Question reg: 70-200 f/2.8 L

I find the prices for a 70-200 f/2.8L is fairly comparable to a 100-400 f/4.5L.

Wouldn't the 70-200 f/2.8L + 2.0TC make it a much better buy? In terms of versatility and speed.

2XTC usually means lower quality shots, plus the hastle of putting the TC on and off if you need a long/short lens.

It would be a better by if you think you are going to use the 70-200 focal range a lot. If not, then it wouldn't be as useful if you are always using the extender.

I bought the later, but I'm second guessing here if I done the right done. Most of my shots will be indoor sports and motorsports on occasion. Not sure if going with the F4 was a right choice. I gain distance but probably have to bump ISO if I'm indoors.

I went for the route of 70-200 + 2x TC, and end up with an additional 400/5.6

I am thinking of the 2.8 + 2xtc. Reasoning for me is that I need the reach outdoors during the summer. And I need the speed, but not that much distance for indoor sports. 200 Is enough reach with the 20d's 1.6 crop factor for hockey etc I find.

I have both and the 2x. It's just a matter of choosing lenses based upon what you are going to shoot. If its indoor sports or other low light conditions, the 70-200 2.8 IS is a Godsend. With the 2x on hand you got the extra reach of the 100-400 alone at the longer end, at the cost, of course, of 2 stop, but with the advantage of not having to carry another big lens with you. If its outdoor stuff, I'll just use the 100-400 and leave the 70-200 at home. When possible, I tend to carry only the stuff I'll use.

If you can afford it, IMHO the best choice is to have all the 3 pieces (70-200, 100-400 and the Tcon), this gives you the maximum flexibility.

JMA wrote:
I went for the route of 70-200 + 2x TC, and end up with an additional 400/5.6

Same for me as well, I have the 2x already. And will be picking up my 70-200 2.8L tommorow. The sports I do are in daylight and Floodlight conditions. So i'll try adding the 2x in the bright conditions and hope I get good results.

I have a 70-200f2.8 + 2x TC. I've tried the 100-400 and there is no comparison between the two when used wide open. The 70-200+TC gives unacceptable results at f5.6 and the samples of people that do a lot of lens testing lend credence to the "rule" of +2 stops for a 2X TC to get good results. This means that the f2.8 +2X TC would be f5.6 and you would set the aperature to f11 (+2 stops). I get decent results at f8 but it improves at f9.5 and f11. At f11, I thought the subject of the photo was very similar in terms of sharpness between the 2 lenses. The difference was in the bokeh and contrast. The naked 100-400 was better there. The bokeh with the TC is, well, ugly compared to what you get with the naked 70-200.

The 2X TC also really slows down autofocus. You can't just swing the lens around and try to take candids with widely varying focus requirements in almost instantaneous fashion like you can with the naked 70-200. But if you prefocus, AI Servo can keep up with most needs.