Any 400 2.8 IS with 2xIII samples?

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bipock
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p.1 #1 · Any 400 2.8 IS with 2xIII samples?

I've been through the stuff on POTN and done a google search, but not giving me what I'm looking for. I am interested in seeing some samples (body doesn't matter much although 1.6x would be nice) from the 400 2.8 IS and the 2xIII TC specifically of wildlife or birds - NO SPORTS. I know AF will slow down, so that's not an issue. Any comments from users would be welcome too, especially if you have compared the version II and III with this lens.

Aug 24, 2012 at 07:08 PM

Liquidstone
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p.1 #2 · Any 400 2.8 IS with 2xIII samples?

I don't have a 2x TC III, but I often use a 400 2.8 IS + 2x TC II on birds, most of the time wide open. AF is slowish, but IQ even wide open is very decent.

From all the comparative tests I've seen, the 2x III is at least optically as good as or a tad better than the 2x II. Thus, I believe that the following examples might have been a bit better or at least as good if I used a 2x III instead of a II.

Lowland White-eye (Zosterops meyeni, a near Philippine endemic, 4 inches total length)

Canon 1D MIV + 400 2.8 IS + Canon 2x TC II, 800 mm, f/5.6, ISO 1600, 1/320 sec, 475B/516 support, manual exposure in available light, near full frame.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Canon 7D + 400 2.8 IS + Canon 2x TC II, 800 mm, f/5.6, ISO 1600, 1/320 sec, 475B/516 support, manual exposure in available light, uncropped full frame.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Canon 5D2 + 400 2.8 L IS + Canon 2x TC II, 800 mm, f/9, 1/250 sec, ISO 200, bean bag, uncropped full frame resized to 1200x800.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Link to 21 MP full res image of the above:
http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/image/115998896/original

Aug 25, 2012 at 01:17 AM

PetKal
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p.1 #3 · Any 400 2.8 IS with 2xIII samples?

Pogi Romy is one of few "birders" who actually know how good 400 f/2.8 IS MkI is, even with the TCs

Naturally, sports photographers have known that all along.

Aug 25, 2012 at 01:42 AM

Alek Komarnits
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p.1 #4 · Any 400 2.8 IS with 2xIII samples?

For those "newbies" who stumble upon this thread, be aware that both Romy/Liquidstone and Petkal bring some serious skills to the table.

I.e. they can truly make gear shine! ;-)

Aug 25, 2012 at 01:59 AM

rscheffler
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p.1 #5 · Any 400 2.8 IS with 2xIII samples?

PetKal wrote:
Pogi Romy is one of few "birders" who actually know how good 400 f/2.8 IS MkI is, even with the TCs

Naturally, sports photographers have known that all along.

I believe if there is one big lens Canon can not afford to compromise on, that would be 400 f/2.8 IS.

This is about 66% crop of a handheld shot made with 400 f/2.8 IS MkI + 2xTC MkIII on 1DsMkII.

My guess is this lens was historically unpopular with birders because it was so heavy. The IS II has seriously addressed that, as you have frequently mentioned and demonstrated. It would seem for small bird photography, given it's close minimum focusing distance, it can be quite effective.

Aug 25, 2012 at 02:06 AM

Liquidstone
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p.1 #6 · Any 400 2.8 IS with 2xIII samples?

rscheffler wrote:

My guess is this lens was historically unpopular with birders because it was so heavy. The IS II has seriously addressed that, as you have frequently mentioned and demonstrated. It would seem for small bird photography, given it's close minimum focusing distance, it can be quite effective.

Yes, the 400 2.8 IS is very heavy (it's actually heavier than the 600 f4 IS!) but you're right, its 3 m MFD plus its good IQ with a 2x TC makes it a very effective tool in small bird shooting up close.

Edited on Aug 25, 2012 at 02:20 AM · View previous versions

Aug 25, 2012 at 02:18 AM

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