p.1 #1 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
Looking for real-world feedback from anyone who has used both.
How does the 70-300 + 1.4x compare to the 100-400 at ~400mm in terms of:
- Sharpness (center and edges)
- Micro-contrast / fine detail
- AF performance
- Consistency in real shooting conditions
p.1 #4 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
I'm not the one to compare, but on my 70-300 there is a drop-off between 200 and 300. Not huge, but enough to notice it isn't as sharp when zoomed in. Now, it could be atmosphere, and all kinds of other things, but when you use it in may different situations, and the results are all basically the same, the hypothesis points to the lens. However, it is not bad enough to send it back.
But, putting a 1.4 tele on there, isn't going to help it.
I'm sure you have studied and know the the 100-400 should be better optically, and that comes at a cost, and weight. The 70-300 + 1.4 is probably like 60% the weight of the 100-400. When it comes other that, and you have to hike it around, how critically sharp do your images really need to be.
Hopefully other will comment, and give more insight on their experience with the 100-400...
p.1 #5 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
I only tried a handful of shots with the 70-300mm + 1.4x TC. Up close, the results were quite good, especially if processed with DxO PureRAW6. At longer distances, the results were quite soft and unusable - although atmospheric conditions may have affected the results. The 100-400 is obviously heavier, but a much better lens optically.
p.1 #6 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
I've used the 70-300/1.4x combo a few times on my X-T5 with mixed results. Focus wasn't bad, but green/purple fringing was quite pronounced wide open when shooting light colored subjects (like egrets) with some back-lighting, and fine details were not well resolved. But that's a hard ask for any lens. Better results at f9-11.
So it can work OK in a pinch with good light and careful post-processing, but I'd be more confident with a 100-400 or 150-600 for regular tele work. Can't beat the convenience and weight for the reach, though.
Here's an example that's heavily cropped but came out ok.
Snowy Egret in duckweed pond
X-T5XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR + 1.4x lens420mmf/9.01/125s500 ISO-0.7 EV
p.1 #7 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
Like others have mentioned, I have had very good results with both 70-300 alone and with 1.4x but sometimes have atmospheric distortion or occasionally somewhat strange color. I don't have the 100-400 but do have the 150-600. To me, it has better IQ and somehow seems to deal with atmospheric distortion at higher FL better than the 70-300 does. I don't know how or if that is possible, but it seems so in my uncontrolled comparison. But the 70-300 is so much smaller and lighter, it fits a particular pocket in my backpack and goes on every hike. I would never take the 150-600 is I wasn't sure I would use it.
p.1 #9 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
I hope you don't run into the same issue that I ran into with that lens. When I turned the zoom ring it started shifting the lens around on the mount so it kept turning my EVF on and off. I got the 200F2 shortly afterwards and just got rid of the Tamron. epphoto wrote:
Thanks to all for your help I appreciate it
i did got the Tamron 150-500mm it make more sense to me
thanks again
p.1 #10 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
I hope you don't run into the same issue that I ran into with that lens. When I turned the zoom ring it started shifting the lens around on the mount so it kept turning my EVF on and off. I got the 200F2 shortly afterwards and just got rid of the Tamron. epphoto wrote:
Thanks to all for your help I appreciate it
i did got the Tamron 150-500mm it make more sense to me
thanks again
p.1 #11 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
JadedWriter wrote:
I hope you don't run into the same issue that I ran into with that lens. When I turned the zoom ring it started shifting the lens around on the mount so it kept turning my EVF on and off. I got the 200F2 shortly afterwards and just got rid of the Tamron.
I got it new have 6 years warranty with the lens but i will test it thanks for the heads up
p.1 #12 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
I feel like I always warn people about this. Maybe it was an issue I had with the used one I got, hopefully it's something you don't have to worry about. epphoto wrote:
I got it new have 6 years warranty with the lens but i will test it thanks for the heads up
p.1 #13 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
JadedWriter wrote:
I feel like I always warn people about this. Maybe it was an issue I had with the used one I got, hopefully it's something you don't have to worry about.
p.1 #14 · XF 70-300 + 1.4x TC vs XF 100-400 on 40MP bodies (X-T5/X-H2)
The XF 70-300 + 1.4x focuses slower and AF tracking for action is sub par. It also suffers from CA with the TC though fine without. The XF 100-400 has fast AF and tracks action well. Add a TC and AF slows down and tracking is sub par.
