Canon 70-200 f2.8 or 100-400mm??

mw0dbb

mw0dbb

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John
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Hi all, I currently own a Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS USM lens which is the mark 1 version. I find this a really good lens but I would like some extra zoom. I am thinking Of exchanging/selling and getting a 100-400 lens instead. I have tried a x1.4 Canon converter but the image quality really suffers. Any opinions on the 100-400 lens? I don't really do alot of low light pics so I am not sure I would lose alot... I also have a 105mm f2.8 sigma macro lens so I think I would probably use that instead anyway.

John
 
John,

If you IQ "suffers" that much with the 1.4x attached, you need to consider the techniques you are employing. I found that combination worked for me on the Mk.1 lens and us no different on my Mk.2 - using a Mk.2 extender.
 
I love my 100-400 and use it extensively.

I also occasionally use the 700-200 f2.8 MkII (my partners, I steal it) for some jobs. They both do different things as far as I'm concerned, and produce different images. The push/pull zoom is the main advantage for me of the 100-400, it just works well over that large focal length.
 
I like the lens, just really need more reach that will maintain IQ
 
It depends on what you shoot TBH.
the 300 f/4 will give you more reach and is sharper than a sharp thing.
Around about £700 second hand IIRC.

The 70-200 2.8 MKII knocks spots off the Mk1 version,
but I do agree about the 1.4 TC on the Mk1 70-200 f2.8 though.
 
I had the 100-400 a couple of years ago and sold it in favour of the 70-200 mkii with the mkiii 1.4 extender - 99.9% of my track work is with this combo. What body are you using? my combo is superb on the 7D / 5D mk3 and the 1D mk4

.DAVID.
 
I love my 100-400L. Great reach on a 7D & great IQ & super sharp. I was also in the same dilemma as to sell it & use a 70-200 f2.8IS MK2 & a TC. I have decided to keep the lovely 100-400.
 
I like to photograph wildlife mainly. I use a 550d at present but hope to upgrade to a 6d in future! I have thought about hiring one to see what they are like but even doing that is not cheap, might be worth plunge? I like the 70-200 lens but don't really use it to its full potential. I have a couple of lenses which will work fine in low light.
 
the 100-400 will give you plenty of reach if you are happy with the f/4-f5.6 apertures
the 300 f/4 prime is razor sharp.

Both around the £1200 mark for a new UK sourced one.
(cheaper if you go for a so called grey import)

Certainly a cheaper option than a new 70-200 f/2.8 MKII.

I shoot a lot of zoo stuff, and some of the people is shoot with use the 100-400.
Very capable and double the length, at around £500 cheaper.
But they do tend to be a little soft at the 400mm mark & wide open.
(but that could be said for a lot of lens, too ;))

I guess it all comes down to personal choice.
Hiring the 2 side by side, would be a good idea,
if you have the funds :thumbs:
 
Having had the MKI 70-200mm 2.8 IS with converters I have to say the 100-400mm is better IQ wise. In the end I sold the 70-200mm, kept the 100-400mm and bought a used 70-200mm f4 IS for when I want something lighter.

Must admit I have been toying with the idea of a MKII 70-200mm 2.8 with converters and selling the 100-400mm but for every post I read that recommends doing it I see another saying don't.
 
Mike.P said:
Must admit I have been toying with the idea of a MKII 70-200mm 2.8 with converters and selling the 100-400mm but for every post I read that recommends doing it I see another saying don't.
Click to expand...
I've used both the 1.4 and the 2x (MKII's) on my MKII f2.8 70-200
and to be perfectly honest, I've seen better results from a 100-400,
certainly from the 2x's ;)
 
Couple of shots for you with the 70-200 2.8 mkii and the mk3 1.4 extender

280mm no crop
BSB%20OP%2010-08-13%20066-L.jpg


Same image cropped right in
BSB%20OP%2010-08-13%20068-L.jpg


Pretty good when the weather gets a little 'moist' as well
P%2004-08-13%200409-L.jpg


Does animals too
Paradise%20Wildlife%20Park%2028-09-13%20%200116-XL.jpg


And REALLY bad hair days
Paradise%20Wildlife%20Park%2028-09-13%20%200165-XL.jpg


Good luck with whichever you go for.

.DAVID.
 
I have to admit thats quite impressive :thumbs:
As I understand it, the MKIII is far superior to the MKII (that I have) anyway
 
I've got the 70-200 mk1 and use it with a 1.4tc and a 2x tc sometimes if I want the 70-200 and occasional reach. I've Also got the 100-400 and if. Just wanted reach I'd use that, just because I find it a great pin sharp lens.

But, the 70-200 and tc's gives almost as good results.
 
I have the 28 - 300mm L lens from Canon. Not as fast as your 2.8, but covers more areas and has IS. I love it, especially as I don't have to keep swopping lenses all the time.
 
I think you've made the best choice considering you had the 70-200 MkI. I had one a while ago and used a Kenko Pro300 DGX 1.4x converter and noticed a difference in IQ straight away. I eventually upgraded to the MkII version and tried the same converter, and a Canon 2x MkIII converter as well, and the difference is massive. The IQ of the MkII with either converter is excellent compared to the MkI and even when compared to the 100-400 L I find it about equal, but you lose the 100-140 range which is the only downfall. On my 5D3 and 70D the AF speed is fast enough to get wildlife and BIF without many problems.
 
Finally got a 100-400 lens and I'm really liking it. One question I have though. I also have a x1.4 mk1 teleconverter, but when using it with this lens the auto focus does not work?

John
 
Very few Canon Cameras will Af @ an aperture of f/8 and above.
(I'll re phrase that, none of the crop sensors will)
The 1D series and I believe the 5DIII will though.

1.4 increases the f/number by one.
In theory it might AF at 100 mm wide open. (f/4.5 +1 stop)
As this should give you an f/number below 8
I've no idea if it will or not though.
I'm sure someone else will be along shortly with the definitive answer to that.
 
mw0dbb said:
Finally got a 100-400 lens and I'm really liking it. One question I have though. I also have a x1.4 mk1 teleconverter, but when using it with this lens the auto focus does not work?

John
Click to expand...

That's the same case with my 28 - 300mm L lens.
 
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