> . . . . I have narrowed my choices down to the
> 400 f2.8 AF-S and 500 f4 AF-S. The primary
> use will be for wildlife, from birds up to
> large mammals. I will also purchase at least
> the TC-14E and maybe the TC-20E.
In my opinion, the only reason to get the 400mm
instead of the 500mm or 600mm is that it will
work with the TC-20E to give you an 800mm with
close-focus capability. That's important with
birds, butterflies, frogs . . . . anything that's
small and fidgety and doesn't respond well to
having a macro lens stuck in it's face from close
range.
Moose says that the TC-20E is wonderful. Then again,
Moose says that EVERYTHING is wonderful -- it's a
charming attitude, but not exactly reassuring when
you're looking at dropping over $7000 dollars for
something you've never even seen, huh?
Could you rent one first and try it out? It might
cost a bit, but it'd be cheap insurance against
spending a lot of money for something that didn't
do what you want. Before I'd hand over the cash for
any of the expensive stuff I'd have to see what kind
of images it makes. Reputation doesn't count on the
light table.
-Don
