Safari 70-200 f/2.8 with 2X extender VS 100-400

Hi - Making a safari trip to Kenya/Tanzania; I have the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM (on a 50D) along with a 2X II Extender. I am debating if I should get the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM or just use the 2.8 lens with the extender? I also have the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM which I love because of its size, but from what read 300mm may not be enough. The 100-400 is 20% less in weight, but is it worth the money if I already have the other combo? Your feedback is very much appreciated.
Thank you,
-Bobby

bbahram wrote in post #14794566
Hi - Making a safari trip to Kenya/Tanzania; I have the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM (on a 50D) along with a 2X II Extender. I am debating if I should get the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM or just use the 2.8 lens with the extender? I also have the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM which I love because of its size, but from what read 300mm may not be enough. The 100-400 is 20% less in weight, but is it worth the money if I already have the other combo? Your feedback is very much appreciated.
Thank you,
-Bobby

100-400
Pros:
- Sharper from 201-400mm
- Lighter
Cons:
- You don't get 70-199mm
- Variable aperture (not a big deal if you shoot in A mode though


70-200 f2.8 IS + TC 2Xmk2
Pros:
- Full range of 70-400
- Sharper at 100-200 (without the TC)
- Constant aperture
Cons:
- Sharpness of the Mk1 70-200 and mk2 TC combo is iffy.
- More glass to carry.

For me... A safari is all about shooting things in the distance, so, I would look at a 100-400 since it is sharper further. If you don't have one, then you could just rent it. I have the 70-200 f2.8 IS mk2 and the 2.0X mk3 in my collection, but I am not going on any safaris.

If your objective is just to carry 1 lens then i would opt for the 100-400/f5.6 providing the available ambient light will be sufficient which you can never really predict. Thats why i always bring the 2 lenses below which never fail to give me great sharp results without renting & packing a behemoth lens like the 500/f4:

70-200/f2.8 MKII + 1.4 extender

400/f5.6 Prime

Dont forget to bring a monopod.

Regards & Have Fun, Ron

Trip of a lifetime, take both. A lot of game is seen either early or late light, and f2.8 will come in very handy. However, when light allows, you will appreciate the reach of the 100-400. On my first African trip, I carried 2 EOS1 film bodies, a 300 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, plus 2 or 3 shorter lenses, along with an RB67 and 3 MF lenses. Way too much, but I did end up with some memorable images. Just make sure you have plenty of CF Cards and batteries.

Are you renting or buying?

Personally I don't like push-pull designs enough to buy a 100-400, but, there are plenty of people out there who swear by the 100-400 --- provided you get a get a good copy.

I would invest in a very good camera backpack and carry everything. I would bring two bodies so that I can have both the 70-200 and 100-400 at the ready. I'd be worried about getting dust in my gear if I swap lens too often.

If you really got to bring one over the other, I'd bring a 100-400 for the focal range flexibility. Just be sure to use one a head of time to confirm it is right for you.