Canon 70-200 L with 2x extender

J

Jetstream Rider

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Hi,

I might be in the market for an L series lens in the not too distant to go on my 5D2.

I've used the 100-400 and 70-200 L series lenses before and I like them both - but can only afford one.

I was wondering how the 70-200 with a 2x extender compared to the 100-400?

I know I will lose a couple of stops on the 70-200, but that makes it 5.6 at the (now 400) end which is the same as the 100-400. It would give me an effective 140-400 with the extender, but I just wondered how this compared to the 100-400 on its own?

Of course the 100-400 could be extended itself, which I wouldn't be able to do with the 70-200 as you can't have lots of extenders.

Does anyone know what the autofocus will be like (will it work, speed etc) and how the quality compares? I would appreciate any thoughts.

Ps - I do the odd bit of long lens wildlife stuff usually with a hired 100-400, and I am starting a portrait business, so I thought the 70-200 would be great for that. I guess I'd like the best of both worlds if that's possible...
 
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A couple of very good past threads on this very subject here and here

I will also add that I have this very combination and think that, whilst it could be a lot sharper considering the kit in question, it is by no means something to turn your nose up at.
If I had the money would I buy a 100-400 as well? Probably. But would I save and buy the 100-400 as well as the 70-200? No. That being said I am debating saving and buying the 400 2.8 prime...

Welcome to the forum as well :) Hope you settle in OK!

Edit: Whereabouts in the country are you based buddy?
 
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Thanks - I'm near Guildford.

Apologies if I have missed a bit of forum ettiquette.

I'll have a look at the other threads.

Cheers,
JR
 
Well welcome :thumbs:

Im sure nobody will fuss ;) Its always good to search but it doesnt kill anyone just asking!
I was going to say if you were in London then Im sure you could test the lens combo over a pint... Im nice like that!
 
Just PM me if youre ever going to be in town. :thumbs:
 
Hi Jetstream Rider,

I'll give you the short answer to save you looking through countless threads.

The 70-200f2.8ISmkII plus a decent x2TC is VERY close in every respect to a good copy of the 100-400.

In contrast the mkI is not, by a large margin.

Would be happy to be flamed since I have not tried every copy of both lenses and all bodies and TCs but this is my experience on several bodies with two copies of the 70-200f2.8ISmkII and two copies of the mkI and a range of Kenko, Teleplus and Canon Converters (x2). Have had two copies of the 100-400 as well, both were really excellent.

I could add comments about the x1.4 converters as well but that was not in the OP.

Hope this helps and good luck with your choices.

Welcome to TP by the way. I'm sure you will find some top advice here.
 
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