This is my first post. I've been lurking for a while, and this place seems like a real friendly place. I look at other boards and every thread eventually turns into a p1$$ing match. I don't see that here, so I'm hoping I can get honest straight answers. So, here goes....
I recently received my Digital Rebel with the 18-55 lens, but I also need a telephoto. Based on budget constraints, I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Canon 75-300 USM III or the Sigma 70-300 APO II. I've read good things about both, but bad as well.
I am aware that both seem to be soft at the high end. I've read that the Canon has some CA issues. Some people just say Sigma is crap. Others say it's great.
What I need the lens for is mostly lighthouse photography. Some of the lights are out in the water (some a mile or two out) and of course for zooming on the lantern rooms on the ones I can actually stand near. So I don't need an action lens. Lighthouses don't tend to move very quickly.
So my question is, does anyone have experience with both? Is the Sigma worth the $40 more or should I put that toward an extra battery or something (do I need an extra battery?)? Pros? Cons? Is there another option that you would suggest (Tamron, Tokina?) I really wish that I could swing the 70-200 f/4L (although the 200 may still be a little short for the way off lights), but I can't right now (the 11 year old needs braces).
Also, I read elsewhere around here that you can't use a teleconverter on anything over an f/4. Is that true? Both of these lenses at he the high end are f/5.6. I was looking at the Tamron 1.4x. Even if it won't autofocus, can I still manual focus?
Also, the 50mm 1.8. Is this a decent lens for landscape type stuff, or am I wasting my $ on something I can just use the kit lens for?
I know it's a lot of questions, but I will probably have whatever I buy for a long time (the 11 year old needs braces...but you already knew that), so I want to do the right thing. Thanks in advance for any help.
Larry
Message edited by author 2004-05-12 20:46:36. |
