Best wildlife lens

[mwc]

Shooting with a Canon 7D and need to purchase a lens that will get me through the next 4 or 5 years before I add anymore. What would it be and why? Thoughts have been 300 f2.8, 400 2.8 or 500 f4. Any other choices thanks
Mike

[ronaldfaldik]

How about the Canon 100-400 IS L...
Fantastic lens!

[kenw]

In simple terms and considering all being equal quality-wise, the longest + fastest would get my vote. Even if not the absolute longest, that can be boosted in a pinch with a tc. But you can't make a slow lens faster. that said 400/2.8 would win my vote on that basis alone. Ymmv...

[labmansid]

I went through this same dilemma about three years ago. What kind of wildlife are you talking about shooting? If it includes a big proportion of birds, you will want all the reach you can get. For birds, the Canon 800mm f5.6 is highly coveted, and also quite pricey.

Before the 800 came on the scene, the 600 f4 was the ultimate birding lens. The main problem with the 800 and 600, and similarly the 400 f2.8, is they are just too heavy and unwieldy to shoot handheld for almost everyone.

For that reason, the 500mm f4 is generally recognized as the best compromise in reach, speed, and portability. If you think you will be trying to shoot handheld at all, then the 500 or 300 f2.8 will be your only real options. Some people might have trouble handholding the 500mm as well. Something to keep in mind. There's a reason the 500 f4 is the most popular supertelephoto lens.

I ended up going with the 500 f4, and do not regret my decision at all. There are times when it is not the perfect lens for the situation, but more often than not it is more than adequate for most of my wildlife shoots. It takes a 1.4X TC quite well, for 700mm f5.6, with virtually no loss in quality. I can handhold it effectively, often even combined with the TC.

Just my opinion, from someone who went through the same process. Hope that helps.

[iCe]

Russell Graves makes magic with his 500 f4. I've shot the same subject as him from almost the same angle with a 600 f4 and I can't tell the difference between it and his 500 f4 with a 1.4x TC.

I like my 600 more than my 800 but the 800 is growing on me. It's a good bit lighter. The 800 and a camera weigh the same as just a 600.

I shoot the 600 and 800 handheld fairly often but I don't enjoy it...

[DougC]

If birds are your main subject, of the three lenses mentioned, I'd go for the 500 then add the 300 when you can. If mammals are the main subject, the 400 would be my choice.

[jfoureyes]

The serious wildlife photographers I know have the 500/4.

[mwc]

Thanks for all the help my thought was the 500 f4 would be best all around choice, shoot mainly birds but animals as well already have a 100-400. What really got me to thinking about other options was trip to a south Texas ranch set up for photography, in the blind with water and perches 500 was almost to much I guess thats why you really need more than one

[DougC]

I have spent a lot of time in south Texas photo blinds and I use my 500 f4 primarily with my TC 14 and TC 17 always at the ready and while I had it, my 200-400 which has been replaced with a 300 f2.8.

[Patti Edens]

Yep. the Canon 500 f4 is my dream lens. One of these days. Until then, I will make do with my 400 f5.6.

[Jim Victory]

I have a 500 and 600 but I usually grab the 500 because I can handhold it and long ports don't kill you. I usually carry it and the 100-400 on another body for those times when the MFD of the 500 gets in the way.

If you can wait the new 600 II will weigh about the same as the current 500 so you get reach and portability too.

[scottbuckel]

I'm one of those guys that has had many different lenses over the years and I really like my 500 f4 - the 600 f4 is just to heavy as well as the 400 f2.8. I find that the 500 f4 is a good compromise for length and weight. It also works well for mammals and birds.

Scott

[mwc]

Heading back to South Texas next weekend I think i'll rent a 300 f2.8 and bring 1.4 and 2.0 TC and just spend some time with each lens until I decide

[DougC]

Sounds like a plan.

[mwc]

Again thanks everyone for input and suggestions