Telephoto L Lens Dilemma

[mdr]

I can't make up my mind between the 300mm f4 L IS or the 400mm f5.6 L telephoto prime. I'm interested in image quality using my 20D, particularly, which one of the following comparisons provides sharper images:

300mm f4 L IS or 400mm f5.6 L
300mm f4 L IS with 1.4x TC or 400mm f5.6 L
300mm f4 L IS with 2x TC or 400mm f5.6 L with 1.4x TC
I have considered the 100-400mm L IS lens, but see no need in this zoom, as I will always be using it at the 400mm end. And, I can't affor the faster 300mm or 400mm lenses.

[pturton]

Recently I faced the same decision and realized that each lens has its use. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase both.

IMHO
300mm f4 L IS or 400mm f5.6 L - hard to tell which is sharper, they seem to be equal

300mm f4 L IS with 1.4x TC or 400mm f5.6 L - the 400 has a slight edge here but again it can be difficult to tell.

300mm f4 L IS with 2x TC or 400mm f5.6 L with 1.4x TC - the 400 is clearly better but the 300 +2x can give very acceptable results even handheld.

Other points to consider:
The 300 can focus to 5 feet vs 11 feet with the 400. Of course extension tubes could be used with the 400.

For off tripod usage, I think the 300 is the winner because of the IS.

For my usage which is usually a subject within 30 feet, more DOF is necessary and I stop down to f/8 to f11 so although I'd love to be own a f/2.8 lens, it would be overkill for my usage.

There are some pictures on my site that were taken using the 300 and 400. All pictures using the 300 are HH.

Paul
http://www.iaw.com/~pturton/

[WestFalcon]

Paul...you have some very nice pictures...I'm a zoology teacher so I really appreciate them

[mdr]

Thanks for the advice. I like your site.

Does 400 @ 560 imply it's the 400 with a 1.4x TC?

[pturton]

WestFalcon,
Thank you for the kudos.

mdr,
Thank you.

Yes, I use the Canon 1.4x MkII TC with the 400. In fact, I find that the 1.4x is often on the 400 and I am considering purchase of a second 1.4x for use with my 300.

If you know the approximate size of your subject and the probable distance to it, I made a spreadsheet in Excel 95 that I used to help decide on the focal lengths that I need to reasonably fill the frame on my 10D. http://www.iaw.com/~pturton/dpr/FOV_10D.xls


Paul

[Neens_wa]

Thanks! Lovely photos - those grandkids.. OMG! You are one lucky fella!

Great info! I'm another out here with the 100-400, 300, 400 dilemma!

BTW - Which lens are you using for your macro? I'm about to purchase a macro because I find I am just fascinated with things many seem to NOT notice - and a Macro is so fine for introducing that which we often don't notice.


neens

[mdr]

Think his macro shots are taken with the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens. Can highly recommend this one.

Thanks for the spreadsheet. Very useful.

[pturton]

Neens,
Thanks for the kind words. And yes, I am one very blessed fella with 10 grandchildren.

mdr is correct in the assumption that I used the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM macro lens and for sure I highly recommend it also.

The spreadsheet quickly proved that all my lenses are too short. :)

Paul