Ember88
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Regular Member
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Posts: 120
Great for random hikes/adventures!
5
Catama wrote:
Anyone have any experience with this combo? My wife shoots with this lens on her R5 l because it appeals to her weight-wise. I shoot with the EF 100-400 mm and the 1.4x III extender on my R5 with excellent results. I’m concerned because her lens is not an L lens and before I plunk down $500 I’d like to know if it will work without significant resolution degradation. Thanks!
I have the 1.4x and RF 100-400. I’ve used them together here and there. In short, if I’m managing my expectations, it slightly exceeds my expectations (if that makes sense).
I find the RF 100-400 with the 1.4x a handy set up and very lightweight. If I’m remembering correctly, with the 1.4x on the 100-400, the focus points are more limited to the center of the sensor (similar to the 600/800 f11 lenses).
Personally, I find this set up more convenient than the 600/800 f11 prime lenses. Personally, I do not like the ergonomics of the f11 prime and the way they extend. I also find the size (when extended), the f11 prime, and lack of weather-sealing limiting for wildlife. With that said, I know a lot of people like them. However, with the RF 100-400, the 1.4x works throughout the zoom range, which is honestly very nice and convenient! (I wish that the RF 100-500 could do this with the extenders on). It’s not weather-sealed, but I also am not limited to f11 at closer focal ranges.
I’ve debated selling the RF 100-400 simply because my RF 100-500 covers the same range and then some, is “relatively” lightweight, and is weather-sealed. However, the 100-400 is so light and way easier to travel with! (Also, the RF 100-500 cannot retract further in than 300mm with the extenders on…which can be bothersome at times).
The RF 100-400 is also nice to just throw in my bag on a trip/hike. With that said, I wouldn’t trust it in inclement weather as much as I trust my RF 100-500. If I want the best image quality and have specific shots in mind, I will take the RF 100-500. If I want to make sure I have the 400mm (or 560mm focal range with the extender), but don’t have any shots in mind or know what I’ll see, I’ll take the RF 100-400 without much weight added to my travel/hiking kit. Again, I personally, wouldn’t take (or purchase) the RF 600/800 f11 primes.
It’s not an L series lens and I can tell the difference when using my RF 100-500 in a few areas. However, if I’m being mindful of the light and don’t need shallower DOF (at any given focal range/distance to subject), the RF 100-400 with 1.4x is still sharp enough. If you expose correctly and focus on the composition of the image, I don’t believe 90% of viewers would be able to tell that you didn’t use an L series lens.
Happy shooting!