Supertele choices

[neuroanatomist]

Thanks, Rick and Jon!

Wildlife primarily and the 400mm F/2.8 is, NO. The 400mm F/2.8 and shooting sports YES. Carrying that heavy thing to the field, NO.

FWIW, the 500 MkI, 600 II, and 400 II all tip the scales within ~2 oz. of each other. While the 500 only had a modest weight reduction with the MkII update (8%, IIRC), the 400 and 600 both dropped >25% of the MkI weight.

In fact, I started with just choices 1 and 3, and added option 2 after looking at Bryan's dimensions table and noticing that the 400 II and 600 II weighed nearly the same.

So, with no real weight difference (the 400 II is actually a little lighter than the 600 II), the 400/2.8 II offers the most versatility (400/2.8, 560/4, and 800/5.6). Based on Bryan's comments on the 400+2xIII AF speed and the ISO 12233 shots, I'm not sure there will be a significant real-world AF or IQ difference between the 400+1.4x vs. 600 or 400+2x vs. 600+1.4x.

I suppose my main interest in the 400 is that versatility, the option to use it for sports when the time comes for my kids. But, I suppose I'd be better off with the 600 now, and adding the 300/2.8 II down the road.

[HDNitehawk]

I suppose my main interest in the 400 is that versatility, the option to use it for sports when the time comes for my kids. But, I suppose I'd be better off with the 600 now, and adding the 300/2.8 II down the road.

The 400mm with the same weight and extra length, for me weight is a big no no for wildlife in the field.
The 400mm is probably going to be a bit long for little kids sports.

+1 for the 300mm and 600mm idea. But, wait, Bryan said expect a 200-400mm announcement shortly. 600mm + the 200-400mm????

[Jon Ruyle]

I suppose my main interest in the 400 is that versatility, the option to use it for sports when the time comes for my kids. But, I suppose I'd be better off with the 600 now, and adding the 300/2.8 II down the road.

Well, the 400 would definitely be more versatile, and it might be my choice for exactly the reasons you mentioned, but then I don't photograph birds. On the other hand, if you're thinking of adding the 300 later... well... that's a tough choice.

Hey, I have an idea... why not just get 'em all?