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

rebel99 wrote:

AbChromatic wrote:

I’ve decided to take the plunge and get a big white to pursue my interest in wildlife photography. Like some other folks on this forum, I’m on the fence with regards to 200-400 vs 400 f2.8 IS II vs 500 f4 IS II. I would highly appreciate any recommendations, experiences etc with these big whites.

My current gear : 5d Mk III , 100-400, 24-105, 50

Interests : Wildlife and Wildscapes . Focus on Mammals , water birds (flamingos, storks, pelicans, etc) and some raptors. I have not developed a strong interest into small birds yet (hence ruling out 600).

Places of Interest (Typical Indian National Parks): Ranthambore, Kazirangha, Kabini, Kanha, Corbett etc and an occasional African park.

Based on my research (summing up info from other posts and lens reviews) there maybe two main options:

Option A
1) 1 body + 1 lens

Existing 5D Mk III + Buy a 200-400 built in 1.4X

Pros:
1) Convenience: Need to carry only one body and lens combo.

2) Versatility: ability zoom in and out without having to add/remove extenders and change lens in the field etc.

3) Need only 1 body so need to incur expense of second body or other lens.

Cons:
1) Not sure of the quality n level of detail at 560mm (with converter engaged). I have tried this lens once and had mixed feelings. Nonetheless, a very limited data point to build any strong opinions.

2) Weight is heavy.

3) Price Tag.

4) May need to buy a crop body as focal length is limited on the long end for most birds.

Option B
1) 2 bodies + 2 lens

Existing 5d Mk III + either 500 f/4 IS II (with the option of adding 1.4 or 2x extenders)
OR 400 f2.8 IS II (with the option of adding 1.4 or 2x extenders )

And

2nd Body Lens combo
Buy a new crop sensor 7D Mk I (or II when it comes out) + 70-200 f2.8 IS II (replacing existing 100-400)

Any input is highly appreciated.

in this case, my number one choice would be canon 400mm f2.8II with 1.4x and 2x TCs. canon 400 f2.8 is probably the finest prime there is. it is probably the best for birding, wild life, and sports. i am not sure about 200-400 tele. i think you'll get tired of it fast. it is not long enough and i am certain once you engage the 1.4x TC, the iq will take a hit much worst than the 400 f2.8II prime with TC. i have the canon 600 f4.0II prime which is fantastic but the price is too steep and i wouldn't use a TC with it my 2cent.

cheerz.

i own a canon 600 f4.0 II as well! while i agree with your suggestion, i can use TC 1.4x III with my big prime with not much perceptible loss of IQ and i am very happy about that! the only concern with 600 is its weight! while ok on tripod, but carrying it around can be painful. canon 300 f2.8 II is rated the same as 400 f2.8 II as far as sharpness and IQ is concerned, i consistently use TC 2.0x III with it and IQ way higher than expected.

for someone into wild photography and birding, such as OP, the longer FL lens the better it will be. bit my 1st choice would be the canon 400 f2.8 II. i use my 1dmk4 specifically with my big white primes due to its crop factor and speed. you can pick one up (used one) for a reasonable price now a days that will give you excellent serveice a fo a long time, something to think about i would stay away from canon 200-400 zoom for being short and heavy when it comes to wild life photography! i wouldn't plunge into this unless analyzing all aspect of owning a big canon prime (same with a proper camera).......