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 p.1 #5 · 600f4 vs 300gm+2x tc for birding | |
Sorry I don't give short answers. I have the 600f4 as well as the 300gm, 70-200gmii and 400-800. On a recent trip to YNP, my "run and gun dual-strap setup" was a1 with 70-200gmii + 2x on my left and a1ii with 300gm + 2x on my right. My experience with the 2x on both the 70-200gmii and 300gm has been positive enough that I purchased a second 2x, along with two 1.4x tcs. Yes, I'm crazy and have 4 tcs. On the YNP trip, I did bring the 600 f4 with a 1.4 attached to it, but it really never got used.
I got the 300gm as soon as it came out. I was lucky to get one on day 1. Since getting the 300, I have only used the 600 for instances when I need f4 (rare) or 840mm (still need 840 quite a bit). I did use the 600f4 plus 1.4 in YNP for long shots, but I was at the mercy of atmospherics, and distances that didn't really create compelling images. I really only brought the 600 f4 with 1.4 for wolf opportunities (which we didn't have). I'll battle the weight, tripod and atmospheric issues for wolves, but for everything else the 300 plus 2x was sufficient.
The 400-800 didn't go west with me. I just can't seem to warm up to the 4-8 and will probably give it a few more attempts and decide if I keep it or sell it. It's sharp, no doubt, but I bought it hoping it would be a all in one kayaking lens. The 4-8 weight is so close to the 600f4 and the 600f4 IQ is so much stronger mostly because it allows lower ISO and faster SS. I rarely shoot in the kayak at under 600, so for an extra pound or so, if I need 800mm (840) I'll use the 600 plus 1.4 and gain a stop of light for faster ss.
I do not see a compelling-enough difference AT 600MM to chose the 600f4 vs the 300 with 2x. Hate to say it, but with today's programs, I can tweak a 300 plus 2x file to the point you'd never distinguish it from the 600f4 (unless strictly looking at f4 bokeh). I feel the main advantage to the 300 (plus tcs) is portability. On the YNP trip, I was out the door of the coach with everything I needed strapped to my sides and never even had to mount a monopod unless I chose to. Others that required tripods or monopods for their 400 2.8 or 600f4 missed shots I got because I was ready when stepped off the coach. I'll accept any drop in pixel peeping IQ between the 300gm+tcs vs 600f4 in exchange for the portability and quick shooting the 300 plus tcs brings.
However, if I was just shooting birds, 600 is rarely enough. Once again, if I know I can get by with up to 600, the 300gm plus tcs is my go-to. However, with most birds, I'm using the 600f4 plus 1.4 and cropping with a1/a1ii. I'm personally not ready to dump my 600f4 in favor of the 4-8. I haven't given it enough of a chance as I have better options. However, if I didn't have the 600f4 (or didn't want to spend the $ to buy one) I would probably be using the 4-8 and absolutely loving it. For me, the weight and size between 4-8 & 600f4 is so close, and there is the gain of several stops of light depending on focal length, that the 4-8 and I haven't clicked yet. The 4-8 hits f8 at 600mm. I'm 2 stops ahead with the 600gm. That's a big deal sometimes. It gives me either faster shutter speeds or lower iso (or both).
For birding, you also need to think about what types of birds and what will the birds be doing. Are you wanting to shoot large birds like egrets/cranes that are large and easy to follow? Are you looking to shoot warblers in the forest that move quickly? Are you wanting to shoot perched birds mostly or BIF? Are long walks involved? All of these are variables to consider. How far away from the birds will you be? Do you plan to shoot on the fringes of the light or during bright times?
If I'm shooting owls and I know they will be in flight hunting on the fringes of the light, I grab my longest fastest lens. If I'm shooting smaller perched birds and I have light, there are more options. If I was walking in a new spot and didn't know what to expect, 300gm plus tcs on a strap.
"Birding" is a general term , but there are so many variables. For some, birding could mean being 10' away on a Florida shore, for others, its 300' away from an owl on a -20 degree day.
If I were in your shoes, I'd rent a 2x from lensrentals and buy it if you like it. If you get a good one, you will like it. I've purchased 3 tcs off the boards here. Never got a "bad" one as some say they have. Renting one and buying it (paying a little more than you would on the forum) if it is it's a "good" copy would give you an idea of the IQ and you can buy it if it's sharp. If 600 is enough, the 2x on the 300 (in my opinion as a 600f4 owner) is more than adequate and has made my use of the f4 lens very limited.
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the 300 naked is also the sharpest lens I've ever seen.