Talking the 200-400 again

Recently I saw more reviews and images featuring the new 200-400 f/4 with the internal T/C. I got so worked up, I started trying to figure out how to fund this dream lens. .... then I went on a snow geese photo shoot with my existing toys.

Background: I primarily shoot the 5D MkIII and use my 7D as a back-up. I own the 100-400, 400mm DO f/4 and a first generation 500mm f/4 as well as second generation 1.4x Teleconverter and a 2x TC.

At the bird shoot, I was very pleased with my shots from the 500 and the 500+1.4x using a tripod. I also shot with the 400 DO with and without the 1.4x TC and got a lot of really sharp shots. My plan had been to sell the 500mm and try to keep the 400 DO since it's so light and portable. If funds get tight, I'd put it for sale also to afford the 200-400. Now, I'm getting weak knees.

Help me! Other than the convenience of not changing lenses or having to install the TC, what am I gaining with the newer, extremely expensive glass that I can't already do? Would this be a wise investment change?

Sell both the 500 & 400 DO, use your 100-400L when you want to keep it light, and use the 200-400 for everything over 400mm.

I had a 400 DO until recently, and LOVED it...but am giving the Tamron 150-600 a shot until I find a way to buy the 200-400 f/4...which will happen in time as soon as used ones start coming around...the zooming is just too tempting of a feature.

So in other words, I'm no help and would be as tempted as you are.

As good as I'm sure the 200-400 is I personally couldn't justify the price and would stick with what you have. I'm keen on adding the 400 DO to my lenses though!

Sorry, that isn't much help!

Hmm. Now I did go and buy one but find the AF works best with the 1d4, IMO the battery of the 5d3 makes the wonderful AF module pointless. Put the 200-400 on a 1dx and it sings... but I cannot have both for now as good as it is I much need my 500 too... need both!

I'd rather have my 500mm f/4L with 1.4x and 2x,... and the 100-400mm on a 2nd body

I don't want to stir things up, but if I were looking for a 200-400mm lens the, Nikon version which is 5000 dollars cheaper would tempt me quite a bit. Has anyone looked into that?

No built in extender which isn't a big deal but I've read that it can be soft over long distances. Could be rubbish though.

nellyle wrote in post #16768286
No built in extender which isn't a big deal but I've read that it can be soft over long distances. Could be rubbish though.

It looks OK to me:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=4​&APIComp=0

Like I said, could be rubbish. The internet is good at that sort of thing! The Nikon version is a lens that almost tempted me to the dark side.

If you are thinking of spending that kind of dough, one would expect you to get a LOT of use from the lens.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #16768226
I'd rather have my 500mm f/4L with 1.4x and 2x,... and the 100-400mm on a 2nd body

What he said!

A couple of comments:
a) I've shot a lot with friends that have the 200-400 from Nikon. Early models are soft, later models are good when they focus correctly, not always. When you own as much Canon Glass as me, you just don't change horses unless something is beyond amazing. (we can talk the D800 on some other post).
b) I was concerned that the smaller battery of the 5D would not allow fast focus. Sounds like that's a very important point for me to consider as I really don't want to spend the money to get the 1Dx though I'm sure it's very good.
c) For any of you that have considered the 400 DO, it really is amazing. Very light, very fast and works well with 1.4 T/C. Image quality is much better than either of the two 100-400L copies I have.
d) The 100-400 is an older workhorse and I feel is perfectly priced. I probably will always keep one of these and have it on my back-up. It's a trusted old friend.

Great comments so far. You guys are giving me a lot of thoughts. Thank you.

This thread is about using a tele prime and the 200-400.. It might help with your decision.

http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/12810​89

Good Luck Buddy

You are those very few people will be fine with ANY lens or body for Safari

x_tan wrote in post #16769315
You are those very few people will be fine with ANY lens or body for Safari

Thanks you (I think)

One other point I've considered. My 500mm f/4 has held it's value well over the years, but with the gen 2 model out that is lighter and even better IS system, I could see it's value begin to decay. The 100-400 has been great but is also a very old IS technology and there continues to be rumors of this lens getting a Gen. 2. I envision that the 200-400, being new, will hold 80 to 90% of it's value for the next 7 or 8 years.

I wonder if I take my 5D MkIII into B&H, if they will let me connect the 200-400 to test focusing speed with the smaller battery camera?

EDIT: I've sent a note to Art Morris asking about focus speed with 200-400 on both bodies. I know he has the 5D MkIII and also the 1Dx. If he replies, I'll share the response.