This page may contain affiliate links that pay me a small commission. There is no cost to you. You can review the affiliate statement at the very bottom of this page if you want more information. As an Amazon affiliate Canon Camera Geek may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.

Canon 200-400mm Super Zoom Replacement For Canon 100-400 Mark II

by Stephen Baird-Parker
(Kidderminster, UK)

Canon 200-400mm Zoom With Built in 1.4x Tele Converter

Canon 200-400mm Zoom With Built in 1.4x Tele Converter


I have a 100-400mm mk2 which is amazing. I am thinking of stepping up to a 200-400 with 1.4 ex. (tele extender)
One thing that I have noticed is that there are a lot of these available second hand.
I presume that after people have had the lens later trade it in.
So, the question is: what do people then trade up to? 600mm? 800mm?
I would really like to know before I buy the wrong lens.

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for your questions about upgrading from the Canon EF 100-400mm II. This is a fascinating topic because of the large amount of money involved.

First of all, I have to come clean and let you know I've never used the 200-400mm, although I took a serious look at it also. I graduated from a 400mm f/5.6, which I loved, to a 100-400mm Mark II also.

My biggest disappointment is that I lose auto-focus with 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 combined a 1.4x II tele converter when used with a Canon 70D or a 5D Mark II.

Advantage of a Canon 200-400mm f/4.0

I've also considered a 150-600 Tamron (or Sigma), then a Canon 400mm prime f/4, as it's half the price of the Canon 200-400mm f/4.0 with tele extender that you're talking about. Certainly the f/4.0 maximum aperture of the 200-400mm lens is a big advantage of the lens, but is it worth the $10,999 investment?

On the surface, it's possible that there are many of the 200-400mm lenses available because many of the original owners were not thrilled with its zoom range? I have no data to support this, but the number of photographers who purchase an 800mm lens must be minuscule. It's more likely that they would get the extra magnification using a high power prime like a 600mm and pair it with a 1.4x or 2.0x tele extender,

Thanks,
Bruce

Comments for Canon 200-400mm Super Zoom Replacement For Canon 100-400 Mark II

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Extender Any Good?
by: Anonymous

I agree that I have yet to take a satisfactory image with the 1.4ex on my 100-400 lens. I have already ditched the 2.0ex.
However I have put the 1.4ex on my 600mm prime lens and the results are stunning.
I think I want my 2.0 ex back !!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Canon 600mm f4 Purchase
by: Stephen

Just to say I’ve made my decision. What I want is the sharpest wildlife photos possible I have always used a zoom.
But having thought about it a lot and realised that the 200-400 and the 600 f4 are the same weight and not so different in price I am going the whole hog and taking delivery today of the 600 mm lens.
I will review it on here and then you can see my entries in Wildlife photographer of the year when I get back from whale watching in Monterey Bay.!!!!
Incidentally, for this trip I hope to use the 600 on a 1D x mk 3 if I can get delivery!! I will also review that here.
And, just in case you wondered I haven’t just robbed a bank, I am just lucky to have been left the money!!

AWESOME! Can't wait to see some photos from the 600mm f/4.0!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tele Extender Any Good?
by: Anonymous

I am never happy with the 1.4ex on my 100-400 lens. Just today I have tested it taking photos of a lens focus checking sheet and the 2 images came out identical.

However, in the field I am convinced that my bird photos, when using the extender, are slightly mushy.
I don’t know if I can bring myself to buy a Sigma lens. However before I went full frame I had a Sigma wide angle (10-20?) which was amazing.
Deciding to buy a 600 or 800 is a big ask!!!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask The Canon Geek.

Author Bruce Lovelace
Bruce Lovelace Signature

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr.   Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

Canon Geek on Google My Business

You might like these


Search for articles on this Site:


Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Battery Grip For EOS 100D-Rebel-SL1. Which One+Where Can You Get One?

    Jul 24, 24 09:25 AM

    Battery Grip Door
    Here is the answer to your question about the Battery Grip For EOS 100D-Rebel-SL1

    Read More

  2. R7 Lens Compatibility And a List of The Best Lenses For a Canon R7

    Jul 24, 24 08:59 AM

    Canon RF-S 18-150 kit lens
    Canon EOS R lens compatibility. Here are the best lenses for a Canon R7

    Read More

  3. The 9 Best Lenses For a Canon 90D. The Good, The Great, and The Unique

    Jul 24, 24 08:53 AM

    Canon 90D With 100-400 Lens
    You already know the 90D is a great camera, but you need a matching lens. What are the best lenses for a Canon 90D. Here are my top 9 choices for a good 90d lenses

    Read More

  4. 7 Best Canon 70-200 Lens Accessories.Must Have Protection And Function

    Jul 23, 24 04:40 PM

    Protect your Canon lens graphic
    It is a great lens by itself, no doubt, but there are a few Canon 70-200 lens accessories you should know about right away.

    Read More

  5. Canon Speedlite Portraits-How To Portrait Lighting With One Speedlite

    Jul 23, 24 10:25 AM

    Handheld 270EX II Speedlite
    How to guide: Speedlite portrait lighting. Simple Canon speedlite portraits tips to get great shots with you canon camera and speedlite flash

    Read More

Sign up for a monthly update

Enter Your E-mail Address
Enter Your First Name
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Canon Geek Newsletter.