Wildlife photography often demands a significant investment in gear, especially when choosing between two of the most versatile telephoto lenses: the 400mm f/2.8 and the 600mm f/4. Each has its strengths, but finding the right fit depends on your shooting style, subjects, and typical distances.
Coming to you from Steve Perry, this comprehensive video breaks down the differences between 400mm f/2.8 and the 600mm f/4 lenses based on real-world experience. Perry emphasizes the importance of focal length for filling your frame without excessive cropping or relying too heavily on teleconverters. The video explores scenarios where either lens shines, whether you’re shooting at 400mm for environmental portraits or at 840mm for distant subjects with a teleconverter. A key takeaway is that understanding your most frequently used focal lengths can help determine which lens aligns better with your work. Tools like Lightroom’s metadata panel can help you analyze your past images to identify these patterns.
Another critical factor is size and weight. Perry explains that while the 400mm is both lighter and more compact, the difference isn’t as dramatic as you might expect. The 600mm is heavier by about 7.5% and significantly longer, making the 400mm more convenient for handholding and packing. However, if you primarily shoot with a tripod or monopod, the size difference may not be a deciding factor. The video also notes that the 600mm’s longer working distance can be advantageous for skittish subjects, whereas the 400mm’s closer minimum focus distance is ideal for tighter spaces or closer subjects.
Sharpness and autofocus performance are also discussed in detail. Both lenses perform exceptionally well on their own, but teleconverters introduce slight compromises. The 600mm paired with a 1.4x teleconverter consistently outperforms the 400mm with a 2x teleconverter in terms of sharpness, autofocus speed, and accuracy. This difference is especially noticeable when shooting action or subjects at greater distances. Perry provides side-by-side comparisons to illustrate these points, helping you understand how these lenses stack up under different conditions.
The video also dives into practical considerations like subject isolation, depth of field, and magnification. While the 400mm f/2.8 offers a faster aperture, its advantage diminishes if you’re unable to get close enough to fill the frame. The 600mm’s narrower depth of field can sometimes offer better subject isolation, especially at longer distances. On the other hand, the 400mm’s closer focusing capabilities make it a strong choice for tight quarters or smaller subjects. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Perry.
