40d +500 f4 combo

[elgang]

Hi everyone,

Has anybody got experience/samples of using 40D with the 500mm?

I'm in two minds between buying the 500mm/100-400mm!!

I already own the 70-200 2.8 and using it for wildlife/sports photography. Even when attaching my 1.4x I'm still lacking some reach and missing some shots.

Please help me!:

Thanks

Elgan

[squishy]

i don't own a DSLR, but from what i've learnt on this site, the 100-400 is a great lens, but a good prime will outperform it

depends how much you are willing to pay

[elgang]

I don't want to buy the 100-400 and regret not buying my dream lens - 500mm f4. If I'm going to spend the £'s I need to be sure that I'll have no regrets and having to spend again in the near future!

Do you think the 40D is capable of bringing the best out of the 500mm?
Would I suffer enormously if I attached the 1.4x to the 500mm?


Thanks

Diolch yn fawr

ELGAN

[willing to learn]

I am sure the 500mm will get good results with the 1.4 X TC. I get results I am happy with with a 2.0 X TC and a 300mm 2.8, it gives me 600mm at 5.6.
Which unless I win the lottery its going to be my largest setup.
Regards
Colin

[Ollie]

As far As I'm aware a 1.4tc works very well with the 500mm F4. Haven't used one myself but I do know a couple of people who get exellent results with this set up provided you use it with a sturdy tripod

[eeyore]

i'd agree that the 500 f4 is a great lens - however whether it is the one for you depends on what else you have. A big plus point for the 100-400 is its versatility in covering that whole range - the problem with primes is that if the action gets nearer you may find the manification too much and have to change lenses thus missing opportunities.

If i was going to spend that degree of cash i'd be sorely tempted by the sigma 120-300 f2.8 and a set of high quality converters both 1.4 and 2x - that said someone on here (graham i think) had a very negative experience with that lense

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i'd agree that the 500 f4 is a great lens - however whether it is the one for you depends on what else you have. A big plus point for the 100-400 is its versatility in covering that whole range - the problem with primes is that if the action gets nearer you may find the manification too much and have to change lenses thus missing opportunities.

If i was going to spend that degree of cash i'd be sorely tempted by the sigma 120-300 f2.8 and a set of high quality converters both 1.4 and 2x - that said someone on here (graham i think) had a very negative experience with that lense

Your right Pete it was me.
I got a dud. I've seen plenty of images from other users who are quite happy with that lens, it put me off from buying it but I must admit lately I've had the odd thought about trying another one.
Apart from the obvious lens problem the AF performance from it was dire, but then again that could also have been down to the misaligned lens.

[BillyPilgrim]

I have a 500mm f/4 L and until recently used it with my 30d. The results are just as good as those taken with my new body (1d mk II n) so don't worry about using it with a 40d.

Results with a 1.4x are also very good with hardly any noticable lack of quality.

There are plenty of examples in my Gallery if you want to compare. I almost always put the camera/lens/converter info in the camera info section.


BillyPilgrim Gallery - Wildlife Photography

[elgang]

Originally Posted by BillyPilgrim

I have a 500mm f/4 L and until recently used it with my 30d. The results are just as good as those taken with my new body (1d mk II n) so don't worry about using it with a 40d.

Results with a 1.4x are also very good with hardly any noticable lack of quality.

There are plenty of examples in my Gallery if you want to compare. I almost always put the camera/lens/converter info in the camera info section.


BillyPilgrim Gallery - Wildlife Photography

Thanks Billy!! Love your shots - absolutely stunning. I've made up my mind, the 500mm f4 will soon be mine!!

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by elgang

Thanks Billy!! Love your shots - absolutely stunning. I've made up my mind, the 500mm f4 will soon be mine!!

Cheers elgang.

I'm sure you won't regret your decision. Its a fine lens. Hope you find a cheap one. I got mine in February 2008 for £3400. I don't think I could afford one at today's prices! It might be worth checking the price with Kerso who you can find on the internet auction site.

Bear in mind you'll need a good tripod and maybe a wimberly-type head as well. I use a Velbon CF 730 and a Manfrotto 393 Long Lens Bracket. I can also recomened these although they have increased in price too!