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Archive 2014 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC

  
 
kabraxcis
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


Hello, I'm using a 6d+80-200 and 7d+400/5.6 setup, and the 7d high iso is very limiting with the 5.6 lens.

As the 400mm on the 7d is also a lot shorter than I imagined, I'm aiming for around 800mm for my 6d

I've decided that the next step should be to sell the 400/5.6, buy a 400/2.8 (any version excluding the oldest and newest for repair and price reasons) preferably within 3k~5k range, and use that with a 2x converter on the 6d. The 7d would double with the 80-200 for shorter shots, which works better since f2.8 is more usable on the 7d

The 400/2.8 would require at least a monopod since excluding the new edition makes it 5.5kg++.

How are your experiences with lenses 5kg++ with monopods? I've seen that while people do use gimbals on monopods, it is deemed unnecessary weight by some. While I haven't used neither a monopod nor a gimbal head, it seems rather essential due to the heavy lens.

Then the next purchase would be to replace the 7d with a 1d4, and depending on where I am visiting, use the 400/2.8 with either a 1.4 or 2.0 TC.

I was wondering what your thoughts were about the 400/2.8 + 2x TC on 6d as well as budget spread on my upgrade. Adding up the above upgrades yields a budget of roughly 7~9k depending on what kind of 400/2.8 I get, do you see any better upgrade paths? I'm excluding the 600/4 + 1.4TC for now due to the fact that it is significantly more expensive as well as harder to come by. I also doubt that the IQ differential is worth the 1~3k difference in price. The 500/4 sounds good, but 500*1.4 = 700 seems a little short, and I do not wish to spend 7k+ at one time to procure a 1d4 simultaneously with a new lens and tripod/monopod set.



Sep 02, 2014 at 10:45 AM
PetKal
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


First, if you have your mind set on 400 f/2.8, then I suggest you should be looking at 400 f/2.8 IS MkI, and not the older versions.

The lens works fine with the TCs, and it needs a pod support. Most people mount the lens rigidly on monopods, i.e, no gimbals nor monopod heads which do little except get in the way, and may also cause a lens flip accident. Now, there are occasionas when one has to shoot a target which is quite high up, and I've got an articulated monopod head for that, but the last time I needed to use it was two years ago.

However, if you plan to be using 400 f/2.8 mostly with TCs, then I'd recommend you get 500 f/4 IS MkI instead. The 500 is much more practical, yet similarly effective as 400 f/2.8 IS MkI with the TCs. Furthermore, using 500 f/4 IS MkI handheld is quite feasible, whereas with 400 f/2.8 IS MkI the handholding becomes a problem quickly even for the strongest and the best conditioned photographers.



Sep 02, 2014 at 02:16 PM
dhlewis
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


I agree totally with Petkal's comments above. I recently picked up the 2X III to use with my 400 2.8 IS I on my 1DMark IV and am quiet pleased with the results. However this was shooting was on a tripod. I use the lens all the time with a monopod and the 1.4x I extender shooting field sports, and again get very good results. If I ever stop shooting field sports I will sell the 400 2.8 and get the 500mm f4 because of the ability to be handheld. Good luck with whatever direction you decide.

Edited on Sep 02, 2014 at 03:41 PM · View previous versions



Sep 02, 2014 at 02:33 PM
Imagemaster
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


Anyone that buys a 400/2.8 without trying one first is nuts IMO. The weight and bulkiness are major handicaps.

I would use a 1D4 with a 500/4 or 400DO.



Sep 02, 2014 at 02:45 PM
ifxbonz
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


The IS version 1 is a bit of a beast on a long day of shooting, but after switching to the Vll 400 2.8 IS Its an unbelievable difference and if you shoot a 400 2.8 for a lot for field sports, I would say the price is worth the difference.

Andy



Sep 02, 2014 at 06:36 PM
lowa2
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


Get a 500 IS v1. It way lighter than a 400/2.8IS and 700mm on a 7D is pretty awesome.

Its also smaller in diameter which makes a big difference for transport.



Sep 02, 2014 at 06:56 PM
KINGOFKNGS
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


What are you planning to shoot? Would you almost always have TCs on the 400? If so, if you're going to carry around that much weight, you'd might as well get the 600IS V1. I have both lenses and shoot primarily birds. I use the 600 95% of the time, and quite frankly, I'd almost consider trading both for an 800.


Sep 02, 2014 at 07:30 PM
jasonpatrick
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


400mm f/2.8 with a 2x extender on a 6D....Canon's heaviest lens on canon's daintiest full frame camera. No plans to use on a tripod. Not a route I'd take.


Sep 02, 2014 at 09:10 PM
Liquidstone
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


I use both the 400 2.8 IS and 500 f4 IS for birding and surf shooting.

Pros of a 400 2.8 IS + 2x TC:

- IQ is still good even wide open
- AF works with a 2x TC (at 800 f/5.6 ) and APS-C bodies
- Incredibly close focusing distance yields large magnification (useful in filling the frame with small subjects)
- "near zoom" focal length flexibility,..... very fast AF and top-shelf IQ at 400 f/2.8 and 560 f/4.

Cons of a 400 2.8 IS + 2x TC:

- very heavy, not hand holdable for me (but useable on a monopod)
- AF speed with a 2x TC is slowish and might not be fast enough for speedy BIFs (though good enough for predictably moving subjects, like surfing)


When I need to walk a lot and/or hand hold, I prefer the 500 f4 IS. If I shoot from one place on a tripod/monopod/bean bag, I opt for my 400 2.8 IS + TCs.

IQ sample at wide open - 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:
http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/image/144892044/original.jpg

100% crop
http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/image/146201228/original.jpg






Sep 02, 2014 at 09:21 PM
kabraxcis
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


The 600is the eventual final upgrade.
However it is priced higher than the 400s and the 500 is just in the middle with a slower f value and also slightly more expensive.
The 400 with TCs will serve as an intermediate so that I can have 800mm reach dthen get a 1d4 THEN get a 600.
I dont think I will be able to raie the funds for a 600+1d4 anytime soon and 300mm with TCs is still a bit short



Sep 04, 2014 at 03:08 PM
kabraxcis
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · 400 2.8 IS I + 2x TC


So why the IS 1? Simply for repair issues?
It is definitely within my budget
PetKal wrote:
First, if you have your mind set on 400 f/2.8, then I suggest you should be looking at 400 f/2.8 IS MkI, and not the older versions.

The lens works fine with the TCs, and it needs a pod support. Most people mount the lens rigidly on monopods, i.e, no gimbals nor monopod heads which do little except get in the way, and may also cause a lens flip accident. Now, there are occasionas when one has to shoot a target which is quite high up, and I've got an articulated monopod head for that, but the last time I needed
...Show more



Sep 04, 2014 at 03:28 PM





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