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12/29/2005 03:16:08 PM · #1 |
What would you choose EF 400mm f2.8 IS or EF 300 f2.8 IS? And why ?
Can you hand hold the 11.8lbs 400 mm vs the 5.5 lbs 300mm ? Would you have to use a monopod all the time with the 400 mm? The price difference is not an issue, and I have the Extender EF 2X II,with that I would get the extra range with 300mm. I guess what I am asking is the extra 100 mm worth the extra weight? |
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12/29/2005 03:18:11 PM · #2 |
| it all depends what you're using it for really. No, you probably can't handhold the 400mm, at least not for very long at all! |
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12/29/2005 03:21:43 PM · #3 |
Only you can answer that. You might also ask yourself how often the 400 would be TOO long. 12 pounds is a LOT of weight to haul around on a camera though. And a lot of weight to have depending from your mounting flange. Which means if youre gonna walk around witht he cam+400 your gonna have to hold it by the lens or mount it on a 'pod by its mounting ring, so the camera is depending from the lens, not the other way around.
R. |
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12/29/2005 03:24:15 PM · #4 |
you will not handhold the 400mm f2.8, unless you are shooting straight down ;) it's way to heavy, you can manage it lying down, like when you are shooting wildlife or birds, but for normal shooting a tripod is a must.. and a tripod for this lens is another 10-15 pounds.
the 300mm is intended for different purposes, you can use the 300mm shooting a basketballgame, but it will not be enough to shoot a footballgame, for that you use the 400mm.
adding a 2x extender on the 300mm will give you 600mm @ f5.6 wich is useless for fast action, that's why sportshooters buy the big guns.
if you are thinking about using an extender you could get the 400mm DO f4 it's about the same weight as the 300mm f2.8 and if f4 is enough than that would be a viable option, and you can actually handhold the 400mm DO :)
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12/29/2005 03:41:48 PM · #5 |
| I would be using it out on the nature trails ,where low light seems to always be an issue and the 70 200 never seems to be long enough,I am not really satisfied with the f4 of the TC and the 70 200 so I thought the 300 would be a wise choice. I am going to load up a couple of pipes 1 at 5.5 lbs and go for a stroll this weekend ,then the next day I will try a pipe at 11.8 lbs,thanks bear for making me think of that. I think that should help me make a decision. |
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12/29/2005 03:58:30 PM · #6 |
| The difference between 200mm and 300mm is not that big, however the difference in weight between the 300 f/2.8 and 400 f/2.8 is quite considerable, I wouldn't think of shooting the 400 f/2.8 handheld...a monopod is a minimum... |
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12/29/2005 04:14:40 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by DanSig:
you will not handhold the 400mm f2.8, unless you are shooting straight down ;) it's way to heavy, you can manage it lying down, like when you are shooting wildlife or birds, but for normal shooting a tripod is a must.. and a tripod for this lens is another 10-15 pounds.
the 300mm is intended for different purposes, you can use the 300mm shooting a basketballgame, but it will not be enough to shoot a footballgame, for that you use the 400mm.
adding a 2x extender on the 300mm will give you 600mm @ f5.6 wich is useless for fast action, that's why sportshooters buy the big guns.
if you are thinking about using an extender you could get the 400mm DO f4 it's about the same weight as the 300mm f2.8 and if f4 is enough than that would be a viable option, and you can actually handhold the 400mm DO :) |
Thanks Dan.
I did not think I would be able to hand hold 11.8 lbs. I don't think my tripod that I have now weighs 10 to 15 lbs,which means a heavier tripod instead of a monopod great more weight.Fully loaded my bag is about 40 lbs now which beleive it or not is not too bad on the trails .
I looked at the 400mm F4 Do IS and it is 1.2 lbs lighter than the 300 mm 2.8 but I dont think I would be happy with that lens for the money they want for it . The cost of that glass is what made me look at he 400 mm 2.8,but then there is the weight issue .If I go the 400 mm way I will just try and lighten the load a bit in the bag but for sure I will need something that I don't have in the bag then ! LOL |
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12/29/2005 04:34:26 PM · #8 |
I use to hand hold the 500f4 "is", but the 400 is a beast. It's too long for most stuff. The 300 is a much smarter buy, unless your shooting wildlife or sports 90% of the time.
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12/29/2005 06:07:52 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by RANDOD300:
I would be using it out on the nature trails ,where low light seems to always be an issue and the 70 200 never seems to be long enough,I am not really satisfied with the f4 of the TC and the 70 200 so I thought the 300 would be a wise choice. I am going to load up a couple of pipes 1 at 5.5 lbs and go for a stroll this weekend ,then the next day I will try a pipe at 11.8 lbs,thanks bear for making me think of that. I think that should help me make a decision. |
Try both lenses in the store on a 20D also. The shape and balance point may make a difference. |
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