ADVICE: 1.4x TC with 70-200 f2.8 Versus 400 5.6? (1 Viewer)

[FalcoSingh]

I already own the excellent Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS (Mk1) and the secondhand Kenko 1.4x Pro 300 DG will be with me in a few days. I've also now got the option of picking-up a mint Tokina 400mm f5.6 AT-X SD AF, hopefully at a good price if I decide to go that route. My camera bodies are the 5DMk2 and 550D.

My main aim is to take images of urban Peregrines perched atop a 76m tall Cathedral, other city buildings etc. and whilst in flight from ground level and also from adjacent tall buildings. I will also probably be doing some filming with both bodies. My Twitter account: @CovPeregrines

I have a heavy tripod but also have a decent monopod; the latter is my preference.

What do you guys think? Worth letting the Tokina slip by, or should I also add it to the equation?

Issues regarding max reach, IQ, AF performance of bodies/lenses, possible shutter-rate options, IS benefits etc. all come into play. Those with a little experience regarding such scenarios/options/permutations would be perfectly placed to advise me. This is my first attempt at kitting-up with birding in mind.

My main 'newbie' thought is given I really need 400mm minimum reach, what would the AF speed/tracking performance be like when shooting BIF's with the 550D/70-200/Kenko (so that's f4) versus the 5DMk2 with the 400mm f5.6?

Anyway here's all the math:


> 5DMk2:
70-200 f2.8 = 200mm @ f2.8
70-200 f2.8 + 1.4x TC = 280mm @ f4
-----
400 f5.6 = 400mm @ f5.6
400 f5.6 + 1.4x TC = 560mm @ f8


> 550D:
70-200 f2.8 = 320mm @ f2.8
70-200 f2.8 + 1.4x TC = 448mm @ f4
-----
400 f5.6 = 640mm @ f8
400 f5.6 + 1.4x TC = 896mm @ f8


Thanks,

Atma Singh

 

[FalcoSingh]

No thoughts?

:-(

 

[Roy C]

I would not have thought that many people on here would have used the Tokina lens which is why feedback will be sparse.
For what you are wanting to do I would think that the crop sensor would be an advantage because of reach. Regarding the focal length there is a big difference between 280mm and 400mm where birds are concerned. I know I would prefer something like the Canon 400/5.6 against the 70-200 + 1.4x tc for birds that's for sure but have not got a clue about the Tokina. For BIF (or on a pod) IS is not needed anyway.
For any f5.6 lens you will lose AF on your bodies with a 1.4x tc - sure you can try taping the tc, buying a non reporter or something like the Kenko DGX range but it is always going to be a compromise especially for BIF.
To be quite honest I cannot see that any of your options is going to be that great for what you are wanting to do (Peregrines from 76 metres or inflight).
Just my 2p's worth.

 

[FalcoSingh]

I've got a Tokina off someone for decent price. Let's see how it goes. If the Kenko remains unused I will sell
it on probably.

Many thanks.