Canon 300 f4 + 2x iii TC OR Canon f4.5 +1.4x TC with Canon 1DIV

[sashasud]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with using Canon 300 f4 with 2X iii teleconverter at f8 and comparing that with Canon f5.6 + 1.4X teleconverter at f8.

I am interested in knowing more about the following areas.

- sharpness of images comparatively
- impact on AF ability using a 1D Mk IV body, in good and low light
- weight and usability of the combo's.
- thoughts on effectiveness of the IS on the 300 mm when used with the TC

I am interested in having more reach for birds and wildlife, both while they are still and moving. Getting a 500 f4 and/or 300/400 f2.8 is out of the question budget wise.

Thanks

Sasha

[bdunbar79]

1D Mark IV works with everything at f/8 as far as I know.

[wickidwombat]

the 300f4L + 2x mkIII works on my 1Dmk3 however AF speed drops ALOT

[neuroanatomist]

1.4x TC slows AF by 50%, 2x TC slows AF by 75%.

400/5.6 + 1.4x will give better IQ than 300/4 + 2x.

IS on 300/4 is 2-stops, works with TC, so at 600mm with 2 stop IS you'd need a 1/125 s shutter at least.

[danski0224]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with using Canon 300 f4 with 2X iii teleconverter at f8 and comparing that with Canon f5.6 + 1.4X teleconverter at f8.

I am interested in knowing more about the following areas.

- sharpness of images comparatively
- impact on AF ability using a 1D Mk IV body, in good and low light
- weight and usability of the combo's.
- thoughts on effectiveness of the IS on the 300 mm when used with the TC

I am interested in having more reach for birds and wildlife, both while they are still and moving. Getting a 500 f4 and/or 300/400 f2.8 is out of the question budget wise.

Thanks

Sasha

That 2x TC will really slow down the autofocus.

Strictly from a focus speed standpoint, you will be better off with the 1.4x vs the 2x.

You will not have use of the better f2.8 focus points in the camera.

In "low light", the focus screen will be darker and you may not be able to see well enough to manually focus. The 1DIV is not known for "low light" AF capabilities.

I have a 300 f/4 and a 1.4x, and the focus speed is noticeably slower than using the same 1.4x on a 70-200 f2.8. AF lock with the 70-200 ISII is virtually instant with the 1DIV and it becomes "really fast" with the 1.4x attached. The 300 f4 does not focus as quickly.
 
I imagine that using a 1.4x on a f5.6 will be slower than a f4. I do not own the 400 f5.6 though.

If you do not own these lenses, I would suggest renting those combinations and trying them out first. I do not think that the keeper rate for moving subjects with either of those lenses + teleconverters will be very good if you are relying on the camera AF to get them.

[mb66energy]

Here is a quite good comparison of IQ between both combos under clinical conditions:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=111&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=2&LensComp=278&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=3&APIComp=0

I had to decide between both lenses in the beginning of 2012 and choosen the 5.6/400 because
... longer reach with 2x TC (version I)
... fast AF @ 400mm (not checked in comparison, but AF is very fast and responsible with EOS 40D)
... lower number of optical elements (high transmission, high contrast)
... better reach if I go to FF

Best - Michael

[nda]

Hi, yes i have the 1d4 and 300 f4L and use it with 2xiii extender.
It is usable but only just, it must be bright as the AF does struggle in low light, its also heavy and needs a tripod or monopod. IQ is ok it does loose a little sharpness. The 1.4 kenko or canon extenders are excellent and a much better alternative its not as long but IQ and usability is better you can even hand hold it! this is where the IS plays its role. I also use the 300 with the 1.4 on a crop body with excellent results! I mainly shoot aircraft and wildlife with these combos, hope this helps!!!

[sashasud]

thanks for the detailed responses guys. sounds like I am better off waiting and saving for a used 500 f4. Don't like the slow af and iq impacts of the TCs. anyone know how much a used 500 will set me back? anyone selling one?