L-Fever: What next?

[Richard Lane]

Hi Chris and welcome,

You have a very nice Line-up there! It's hard to recommend a lens when we don't know exactly what your needs are. But, if you're interested in getting into more sports and wildlife, then the 300mm f/2.8L IS II on Full Frame is a little short. Certainly, I like the idea of adding the 1.4X and/or 2X as stated above. I have a 300mm f.2.8L IS version 1 and I almost always have the 1.4X on it, and I'm using a MKIV which is a 1.3 crop for 546mm. The 400mm f/2.8 II is still a baby beast and I probably wouldn't recommend that one for you either.

You have the 70-300mm for walking around and the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II does take the 1.4X pretty well for 98-280mm f/4L IS II.

How about the Phantom 200-400mm f/4L IS with built-in 1.4X Extender. Some people feel that it will weigh about the same as the Nikon 200-400 f/4 (7.4 lbs) and others feel that it may weigh similar to the new Canon 500mm f/4L IS II (7 lbs). If these estimations are true, then that would put the weight at around 7 lbs. plus it would give you some nice flexibility in the longer focal ranges.

I know it's not available yet, but Canon did officially announce it's development last year, and as we know they have had a lot on their plate lately.

Here is a shot of it in the field:

http://blog.apertureacademy.com/2012/01/canon-200-400mm-and-600mm-prototype.html

More Info Here:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-200-400mm-f-4-L-IS-USM-Extender-1.4x-Lens-Review.aspx


I think that lens would look very nice on your new 1DX, if you can wait for it.

Come on, you know you want it!

Rich