Hi all,
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, but I could use some advice/opinions/help on my next lens dilemma. I love shooting air shows and wildlife (not so much birds, but typically longer shots of bears/wolves/etc.), and will have many more sporting opportunities coming up. I currently use a 70-200IS V2 with a 2x extender (or no extender at all when the light is fading quickly). Not a pro at all, just love shooting a variety of things. I have a few options floating around for some more reach. All of these are used.
1. 400mm f/2.8 IS V2 - have an offer on a very good quality lens, $5200
2. 600mm F/4 IS original - good quality, $4500
3. 300mm f/2.8 IS V2 - $3200, good quality. Would get a 1.4x also
4. 400mm f/2.8 IS V1 - $3000, good quality optically, little ugly from use
5. 500mm f/4 IS V1 - $3500, good shape
6. 300mm f/2.8 IS V1 - $2500, good shape
7. 100-400 V2 - $1200, very good shape. Would need to get a 1.4x extender and a new body to focus at F/8.
Do any of these just jump off the page? I’m sure someone has been through the same questions... I believe the 400 V2 might be the best deal from a $ perspective, but I feel like I’m short for most wildlife at 400mm as it is. Will I have enough reach with a 1.4x, and am I going to hate the weight? I am actually renting a V2 next week to see how tough it is going to be. If it matters, I am shooting a 6D and 60D with plans to upgrade to an 80/90/7dii and a 6dii/5div within the next year. Almost all of what I do now is handheld, because I can. I do not have a gimbal, but I was planning to try the rented 400 on my Manfrotto fluid video head to see how that works.
Thanks for your input!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, but I could use some advice/opinions/help on my next lens dilemma. I love shooting air shows and wildlife (not so much birds, but typically longer shots of bears/wolves/etc.), and will have many more sporting opportunities coming up. I currently use a 70-200IS V2 with a 2x extender (or no extender at all when the light is fading quickly). Not a pro at all, just love shooting a variety of things. I have a few options floating around for some more reach. All of these are used.
1. 400mm f/2.8 IS V2 - have an offer on a very good quality lens, $5200
2. 600mm F/4 IS original - good quality, $4500
3. 300mm f/2.8 IS V2 - $3200, good quality. Would get a 1.4x also
4. 400mm f/2.8 IS V1 - $3000, good quality optically, little ugly from use
5. 500mm f/4 IS V1 - $3500, good shape
6. 300mm f/2.8 IS V1 - $2500, good shape
7. 100-400 V2 - $1200, very good shape. Would need to get a 1.4x extender and a new body to focus at F/8.
Do any of these just jump off the page? I’m sure someone has been through the same questions... I believe the 400 V2 might be the best deal from a $ perspective, but I feel like I’m short for most wildlife at 400mm as it is. Will I have enough reach with a 1.4x, and am I going to hate the weight? I am actually renting a V2 next week to see how tough it is going to be. If it matters, I am shooting a 6D and 60D with plans to upgrade to an 80/90/7dii and a 6dii/5div within the next year. Almost all of what I do now is handheld, because I can. I do not have a gimbal, but I was planning to try the rented 400 on my Manfrotto fluid video head to see how that works.
Thanks for your input!