Yet another "which lens" question......

[JPAZ]

I know this is a topic that has been kicked around a lot but I am looking for some words of wisdom. I am planning to go to Bosque del Apache some time in November. I will try to avoid the Festival of the Cranes just so I won't have to maneuver around huge crowds.

As you can see below, I have a 100-400. I have gotten some decent pics in good light with this even with the 1.4x. But, some of the photos I will be after are dawn and dusk so the lighting won't be great. I am thinking of renting a super-tele for this trip.

Given the 5Diii high iso performance but the lack of a crop body, I am thinking about :

-300 f/2.8 with the 1.4x (effective 420mm f/4) or a 2x (effective 600 f/5.6)
-400 f/4 - don't think it offers much over the 100-400 except a little better IQ)
-400 f/2.8 with 1.4x (560mm f/4) or 2x (800mm f5/6)
-500 f/4 - would yield ridiculous reach (700mm and 1000mm) with extenders but slow (f/5.6 and f/8)

Given that I'll use a tripod for a lot of shots and only hand-hold a bit, what do you all think you would do? Anyone ever shot here? I handled a 300mm f/4 years ago in the early morning light but that was on a crop body without an extender. FYI, I will need to fly to New Mexico so my stuff needs to be able to fit into the overhead and some of these lenses are a bit large.

I could always bring my M and use a super tele for reach

 

[Jim Saunders]

The hard case for the 300 f/2.8 has cavities for both extenders - I'd go with that. IIRC it is about carry-on size.

Jim

 

[mackguyver]

The hard case for the 300 f/2.8 has cavities for both extenders - I'd go with that. IIRC it is about carry-on size.

Jim

Maybe the earlier lenses did, but the 300mm f/2.8 II does not have any room for extenders (unlike the 400mm f/2.8 II, I believe). I know because I just bought the 300 2 weeks ago

 

[Eldar]

I have just sold it, so I should probably shut up, but the 400 f2.8L IS II is a great option. It works very well with the 1.4xIII extender. With the 2xIII it gets a bit softer, but is still a great solution. I handheld it with both extenders. With a bit of practice, that is quite easy.
The 400 hard case has room for both extenders and I have had as carry-on several different airlines. I sold it because I also have the 600 f4L IS II, which gives me a bit more reach, but I know I will regret it the next time I shoot snow board and down hill skiing.

 

[JPAZ]

I know because I just bought the 300 2 weeks ago

Congrats. That is my "maybe someday, if I can" purchase plan!

 

[J.R.]

A 300 f/2.8 Wi both 1.4x as well as 2x should be perfect. The combo is surprisingly light for hand held shooting if you need it.

With the 400 2.8 onwards ... You'll probably need a gimbal and a superbly stable tripod.