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Madame Heron, with her twins, sharing the same hairdo :)

They have chosen a rather hostile material for a nest. The spikes on these acacia trees are like needles. If you step on one, they go right through your shoe sole.

1DX-II, 600 f4L IS II + 1.4xIII
 

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Jack
Nice one of the Downy. Are you going up to ISO 3200 so you get 1/1000s with the 800mm? Or, is the 1DX II so quiet you don't worry about the noise? I am probably too conservative with ISO.
 
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I would like to ask a quick question to all the regulars on this thread as I have come to love your work and your experiences with different kit.

I’m having a dilemma, my V1 100-400L doesn’t seem to be as sharp at the long distances I regularly shoot at, along with the atmospheric conditions of living in the desert, and I am contemplating selling and replacing it with the hope of sharper images when cropped in post, or better still; with the subject filling more of the frame.

The expected local sale price for my current 100-400L would be 3,900 Dirhams (UAE Money), if also sell my 70D with the 100-400L, combined expected sale price of 5,900 Dirhams

Option 1 is to save for a long time then splurge on a used 500L f4 version 1 from B&H, I already have a 1.4xIII so I would have the reach then. Cost 19,500 Dirhams
Option 2 is to buy a 100-400L II, cost 6,800 Dirhams in the hope that it works better and plays better with my 1.4xIII
Option 3 is to buy a 7DII and 100-400L II, cost 11,000 Dirhams, but will obviously give more reach with the crop, and maybe the 1.4xIII
Option 4 is to sell the 100-400L and buy one of the 150-600 lenses that are available

I would love to know what anyone thinks cause I’ve been annoyed with the long range performance for a long time now, and I’ve over thought the whole process, help please!! :'(
 
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Stewart K said:
I would like to ask a quick question to all the regulars on this thread as I have come to love your work and your experiences with different kit.

I’m having a dilemma, my V1 100-400L doesn’t seem to be as sharp at the long distances I regularly shoot at, along with the atmospheric conditions of living in the desert, and I am contemplating selling and replacing it with the hope of sharper images when cropped in post, or better still; with the subject filling more of the frame.

The expected local sale price for my current 100-400L would be 3,900 Dirhams (UAE Money), if also sell my 70D with the 100-400L, combined expected sale price of 5,900 Dirhams

Option 1 is to save for a long time then splurge on a used 500L f4 version 1 from B&H, I already have a 1.4xIII so I would have the reach then. Cost 19,500 Dirhams
Option 2 is to buy a 100-400L II, cost 6,800 Dirhams in the hope that it works better and plays better with my 1.4xIII
Option 3 is to buy a 7DII and 100-400L II, cost 11,000 Dirhams, but will obviously give more reach with the crop, and maybe the 1.4xIII
Option 4 is to sell the 100-400L and buy one of the 150-600 lenses that are available

I would love to know what anyone thinks cause I’ve been annoyed with the long range performance for a long time now, and I’ve over thought the whole process, help please!! :'(


Hello Stewart,


It took me some time to decide (over a 300 f/2.8II or a 400 DO f/4 II or the 500 f/4 II)
I am saving up for the 500 f/4 II. Now I know that it is possible to handhold this lens. But I will mainly use it when taking photos from a hidingplace or car.
For hiking I bought the 100-400II. It is really, really a great lens. The IQ is fantastic. I use it with the 1.4xIII as well. Got the whole thing calibrated and works great. I used it with the 7D MKII as well. That is a great combination. The great thing of the 100-400 II is also the minimal focus distance.
So if you are out in the field a lot, I would suggest the 100-400II - maybe coupled with the 7D MKII
 
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AlanF said:
Jack
Nice one of the Downy. Are you going up to ISO 3200 so you get 1/1000s with the 800mm? Or, is the 1DX II so quiet you don't worry about the noise? I am probably too conservative with ISO.

Alan, I wish I could be lower but as soon as I hit any shade I'm out there. My perception so far is that with the 800 I need the higher shutter for sharpness. I'm now shooting M with auto ISO and might also go a little higher on F stop for more DOF. I'm thrilled we three encouraged each other to get that lens.

Jack
 
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Hi Stewart.
I have recently bought the 100-400 II, it plays extremely well with the 1.4xIII. I gave up on the Σ150-500mm as it was doing a lot of hunting, I don't know how the 150-600 versions fare for that.
I'm curious as to why you are talking about selling the 70D and getting the 7DII, my understanding is that it is an extremely competent camera, and this seems like pretty much a sideways move with a few exceptions, where are you finding it let's you down? This is not to say the 7DII isn't a fantastic camera to use when you have one! :)

Edit, ok I just worked out the main reason for the 7DII, f8 autofocus. ::)

Cheers, Graham.

Stewart K said:
I would like to ask a quick question to all the regulars on this thread as I have come to love your work and your experiences with different kit.

I’m having a dilemma, my V1 100-400L doesn’t seem to be as sharp at the long distances I regularly shoot at, along with the atmospheric conditions of living in the desert, and I am contemplating selling and replacing it with the hope of sharper images when cropped in post, or better still; with the subject filling more of the frame.

The expected local sale price for my current 100-400L would be 3,900 Dirhams (UAE Money), if also sell my 70D with the 100-400L, combined expected sale price of 5,900 Dirhams

Option 1 is to save for a long time then splurge on a used 500L f4 version 1 from B&H, I already have a 1.4xIII so I would have the reach then. Cost 19,500 Dirhams
Option 2 is to buy a 100-400L II, cost 6,800 Dirhams in the hope that it works better and plays better with my 1.4xIII
Option 3 is to buy a 7DII and 100-400L II, cost 11,000 Dirhams, but will obviously give more reach with the crop, and maybe the 1.4xIII
Option 4 is to sell the 100-400L and buy one of the 150-600 lenses that are available

I would love to know what anyone thinks cause I’ve been annoyed with the long range performance for a long time now, and I’ve over thought the whole process, help please!! :'(
 
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Stewart K, my daughter is wanting to step up to get closer to her dad but can't afford the really expensive gear. From my extensive reading and watching relating to precisely your situation I think I'd recommend a used 7D2 and the new 100-400 but there appears to be some 7D2's that don't measure up so diligence is in order on that front. I've noticed the odd 7D2 selling for a pretty decent price used.

I had been ever so close to buying a used 500 II but abandoned that idea based on my desire to stay as portable as possible, but I'm retired and not interested in laboring on hikes more than I have with 300 2.8 II X2 III. My new situation is about the same weight and it's a challenge.

My opinion based on my situation of hiking and sitting waiting for birds is that there is a threshold beyond which the cropping drops dramatically. I certainly have been thrilled with now having 800 but F8 is working directly against me for achieving lower ISOs so I have not gained cropping ability by remaining full frame (noise is a cropping issue that is not easily dealt with). The 500 would be nice for reach but do you like portability?

CPW saved me a bundle on my recent new camera and lens purchases.

Jack
 
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