Wildlife Photography, Part 1 - Equipment

[Huntbear]

Thank you for the answers. I will keep looking and doing my research.

[elksnout]

Very well done. Thank you. I saved it to my favorites for reference. 

[Tom Reichner]

Here is a lens question for you pope. Thanks to boneaddict I am now looking to upgrade my wildlife lens. I currently have a Canon 100-400 f5.6 IS. It's a good lens but as I found out on my photo safari with boneaddict, it can't compare to the big primes. I'm trying to decide between the 400 f2.8 and the 500 f4. When out shooting animals the two obstacles I have to deal with the most are getting close enough for a good shot and not having enough light, with poor light usually being the bigger problem. Right now I am leaning more towards the 500 f4 because it's a bit cheaper and lighter. The 500 f4 has more focal length than the 400 f2.8 but also gathers less light and if used with a 1.4 tc it would drop down to an f5.6. So would it make more sense to go with the faster 400 f2.8? I know it's up to me to decide but I value your opinion and thought you might have some insight.

Hello, Timber!

I use the 400 f2.8 extensively.  I use it naked, with the 1.4 extender, and with the 2x extender.  I know what you're thinking - that the 2x extender is just a cheap way to get to 800mm and image quality sufffers.  Well, I also was very surprised at what a great job this lens can do with the 2x - provided there's sufficient light.  If you're still debating between the 400 f2.8 and the 500 f4, one thing to consider is that with the 400 2.8, you can add the 2x and have an effective focal length of 800mm at f5.6.  With a crop body it's even higher effective focal length.  I can only afford one big lens, and the 400 2.8 along with the option of adding two different extenders gives me more flexibility.

-Tom

[whacker1]

Tom,

Welcome - looking forward to seeing some of your pics!

[Timber]

Thanks for the advice Tom. Lately, I've been leaning towards the 400 anyway. Your input will make the decision even easier. Now if I can just come up with the money!

[popeshawnpaul]

I use to shoot with a 400mm f2.8 for football and sports.  You aren't going to get me hiking 8-12 miles with one...lol.  Maybe I'm just a pansy?   

[huntnphool]

step up and get the DO you pansy, I'm going to

[popeshawnpaul]

Now that my wife has a job I might be able to here in the future...   

[boneaddict]

Its a big son of a biotch in deer and sheep country but dang I like it.

[Tom Reichner]

Anyone going to make this a sticky again?  It is certainly worthy of "Sticky Status"!