. ZERO!!
I'm not looking at getting another Sigma as all the long Sigma's I've had just don't cut it for me.
And I can't see a Nikon lens that would be any better. Not many good reports about the 80-400 which *may* have been an option.

The other thing I'm considering is going back to Canon and getting the above combo.

I don't want to do it, but don't see any other way around this.......

 

[seriousrikk]

I've never used it, but that is because the 2x converter on the Canon F4 makes the lens a mediocre 400mm F8 that doesn't autofocus on most bodies.

The Sigma 170-500mm is not the best lens optically, and 100 yards is a long way in wildlife terms. Why not get the Sigma 150-500mm which is better optically and has a good OS system.

Be aware though, even with my 300 f2.8 with a 2x (which is very sharp), a shot of a buzzard at 100 yards would be poor...

 

[andy_fozzy]

I've never used it, but that is because the 2x converter on the Canon F4 makes the lens a mediocre 400mm F8 that doesn't autofocus on most bodies.

The Sigma 170-500mm is not the best lens optically, and 100 yards is a long way in wildlife terms. Why not get the Sigma 150-500mm which is better optically and has a good OS system.

Be aware though, even with my 300 f2.8 with a 2x (which is very sharp), a shot of a buzzard at 100 yards would be poor...

Thanks Richard. Good point.
I am a fussy b****r, I must admit! And fussy buggers and cheap lenses don't get on too well!

The other option I have, I guess, is to save some pennies and go for the 150-500.
I'll have a look around to see what they go for

 

[LongLensPhotography]

At f/8 the AF will only work on 1-series, maybe 7D. It will be about 75% slower and less accurate than 'bare' lens so I that would be barely suitable for static shots. f/2.8 lens will be better, but not perfect.

Should you wish to have a perfect 400mm your only option is probably Canon 400mm f/5.6L (non-IS sadly, but does it matter with BIF?). Sharp as a sharp thing

Sigma had 400mm HSM Macro prime ages ago. It has problems with canon, but maybe nikon version is more forgiving? At £100-200 it may be worth a try.

I am not keen on any xxx-400/500mm. Most of them aren't great at the long end.

 

[andy_fozzy]

Well sadly, me being a blllloody idiot, I had a 400mm F5.6 when I was Canon. I've done some stoopid things in my time, but getting rid of that was by far the biggest mistake I've ever made

 

[davekiddle]

I've done some stoopid things in my time,

Yep!



Andy, you need to stick with some kit and practice, practice, practice. Every time you change systems you lose ££££££. You'd be better off saving instead of keep changing kit and getting the stuff you want. Oh, and Nikon now do a 70-200 f4

 

[andy_fozzy]

Yep!

Andy, you need to stick with some kit and practice, practice, practice. Every time you change systems you lose ££££££. You'd be better off saving instead of keep changing kit and getting the stuff you want. Oh, and Nikon now do a 70-200 f4

Dave you are right mate. The last thing I want to do again is change systems. Believe it or not I hate doing it, and as you say, always lose a few quid in doing so. Especially now that I am getting to grips nicely with the D7000.
I think save for the 150-500 might be my best option.

 

[Deleted member 3428]

400 f5.6 is a killer combination on a Canon body as well you know Mate. if birding at a resonable cost is your aim you know where to point your pennies Andy and once there throw away your wallet.

 

[Mystery57]

Ive got a 400mm Canon L in the for sale section at the moment - it is a great lens AND it is also a good lens with a 2x converter attached.

Im only selling as I prefer the flexibility that a zoom lens offers me with my eyesight co-ordination these days

Focussing manually or auto with it is so quick