Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

Hello,
I have a question regarding the new Nikon 400 2.8E and the 600 4.0E. I have tried both and did like the 600mm. However, I have a question for some of you experienced telephoto guys.
What would be the better combination:
the 400 and a 1.7 and 2.0 extender or,
the 600 and the same extenders?

The 400 would give me F4. and 5.6 with the extenders
The 600 would give me F5.6 and F8 with the extenders

I am not sure if the AF is seriously curtailed on either lens with the 2.0III extender.

I am looking for some opinions from the readers of this forum.
Thank you for your interest and time
Dale

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

As a wildlife photographer my 600mm F4 is my best tool. I do use a 1.4x TC on occasion, but much prefer switching to a crop sensor body when I need more "reach" rather than sacrifice light with a TC.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Dale, sometimes reach isn't the answer. Shortest minimum focusing distance, which would be closer with the 400 and a 1.4x might serve your purposes just as well. While i have not tried the new versions of each of these, I do own a 600 F4 and have used the 400 F2.8, each with a Nikon 1.4x - and each were great with the extender, with a slight edge going to the 400 - which was so sharp that with the extender it was almost as sharp and crisp as the 600 without, and it focused closer.

Your answer to your specific questions about the current lenses is here:

http://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-400mm-f2-8e-vr

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

IMO, The 400mm F2.8 is the King of Nikon lenses (the 600mm and 800mm notwithstanding). The 400mm F2.8 is no doubt designed to take extenders and becomes more versatile than the other two for it. If you can afford it and carry it, to me, it is the ultimate.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

What are you shooting? No one can really give you good advice until they know that.

If it's wildlife, go for the 600mm. The 400 is great, but optics always work better without a TC - and the truth is, if you need 600mm most of the time, just get the right lens.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

I would not disagree with Steve Perry especially on wildlife.

The new 400mm is a little lighter, more expensive but makes a great sports lens too.

btbg

The other issue that hasn't been addressed is what camera body are you using? It makes a difference because with some bodies the camera wont focus as well with the extender as with others. The D5 works great with a 600 F4 and a 1.4 converter. Haven't used the 400 2.8 with a converter and haven't used the 600 f4 with a 2x converter. What I do know is that I couldn't use the 600 f4 with any kind of converter when I was shooting with a d300s, so the body will make a lot of difference in which lens will work better for what you want.

In my opinion for wildlife bigger is better. That may not be the case for sports where faster may be better so as has already been stated what you are intending to shoot also matters.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I don't have ANY experience with Nikon lenses, but with Canon lenses, NO lens with an extender is as sharp as the same focal length natively.
And if you don't shoot sports(what the 400's do best), why are you second guessing what professional wildlife photographers have been doing for decades?!?!
SS