Best Big White Lens to Choose

[awair]

I rented the 200-400, knowing that I really needed the 400/2.8 for the extra stop.

I liked the lens, but used it almost exclusively at 400, with an occasional 'flick of the switch' to 560. That feature, I really appreciated. Quality was great, but probably more suited to outdoor/better-light sports.

Having bought the 400, I don't regret it. Most of the time I shoot at 2.8. Maybe I need a 360-440 zoom, as sometimes moving position isn't an option ;-) The 300 would definitely be too short for me, but easier to follow the action. Nearly all the shots I like are closely cropped, so it doesn't always matter if you can't get "all the subject" in the frame.

Now, if they released a 400/2.8 with a built-in 1.4X - that would be perfect!

 

[awair]

Sorry, a 'late-night rave', bit difficult to marshal all my thoughts in one go...

Yes, I have the 1.4X III extender and 560/4 is impressive. No noticeable loss of real-world quality, though I daren't stop-down, due the low light where I'm shooting. The 2X results are too difficult to judge, as I'm compromising on shutter-speed and/or ISO, for the two-stop loss.

If/when I'm shooting a more appropriate subject, I expect the results will be more than good enough with the 2X.

My (heavily biased) opinion is that you get most flexibility from the 400/2.8 ("600"/4 & 800/5.6), whereas the 300 maxs out at 600/5.6.

Good luck with your choice.
My second 'wish-list' item would be a new 200/2, bonus would be with a built-in 1.4X.

 

[Jopa]

We need a poll here

IMO get a 600/4, since you already have 100-400 covered. It works great with the 1.4xTC (AF and sharpness), so you'll have even more reach (840/5.6).

 

[YuengLinger]

Thanks for the replies. It's very helpful but its still a very difficult decision.
You've given me very good opinions and options.
Renting unfortunately is not an option where I am.
It's a great option to have.
I take it they are all stellar lens.
I hadn't considered the 300 + 500 option or the 400 DO previously.
I have the 100-400 II so I was looking to go beyond 400.
Light and keeping shutter speed high is on my mind.
F4 is what I had in mind but F2.8 is tempting too.
It does not help that I'm so wide ranging in the types of things I photograph.

If there are any more insights into what you picked and why and how happy you are let me know

If you have the 100-400 II, then you should get the 600 II. That combo is only beaten by the 600 II + 200-400. The 600 II and the 300 II is fantastic combo, quality wise, but less flexible. My most used white lens is the 600 II (with extenders most of the time), then the 200-400, the 100-400 and last 300 II.

This is costly common sense! 500mm with the 100-400 would cost a little less, but, you are right. Why only add an extra 100mm?

I guess the only way to know if I can successfully hand-hold either 500mm or 600mm is to rent!

 

[bdunbar79]

I'd probably go 200-400 zoom. For sports I use a 400 f/2.8, 300 f/2.8, and 70-200 f/2.8. If I had the business justification I'd get a 1Dx2 and 200-400 and another 1Dx2 with the 70-200 f/2.8 zoom. I just can't justify it though. But you haven't bought anything yet

 

[Dekaner]

I'd probably go 200-400 zoom. For sports I use a 400 f/2.8, 300 f/2.8, and 70-200 f/2.8. If I had the business justification I'd get a 1Dx2 and 200-400 and another 1Dx2 with the 70-200 f/2.8 zoom. I just can't justify it though. But you haven't bought anything yet

This is basically my setup, except a 1dx and a 1dx2. It's honestly the most versatile because you have all focal ranges from 70-560 covered.

Occasionally I need another lens, which I usually rent or loan from CPS if they are onsite at a major event.

My next purchase will probably be a 200 f2, which I could put an extender on to get a 280 f2.8. Not perfect but again, very flexible, especially if you don't know where photo positions are, etc.

 

[Keith_Reeder]

500mm with the 100-400 would cost a little less, but, you are right. Why only add an extra 100mm?

You're not though - you're adding the opportunity to get out to 1000mm (with AF) at f/8 by adding a 2x while still using a lens which is noticeably more manageable and user-friendly than the 600mm f/4, which will "only" get you out an extra 200mm.

 

[AdamBotond]

Last year, I was in the same boat, trying to decided between the 500mm f/4L II and the 400mm f/4 DO II, so I rented the 500mm from lensrentals.com. It was a few hundred $$ and well worth the cost in helping me decide.

Dont wanna go off-topic, but I was wondering whether you ultimately picked 400 F4 DO II over the 500 f4 II? If so, could you share your thoughts on 400 DO II? I'm strongly considering picking one up, as well.