Wildlife lens

[JDphotography]

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I wonder what users’ experience is of using the vario elmar 100-400 without the 1.4x extender and then cropping in on the photo taken, or using the extender and not cropping? I find the extender restricts lower light photography due to its constraint on the maximum aperture, so I wonder whether it is better just not to use it and to crop…? Taking it on and off as conditions dictate is an option but not ideal in the field.

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[jaapv]

Very little difference. At these distances the difference in DOF is hardly relevant and the perspective is identical. As is motion blur. 

[Coral Palm]

Have used the extender, once or twice I think. Unless on at the start often what you wanted to photograph has moved on by the time you get it out of the bag and attach it. Definitely easier to crop and as you stated one loses aperture and low light can become a nemesis.

[jaapv]

Nemesis? With cameras with high ISO capability and effective OIS?  It must be pretty dark for that to happen.One thing to consider: if the intention is to photograph animals a long way off, atmospheric disturbance becomes a real concern, whether cropping or using an extender. 

[Coral Palm]

@jaapv—meant nemesis in regards to using a higher  aperture than would have liked and yes high ISO and OIS have certainly been a game changer.

[jaapv]

Even then, at the distances that you would be using an extender for the difference in DOF between f 2-8 and f 16 will range from “nothing” to “ next to nothing”. 

[Coral Palm]

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Yes but not as high an aperture would allow me to use a lower ISO and in the end for me that is good, because as good as high ISO has gotten rather keep it lower if possible.

[JDphotography]

Hi all thank you for your comments. Very helpful!

[Photoworks]

Have you looked at the 60-600mm from Sigma.

It has faster AF and a redesigned IOS. Some people like it better

[JDphotography]

Thank you. I understand it is a bit of a beast but will certainly have a look!

[helged]

On 5/14/2025 at 2:16 PM, JDphotography said:

Thank you. I understand it is a bit of a beast but will certainly have a look!

For beast, check the new Sigma 300-600mm f4... 

[LD_50]

On 5/4/2025 at 9:20 AM, JDphotography said:

I wonder what users’ experience is of using the vario elmar 100-400 without the 1.4x extender and then cropping in on the photo taken, or using the extender and not cropping? I find the extender restricts lower light photography due to its constraint on the maximum aperture, so I wonder whether it is better just not to use it and to crop…? Taking it on and off as conditions dictate is an option but not ideal in the field.

Anything you can crop with the 100-400 without extender, you can also crop with extender to get that much more reach. 

I would always choose the optical reach if I can deal with the smaller aperture.