100-400 mk11 (1 Viewer)

I currently have a 300 f2.8 and am starting to find it a bit heavy and cumbersome to carry about so am thinking of getting a 100-400 lens, what are they like and is it any good with a 1.4 tc. Thanks Geoff

They take a 1.4tc mkiii very well.

It's an excellent lens, very sharp and the AF is fast when used on it's own. Still produces a sharp image with the 1.4TC MK3 but AF is a bit slow for BIF. I just wish they had made the lens with an internal zoom as I dislike the fact the barrel pops out and makes it more likely to suck in dust.
You will miss the bokeh of the 300 f2.8 though.

I have both the 100-400 Mk2 and 300 F2.8 L IS Mk1 and the 300 is the better lens IMO. Having said that the 300 is heavier, fatter and is a fixed 300. The 100-400 Mk2 is lighter, more versatile, closer focusing and a very nice lens. It is very much down to your personal needs.

My 100-400 Mk2 works quite well with my 1.4 Mk3 extender but my 300 F2.8 works just as well with my 2 x Mk3 extender and with the 1.4 Mk3 extender is at the very least equal to my 100-400 Mk2 bare.

Where I forsee a specific need I will take along my 300, when I am not certain (or are just "Wombling" about) then the 100-400 Mk2 is my lens of choice.

It shows how much Zoom lenses have improved when a 4 x zoom can compete with one of the best lenses going!

You would probably be very happy with the 100-400 Mk2 (I am) but check/try one or two out first as your 300 will take a lot to equal it. It is all a compromise, size/weight/versatility/AF etc etc.

I’ve got both 300 f2.8 and 100-400 v2 and the 400mm 5.6

All excellent lenses

For weight savings the 400mm 5.6 is still after 20 years a fast to focus detail rich lens.