300mmf4 IS with 1.4TC/ 30D autofocus?

I am thinking of buying either a 400mmf5.6 or a 300mmf4 IS for my wife's 30D.
Do I correctly presume the 300 + TC will autofocus on the 30D?
I read in the sticky that the 300 + TC is slower than the 400 at autofocus. Is there much difference in bright light?
I think the MFD on the 300 and the IS will be good for her type of photography, and like the idea of adding the Canon TC (which we already have) for those situations where longer reach is needed if IQ will not suffer. I would love to see comparison shots with each lens of the same subject.

TIA for any insights comparing these two lenses.

several thread about this are around. including at this moment, so you should be able to find some good info in them.

The 300 is a better all around lens (due to the closer focusing distance, IS, and that it can be used for sports better because of the F4 without the TC). but with the TC, its not nearly as fast focuing, and not as sharp as the 400 prime. If the lens is for birding, then the 400 5.6 is unparrelled (for less than $4000). And it is quite possibly THE best flying bird lens. I have it and it is a fantastic lens.

Can either or both be hand held?

300 + TC is good. 400L prime is great. 300 can be hand held, with IS. Someday, I will be able to own the 400L...definately my next choice...after the 180mm Macro.

Hello,
All comments are correct. Some time ago I was faced with the same dillema and I'm very happy with the 300+TC combo! the 300 has IS and the 400 NOT what made the balance turn to the 300. Becides, you have more flexibility that way. Even with the 300 one can crop the heck out an image and still maintain sharp results. Good luck on your choise.
Greetings from Ghent
Alain

johnstoy wrote in post #2117713
Can either or both be hand held?

Definitely. I handhold my 300/4 IS all the time, which is why I opted to go for the IS.

Moorhen kicking a rival in the ribs: (300/4 on 5D)

Both these lenses are designed to be handheld. I have the 400 and have no problems handholding this lens. It is very light and is very fast to aquire focus. This for me has been a cheaper way to get more lens. I also use it with stacked converters and it is still sharp at the right shutter speed. (Tripod Mounted).. The 400 is more of a speciality super tele vs. the 300 being more versitile lens. Tough choice the lens buying but there is one good thing to say about the decision, we all suffer through it.

Well said Eric...

I wonder how the 400 would fare at taking photos of deer within
150 feet...

Is it really that light that IS doesn't mean as much with this lens?

Do you actually stack both TC'S on the 400mm?

The 400 is definitely light. I was used to carrying the 70-200mm f2.8 IS and the 400 weighs less.

It works well for hand held shots as long as you can keep the shutter speed up over 1/400th of a second. I used it on a trip to Alaska with good results on my 20D. When the light starts to go, I increase ISO to allow the shutter speed to stay fast.

John Lloyd wrote in post #2119433
The 400 is definitely light. I was used to carrying the 70-200mm f2.8 IS and the 400 weighs less.

It works well for hand held shots as long as you can keep the shutter speed up over 1/400th of a second. I used it on a trip to Alaska with good results on my 20D. When the light starts to go, I increase ISO to allow the shutter speed to stay fast.

Good thing you were able to mention the 70-200 2.8L IS, cause that's another lens I intended to get, but don't need right away...this narrows my "to buy right away list for the time being"...At least, I personally am leaning toward the 400mm Prime, because of IQ and because the mono and tripods will serve as alternatives to stabilization...

Yes I do stack converters. I really have no choise sometimes other than miss the shot... Here is a stacked shot or two....

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

reewik wrote in post #2120868
Yes I do stack converters. I really have no choise sometimes other than miss the shot... Here is a stacked shot or two....

The bokeh and the green leaves in the first, and the bokeh and glassy gleam in the second, are stunning compliments to both birds...

Thanks everyone for the replies--I suppose there are no wrong choices here. I think if it were for me, I would go for the 400L, but I really think my wife will use the 300 more. Now to just win the powerball and all these questions will be academic!!