Lens dabate: Canon 400 f/5.6 or Canon 300 f/4.0 IS + Canon 1.4 Mk III Extender

Hey guys, I'm needing some extra reach and having a tough time making a decision between getting a Canon 400 f/5.6 or getting the Canon 300 f/4.0 and adding it to the Canon 1.4x III that I already have.

The 300 f/4 and 400 f/5.6 are pretty similar in size, shape, weight and price so I'm torn between the two.

I've tried the 100-400 in the past and just wasn't impressed so that's off the table for now.

Obviously the 300 f/4 would allow me to use it "as-is" and keep the f/4 when the situation dictates it and the 300 f/4 + the 1.4x III would put me at 420mm and still keep the IS so I think that's the direction that I am leaning but just wanted any additional input from someone that's had the same dilemma.

Am I overlooking anything? Still pretty new to photography so any input is welcomed.

This would be on my 7D and would be for a variety of subjects (birds, airplanes, autos, sports, etc) in well lit conditions typically.

The autofocus will be faster on the 400/5.6 vs. the 300+TC, so if you are going to shoot a lot of birds in flight that is something to think about. Otherwise my preference is for the 300. You get IS, excellent close focus ability, and f4 when not using a TC.

in ur situation I would say go for 300mm. I only do bird so 400mm make sense to me.

i've got the 300 and the 1.4x TC, it's a great combination on my 7D. I've been looking at adding the 400, only because I like the shots I see here taken with it.

I love the 300 4, and I use it occasionally with my 1.4 TC. However, I agree with the previous post, that if you are interested in birds in flight, definitely get the 400 5.6. If I try for birds, typically, I would take off my 1.4 to get a bit faster focus, and then just crop like mad in post production. For bigger objects, like airplanes and autos, you should be absolutely fine with that combo. Personally, I enjoy the flexibility of of the 300 (including long distance stealth portraits, and a bit of macro as well). However, if you have a specific application in mind, it may not be the best tool

I noticed that you have the 70-200 -- I gather you use that with the 1.4 -- and that gets you close to 300. The question for you is when would you use the 300 4 without TC rather than use the 70-200 with TC? Given your current line-up, maybe the 400 5.6 is a better fit for you.

Well...looks like that situation resolved itself rather quickly. There was a used 400/5.6 in the For Sale forum so I snatched it up. I guess I'll find out in a week or two how it suits me.

I'm not sure there is a great answer to this question (or any lens question for that matter) so I may be looking at other options somewhere down the road. Right now my equipment far exceeds my abilities so my skills are the #1 thing I need to work on.

Thanks for the opinions given!

Yes, please share you experience with it.

I have both the 300mm f/4 and the 400mm f/5.6. I use both with the 1.4x TC on both my 7D and 1Div mainly for birds and wildlife. The 300 has the advantage of IS, 1 stop faster aperture and close MFD (1.5m). The 400 has the advantages of fast AF and light weight.
After not being happy with the sharpness of my 400 it's currently with Canon for adjustment. My 300 I've MA'd and that is now producing good results, e.g.

You will love the 400! Just shipped it out to you about an hour ago. You really can't go wrong with either combo. I am keeping my 300f4L IS + 1.4x TC just for the versatility but I will miss the 400 for sure.

400L ftw!

I shoot motorsports and used a 300/4 IS + 1.4X for about half a season. I was never really happy with it. So I got a 400/5.6 off this forum and sold the 300. Could not be happier. The focus speed is awesome. It's sharp and crisp. Colors are awesome. Last season and a half been shooting with that saving up to change to a 300/2.8 and finally made that move. I recommend anyone that needs reach but doesn't have a huge budget to start with the 400/5.6.

I actually listed mine for sale a few days ago and it's priced at the going rate if anyone is looking. Will be the first lens I probably miss as I lug around a 300/2.8. Only switching because I want the shorter length to get some more artistic people/paddock shots and adding a few events that run into dusk/might and need the faster glass. Otherwise I'd just keep it.

joemitchem wrote in post #14702362
Well...looks like that situation resolved itself rather quickly. There was a used 400/5.6 in the For Sale forum so I snatched it up. I guess I'll find out in a week or two how it suits me.

I'm not sure there is a great answer to this question (or any lens question for that matter) so I may be looking at other options somewhere down the road. Right now my equipment far exceeds my abilities so my skills are the #1 thing I need to work on.

Thanks for the opinions given!

congratz, I used to shoot with the 400mm prime then switched to the 100-400 because I found it almost as sharp and more versatile, you will like the 400 for birds and wildlife

I actually like the more compact dimensions of the 300L and the TC

Image quality is affected by adding a UV filter to the front - and image quality is affected by adding a Canon 1.4 or 2.0 converter on the rear.

So, go with the 400.