New 200-400/1.4x review - or 11,799 reasons to cry

[kirispupis]

For those interested there is a new review that just came out on the 200-400 - http://www.ronmartblog.com/2013/08/review-canon-ef-200-400mm-f4l-is-usm.html

I have to admit that I was very skeptical and while I do still think it is extremely expensive, I have to admit that the price seems in line at least with Canon's other big teles. I recently traveled for a few weeks to Australia with my 400/5.6 and even given the size this would have been my most used lens there.

My only quib with the review is I disagree that you really need a 1D-X to properly use this lens. I have always been a believe that glass is more important than camera bodies and I am sure I could make great use of this lens on my 5D3. I currently have no desire to buy either the 1D-X or the 6D but will evaluate the 1D-X's and 5D3's successors.

Now I just have to convince my wife on this lens...

 

[mrsfotografie]

As a mere mortal I'd say the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM "S" looks mighty tempting as an alternative (and takes a lot less convincing) . I wonder if that Sigma works with Canon teleconverters.

 

[wsgroves]

I am with you on the Sigma. I have the first gen 120-300 2.8 no is and its an amazing lens. I used to shoot football with it and it really took some nice shots and focused fast. I imagine the current gen sigma is a lot better.

 

[mackguyver]

My only quib with the review is I disagree that you really need a 1D-X to properly use this lens. I have always been a believe that glass is more important than camera bodies and I am sure I could make great use of this lens on my 5D3. I currently have no desire to buy either the 1D-X or the 6D but will evaluate the 1D-X's and 5D3's successors.

Now I just have to convince my wife on this lens...

I agree completely about the 1DX vs. 5DIII. I think he's overstating things a lot other than high ISO shooting.

I also have to convince my (long-suffering) wife on this purchase but found a good combo this weekend for a slower moving critter this weekend:

I started with the 400mm f/5.6 + 1.4x III on my 5D Mark III - (560mm f/9):

Took off the 1.4x as he swam towards me (400m f/5.6 - didn't have time to shift to f/11!):

400mm f/5.6

400mm f/5.6

While also shooting with my 5DMII and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II + 1.4x III:
98mm f/11 without the extender

and with the extender - 140mm f/11

Sure, it's less convenient, and but the IQ is as good / almost as good and it's a LOT cheaper. Someday I'll persuade the wife. Maybe I'll tell her that I will be able to stay further away from alligators

 

[mrsfotografie]

My only quib with the review is I disagree that you really need a 1D-X to properly use this lens. I have always been a believe that glass is more important than camera bodies and I am sure I could make great use of this lens on my 5D3. I currently have no desire to buy either the 1D-X or the 6D but will evaluate the 1D-X's and 5D3's successors.

Now I just have to convince my wife on this lens...

I agree completely about the 1DX vs. 5DIII. I think he's overstating things a lot other than high ISO shooting.

I also have to convince my (long-suffering) wife on this purchase but found a good combo this weekend for a slower moving critter this weekend:

I started with the 400mm f/5.6 + 1.4x III on my 5D Mark III - (560mm f/9):
...

Took off the 1.4x as he swam towards me (400m f/5.6 - didn't have time to shift to f/11!):
...
400mm f/5.6
...
400mm f/5.6
...

While also shooting with my 5DMII and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II + 1.4x III:
98mm f/11 without the extender
...
and with the extender - 140mm f/11
...

Sure, it's less convenient, and but the IQ is as good / almost as good and it's a LOT cheaper. Someday I'll persuade the wife. Maybe I'll tell her that I will be able to stay further away from alligators

And a lot more portable too, something to consider! I sold a Sigma 150-500 in favor of a Canon 100-400 and found that to be so handholdable that I haven't used (or missed) my monopod since.

The bigger the lens, the less mobile you (I) may be.