I like to take images of Birds in Flight. I picked up a very well used 1DMk2, which from what I understand is very good at fast focusing.
My question is, what lenses work best and quickest with this camera. I have a 70-200 F4(no IS) and 100-400. Out of those I would say the 70-200 is quicker.
I wish I could afford a 500 or 600mm lens, but truth is I'll never afford any of those.
So what would be my choices otherwise ?
The reason I need quickness is Swallows, they are fast, and darty to say the least.
A lot of the BIF photogs seem to recommend the 400/5.6 L over the 100-400 because of AF speed. I'm sure a few of them will chime in within about 45 seconds.
How much do you want to spend? And how long do you want?
The prime 400/5.6 is much faster than the 100-400 . I've not used a 300/4 is but I think that faster as well.
I find that yes my 100-400 is lacking in AF speed , but it can be body dependant. It's faster on my mk2n than my 7D which is faster than my 40D was.
Also (and probably no help for erratic birds) I find it fast enough when making small changes but bigger changes challenges it more. eg at a race track pre focussing on the apex of the corne it would track very fast motogp bikes without much issue.
I believe Canon some years ago had an article about the 300/2.8 IS being the fastest focusing lens (The new generation lenses probably changed that).
I have tried to photograph Swifts head-on with the 400/5.6, but they can easily outrun it when they get close enough. (The closer they get the faster the USM have to move to keep tracking, there is a reciprocal-value involved).
I tried the 300/2.8 IS, it is probably a bit faster, but more difficult to swing around, so I prefer the 400/5.6
If you're on a budget and you already have the 100-400, then the 400 5.6L is your only choice. You will love this lens and you won't have to sell a kidney to get one.
Your 1 series should be able to AF to F8, so a 1.4 TC for the 400 may not be a bad idea either. IQ-wise, the 400 takes a 1.4 very well. AF does slow down even on a 1 series, however.
There's a lot of back and forth with users of these 2 lenses... You decide for yourself.... I sold my 100-400 because AF was so slow and IQ was not as good compared to the 400 5.6L. A few years later I read that some early copies were bad so I bought another only to be disappointed again..... sold it too. The argument continues to this day.
400mm 5.6 paired with the 1dII is a great combo. I use it almost daily. I set the 1dII to 13 point expansion with the center point activated, and I usually use the 8.5 meter limiter on the 400 5.6. Get it used, and if it doesn't work for you, you can sell it for basically no loss.
