For birding: EF 400mm 5.6 or 200mm 2.8 +2xTC ?

[HYBEagle]

Hi, right now I have a 20D, and a 200mm f/2.8 Prime, I find the focus length is too short for shooting birds.

So the question is should I get a 2xTC or a 400mm f5.6 ?

[jgrussell]

If cost is not an issue, the 400 will serve you better. You will get some degree of image degradation adding a TC to almost any lens, and you will lose AF below f4-5.6.

[Stormin_24]

This is a no brainer.. 400mm f/5.6

[Scottes]

This is a no brainer.. 400mm f/5.6
I concur.

[davebreal]

Why not buy the 2xTC now, and pickup the Sigma 150-500os later on? Seems to be highly rated and you'll pick up extra length in a quality zoom.

[canonloader]

Depends on what you are trying to shoot. Eagles? Get the 400. Small birds? Learn to bring them closer, with food or pishing. Still, the 400 is not a bad investment, either way.

[nightcat]

Get the 400mm. That 2X extender degrades the picture too much. On the other hand the 1.4 extender does a much better job, but that would only convert your 200mm to a 280mm. That 200mm 2.8 is a GREAT lens, but a little short for birding.

[HYBEagle]

Ordered 400mm 5.6, can't wait for it to arrive. Hopefully UPS don't smash the bijeeze out of it.

[sugarzebra]

Ordered 400mm 5.6, can't wait for it to arrive. Hopefully UPS don't smash the bijeeze out of it.

Congrats....you've made a wise decision :) Enjoy the new glass.