which lens/combo??

I think the 300 f/4L IS + 1.4x TC is slightly better than the 100-400 @ 400 (and a bit longer too - 420mm).

What does happen, though is that the AF is much slower with the TC than without it. It is still fast, but the 300 without the TC is lightning fast. It is fast enough for most uses, but it can be a bit frustrating for sports. If you focus in with the manual ring, you can really speed it up - get close with manual and then lock AF with the shutter button. It is not bad, it is workable.

J.

J.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #2291983
I think the 300 f/4L IS + 1.4x TC is slightly better than the 100-400 @ 400

I have found the reverse. Here's a recent thread on this issue at DPR http://forums.dpreview​.com …rum=1029&messag​e=20939624 .

My comments and tests are therein as well. Romy also has obtained a 1-4IS that has outstanding resolution and has been posting about it quite a bit as of late.

Interesting post. I do think it is copy to copy variations between both the 300+tc and the 100-400. I've seen some stellar 100-400's and I've seen some pretty poor ones.

My 300 f/4 with the tc, I think, is as good as the 100-400 I used. At 300 the 300 is better (as one would expect). but that is ok, since the TC for me is used only once in a while.

Did you also use MLU? that can make a fairly big difference camera to camera especially on a telephoto shot at long distance and is probably more important than using timer (presumably mounted on a tripod).

You also may want to read this. There might be a clue in here for you somewhere.
http://markins.com/cha​rlie/report4e6.pdf

J.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #2292180
Interesting post. I do think it is copy to copy variations between both the 300+tc and the 100-400. I've seen some stellar 100-400's and I've seen some pretty poor ones.

There definitely are variations with copies, especially the zoom. But I've used two brand new 300 f4 IS lenses in the past year, and both could not touch my 1-4IS (which is why I actually ended up with this particular one) at 400mm.

The 300 is superb; I love the lens for the same reasons those who own it love it. But my 1-4IS is so good, I'll probably never sell it. But the point is well-taken: copy-to-copy variation is a reality here.

PS: Interesting article. In my tests, I use tripod with MLU about 80% of the time. And with anything longer than 200mm, MLU is always done.

Yeah, I hear you.

that is my favorite article. 5um of vibration = 1 pixel of blur. What we are expecting the tripod to do, we cannot even see save for the image through the camera. An amazing amount of blur comes from things like shutter vibration etc.. Nice to have someone start to quantify it.

J.

Can someone tell me what MLU is please!?!

beano wrote in post #2293565
Can someone tell me what MLU is please!?!

Mirror Lock Up. I am not familiar with the 350/XT, but I assume it has it. Check your owner's manual. You can also Google it to learn more.

The 350D/XT does have mirror lock up. you access it through the custom configuration menu.

What MLU does is that you depress the shutter release, the mirror flips up. the next press of the shutter button causes the exposure to be taken and set and the shutter releases.

When the mirror flips up, it sends a vibration through the camera that can still be present when the shutter opens. This vibration will cause a blur.

The idea is that you lift the mirror, wait for the vibration to subside, then shoot the shot when the camera is once again quiet.

There is some information on the amount of blur the mirror can create. See:

http://markins.com/cha​rlie/report4e6.pdf

j.

Ah thanks. I should've been able to work that out really lol! Never seen it abbreviated before.

well thanks for all the discussions and interesting opinions put forward...in the end ive just pressed the button for the 100-400L...should be here friday..wohooo cant wait..other half has banned me from opening it till christmas day..lol how long do you reckon itll stay in the box...gotta check it out ..make sure its a good un.lol

philbyuk wrote in post #2298710
.wohooo cant wait..other half has banned me from opening it till christmas day..lol how long do you reckon itll stay in the box...gotta check it out ..make sure its a good un.lol

There are ways ...