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Canon 200-400 with built in 1.4 extender
Apr 30, 2024 12:09:19   #
jim quist Loc: Missouri
 
Does anyone have experience with this lens? I’m thinking about buying it. How does it perform with extenders?

I don’t really need it, I have the 300 2.8, 400 f4 DO, and 500 f4. I just think it might be a great lens for a walk thru the zoo, or for football while standing in the end zone. Yep, I collect lenses.

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Apr 30, 2024 12:45:44   #
MJPerini
 
From all I have read, it is a wonderful lens. Extremely versatile, and perfect for situations where you need a range of focal lengths, available quickly. But what are the odds that on a "walk through the Zoo" you would find yourself in need of a lens longer than 560mm ? The same is probably true at 100 yards....... But for the end zone position, I would think 200-400 or instantly 280-560 would be Very nice.
Why stack converters on a zoom (even a good one) when you have primes as long or longer?
If you just want to "collect it" that's fine too, it was the first of its kind I think, and a smart Idea.

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Apr 30, 2024 13:24:12   #
rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC
 
Have you considered renting one to see if it fits your style and approach to photography. I've used Lensrentals, but I am sure there are others and perhaps a camera store with rentals local to you.

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Apr 30, 2024 14:30:28   #
jim quist Loc: Missouri
 
rcorne001 wrote:
Have you considered renting one to see if it fits your style and approach to photography. I've used Lensrentals, but I am sure there are others and perhaps a camera store with rentals local to you.


BnH has a 30 day return policy. I’m sure it would cost less to pay the return shipping than to rent the lens for a couple of weeks.

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Apr 30, 2024 14:32:57   #
jim quist Loc: Missouri
 
MJPerini wrote:
From all I have read, it is a wonderful lens. Extremely versatile, and perfect for situations where you need a range of focal lengths, available quickly. But what are the odds that on a "walk through the Zoo" you would find yourself in need of a lens longer than 560mm ? The same is probably true at 100 yards....... But for the end zone position, I would think 200-400 or instantly 280-560 would be Very nice.
Why stack converters on a zoom (even a good one) when you have primes as long or longer?
If you just want to "collect it" that's fine too, it was the first of its kind I think, and a smart Idea.
From all I have read, it is a wonderful lens. Extr... (show quote)

I often use extenders and just wondering about anyone’s experience doing so.

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Apr 30, 2024 16:01:58   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
jim quist wrote:
I often use extenders and just wondering about anyone’s experience doing so.


I haven't used the 200-400 w/ extender. You might want to check the specs and the length of the lens, relative to the 300L. Personally, I'd just bring the 1.4x in a pocket and the 300L for the usage you described.

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Apr 30, 2024 19:05:01   #
jim quist Loc: Missouri
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
I haven't used the 200-400 w/ extender. You might want to check the specs and the length of the lens, relative to the 300L. Personally, I'd just bring the 1.4x in a pocket and the 300L for the usage you described.

The voice of reason, as always.
Thank you

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May 1, 2024 09:26:10   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
jim quist wrote:
Does anyone have experience with this lens? I’m thinking about buying it. How does it perform with extenders?

I don’t really need it, I have the 300 2.8, 400 f4 DO, and 500 f4. I just think it might be a great lens for a walk thru the zoo, or for football while standing in the end zone. Yep, I collect lenses.


It is a BIG HEAVY lens - check the weight and size before you buy ! I saw somebody who had one - I thought it was a 600 f4 !
I have seen the Imatest numbers - they are not impressive - especially for the cost - if that matters. It does seem to get good reviews tho .....The size/weight make it impractical for use other than on a tripod !
I checked my 2013 edition of Canon "EF Lens Work III" - and it is not in there......8-(

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May 1, 2024 10:27:37   #
47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range
 
I thought about the same thing a few years ago, but in the end (for costs mainly), I opted for a used EF 100-400 L and x1.4iii TC. For the weight alone I was happier, plus it’s an excellent combination.

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May 1, 2024 20:52:15   #
jim quist Loc: Missouri
 
imagemeister wrote:
It is a BIG HEAVY lens - check the weight and size before you buy ! I saw somebody who had one - I thought it was a 600 f4 !
I have seen the Imatest numbers - they are not impressive - especially for the cost - if that matters. It does seem to get good reviews tho .....The size/weight make it impractical for use other than on a tripod !
I checked my 2013 edition of Canon "EF Lens Work III" - and it is not in there......8-(


I ordered the 600 f4 and returned it because that beast is one heavy lens. I can handhold the 500 f4 but not the 600

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May 2, 2024 14:30:43   #
clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa
 
jim quist wrote:
BnH has a 30 day return policy. I’m sure it would cost less to pay the return shipping than to rent the lens for a couple of weeks.


Would you do that? Would you do that to a friend who owned a business or just strangers?

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