p.1 #1 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
I know about the performance of this lens for BIF but am wondering if it also performs well with extension tube(s) for butterflies or other finicky close-up subjects? And if so, how much extension works well?
p.1 #2 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
Still too much working distance for me. I had better luck with 100-400, and this year I picked up a 300/4 to shoot drag 'n butts (dragonflies & butters).
p.1 #4 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
The minimum focus distance for the 400f5.6 is something like 12 feet. I never found a tube in my kit that worked for a distance range that I liked or would autofocus consistantly. The 300f4 is more like 5ft without the tube. Add in a short tube and you can shoot both small birds and butterflies without a changeup. say 3ft to 50ft.
p.1 #9 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
Depending on your tubes, I would make sure to support the lens well. I put my 400mm on my tubes, which I got for cheap from amazon, and when I wasn't supporting the lens and I looked down, the lens was about to disconnect itself due to its weight. Luckily I saw it before it would've gone crashing down.
p.1 #11 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
beanpkk wrote:
I shoot butterflies with the 400/5.6 on a 7D and an extension tube. I think it works fine.
No one says it is technically impossible, just that there is easier gear to use for it. I could shoot them with 500L and a tube, and Petkal probably shoots them in flight with an 800L.
p.1 #12 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
beanpkk wrote:
I shoot butterflies with the 400/5.6 on a 7D and an extension tube. I think it works fine.
Nothing wrong with the IQ, and for larger butterflies it's probably not an issue, but in general you need a fair bit of extension to even get to say 1:4. 300 f/4 already has double the magnification natively and 70-200 II and 100-400 aren't far behind. Makes them a lot more versatile IMO.
p.1 #13 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
Pixel Perfect wrote:
300 f/4 and 100-400 are much better choices for close-up work and add the 70-200 f/2.8L IS mk II with 1.4x TC as well now. Superb lens.
I'll agree, the 400mm 5.6 is better for flying birds
p.1 #14 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
No problem about different equipment excelling at different things. But the OP looked to be wondering if the 400/5.6 can be used for butterflies and such, looking to justify a purchase for more than just BIF. While not optimum, as all of you say, the 400/5.6 works for other subjects than BIF. I have used mine for flower pix, birds not in flight, bears, ducks, butterflies, even a portrait or two, and surfers. I make no claim that it provides the optimum solution for all of those subjects, but it works and in a situation where one must make do with less than infinite amounts of equipment, it's easy to justify a purchase of the 400/5.6 for a wide variety of subjects, butterflies among them.
p.1 #15 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
beanpkk wrote:
No problem about different equipment excelling at different things. But the OP looked to be wondering if the 400/5.6 can be used for butterflies and such, looking to justify a purchase for more than just BIF. While not optimum, as all of you say, the 400/5.6 works for other subjects than BIF. I have used mine for flower pix, birds not in flight, bears, ducks, butterflies, even a portrait or two, and surfers. I make no claim that it provides the optimum solution for all of those subjects, but it works and in a situation where one must make do with less than infinite amounts of equipment, it's easy to justify a purchase of the 400/5.6 for a wide variety of subjects, butterflies among them.
Good points and if you already own the 400L then tubes are a good way to get some decent magnification as we al know IQ will never be a problem for this lens. It was clear to me however, whether the OP owned the lens or was asking for a recommendation, hence why we mentioned the other possibilities.
p.1 #16 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
Thanks again for all the replies.
Thing is I already own the 300mm f4 and the 70-200 f2.8 II and the 500mm f.4 so the 400mm f5.6 would be just for BIF. I guess I will have to continue pondering whether I can justify the purchase.
p.1 #18 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
tbcgron wrote:
Thanks again for all the replies.
Thing is I already own the 300mm f4 and the 70-200 f2.8 II and the 500mm f.4 so the 400mm f5.6 would be just for BIF. I guess I will have to continue pondering whether I can justify the purchase.
Thomas
Oh, well if you just need help justifying purchasing gear, we can help. 400/5.6 is my most used lens for summer, it is WELL worth having in your kit! Super duper highly recommended unless you can afford the 400/2.8.
p.1 #19 · 400mm f5.6 with extension tube for butterflies?
tbcgron wrote:
Thanks again for all the replies.
Thing is I already own the 300mm f4 and the 70-200 f2.8 II and the 500mm f.4 so the 400mm f5.6 would be just for BIF. I guess I will have to continue pondering whether I can justify the purchase.
Thomas
With those lens you should already be able to get good butterfly pics!
400/5.6 is my most used lens for summer, it is WELL worth having in your kit! Super duper highly recommended unless you can afford the 400/2.8.