Is the EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens the new Black?

[neuroanatomist]

If 560mm was enough for me, I'd be interested in this lens. As it is, I'm usually using at least the 1.4xIII on my 600 II for 840mm f/5.6, and sometimes I go to 1200mm f/8 with the 2xIII.

I'm not sure f/4 (much less f/5.6) is optimal for sports, even with the high ISO performance of current FF bodies, in the 200-400mm range one often wants the additional subject isolation that an f/2.8 lens delivers.

I can see the 200-400/1.4x as the ideal single tele lens solution on a safari, for example. But then, it's also worth considering that a package consisting of a 1D X, 300/2.8 II and 2xIII is not too far off in cost from this new lens...

[Vern]

If 560mm was enough for me, I'd be interested in this lens. As it is, I'm usually using at least the 1.4xIII on my 600 II for 840mm f/5.6, and sometimes I go to 1200mm f/8 with the 2xIII.

I'm not sure f/4 (much less f/5.6) is optimal for sports, even with the high ISO performance of current FF bodies, in the 200-400mm range one often wants the additional subject isolation that an f/2.8 lens delivers.

I can see the 200-400/1.4x as the ideal single tele lens solution on a safari, for example. But then, it's also worth considering that a package consisting of a 1D X, 300/2.8 II and 2xIII is not too far off in cost from this new lens...

I tend to agree w you on this based on my own major interests (for telephotos at least). For avian, this is not a realistic option, I have not yet regretted having the 1.4X on my 600 b/c of birds being too big, or too close. For mammals (deer, foxes etc...) I have found 600mm great and sometimes carry the 300 2.8 on a second body just in case I need a wider field of view - very rare w wary beasts. The fact that larger critters near me are active in poor light also makes an f-stop or two hard to lose - even w the 1DX low noise high ISO's.

However, I am going to Alaska in June and will have my first opportunity to shoot bears. I plan to carry the 600 on a tripod mounted to the 5DMKIII and the 300 2.8 on the 1DX. With a 1.4X converter handy, I can cover 300-840 focal lengths pretty well, but the weight is going to take a toll and I can't achieve ideal framing at every distance. Likely to be raining, so taking a TC on and off is not ideal. I can see the 200-400 + 1.4X being very handy in this situation. Maybe when I retire and have more time to travel places with larger mammals to capture, this lens could be attractive. The Rouse review made it sound pretty sweet for bigger animals moving around.

Final thought - why not built in 1.4X TC's on all the big super tele's? I would not think the weight has to change that much and everyone uses TC's on the 500 & 600. Would be great to quickly and quietly make the swap. The extra cost is not really an issue in this price range - IMO once you are over $10K, plus or minus 10% doesn't make or break the market.

[ZoeEnPhos]

If 560mm was enough for me, I'd be interested in this lens. As it is, I'm usually using at least the 1.4xIII on my 600 II for 840mm f/5.6, and sometimes I go to 1200mm f/8 with the 2xIII.

I'm not sure f/4 (much less f/5.6) is optimal for sports, even with the high ISO performance of current FF bodies, in the 200-400mm range one often wants the additional subject isolation that an f/2.8 lens delivers.

I can see the 200-400/1.4x as the ideal single tele lens solution on a safari, for example. But then, it's also worth considering that a package consisting of a 1D X, 300/2.8 II and 2xIII is not too far off in cost from this new lens...

Good points as always from you Neuro! Thanks! +++1!
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM with extenders version III are just phenomenal! Surely an excellent choice!
All the Best!
/C