400 DO II or 200-800? More time on my hands.

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Afternoon all.

It's been a fair while since i've posted on here, but thought i'd ask you fonts of all knowledge for opinions. I know you're not short of those

I shall be retiring at the ripe age of 55 in a couple of weeks. I have plenty planned to keep me busy, but one thing is to expand my photography. I'm fortunate enough to own some fairly decent equipment, but would like to expand slightly. I have a bucket list of things I wish to shoot, as well as other areas i'd like to shoot more of. On the bucket list is boxing hares, kingfishers and probably more bird / nature images. Having the time to actually sit for hours waiting for the right shot, is something i'm looking forward to. Alongside that i'll be shooting park runs, tough mudder, football, rugby, motorsport etc. All to a decent amateur level, but not to make money. Unless someone offers me £0000s of course.

I'm a Canon shooter, with a 1DX MK2, R3 and R7.

From a lens perspective at the longer end I have a 300 2.8IS V1 and a 100-500. I also have a 1.4 and x2 convertor. These are none RF

I'm thinking that for some of the subjects i'll be looking for, I could do with a little more length. I can put the 1.4 and X2 on the 300, but even then a little more might be nice. I'm not sure about extending the 100-500

I'm not willing to spend out on one of the long RF primes, nor do I wish to lug toooo many KGs around - unless there's an amazing option in my budget. Then i'll hit the gym.

The budget and choices......

I reckon £2.5k is about where i'm at and I don't mind used gear in the slightest.

The choice I am leaning towards is the 400MM F4 DO II and my x2 V3 convertor. That will give me 400mm F4, or 800mm at F8. A fairly light set up in comparison to other big primes and the flexibility of 400mm for football, rugby and such like, then 800mm for the more nature based element. Any have any opinions / experience with this set up? Will it still autofocus well (all be it a little slower with the x2 no doubt.). I'd probably take a second body along with the 100-500 to give flexibility.

But then there the 200-800. A new lens, which looking at the reviews seems to do pretty well. I know and appreciate the aperture isn't perfect for certain locations and also weather conditions, but I think it would work well with my cameras and be a bit lighter than the DO. And also a little cheaper to purchase in the first place.

I lean towards the DO, because I like that sort of lens, but the 200-800 is interesting too.

Thoughts please?

Thanks.
 
I'm looking at the 200-800 also I already have the 150-600 Sigma both are about the same weight 2Kg+.
Price all about the same £2300 apart from Panamoz £1580.
My setup eos 5d mk111 and eos r6 mk1 I do have the converter for ef to rf. I was hoping the 200-800 would be lighter than the 150-600 but no about the same. For me both are or will be used with a tripod because of weight, (need a new shoulder).
Don't know if that will help you.

Trevor
 
Decided to give the 200-800 a go. Worst case I will move it on if it doesn't deliver. Reviews appear positive and it's a much cheaper option than any of the big white lens alternatives.
Will give it a go for the year and see how I feel about it.

Ordered through Panamoz as I do with most of my new gear
 
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