Costa Rica: 300 2.8 II or 100-400 II

[FEBS]

In September, I will be visiting Costa Rica for 3 weeks (Tortuguero, Cahuita National Park, Arenal, Monteverde, Samara, Manuel Antonio, Puerto Jimenez, Corcovado National Park, San Gerardo de Dota) We will visit several times the national parks.

The 600 II + 1.4x will be for sure in the backpack. For shorter range I'm still doubting between the 300 2.8II and the 100-400 II. The first gives me much more possibilities in case of low light and a very smooth bokey. On the other hand, the 100-400 II is such a versatile lens. We are mostly interested in birds but also in mammels.

What are your thoughts for Costa Rica ?

Other lenses that will accompanying me : 16-35 F4, 24-105 F4, 100 IS Macro and perhaps the TS24. All on FF body.

 

[AlanF]

On a trip like that I would take both, they are complementary. The 100-400mm is so versatile. The 300 is just so sharp, fast AF, and so useful at dawn and dusk.

 

[Mikehit]

On a trip like that I would take both, they are complementary. The 100-400mm is so versatile. The 300 is just so sharp, fast AF, and so useful at dawn and dusk.

I am presuming you are going to Costa Rica for rainforest birds and other wildlife. Reivews of the 100-400 II are very favourable compared to the 300f2.8 in all ways except the maximum apertur. Although I have not been to Costa Rica experience in other rainforests has been that most wildlife is high up or relatively small. Anything large on the ground, if they are far enough away to fit into the FOV of a 100mm lens, are likely to be obstructed by bush.
My preference (if I were fortunate enough to own one) would be the 24-105 and the 300mm plus 1.4 and/or 2xtc.
And let's face it, add the 300mm f2.8 with either the 1DxII or 5D3 you still have plenty of latitude for cropping.

One option, to follow on from AlanF, why not take the 300mm and the 100-400 and leave the 600mm f4 at home especially if you have the 2x MkIII.

 

[Jim Saunders]

300 f/4? It doesn't get enough credit.

Jim

 

[AlanF]

The 300 f/4 is not in the same league as the 300 f/2.8 in terms of sharpness and IS and won't have the wide aperture that the OP wants for dawn and dusk. It is less sharp than the 100-400mm II at 300mm, has lower IS, is poorer with a TC as well as not having the flexibility of the zoom that the OP wants. In other circumstances it might be a suitable choice as it is a good lens, but not here.

 

[StudentOfLight]

Which full frame body?

 

[FEBS]

Which full frame body?

I will take the 2 1Dx mkII and the 5D mkIII with me.

 

[quod]

I would bring the 600, 100-400, extender, and a normal-wide zoom (e.g., 24-70 or 16-35). The 300 is optional.

The 100-400 is so much more versatile than the 300/2.8. The nasty bokeh and speed are the price for versatility. I've spent several months in Costa Rica. You will see wildlife up close and at a distance. For example, in Manuel Antonio, small monkeys were cruising all around me within an arm's length. A toucan tree in Tortuguero had over 10 toucans in it, but at a really far distance. It will be humid and warm. You will want to minimize the weight. Also, be prepared for very heavy rain.