Longer lens for my 5D MK III?

My "longest" lens today is my 70-200/2,8L IS USM (II).
I also have both the 2x and the 1.4x converter. So basicly I can get a 400/5,6 with the 2x combo.


I have for a long time been thinking that I should have a longer lens. Like when I am sailing in the archipelago for instance.

I would LOVE the 300/2,8 L IS. (wich could become a 600/5,6 IS with the 2x) But that is WAY to expensive for me...


Been looking a little bit at the Sigma 300/2,8 used. And you can get it at a really good price.
But then no IS, but still 600/5,6.

But I have also been looking at the Canon 400/5,6L. Still no IS though.
And also the Canon 300/4L IS.


Of course I want a sharp lens that has good AF.

So any thoughts on this?

/Jocce

How about the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. It's compatible with both the Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III.

Heya,

Sigma 120-300 F2.8 OS.

Takes your TC's great. Has F2.8 up to 300mm. Otherwise, becomes a 420 F4 or 600 F5.6.

For $2k, that's versatility that you won't find elsewhere.

But then again, do you need longer than 400mm anyways? I would think having a 400 F5.6 via TC's on that 70-200 would be preferred on a sail boat, compared to having two big heavy lenses. And if you are fine with 400mm, maybe a TC is a simplier method for your needs, rather than having a $2k lens that does... basically the same thing. I guess it depends on your demands.

To me, 300mm F4 just isn't different enough from the 70-200 F2.8 with a 1.4x TC for it to really make a difference at $1k for that lens. But 300 F2.8 does, because of the better TC options to double it.

So that leaves 400mm and up to 600mm lenses as options too, like Tamron/Sigma 600mm flavors.

Very best,

johnh4260 wrote in post #17534258
How about the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. It's compatible with both the Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III.

FPNI

johnh4260 wrote in post #17534258
How about the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. It's compatible with both the Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III.

How does that compare in sharpness etc to the Sigma 300/2,8?

Would love to have a "non zoom" (is the correct term "prime" in English?) since they are often sharper.

Though the 100-400mm would give a great range of course!

Mainly looking to buy a used lens, the 100-400 II might be hard to get used since it is quite new?

/Jocce

All things considered, I think you will have a hard time beating the 100-400 II on your 5D3, especially on a boat, weather sealed and about the best AF and IS available.

John_T wrote in post #17535540
All things considered, I think you will have a hard time beating the 100-400 II on your 5D3, especially on a boat, weather sealed and about the best AF and IS available.

Any experience of it with TC?


/Jocce

Yes, with both 1.4TC III and 2xTC III (MF or LV).

At 1.4 hardly any IQ loss can be see, though naturally the consequences of the minimum aperture of f/8 are a consideration. AF seems only a little impacted and IS doesn't appear impacted at all, which means a lot when waving 560mm around. It will work better for some than others, depending on long lens experience and technique, but then again that will be true of any long lens.

2x of course means tripod, but I'm still pretty impressed the results, all things considered.

The main things is that it is all in a balanced, manageable package which will make quite a difference on a boat with booms, spinnakers and such stuff flying around.

Images from around 50m.

Thanks!

Are those 100% crop?


The 100-400 II looks great of what I can see.
Though I will keep my 70-200 it seems a little bit unnecessary to have them both, since I am "only" looking for the longer focal lenght.

Price-Wise I'm thinking the 400/5,6 wich I've heard a lot of good stuff about, and should compared to the 100-400 be a LOT cheaper.
BUT then there will be no IS and when putting on the TC (especially the 2X) it will be almost impossible to handhold?


/Jocce

No, those are the full image. The one below is more like something less than a 100% crop, though the final web size will make that questionable too, but gives an idea.

The main question here is, what will you be shooting, from what platform and under what conditions? If from a boat, be it a 5.5 or a 12m class it's about the same and shutterspeed will kill you without a super IS, then comes framing the shot.

Will be in the Stockholm Archipelago and mainly shooting from a 49 foot Sailingboat (Yacht? ), and of course also some shooting in the archipelago when ashore!


/Jocce

So hand held...on a boat...IS is crucial. Maybe the 70-200 II has spoiled you, its IS and AF are excellent, though the 100-400II IS and AF are still better. The longer the focal length the more IS is important. I can't see that the 400 f/5.6 can offer you anything, other than cost, rather to the contrary. The 300 f/4 IS is a short compromise with no zoom framing advantages and as soon you add TCs you will simply be multiplying the disadvantages.

Words can go on forever. I'd say go rent the 100-400 II for a day or more and find out for yourself.

Found a Sigma 300/2,8 for a good price. So I bought that!

Looks good so far, but only tested it for a few shots before sunset yesterday!


/Jocce

i have the 70-300L and the 100-400l II. They are the obvious choices if you want the best IQ and AF.