Bob,
I think you are on the right track with Canon & Nikon. One thing to
keep in mind if you ever want to upgrade is that at least currently the
big Nikon teles are more expensive and actually can be hard to get, a
long waiting list. The other bonus with Cnaon & Nikon is there is more
second hand gear around. Unless you have a particular need for shorter
focal lengths I would suggest looking also at the primes around that
focal length. The 400 f5.6 is generally regarded a much sharper lens
than the 100-400mm and the 300mm f4L is quite nice too. The 400 f.6
though lacks IS and doesn't focus as close. The 300mm f4L IS focuses
very close, making it good as a long macro with an extension tube (for
dragonflies, butterflies etc). Add a 1.4 x and you have a 420 mm f5.6.
They are all around the same price give or take a few $.
On the converter question, the 1.4x gives better results than the 2x and
only give really good results on the "L" primes. The 2x is generally oK
on most of these and quite good on the 300mm f2.8. The issue is that
the converter magnifies the image as well as any lens abberations. On
lens speed the fast lenses focus better in poor light as a rule. As
Akos said, anything slower than f5.6 and the body won't AF on the likes
of the 40D and 50D.
The IS on both the 100-400 and 300 mm f4 is first generation and Canon
claims it is worth 2 stops so if you use the 1/ FL guide line a 400 mm
lens requires 1/500 ShutterSpeed hand held and IS will allow 2 stops
better of 1/125. From what I recall the primes focus quicker than the
100-400.
Regarding buying the items, warranty can be an issue. Canon lenses
generally have an international warranty so you can buy them OS and get
warranty here. Apparently D-SLR bodies do not and Canon won't service
them. Nikon will not touch grey market imports even if you pay for
repairs and won't supply parts. Same issue if you buy from a direct
importer, the warranty obligation lies with the importer, which is the
direct importer if you buy from them or it's you if buy from say B&H
photo. With the direct importer, if they go belly up, so does your
warranty. If you're going to buy, then jump soon, the big canon teles
are supposed to go up the middle of this month.
regards,
Chris Ross
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