Lens Options

[ST77]

Well its that time of the year again (tax return time) the wife is letting me play with some money for a new lens. Here is what I am debating on

1. Canon 300mm 4.0 IS + 1.4tc total reach 420@5.6 total cost $ 1,429.95
2. 70-200 2.8 IS (already own) + 1.4tc & 2xTC total reach 280@4 or 400@5.6 total cost $560 and the rest for anything else I can think of

I know its a huge difference in price between my to options but I am looking at what will yield me the best IQ I am leaning towards the prime and TC.

[ldelacruz]

What type of photos do you take?
Portraits
Sports
Nature
Landscape

[venchka]

Which body?

420 x 1.6 (body crop factor) = 672

Good for wildlife.

[lhdvies]

I have both of these lenses. Both are very excellent lenses, however you will probably be disappointed with the 2X on the 70-200 IQ. The 1.4 will degrade it some, but usually is acceptable to me. Basically the same applies to the 300 4 LIS, but it takes the 1.4 extremely well. To me the 300 f/4.0L IS is a very versatile prime. It is good for some sports,(keep in mind the lighting available) landscape, wildlife, some portraiture, and even some Macro. I use mine on crop cameras and also the 5D (FF).

[ST77]

@ldelacruz, I shot a little wildlife (mostly at zoo's), some auto racing.

@venchka, shooting with a Mark III 1.3 crop

@lhdvies, thanks for the input. I think I am going to end up with the prime It seems like it will fill the cap between me and my subjects.

[ldelacruz]

I use my 300 f4 for sports and outdoor portraits and it does an amazing job...but even with the 1.4 it is too short for most nature stuff...if you use it at the zoo you shouldn't have any problems at all.

[ST77]

ok I am pretty much sold on the 300 f4. I am also looking at this [ Canon Extension Tube EF 12 II] and was wondering what the effect on IQ are. I would be using it with my 24-105 when shooting snakes and such at the zoo's

[lhdvies]

A good 300 f/4.0L IS on your 1d3 should be incredibly sharp. That with your 24-105 should cover any needs you have at the Zoo. For Zoo shots I use my 24-105 on th 5d and the 70-200 on my crop camera (1.3 or 1.6) and that covers my needs fine. The 300 is a great zoo lens when you have enough room.

[Citex]

I wouldn't get anything with the 2x myself man, get the prime with 1.4 I don't notice any difference in IQ with my 70-200 F4 IS using it attached.