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EF 70-200 f/2.8 II with extender Vs 70-300 L for wildlife?
Hi All,
I have the 5D3 & 7D and 500 II as my main setup. I had the 70-200 f/4 IS which I just sold (i loved it but let go) I want a medium telephoto. Should I buy the 2.8 II or the 70-300L? I already have the 1.4X TC III. I also have the 100-400 L, May sell it once I get either of the two. Pl advice.
TIA,
Warm regards
Sanjeev
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Sanjeev I have the 70-200 f2.8L IS USM MK II with the 1.4 MK III extender. I was in the same predicament you are in and was also considering the 70-300 at the time. I am no gear fundi and there may be a lot of advice coming but am so happy with the choice I made. It's a cracker lens and the 1.4 Mk III extender works seamlessly with it. I spent a lot of time in the beginning micro adjusting but it is worthwhile.
At the moment it is permanently on my 7D and is backup for short distance capture as well as landscape stuff.
There is more than enough reviews out there that promote this lens. If you want to use gear in a similar application as I do then it is an option - it's handy enough to lug around on your shoulder as a back up even when you have the 500 or as a simple carry around. I am fortunate in that I experience the same thing you did in the Mara almost daily here so there is a reason for my choice.
On the other hand my goals are the 1Dx and 500II. Just my take hope it helps.
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Thanks Carl for your suggestions. I too am favoring the 2.8 II as I like the fixed aperture (I liked that feature on f/4 too) and the ability to pair with extenders and still have very good IQ is what is appealing to me. I am not sure if I should keep the 100-400 L once I get the 2.8 II.
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Wildlife Moderator
Just sent you a link, it may help?
Steve
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If you're going to mention it here, why not post it here -- others may be interested, too....
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I too have the 7D/5D3 combo, a 500-I and both the 1.4x and 2.0x TC-IIIs. I use the 500mm on the 5D3, with and without the 2.0x TC-III, and I use my 70-200mm f/4L IS on the 7D with the 1.4x TC attached most of the time. For birds and wildlife, I seldom yearn for a faster 70-200mm and almost always appreciate the light weight of the f/4. AF is fast on the 7D, even with the TC attached. The 70-200mm is also a favorite portrait lens for me.
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Publisher
70-200 II is a perfect fit with the 500 II.... See here for lots more on one of my favorite lenses.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
E-mail me at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.
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They are both good options. For me I go to the 70-300 more often due to the lower weight. But again, they are both good options.
mike
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Thanks everyone. Artie, thanks for sharing the link, your images from Chile are wonderful. I will go for the 70-200 2.8 II.
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Wildlife Moderator
There you go Sanjeev, seems conclusive on the way to go.
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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