topic Re: EF 400mm F4 DO II vs EF 500mm F4 ii in Gear Guide

EF 400mm F4 DO II vs EF 500mm F4 ii

mikeaff — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 22:01:00 GMT

Hi All

I mainly photograph birds (often small) and own the 400mm DO ii (also the RF 100-500). I have been very happy with the 400 DO II, even with the 1.4 iii extender. However, I'm looking to move to something with a little more reach that will take the 1.4 iii as well or better than the 400 DO II.

I'm thinking of buying the EF 500 F4 II, since I'm not able to justify one of the RF super teles. I'd appreciate any input from those who have experience with either or both lenses.

Is it worth the switch?

Is the IQ or the 500 significantly better (especially with that 1.4 attached)?

Thanks

Mike A

Re: EF 400mm F4 DO II vs EF 500mm F4 ii

ebiggs1 — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:20:54 GMT

If you are still wanting an EF mount than get the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. If you want to buy RF get the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens. Like they say you can never have too much focal length.

IMHO, ditch the 1.4x tel-con and get DPP4 form Canon. It is a huge debate which is better a tel-con or crop in post edit. Crop in post doesn't suffer the penalties that the tel-con brings to the table.

Re: EF 400mm F4 DO II vs EF 500mm F4 ii

mikeaff — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:40:07 GMT

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm staying away from 3rd party lenses as they don't focus as well adapted to my R5. But I did rent the RF 200-800 and am really impressed. I was a little leery of the aperture, but it really hasn't been much of a problem. The resolving power on the R5 is really pretty incredible for the price of this lens-amazing fine detail. It accomplishes nearly everything I was hoping to accomplish with the 500 F4 w/ the 1.4x. I don't feel like you give away much, other than the low light performance. Even the backgrounds at longer distances look similar to the F4 prime. I'm going with the 200-800 for that huge extra reach and resolving power and price. Thanks for the advice

Re: EF 400mm F4 DO II vs EF 500mm F4 ii

ebiggs1 — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 14:13:57 GMT

" I'm going with the 200-800 for that huge extra reach ..."

Sounds like a plan but get DPP4, too. And always shoot raw.