Prime help

[SharonP]

Hi all,

Looking for advice.
I primarily use a 100-400mm IS lens for birds and wildlife, and when I have time to set up, the 500mm.

I've seen many photographers using a 300mm or 400mm prime, but there's not way I can afford the lower f stop models. Suggestions please.

:unsure:

[Rudi]

Be happy with the 100-400L? :D

Hi Sharon, welcome; to Pixel-Shooter! :)

Seriously, what are you looking for that the 100-400L does not deliver? If you like it optically, there is nothing that you can gain by buying the smaller primes. You can lose the versatility of the zoom, but a 400mm f/5.6L is just as long and just as f/5.6 as the 100-400L! :) The one thing that you CAN gain is APERTURE with the larger primes. So that leaves the 300/2.8L and similar.

So - what are you missing???

[Kevin]

I don't know Sharon....I'd probably stick with the 100-400. The versatility, especially at places and times like Click Pond is indispensable. The 400 prime is incredibly sharp, but only slightly more so than the zoom. The 300 is good but for where we are it's really not practical as then you'd be slapping a tc on it. In that case, you'd be better off with the 400.

If you'd like, I'll swap you my 400 for your 500! ;)

[SharonP]

I don't know Sharon....
If you'd like, I'll swap you my 400 for your 500! ;)
lmao;

Dream on, Kevin, dream on.

[Ron Lacey]

Hi all,

Looking for advice.
I primarily use a 100-400mm IS lens for birds and wildlife, and when I have time to set up, the 500mm.

I've seen many photographers using a 300mm or 400mm prime, but there's not way I can afford the lower f stop models. Suggestions please.

Between the 100-400 and the 500 you pretty much have it covered. The 300mm F4 or the 400mm F5.6 wouldn't give you any advantage, your zoom is pretty near as sharp as either. You could add the 1.4X to the 500mm F4L to give you more reach.

Ron

[RikWriter]

Between the 100-400 and the 500 you pretty much have it covered. The 300mm F4 or the 400mm F5.6 wouldn't give you any advantage, your zoom is pretty near as sharp as either.

Have to totally disagree with that. Having owned and shot extensively with the 100-400 and the 400 prime, I would say the prime has a distinct edge at 400 when it comes to sharpness.

[Ron Lacey]

Have to totally disagree with that. Having owned and shot extensively with the 100-400 and the 400 prime, I would say the prime has a distinct edge at 400 when it comes to sharpness.

I bow to your experience having used neither :) I was basing this on what others have told me.

Ron

[SharonP]

I would say the prime has a distinct edge at 400 when it comes to sharpness.

That's what I've been hearing lately, but I have to agree with Kevin, that the zoom gives you more options.

[Kevin]

lmao;

Dream on, Kevin, dream on.

didn't think I'd get that one past you! ;)