Tele Lens Choice 4 Racing

[Jadam]

I'd like to add some fresh angles to my Moto portfolio so I figured I would rent a Tele. (Check my portfolio linked below to see what new angles you think I should add) I have really good access to the track I am shooting (within feet of the track). Up to now the biggest lens I've been shooting is my 200mm (260mm with the 1.3x from my camera body)

My options are between:
300mm F2.8L IS $50
400mm F2.8L $75
500mm F4.5L $60
600mm F4L $100

If there is not a big difference between the 500 & 600 I'd prefer not to drop the extra $40

[Dennis Valet]

Really depends on the track- but most people say you can't go wrong with a 300mm and an extender

[Jadam]

I wont go the extender route. You lose 2 stops when you use them, and some quality loss as well by running the light through more lens elements. Plus I would have to rent one of those too which would bring the cost up. If you'll notice all the lenses listed are L series, and prime lenses. I'm a big advocate of using the best glass available.

Edit: Just read that extenders reduce autofocus speed. That's a big issue when you have bikes flying around you at high speeds. I get annoyed with the AF speed on my MK III as it is, and it's a fast camera. I don't wish to exacerbate that issue.

[steve wicks]

I use a 100-400 and although it is a bit slow, I learn't how to get around the issues. The 300 f4 seldom gets used nowadays.

[Echo63]

I wont go the extender route. You lose 2 stops when you use them, and some quality loss as well by running the light through more lens elements. Plus I would have to rent one of those too which would bring the cost up. If you'll notice all the lenses listed are L series, and prime lenses. I'm a big advocate of using the best glass available.

Edit: Just read that extenders reduce autofocus speed. That's a big issue when you have bikes flying around you at high speeds. I get annoyed with the AF speed on my MK III as it is, and it's a fast camera. I don't wish to exacerbate that issue.

what lens are you currently running on your mk3 ?
the 300 f2.8 is an awesome lens, i use it on my mk2n a fair bit, i also use it with a 2x extender (600f5.6)
the only time i notice a difference between the bare 300 and the 300+2xTC is when i look through the viewfinder, as it is much brighter with the bare 300.

i havent noticed any change in IQ when using the extenders, and the focus speed doesnt seem to change much, maybe a tiny bit slower when using the 2x

i cant really comment on the others in the range, as i havent really used them (just had a quick look through them when other photographers have been using them

[realitysays]

Well 1st off its a 500/4 :D
You only lose 2 stops when you use a 2X extender. when you use a 1.4x extender it is one stop.
Also why do you get annoyed with your AF speed on the MKIII? It has the best AF canon have ever made, its complex, but once setup correctly for your situation it obliterates every other camera, could this possibly be user error?
The 300 and 400 2.8 with extenders do not lose IQ at all from when i have used them previously (from what i could see). Focus speed was the tiniest bit slower and i loved it.. If you plan to eventually buy one and always use it with a TC, then you need a longer lens in the beginning as far as i see it.
I haven't used the 500 or 600 yet so i cannot comment on them, but i have used the 400 and the 300.
The 300 is extremely comfortable and a lot lighter than the 400 (5.7kg). The 400 is a BIG lens and it is HEAVY. Although it is relatively in its habitat shooting motorsports, its up to you whether you can deal with its weight. When using it i found it easy to handle stills, but panning shots took a long time to get used too because of the weight, but once i nailed that, i got a fair few good shots (was still practicing then btw).
The 300 is a great piece of glass and i loved it every bit. Fairly lightweight and nimble, great IQ, great focus speed and overall i just loved it, although i did find myself wanting extra reach on some occasions.

It all depends what track your going to be shooting at, whether you change tracks constantly etc.. Maybe use your 70-200(im guessing you have this because of your 200mm comment) and add a 1.4x TC and a 2x TC to find out what kinda range you are shooting at mostly and decide off that?