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Archive 2016 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding

  
 
Scrumhalf
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


I have been looking at big whites for birding and thinking of the 500mm F/4 II, perhaps with a 1.4X attached to my 7D2, something that seems to be a fairly popular combo around. But I was also considering perhaps a 300 F/2.8 II with a 2X extender as a slightly less expensive combination.

Any advice on this? Of course the 500mm +1.4X combo has the benefit of 100mm more FL, but is more expensive. I suppose one might say that if you have to quibble about a grand, then it's time to get out of the land of the big whites, but I was just curious what people thought? Also, I suppose the 300 + 2X would be a bit lighter.

Any opinions? I'm not ready to pull the trigger necessarily, but I broached the subject casually to my wife in the kitchen today. She said, "New lens? How much, $1000 or so?" I almost spat out my coffee as I said "Well, it's close to 8 grand!" I take the fact that she didn't throw any kitchen utensils at me or laugh hysterically as a Yes!



Jun 03, 2016 at 01:08 AM
nighley
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


I used the 300mm f/2.8 II with a 2x TC with a 5DSR in the past and it's a pretty good combo (5DSR has the same pixel density as the 7DII, so same amount of pixels on subject)

Really liked the combo and will be using it in the future:

ex 1

ex 2

ex 3

But since I switched to the 1DXII 600mm is not enough for low MP FF camera thus I "had" to get the 500mm f/4.0 II and I'm really happy with it as well. Hadn't had a lot of bright days so far, so not many images I can show =)

ex 1

ex 2

ex 3

Overall both lenses are pretty awesome. on a FF sensor without the pixel density of the 5DSR I wouldn't even suggest the 300mm to be honest but with a 7DII you'd have a good reach and get some nice shots. If you are like me and may get a 1DX (II) I would suggest to go for the 500mm without getting the 300mm (I'm close to selling it but not sure yet because it is really a sharp lens and takes a 2x TC like a champ)

I can't take away the decision for you but I can say the 300mm is way smaller and thus a lot more easily transportable. When I go out with me 500mm my bag is literally just the lens and I have to transport the body around my neck =) With the 300mm I can fit 2 additional lenses along with the body.

But 600mm on a crop body is plenty if you know how to use it:

img

Some more shots over here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133770587@N03/ check the exif data to see which combo I used

PS: You will get stares when you use the 500mm with the lens hood. The 300mm even though large already is less likely to draw attention to you. Hate it but worth the shots... =)

Edited on Jun 03, 2016 at 05:53 AM · View previous versions



Jun 03, 2016 at 03:22 AM
David Garcia
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


The 500 F4 ii is one of my favorites. It's light enough to hand hold and long enough for most situations. The image quality is great. You may also want to consider the 400 DO ii... another favorite. I use it more than any other lens, as it is compact in size, light weight and is very sharp.


Jun 03, 2016 at 05:42 AM
BPDsas67
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Feel free to check out my Flickr page - has examples of both the 500mkii with full frame as well as with the 7dmkii...in almost all shots youll see that 1.4iii TC attached in the EXIF... 1.4TC lives on my 500mm and I dont notice any falloff in sharpness...maybe a tiny bit slower focusing but so minimal Im not sure. If you can get stuff almost full frame so there is minimal cropping with the 7dmkii - Its awesome... (Check out Florida pics)

Does anyone have any info on degradation of sharpness when using a 2xTC on a 500mm?...



Jun 03, 2016 at 08:52 AM
WestFalcon
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


the 100-400 V2 Canon on a 7D2 is a nice combination for BIF...light and sharp


I know this isn't exactly on the original topic but this is a cheap alternate to the 500 for the OP.




Bald Eagle




Jun 03, 2016 at 09:01 AM
Tapeman
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


I sold my 300 f/2.8L IS to help fund my 500II.
Both lenses are excellent and your choice should depend on your expected usage.
Although I miss having a 300 it was the right choice for me.
The addition of Canon's new 100-400 helps.



Jun 03, 2016 at 09:15 AM
Scrumhalf
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Wow, thanks for all your great and detailed inputs, folks!

The 100-400 II with the 7D2 is my current setup and I love it, but of course, long for more FL. Decisions, decisions!



Jun 03, 2016 at 12:59 PM
horobosu
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


I have both the 300II and 500II. I used the 300 for two years with the 2x on 90% of the time.
The combo works great but I needed more reach ( who doesn't ?). I got the 500 last fall and
the 300 has been on a shelf since. The extra 100mm does make a difference.

I will keep the 300 as I do shoot large animals at dusk once in a while.



Jun 03, 2016 at 01:54 PM
Scrumhalf
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Well, I've been sitting on this decision for well over a year, but after taking a deep breath, I clicked the button and placed the order for a 500/II. Lens should arrive within a week hopefully.


Jun 07, 2016 at 06:33 PM
horobosu
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


You won't regret it, enjoy


Jun 07, 2016 at 06:53 PM
arbitrage
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Scrumhalf wrote:
Well, I've been sitting on this decision for well over a year, but after taking a deep breath, I clicked the button and placed the order for a 500/II. Lens should arrive within a week hopefully.


I think you made the right choice especially already owning the 100-400II. I use the 300II+2xTCIIi a lot but if I owned the 500II it wouldn't get much use. Because I own the 600II the 300II makes sense for me but I could easily see myself trading the 600 and 300 and just going for a 500.



Jun 07, 2016 at 07:11 PM
Scrumhalf
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Thanks Len and Geoff! Definitely looking forward to getting the wee beastie in my hands and playing with it. I have a good mixture of anticipation and trepidation - I have never held anything quite like it ever before.


Jun 07, 2016 at 07:41 PM
AmbientMike
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


This is based on old alt 2x tc's and a Tamron 1.4x, but I really don't see a 2x tc on a telephoto lens most of the time as a solution. Maybe the new Canons are higher quality, but I am still skeptical of this as a solution.

I'd probably go with the 500+1.4. 1.4x has been a lot easier to use. Although 2x tc's are useful, and I've used them a lot. I'd recommend getting both a 1.4 & 2x tc.

They are useful, but the 2x may be harder to use. My older ones need to be stopped down more for optimum iq, in addition to the 2 stop loss. Useful accessory, but I'd generally rather have more focal length.

Ideally get the fl you need, so you don't need a tc. Then get tc's for extra reach.

300 is a bit short for me on ff, but the 2.8 is nice. I use an alt 300 on m4/3 for birds most of the time lately. It's not too long.

Edited on Jun 07, 2016 at 08:49 PM · View previous versions



Jun 07, 2016 at 08:00 PM
danski0224
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Scrumhalf wrote:
Well, I've been sitting on this decision for well over a year, but after taking a deep breath, I clicked the button and placed the order for a 500/II. Lens should arrive within a week hopefully.


That's the best decision.

The 2x converter on the 300 would limit your best AF points and the AF speed would be reduced by quite a bit, a 75% hit IIRC.



Jun 07, 2016 at 08:18 PM
IndyFab
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Scrumhalf wrote:
Well, I've been sitting on this decision for well over a year, but after taking a deep breath, I clicked the button and placed the order for a 500/II. Lens should arrive within a week hopefully.


Congrats Scrum, mine arrives tomorrow along with the 1.4 & 2 III TC.. Pretty excited myself !!



Jun 08, 2016 at 12:40 AM
Scrumhalf
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Sweet! I ordered the 1.4X III from the Canon refurb shop as well. Hope to get both by next week!


Jun 08, 2016 at 01:07 AM
richiemccaw1
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Good stuff.

Kinda OT - Do you really play scrumhalf?



Jun 08, 2016 at 01:15 AM
Scrumhalf
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Indeed! Well, scrumhalf, center, wing...we had a good flyhalf, so I played everywhere else in the back line.

Nice user name BTW!



Jun 08, 2016 at 01:18 AM
Pixel Perfect
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


500 f/4 II + 1.4x III is tack sharp wide open and a brilliant combo on both 1DX and 5DsR.


Jun 08, 2016 at 07:46 PM
Scrumhalf
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · 500mm F/4 II (+1.4X) vs. 300mm F/2.8 II + 2X for birding


Well, I don't possess either of those magnificent cameras, so my lowly 7D2 will have to do!


Jun 08, 2016 at 08:21 PM
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