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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Next telephoto for EOS 20D
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Showing posts 26 - 32 of 32, (reverse)
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 03/03/2005 09:19:45 PM · #26
Originally posted by nsbca7:
Originally posted by bledford:
There is always the $650 200mm 2.8L with a 1.4 or 2x converter giving you 280mm or 400 respectively. Quite an inexpensive option that I'm considering myself, if you're willing to use a tripod and higher ISO/shutter speed combinations (ie. no IS).


The version of that lens that I had (I'm guessing you are refering to the Sigma EX) was sharp and fast. It won't have enough reach for serious birding though even with the extenders.

No, I was referring to Canon's version of the 200mm, which can be had brand new for $650. Nobody ever mentions this lens, but I'm considering it with a 1.4x teleconverter on my rebel for a total max zoom of 448mm (35mm equivalent). The OP has a 20D with the same crop factor, so to say that this combination with 2x converter is not suitable for birding is like saying that a 640mm lens for a 35mm camera is not suitable for birding either.

Edit: I see though, that the original poster has a 100-400L already and considers it insufficient reach. Perhaps he should sell that unit and get the 500mm L.

Message edited by author 2005-03-03 21:23:43.
 03/03/2005 11:43:38 PM · #27
I have the Tamron 200-500 and use it with a 20D. At first I was disappointed in it. But now that I have learned to get better images out of it I am pleased. It's not fast enough, neither focusing speed nor aperture, for shooting sports action. But I think it's very good for birds and wildlife/nature shots. Like most lenses, it is sharper if you stop it down a couple of notches, but the quality of the higher ISO images from the 20D makes this easier than it would be on a lesser camera. It does "zoom creep" if you point it straight down while carrying it, but I attribute that to it's weight as much as anything else, doesn't bother me. It will do focus tracking of birds in flight reasonably well but not in low light. It comes with a really big lens hood that makes it look enormous and draws some comments. The Tamron site says you can use it with 1.4x and 2x converters but I haven't tried that yet; seems that would make hand holding very difficult.

Here are some images I've shot with it, someone who is good at editing could probably make them look a little better than I do with my limited skills.


03/04/2005 01:36:20 AM · #28
Thanks for your comments and sample pictures. One thing I am wondering though, that bird with the rabbit looks an awful lot like an adult male northern harrier to me and not a white-tailed kite. I had the 28-300 for a while (my first lens) and was also rather unimpressed with its sharpness.

Tom

Originally posted by awpollard:
My buddies shots with the bigma on the Minolta 7D:
The Moon and the 3 hawks are done with the bigma.

//www.pbase.com/hotduck/nature

As far as AF on the bigma he complained a bit yesterday (shooting the 3 hawks), I could lock faster (20D with Tamron 28-300mm 3.5-6.3 XR Di LD (if)) and get more shots off then he did.

However the Pics I have seen from that lens are quite sharp. The short end of the Bigma is gimmick as the are way too soft (per my buddy). I'm not impressed with my Tamron 28-300mm XR Di LD at all compared to the bigma (sharpness).

BTW: His shots were handheld.
03/04/2005 01:44:07 AM · #29
The more I think about the 300 the more it seems like a step backword to me. From what I have read the 2x TC̢۪s introduce a significant loss in image quality so I would probably want to only go with the 1.4x TC to keep the image quality up. If I do this then I get an extra stop of brightness and an extra 20mm for something like $3000 if I can find a used one at that price.

Though the Sigma 50-500 is not a super-tele prime the sample images I have seen from it look pretty darn good and the price is certainly a lot closer to what I can actually afford. With that lens I lose 1/3 of a stop and IS but gain 100mm of FL and it costs <$1000.

Thanks so much for your input,

Tom

Originally posted by kirbic:
I'd go looking for a good used copy of the Canon 300/2.8 IS. Even the new price of that one is not that outrageous, and it is one of the very best lenses that Canon has ever offered. Reportedly it does very well with a 1.4xII or even 2.0xII TC, so should give all the reach you desire and IS to boot.
It is not a light lens, but can be hand-held without too much strain, like the 400 DO IS but unlike the longer "great whites".
03/04/2005 01:51:36 AM · #30
Thanks for your comments, you have some beautiful images in your gallery. I am pretty impressed with the Tamron based on these and also with your ability to get so close to the mergansers.

Tom

Originally posted by jbsmithana:
Thomas - I mentioned the Tamron SP AF 200-500mm F5-6.3 Di LD (IF) as an alternative to the Bigma earlier in this conversation. First, it is hard to have this discussion by trying to compare lenses that cost 4 to 7 times more than the Sigma or Tamron do. Like you, I could not afford the a better lens, in my case a Nikon 200-400 VR for over $5k.

As for IF it means as you said, the focus is internal but the lens does move when zooming. I have no problems with AF hunt during good light but DO have problems with hunt in low light. This is expected in both these lenes. Also, the lens is soft. You can get good shots in good light but they will need some sharpening.

Again, below are examples using a monopod. The exif data is attached to the shots.

Some Example Shots
03/04/2005 01:52:51 AM · #31
Thomas - whatever you end up gettting get out there and enjoy! I get better with mine every time out. I just looked through my collection of bird shots and I definately see steady improvement. Some comes from the longer lenes and some from better technique and persistence.

Have fun!
 03/04/2005 01:57:28 AM · #32
You have some very nice samples here. It looks like the Tamron is a very capable lens. Now I have to try to see if I can find one locally to try it out in person.

Tom

Originally posted by coolhar:
I have the Tamron 200-500 and use it with a 20D. At first I was disappointed in it. But now that I have learned to get better images out of it I am pleased. It's not fast enough, neither focusing speed nor aperture, for shooting sports action. But I think it's very good for birds and wildlife/nature shots. Like most lenses, it is sharper if you stop it down a couple of notches, but the quality of the higher ISO images from the 20D makes this easier than it would be on a lesser camera. It does "zoom creep" if you point it straight down while carrying it, but I attribute that to it's weight as much as anything else, doesn't bother me. It will do focus tracking of birds in flight reasonably well but not in low light. It comes with a really big lens hood that makes it look enormous and draws some comments. The Tamron site says you can use it with 1.4x and 2x converters but I haven't tried that yet; seems that would make hand holding very difficult.

Here are some images I've shot with it, someone who is good at editing could probably make them look a little better than I do with my limited skills.

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