RRS Loc: Not sure

$16,000.00, you say, maybe. Well it would be a cold day in hell before I'd spend that much when I could buy a 600mmf/4.0L for $11.499.00. R&D may already have been mostly done with the 400mmDO. As I already have the 600mmf/4.0II these are just my thoughts.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I have been content with the Tamron 150- 600mm. Go to a store (even if it is hours away-- It may be worth it) and try them out.

Haydon

I agree with you. I'll be holding on to my v1 500F4 until I croak!

RobbieAB Loc: UK

I didn't say it was the correct solution for the OP, in fact I suggested the OP look at Sigma or Tamron who have Canon mount 150-600s.

What I did say was that it is not a completely worthless suggestion, if reach is what is needed, as it is far cheaper than using a Canon prime lens.

I am fascinated you assume I am a Nikon shooter. In fact I have never held a Nikon DSLR, using Canon (chosen at a time when I dreamed of acquiring the 50mm F1.0 unicorn) and recently some Mamiya/Phase One.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

FYI, the EF 500/4L IS USM is considerably smaller and lighter than the EF 400/2.8L IS USM....

But even the 500mm is still quite big and relatively heavy! Figure on shipping it ahead rather than trying to travel with it. It's not going to fit into bags that fit into airplane overhead bins, weighs about 8 lb. and is around 24 inches long with the hood in place, so figure on taking a tripod to sit it on, too.

Frankly, especially for a safari where a more versatile zoom might be really handy, your best bet might be to just use the 100-400mm II on your 7DII (which essentially gives you a "free 1.6X teleconverter" effect).

The 100-400mm II also appears to work pretty darned well with a quality 1.4X teleconverter (Canon II or III.... Kenko Pro 300 or MC-4), for even more reach. Both your cameras are capable of autofocusing that lens with a 1.4X on it (effective "f/8"). The 7DII is limited to the center AF point only... while the 5DIV should be able to do so at all 61 AF points.

If you get a teleconverter and are considering the Kenko (which many say are as good as the Canon... though it might depend upon what lens they are used upon).... The more expensive Pro 300 is a better choice for use on a full frame camera... it is sharper in the corners and at the edges. The MC-4 is actually sharper in the center, but less so at the corners/edges, so might be more ideal for a crop sensor camera (though edge/corner sharpness often isn't all that critical for wildlife photography, the way it is for landscapes).

The highest quality and most versatile option would be the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM with built-in/matched 1.4X teleconverter. However, it costs more than $10,000 and is about the same size and weight as the 500mm f/4L, so once again figure on a tripod or at least a monopod. You won't want to handhold it for more than a few minutes. Due to it's cost and because it's a relatively new lens, the Canon 200-400mm 1.4X is rarely seen on the used market.

If you go the rental route... you should discretely check into the terms of the rental. Many rental outfits restrict traveling outside the country with their lenses. I agree, too, that you should rent in advance and practice with any of these unfamiliar lenses, prior to a trip. They require some extra care in handling.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Aside from the Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6... which really is a good value... Nikon super telephotos are considerably more expensive than their Canon equivalents.

Compare the prices of the new Nikkor "FL" 300, 400, 500, 600 and 800mm - where Nikon is finally using fluorite elements - with the equivalent Canon (all of which have had fluorite elements all along... even the older versions.)

Yes, the third party super-zooms... especially the Tamron 150-600 G2 and the Sigma 150-600mm "Sport".... may be worth consideration. They aren't the equal of many of the super teles being discussed... but would be versatile and reasonably sized for travel and safari.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

RE the 600mm DO: $16,000!!!!!! REALLY!!!!!!! Doesn't look like its in my future!

For tBragg Guy Loc: Fort Bragg Ca

I agree with the rent suggestion. I have been on two photo safaris to Africa and took the 2-400 with extender and was happy I did. Even with two bodies, I found the distance varied wildly daily from a few few away to way out there. The 2-400 was excellent for this and can handle extenders too. The other body I used 16-35 and 35-105 lenses. A lot of the vehicles we used had rests built in for sand bags or other rests. For walking around I found the 70-200 best but that is before I got the new 100-400.
Have fun.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

30mp is not too shabby, and the minimization of noise greatly improves the images, I am quite certain that I purchased the right camera. In my opinion the 5Dr/s is better related to the 7D than to the 5D, just has a bigger sensor. I could be wrong as I have never shot the 5Ds, but I know that the biggest problem I had with my photos was noise. Even with the 400 f/2.8 you will still have to stop down for DOF during the shot requiring higher ISOs.

The images below are heavily cropped.

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agillot

the new tamron G2 150/600 or the same in sigma C , would be fine .used one one time , and it is very hand held able .not that heavy , and sharp .not that pricey .

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

As long as you have a long enough lens, ( and can afford it $$ ) - and the ability to manage the size/weight - you are OK .......

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Yes, but you can't compare a 400 2.8 to a 400 f4, even a DO.
If you don't believe that, then compare the Price and size of the 200 2.8 with the 200 f2.
You cannot compare the cost of one stop as lenses get to the fast end.
DO's are definately more expensive than their f-stop counterparts but without an advertised cost it's anybody's guess. Just saying.
SS

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

LoL, at $16,000, if it is as sharp as the regular 600, among pros it will revolutionize bird shooting and other nature work.
And with a 1.4x it will get out to more than 800mm and be hand-holdable...., it will be a miracle lens.
It will catch Nikon sleeping!! LoL
SS

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

As with all photography, you'll never have all the lens/s you'll need.
You'll always have to give up some shots!
What you can get, get well and leave the others for another time!
SS

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

After reading DxO's tests of numerous lenses and reviews I searched with Google, I opted for the Tamron SP 150-600 Di VC for Canon. I shoot it on my 5D Mark III and it is a good performer with very good IQ. They can be had for the $600-$700 range and found on fredmiranda and eBay.