Best Lens combo - 300mm with 1.4x or 100-400mm?

[Grizzle]

Thanks for responses. 

Shawn had recommended these two options in previous threads and I'm not sure if one is better than the other (though he did say he didnt like the 100-400 lens).   Both of these seem to be about the same cost based on new prices. 

300mm f4 IS and paired with a 1.4x or a 100-400mm f5.6 IS

Advantages 300mm:
1. lighter 2.4lbs with extender versus 3lbs of the 400
2. 420mm length when paired with the 1.4x
3. Prime lenses are sharper than zooms?

Thanks again

[boneaddict]

Its been my experience that the extender works much better with primes than with zooms.  Some folks have issues getting th eshots with a fixed prime, but it becomes second nature before too long.

[popeshawnpaul]

This is really what it comes down to for affordable good glass with image stabilization.  The 100-400 isn't really a 400 on the long end, it's really about 380mm.  So the 300mm f4 with a 1.4x becomes a 420mm f5.6.  It's an extra 40mm over the 380 of the 100-400.  I hope that makes sense.

The 300mm f4 is sharper than the 100-400 zoomed at 300mm.  The 300mm f4 is slightly better or the same at 420mm with a 1.4x on than the 100-400 zoomed all the way to 380mm.  In my personal experience, the 300mm f4 with the 1.4x is better than the 100-400 on the long end but I know many people who claim to have "sharp" copies of the 100-400 and say they are about equal.

The 300mm f4 is not as versatile as the 100-400 as it can't ever be a 100mm or 200mm lens like the 100-400 can.  Me personally, I shoot at the long end of a zoom about 90% of the time trying to get as much reach as I can so this isn't a problem for me.  Additionally, I have a quality 70-200mm so I have the low end of the focal range covered anyways.

Advise if you are deciding on the 100-400:  Get a new one.  The push pull design of the zoom can have problems over time and get loose.  Also, there have been many many posts that the newer versions are better optically than the old ones.  You need to look at the date code on the lens.  I have heard good things about UW date code 100-400mm lenses and newer.  If you don't know what the date code means, go here...  http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

In conclusion, Grizzle is right.  The 300mm f4 is lighter, longer, and sharper.  It's just not as versatile.  Your decision...?

Here is an example of why I don't care for the 100-400.  This is a 100% crop of an image.  When looking to see detail in a lens I always look to hair or feather detail.  If you can see individual hairs, then it's sharp.  If you can't and it is muddy looking, then it's not.  In my test shot the cali bighorn was a ways away.  I have cropped down to about 800 pixels wide.  With a 300mm f2.8 or another noted sharp lens you would see detail in the hair.  However, you just don't see it in this photo.  This is the type of quality I can't stand from the 100-400. 

ISO 100, f5.6, 1/750th

[huntnphool]

FWIW, I agree with Pope that the 100-400 is not as sharp as the fixed focal length lenses however, you have to know Pope personally to understand what he is talking about. "Sharp" is relative to the individual. Are you going to be selling to magazines? if so then the 100-400 is probably not going to get you many transactions. If you are taking pics to enjoy yourself or perhaps share on the internet forums such as this one then the 100-400 is a great lens when you take into account the versatility. Both of these pics are from a 100-400IS at 400mm, and although not tack sharp for a magazine, they look just fine IMHO for printing and for sharing over the internet. Pope sometimes forgets when he gives us advice that he is talking to mortals and not pro's like Kirk The nice thing about Pope is you know that if he is giving you advice its not going to be simply adequate advice, it may be expensive but bet your ass its dead on!!!

P.S. Make sure you "click" on the pictures to get the full image.

[popeshawnpaul]

That photo is definitely sharper huntnphool.  You might have had one of those newer UW date code 100-400 lenses.  I have little doubt I have never shot with a copy that is as sharp as I have seen other people shoot with.  Some people I trust swear by the newer copies.   

[huntnphool]

You might have had one of those newer UW date code 100-400 lenses.

No doubt Shawn, this was the one from Lensrental I told you about, it looked brand new when it showed up at the house. I was close to calling him and telling him to just bill me I'm keeping it.

[Slider]

The reason you would want the sharpest lens you could afford, is for that once in a lifetime photo you might capture!!!

[Grizzle]

Thanks guys.   I'm going to head to Glazers and check out the lenses.  Does anyone know the shortest "stowed for travel" length dimensions of the 300 and the 100-400? 

Canon's site says the 300 is 8.7", plus 1" for the extender?  So a total fixed length of ~10"

I can only find what is stated as the maximum length of the 100-400 which is 7.4".  I suspect this is actually its closed length and extends much longer when fully opened.


Thanks again

[huntnphool]

I think that is correct

FWIW, if you need to rent a lens I can highly recommend www.lensrental.com they are much cheaper than Glazers, it comes right to your door, and every lens I have ever rented from them has been in excellent shape

[Grizzle]

Thanks for each of your responses. 

I rented both lenses from Glazers for the weekend.  Nice Friday afternoon to Monday morning rental deal at ~$25.  It was a good suggestion to get my hands on them and play with them.

[whacker1]

so for the novice that is still shopping (and probably will be for another quarter or so) - what are we looking at for new costs?

[Slider]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/8454/SLR_Interchangeable_Lenses_for_Canon.html

[whacker1]

so $1400 ish should be what I would expect for either combination - was I viewing the correct lenses?

[popeshawnpaul]

You can find either combination used for about $1100 at fredmiranda.com.  They both hold their value well.

[Grizzle]

$1500 if bought new online, +$350(including taxes) if bought locally.

...internet camera equipment sales must be a daily kick in the stones for local camera shops.