70-200 f/4 good enough with 1.4 converter?

[Fotoman]

I'm considering a 70-200 f/4 on a 5DII body for some portraits and events. I also want to use the lens for travel and wildlife and will need extra reach to achieve that. So I'm thinking of adding a 1.4 converter.

Howver, I don't really see the use for a 100-280 f/5.6 lens at $1500. Might as well carry a cheap 70-300 lens with variable aperture. But then, why not stick to 55-200 on a crop camera.

So, is 70-200 f/4 good enough with 1.4 converter?

 

[bigtwinky]

Good enough for what? As i mentionned in your other thread, I dont think the lens is good enough for indoor portraits and events, even with a 5D II. You should get the 2.8 IS.

As for the 4 with an extender used for wildlife vs the 70-300. I assume you will be putting on the extender when you need more than 200mm? Else, the extender stays off. So all you are losing out on is the f/4 from 200-300. Between 200-300, the 70-300 lens is what, 5-5.6? So you are losing out on what, half a stop (if even) from 200-250?

In terms of aperture and focal range, I think you will end up with something similar. But yes, you do lose from the below 200 range where you are now 5.6 instead of 4.

What you do gain though is a better built lens. You gain a sharper lens as well.

But really, if your main goal is events, go with the fast glass. Hell, you can get a 70-200 2.8 and then add a 2x extender and you'll have a 140-400 at f/5.6/