04-22-2004, 08:32 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 143
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Zoom Lens - too many choices too little cash!
I've been taking a bird watching class (and like photographing birds) and wanted to get closer to the birdies than I can with my 75-300mm USM IS lens. I've enjoyed using the this lens but notice from far away the images are not very sharp and I still can't get as close as I'd like...
One option I was thinking about was digiscoping - using a spotting scope with a camera attached to it although the high end scopes cost about $1800 and attaching the 300D would make it an F11 and above which is not too practical...
I think I've narrowed it down and was curious to hear what other people think who may own or have used these lenses (prices based on B&H price)
- Sigma 50-500mm F4.0-6.3 $939
good: long reach less expensive
bad: optics not as good as Canon L and 6.3 is slow
- Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 $1899
good: fast lens can use 2x teleconverter with auto-focus for 600mm
bad: optics not as good and price higher than other L choices
- Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS $1649 ($50 rebate)
(there is also a f/4.0 but am not considering it)
good: canon L glass, fast lens can use 2x teleconverter with auto-focus
bad: even with 2x tele is not much more reach than my current 75-300 and on high end of price
- Canon 300mm f/4.0L IS $1149.95 ($50 rebate)
(I'd love the f/2.8 but it costs $3500+)
good: canon L glass, f/4.0 faster than my 300 at 5.6 could use 1.4x tele or 2x with manual focus
bad: not a zoom lens so I lose the 75-300 range that I currently have
- Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS $1389.95 ($50 rebate)
good: canon L glass, longest range, could use 1.4x tele and even 2x although it would be slow
bad: 5.6 not super fast but same as I currently have, heavy
I'm pretty set on the 100-400 right now although I'm curious if besides being twice as heavy if I will see noticeable differences in quality compared to my current lens. My 75-300 is not the fastest to focus and I'm wondering if the 100-400 will help here as well...
I talked to Lee a bit about this already and am sure he'll have some good thoughts - anyone else care to chime in??
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