I hate posting a thread like this... can't decide which tele I want

OK, I have 70-200 2.8 (non-is) and a 1.4x tc, all on a 50D

I want to get something longer, it will be primarily used for motorsports, probably on a monopod.

I am thinking or ...

Canon 300 f4
Canon 400 f5.6
Sigma 150-500? (maybe? i haven't seen anyone really talk about taking car pics with that)
And maybe there is something else out there in that same sub $1500 range that I don't know about.

I am just going back and forth with myself, its basically down to

is the 300 f4 significantly better than my 70-200 with the 1.4x?
is the 400 5.6 worth using with the 1.4x tc on it?
is the 300 f4 with the 1.4x tc much worse than a bare 400 f5.6?

I have looked some of this up, and seen one or 2 comments on this stuff, but nothing super conclusive.

I see people say the 400mm 5.6 works "ok" with the 1.4x on it, but nothing real great? I would love to be able to have 560mm but if it sucks, then its not much use.

Sorry, I know this is probably overly asked, but I am just stuck trying to figure it out.

What about the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens?

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

I KNEW I should have put "I had a 100-400mm before I got my 70-200mm, i like it but it seemed to fill with dirt constantly"

:p

Saint728 wrote in post #8650365
What about the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens?

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

do remember that that the 400 5.6 will NOT AF with a TC on your camera bodies...

caesar2164 wrote in post #8650762
do remember that that the 400 5.6 will NOT AF with a TC on your camera bodies...

I thought you could do the whole tape the tele-converter and get it to focus thing. But that's why I ask!

I just got a used Sigma 80-400 and it's really sharp. It's replacement, the 120-400, is supposed to be even better. AF isn't as fast as the 100-400, but the reach and IQ is fine. And it's 1/2 the price...

I really like the 300 f4 and I do use it with the 1.4 x tc. The images look great, though I do find the 300 is slower to auto focus with the 1.4 on it. I haven't done motorsports, though I did use the 300 + 1.4 for water ski and liked the results.

don't know if taping will work but what do I know...

I have a 150-500 and it's hand-holdable...
it's not as sharp as my 70-200 f/2.8 IS but not much glass above 200mm under $1k is...

You can buy a non-reporting Tamron 1.4x converter, very popular with 400 f5.6 owners who shoot with a non-1D body. Most owners are very happy with the image quality.

Yes the 400 f5.6 is better than a 300 f4 + 1.4x. Focuses faster too.

The 300 f4 lens can be used for more closeup shots because of it's minimum focusing distance. It can be used easier in lower lighting because of the IS. As a "general" telephoto lens it's probably more versatile.

Sometimes 400mm is barely enough. That's why you want the teleconverter option to push it to 560mm. And that's where the non-reporting Tamron comes in. The tape trick works too, but I've seen more people post they were happy with the Tamron than the taped Canon.

Gary2027 wrote in post #8651774
Sometimes 400mm is barely enough.

I think that is where my decision is made, the ability, though not GREAT ability, but still the ability to get 560mm. I don't mind setting the fucus manually, that's how I did it on my OM10 and if I have SOME autofocus, then hot damn I am happy with that.

Thanks y'all.

Have you thought about a Sigma 300mm f2.8? Works great with a 1.4X and as well as anything else with a 2X. With a 1.4X you would be a f4. I have one and have been very happy with it, I shoot mainly wildlife.

chopperdave wrote in post #8650463
I KNEW I should have put "I had a 100-400mm before I got my 70-200mm, i like it but it seemed to fill with dirt constantly"

:p

Then im going to tell you right now that the Sigma 150-500 likely will too

All those big zooms like that will suck dust, its not "unique" to the Canon 100-400...

The tape trick doesnt always work

You could look for a used Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 or 300 f/2.8, Both are fantastic lenses and found for a bit less than $2000 if you shop enough