Which lens for birding/action/sports

I'm really undecided on which one to get. The contenders are:

- 300 f2.8
- 400 f5.6
- 100-400 f4.5-5.6
- 150-500 f5-6.3 (Sigma)

I currently have the 70-200 f2.8 and a 1.4TC. I would really want the 300 f2.8 but @ $5Gs here in Canada it's a little

My primary concern is IQ, of course, followed by quick AF.

What's everyones view on these lenses or if you have any other suggestions?

Which sports? Outdoors, I assume. What does your experience with your 200 and 1.4x tell you about mm you will need?

300 f/4 IS + 1.4x or 2x?

SCOTTinNJ wrote in post #9025579
300 f/4 IS + 1.4x or 2x?

Of those you listed I think this is your best choice as well.
(I mainly do birding).

rr3507 wrote in post #9025773
Of those you listed I think this is your best choice as well.
(I mainly do birding).

I'm seconding that although, I shoot alot of outdoor sports with my 400 and it works out great. But there are times when I wish it was faster and shorter. That's why I'm saving for a 300 2.8 myself. Good Luck

Of the choices the 300 2.8 is in an entirely different league from the rest.

Phenomenal--and pricey

Since you already have the 70-200 f/2.8 and the 1.4x TC , the 300 f/2.8 is the best choice , but pricey , as Dave pointed out .

Thanks for all the input everyone.

Re: sports, yes it would be outdoors and would involve motorsports and some field sports. I would use the 70-200 for indoors for sure.

So none of the ones I listed would be acceptable (minus the 300 2.8 )? 100-400?

With the 300 f4 +1.4/2 TC would I retain AF throughout?

Damn you guys make it hard to get away from the 2.8

I've used the 300 f4 with the 1.4x ... It just doesn't compare to the 300 2.8 or the 500 f4 for birding.

The 400 5.6 and the 100-400 are very nice but again they just don't come close to the "higher end" lens.

The 100-400's zoom is very useful, but you need good light. The 400 f/5.6 is sharp for BIF, but a tripod is essential when the subject is still due to no IS (and small ap). You have a 7D that begs the sharpest of sharp lenses to take advantage of the 2500 x 2500 lph resolution. So, that leaves only one choice--the 300 f/2.8 with or without the 1.4x TC.

How do you guys walk around with the 300 2.8? Attached to the camera at all times? I also do landscape photography but would like to have a lens ready for bird shots.

Oh and all of this is just a hobby

Also is it combersome trying to use a 300 because of its fixed focal length?

I've got the 300mm f/2.8 and the fixed focal length does make you work harder for the shot (e.g. at motorsports moving about the track instead of standing in one spot like you could do with the 100-400). It's a great lens though, but can be a bit cumbersome if you handhold it all day, probably best to find support, and as someone said earlier it's in a different league to the Sigma and the rest.

You could always hire one and if you liked it pull the trigger or if you find the focal length too long go for the 100-400.

You can easily handhold the 100-400. Stop it down to 7.1 at any focal length for the best shots (from my experience), if you want it sharp.

And, yes, it needs good light in most cases.

When you nail the focus, I love the separation between subject and background with the 300 2.8. The sharpness and the background blur are magical. Now I use my 400 5.6 for alot of day field sports and it has worked out fantastically. The only downfall to that is that it isn't a 2.8 for night games. If you shoot alot during the day go for the 400 5.6 or the zoom 100-400. You'll be happy with what ever you get.

tcc wrote in post #9027707
How do you guys walk around with the 300 2.8? Attached to the camera at all times? I also do landscape photography but would like to have a lens ready for bird shots.

Oh and all of this is just a hobby

Also is it combersome trying to use a 300 because of its fixed focal length?

No problem--just put the 300 on a monopod and throw the lens body over your shoulder while you let the second body and lens combo bounce around on your back--.

I've got a 17 year old friend that we are trying to help get a start in photography--and she handles this combo with confidence and ease.