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Canon Big White Conundrum - 200-400 vs 400 f2.8 IS II vs 500 f4 IS II

Started Sep 3, 2014 | Discussions thread
FBoneOne Contributing Member • Posts: 597
Re: Canon Big White Conundrum - 200-400 vs 400 f2.8 IS II vs 500 f4 IS II
4

in Africa I always found that the combination of 500mm for close ups and 70-200 L IS for broader views was ideal. You are rarely limited by the ability to approach (within reason) and a good guide / driver will get you in a position to do a full frame portrait of a male lion with a 500mm. Maybe not on the first try but if they know their job they can do it. Because if that flexibility you could get away with the 400mm or the 200-400 and do OK.

Now Indian parks are more challenging for approaching animals, especially tigers so the 500mm is a must have there and lighting conditions can be quite more challenging as well.

My my preference has always been and remains the 500mm, I have yet to miss a shot because of it (I have missed many because of me but that's a different issue). The 400mm I find short at times and the 600mm is bigger than what I want to handle.

 FBoneOne's gear list:FBoneOne's gear list
Fujifilm X-Pro1 Nikon D750 Nikon D500 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm F4G ED VR +11 more
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