where there’s smoke there’s forum fire
msmoto said:
I fully appreciete the issue...and for me this is about being old and figuring if I am to play... better do it now.
And, it is fun to discuss the difference in one's corporate jet....and that of your competitor....LOL
Please don't stop on my account. Fantasizing is much more enjoyable than working.
Here is what I did on the issue, I had the same debate but the 600mm wasn't really high on the list for me but I did look into it.
1. I really wanted the zoom feature of the 200-400mm, for sports this is great unless its like a night time game, then the extra stop of light might be a bit more usefull but make me move around much more and possibly miss a shot. Since I pretty much figured that if I was shooting day time sports with a zoom I figured the 70-200mm VRII with a 1.7 TC-E could suffice unless I got a lot of request for this type shot. This gives me a 120-340mm F4.8 for my daytime stuff.
2. Now the choice between the 400mm and the 600mm, well the 400mm is a bit more versitale when I picked up my lens since the smallest F stop cameras could autofocus was F5.6. If I used a 2.0 TC-E I could get the same reach as the 600mm with a TC-E 1.4 but would problaby have to sacrifice some quality for my combination. The price was another factor, the 400mm was a tad cheaper and the finishing blow to the 600mm; I can pack my 400mm 2.8 VR lens in a pelican 1510 case that is rated as an FAA carry on item. I will say that some smaller planes you have to use the check bag at the ramp but most larger planes it fits in the overhead bin just fine.
This was my thoughts on the issue but depending on if your getting paid for this or its more of a hobby would make me look more into the issue of what I really need out of my gear.
scoobysmak said:
Here is what I did on the issue, I had the same debate but the 600mm wasn't really high on the list for me but I did look into it.1. I really wanted the zoom feature of the 200-400mm, for sports this is great unless its like a night time game, then the extra stop of light might be a bit more usefull but make me move around much more and possibly miss a shot. Since I pretty much figured that if I was shooting day time sports with a zoom I figured the 70-200mm VRII with a 1.7 TC-E could suffice unless I got a lot of request for this type shot. This gives me a 120-340mm F4.8 for my daytime stuff.
2. Now the choice between the 400mm and the 600mm, well the 400mm is a bit more versitale when I picked up my lens since the smallest F stop cameras could autofocus was F5.6. If I used a 2.0 TC-E I could get the same reach as the 600mm with a TC-E 1.4 but would problaby have to sacrifice some quality for my combination. The price was another factor, the 400mm was a tad cheaper and the finishing blow to the 600mm; I can pack my 400mm 2.8 VR lens in a pelican 1510 case that is rated as an FAA carry on item. I will say that some smaller planes you have to use the check bag at the ramp but most larger planes it fits in the overhead bin just fine.
This was my thoughts on the issue but depending on if your getting paid for this or its more of a hobby would make me look more into the issue of what I really need out of my gear.
So you chose the the 400 2.8?
After reading all the posts and talking with a few people about my needs and what I will use this lens the most for its seems as if the 200-400mm is the best one for me. The zoom capabilities and because its lighter and that will hurt me back that much less when i go to a lot of the remote locations that i will be shooting at. As for now I think the 400 2.8 and 600 will have to stay on the wish list.
good decision Chris, You will not regret it
You can also look at some 2nd hand VR I version (1st ten) as there's not really that much difference between them and the 1st gen should be 30-40% cheaper
Chrisjhood said:
I am in the market for a new large lens and am having a hard time deciding which is the way to go. I have done a ton of reading and havent been able to make up my mind yet so I thought I would ask you all.
Forget the 200-400mm, it´s not even near the quality of either the 400mm or the 600mm.
If you want a lighter lens than the 400 or the 600, get the 500mm f/4 instead.
I own both the 200-400 and 600mmm vr lenses and they are quite different. If i am going out to shoot birds I take the 600 and it is most often too short. When I am traveling by airplane I only take the 200-400mm and do not shoot birds because it fits into a checked bag and still leaves room for clothing. The 600mm even in its own smalller bag will not fit in a carry on anything. I shoot a D3X and print many 24X36 images and I try to not use any tela-converters because of the degrading of the image. The 200-400 is too short for morst birding situations but works on larger animals and long senics very nicely. I had the 500mm F4 and bought the 200-400 and I found that i was not using the 500mm because there was not enough differance. Then I traded fort the 600mm F4 VR and I now use both. If you can only get one The 500mm VR would be my choice and I have owned all three. The VR does make a difference.
I own the 600mm f/4 and would not trade it for anything the world. It is RAZOR sharp (sorry but I disagree with Thom Hogan) and the AF is amazing. Is shoot everything from birds to Thoroughbred racing with it. I have used the 200-400 extensively and love the lens but as others have said it is a totally different lens. It is very nice for shooting large animals where you can get close...but I usually wish for more lens, not less. I am considering getting one to compliment the 600 as others have done.
I find a way to make my 600mm work for most of the things I do. For me, the reach is appreciated over the 400mm and I just do not believe the extender gives you the quality of the lens only. Since most of what I need is long...the 600 is a no brainer for me.
As others have stated, you might consider the 500mm if you are considering the 200-400. The weight savings is substantial. The 600mm (and 400) is a beast and requires some extra planning when traveling.
One last consideration, if you buy the 600mm or 400mm, renting the 200-400mm is way cheaper.
JB
I would say I am wondering about the 800mm F5.6 that was announced a while back, but not sure if it will happen though. Hearing about it is one thing but being able to purchase it is another.
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