400mm f2.8 with TC-2.0E-III vs, 800mm f/5.6

Msmoto

There was a thread on the old forum regarding the 400mm f/2.8 plus the TC-20EIII and the question came up again, so…..here is half the story.

Large:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/8917726757/sizes/o/in/set-72157633809491476/
A set of bikes, mostly with 400mm f/2.8 plus TC-20EIII on D4
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/sets/72157633809491476/with/8918341742/

We have a member with the 800mm f/5.6 and maybe he will post something here.

kyoshinikon

I want to get the 500mm f/5.6 P later this year. Im not interested in the reach as much as the perspective distortion teles give

Golf007sd

If you have either of these lenses, you are not a novice, thus, you have the skills in knowing how to use them both. A teleconverter will have an impact on image quality, that is just the nature of the beast. But, that does not mean the image produced will have degradation. Weight is also an issue, the 400 2.8 is a bit heavier. Personally, I would go with the 400 2.8...I love fast glass. Not to mention the cost savings. One things for sure, I look forward in having one of these in my position in the near future. First stop, 300 2.8 :P

snakebunk

This is very interesting. I would also be interested in how 500+1.4 and 600+1.4 compares. In other words test of the different ways to get to around 800/5.6. Has anyone seen such a test?

Msmoto

If one looks at the large version of the motorcycle shot and enlarge so you can almost read the text in the center of the bike near the small number 12, one sees this is pretty sharp. Remember the bikes are running toward me at about 110-130 Km/h. The criticism might be a bit of CA…but only when looked at very closely. With the same settings, my guess is the primary difference with the 800/5.6 would be the lack of the CA, sharpness about the same as it is, the motion which limits in this instance…IMO. The bikes are about 90 meters from the camera.

Photobug

Msmoto, recently every where I see a post from you there are great bike pictures to support your perspective. You really must have a large library of them. LOL

Msmoto

I try to catch one Superbike race each year…and Road America is an excellent spectator track, but requires about 400-800mm on full frame for the bikes. As I am not currently published, obtaining press credentials is not possible. But, if one has these the range is about 200-400mm for full frame.

haroldp

Msmoto:

The quality of your photo's is causing me to lean to the 400/2.8 with tce20 III.
The 800/5.6 is too specialized (and expensive ).

The other alternative for my eagle shots is the 600/5.6 with tce14II, and it looks like the 400 combo is close enough that flexibility drives the choice.

I could also use a 400 /2.8 in my theater work where I am currently using the 200-400 /f4.

Thank you, you have helped me.

Regards ... H

Msmoto

A note, the 400mm f/2.8 can be hand held, but only briefly. The weight requires setting it down or at least holding it by the foot to allow one's arms to rest. Now, this is for a 71 yo female…some of the younger folks may find they can hold it all day long. ^:)^

framer

Probably not an issue but the big difference between the two lens combinations would be the shallower DOF with the 400 + TC20EIII than an 800 prime. More of your object would be in focus with the 800 prime lens.

framer

DenverShooter

Well thats an interesting question. I have all of that hardware and I haven't thought about doing that experiment.

And I have been known to hand hold the 800mm F/5.6 and have been sore for several days afterwards..

Denver Shooter

Msmoto

@framer

I was unaware of the difference in DOF. My thoughts were that at a constant focal length and aperture, the DOF would be the same.

As to hand holding….13 or 14 lbs is a lot to hold out in front all day…..

Why I use a stick or three when using this stuff…..

framer

A couple of references, It seems confusing to many when I did a search.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/31995


http://www.moosepeterson.com/blog/2010/01/01/nikon-tc-20e3/

framer

Msmoto

OK, I think what they are saying is the DOF will be decreased from the 400mm f/2.8 when used alone vs. when used with the TC-20EIII which gives the effective lens focal length of 800mm and f/5.6. But the DOF between the 800mm f/5.6 Nikkor and the 400mm f/2.8 plus the TC-20EIII should be essentially the same. To quote one of the participants, "DOF depends on aperture, focal length, circle of confusion diameter, and subject distance."

DenverShooter

@framer

As to hand holding….13 or 14 lbs is a lot to hold out in front all day…..

Why I use a stick or three when using this stuff…..

Sometimes you just can't get the right angle with a stick (or three) or there isn't room or time for them or its not safe to deploy them..

Denver Shooter

kyoshinikon

With these bigger lenses a monopod can actually allow alot of control over your lens as you can use it to aim the lens