mjhoward
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2010
- Messages
- 2,014
- Reaction score
- 414
- Location
- Bowling Green, KY
- Website
- www.michaeljeremie.com
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos OK to edit
Thought I'd make a little thread for those interested in a quick comparison of the Canon 800mm f/5.6 IS and the new 400mm f/2.8 IS II/2X Extender III combo. Here are a few crappy snapshots for size comparisons (full res, may take a min to load). If I get more time later, I may takemy camera and get some better shots of the lenses. I may also try resizing these :lmao:
Pictured is the 800mm f/5.6, 400mm f/2.8 II, 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 push/pull, and the 18-55 kit lens.
800mm f/5.6 and 400mm f/2.8 II with 2X III attached:
The 400mm f/2.8 with 2X III is 2-1/4" shorter and about 3/4 lb lighter. The lens is also more balanced making it a bit easier to hand hold. With the 800mm, the front element sits further forward of the mounting foot than on the 400mm and is much more front heavy. I've used the 800mm for a while now but today was the first time being able to use the new 400mm f/2.8 so I don't have detailed first hand use. I can safely make a few comments though...
AF is surprisingly fast and accurate with the new 2X III attached. I have not done any side by side 'scientific' speed tests against the 800mm but they seem to be very close in focusing speed and accuracy. I also cannot comment yet on the new IS mode, but the standard stabilizer mode 1 is very good. I was able to take sharp handheld shots in low light with 1/200th shutter speeds.
And finally, the big question is IQ. We all know what to expect with the primes as is, but what to make of the new 400mm f/2.8 II WITH the new 2X Extender on?!? Well, in my very brief use with it, the answer is the combo performs VERY well. It is certainly a viable option for someone that is concerned with size, weight, and of course cost, which comes in at just over $2,000 cheaper than the 800mm. The purpose the following test for me was only to determine differences in sharpness and contrast, not to identify any differences in bokeh or other. With that said, the test was a pretty crude one. I needed something with sharp lines so I pointed each lens at a sign on a chain link fence that was approx. 80 meters out. Camera body was 7D.
I think that even pixel peepers may be surprised:
Canon 800mm f/5.6 Prime:
Canon 400mm f/2.8 + 2X Extender III
I'll try to play around with it a bit more and make some better comparisons and test shots, but I'll be pretty busy during my time with it.
EDIT: Oh I forgot to mention that both were taken at f/5.6 which is wide open for both setups.
Pictured is the 800mm f/5.6, 400mm f/2.8 II, 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 push/pull, and the 18-55 kit lens.
800mm f/5.6 and 400mm f/2.8 II with 2X III attached:
The 400mm f/2.8 with 2X III is 2-1/4" shorter and about 3/4 lb lighter. The lens is also more balanced making it a bit easier to hand hold. With the 800mm, the front element sits further forward of the mounting foot than on the 400mm and is much more front heavy. I've used the 800mm for a while now but today was the first time being able to use the new 400mm f/2.8 so I don't have detailed first hand use. I can safely make a few comments though...
AF is surprisingly fast and accurate with the new 2X III attached. I have not done any side by side 'scientific' speed tests against the 800mm but they seem to be very close in focusing speed and accuracy. I also cannot comment yet on the new IS mode, but the standard stabilizer mode 1 is very good. I was able to take sharp handheld shots in low light with 1/200th shutter speeds.
And finally, the big question is IQ. We all know what to expect with the primes as is, but what to make of the new 400mm f/2.8 II WITH the new 2X Extender on?!? Well, in my very brief use with it, the answer is the combo performs VERY well. It is certainly a viable option for someone that is concerned with size, weight, and of course cost, which comes in at just over $2,000 cheaper than the 800mm. The purpose the following test for me was only to determine differences in sharpness and contrast, not to identify any differences in bokeh or other. With that said, the test was a pretty crude one. I needed something with sharp lines so I pointed each lens at a sign on a chain link fence that was approx. 80 meters out. Camera body was 7D.
I think that even pixel peepers may be surprised:
Canon 800mm f/5.6 Prime:
Canon 400mm f/2.8 + 2X Extender III
I'll try to play around with it a bit more and make some better comparisons and test shots, but I'll be pretty busy during my time with it.
EDIT: Oh I forgot to mention that both were taken at f/5.6 which is wide open for both setups.
Last edited:
![[No title]](/data/xfmg/thumbnail/32/32635-be18e952e67667cbb1525b4b057b6423.jpg?1619735554)
