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03/04/2008 03:18:53 PM · #1 |
Hi all,
I would like to add to my current standard zoom and macro lenses with the addition of a telephoto lens suitable for wildlife/sports photography. I guess something like a 100-300mm would be suitable at the moment, with the option of adding a 1.4x converter in the future to go a bit longer.
I'm currently looking at the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS (£360). I presume image stabilisation will gain two or three stops, but this won't necesarily help with moving objects (such as birds in flight). The lens also appeals as it is fairly small and light - good for handheld shooting. Does autofocus work with a 1.4x converter though? And is this lens anything more than just the cheapo 70-300, but with image stabilisation?
The question is, is it worth spending more on something like the Sigma 100-300 f4 (£550) with a constant f4, internal focusing and quality EX glass? This lens can also definatley be used with a 1.4x converter. Unfortunatley the extra size and weight probably mean a monopod may be required for many shots?
Can anybody help with advice or experience? I don't want to spend anymore than the Sigma costs, but do not want to waste money upgrading the Canon if it's not up to the job?!
Many thanks,
Tim |
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03/04/2008 03:33:17 PM · #2 |
Autofocus on 1.4x extender will work with f/4, not with f/5.6... 300mm is not really long enough for birds and wildlife either, most of the time. 400mm is more like it, 500-600 is much better.
R.
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03/04/2008 04:11:22 PM · #3 |
As Robert posted, for birds & wildlife, the longer the better. What gets really tough is doing that on a budget.
Remember that AF will work only if the combined ff ratio of the converter plus lens is f/5.6 or faster (f/8 for 1-series bodies). A 1.4x converter loses 1 stop, so f/4 becomes f/5.6, and f/5.6 becomes f/8. You'll need at least a constant f/4 lens to pull off AF with a converter... unless you use a converter that doesn't tell the camera it's there. Then you *may* get AF to work, though it will be rather unreliable in all but the best light.
The best recommendation I'd have would be either the Canon 100-400L or the Canon 400/5.6 L. Both are very good, the 400/5.6 is the better of the two optically. Both are fairly expensive, but have more reach than a 70-300 zoom. |
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03/05/2008 10:03:32 AM · #4 |
Thanks for the input!
Unfortunatley the Canon lenses mentioned are about £1000 - which I can't really justify for my hobby. I was hoping to be able to obtain some sort of mid range between the very consumer telephoto lenses and the almost professional Canon L lenses.
Is this possible? |
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03/05/2008 10:18:02 AM · #5 |
Bang for the buck the 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS is a great lens and has been called Canon's hidden L glass. A lot of the photos in my portfolio were shot with that lens. I have actually been considering on selling it for a 70-200 F2.8IS but still on the fence about it as my lens is considerably lighter and maybe I lucked out and got a good copy but its pretty freaking sharp...
Heres a couple samples:
Org photo cropped slightly:  and at 100% crop [thumb]578692[/thumb]
Org photo cropped slightly:  and at 100% crop 
-dave |
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03/05/2008 10:29:21 AM · #6 |
FWIW, I was in a similar situation and went for the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS you mention. It's a fantastic, sharp lens that is a solid addition to my bag. Often commented as a hidden L lens in reviews in terms of quality it does lack FTM focusing and the more robust housing of the L's but I can live with that. It is not just the cheepo version with IS tagged on.
If I wanted to spend more, the 70-200 L f4 IS would be the next Canon option. The IS is a must and the f2.8 version is big and expensive. Add a TC and it should give the extra reach but the £'s start adding up. A friend has it and seems to enjoy it and I seriously considered it myself.
If you need the range then you are going to need to stump up some cash for a decent 400mm option. IMO, the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS is made to measure for my situation - keen amateur but wants decent glass which sounds a bit like yourself. Fact of life is though, you get what you pay for. If you want stunning long range pin-sharp action shots you are going to have to stump up serious money.
Of course, every photographer will recommend the lens's they bought but it works for me :)
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