Gear Talk > Lenses

Sport Photography: Targeting 400mm preferably with a zoom range

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thetrotnixons:
I am curious if there is anyone with a strong sentiment in support or against any of the following ways to hit 400mm for use on a 7D to capture action.  My thoughts are to consider the following

Option 1: EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Option 2: EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM and a 2x iii extender
Option 3: EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM

The images will be printed and some will be enlarged for retail so sharpness is key.  I know there are better cameras but I don't have the budget to upgrade both (though I will be going after a FF in the next 12 months).   I am trying to convince myself to invest in the 70-200mm (so I can used it elsewhere) but I am not sure what to expect regarding sharpness and autofocus speed with a 2x extender at 400mm.  Also if the 400mm 5.6 prime blows the other 2 away i would consider that route as well, but prefer zoom.  400mm is my only non-negotiable as my subjects are an average 80-100m away. 

Thanks in advance for the help!

thetrotnixons:
Bummer....

stoneking:
I shot an airshow this weekend with my 5d2, 70-200 f2.8II, and the 1.4 mark II extender. my buddy was using a 50d with the 70-200 f4 and we compared pictures on the LCD and i immediately removed the extender. its for sale if your interested. i saw another friends pictures that was using the 100-400 and they looked very good. if 400 is a must id go with the 100-400.

Mt Spokane Photography:
Having owned all the lenses you mentioned, the 100-400mm l is the best compromise if you are using it near 400mm.  The 70-200mm f/2.8 MK II is fine for static or slow moving objects, be sure to AFMA with the extender installed, it makes a difference.
 
The 400mm f/5.6L is also very good, but it is hard to store and with no IS, you must use a very fast shutter speed, at least 1/640 on a crop body, but twice that will be better.
 
I ended up selling the 400mm L and keeping the 70-200 and 100-400.

TrumpetPower!:
I almost get the impression that this is for a specific assignment. If so, the answer is simple: rent a 5DIII and a 600 f/4. It gives you the same field of view as a 400 on the 7D, and you will not, no way no how, get better image quality, period, full stop, end of story. You also won't get better AF performance or any of the rest (at least, not until the 1DX hits the market) with anything else.

Cheers,

b&

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