Canon 70-300 IS USM V Sigma 100-300 F4

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Ok, this is a bit of a long winded one so please forgive my ramblings

I currently have a Canon 70-200L F2.8 IS i am THINKING about getting rid of as i don't really need the F2.8 speed for what i'm photographing and think the extra reach would be more benefit to me with some cash left over for other things ( ineed a wider angle F2.8 for example). I have the Canon 24-104L F4 so that range is covered nicely and a Canon 70-300 IS USM i have given my wife but can obviously use at any time

Lenses I've been looking at are:

Sigma 100-300 EX DG F4
Sigma 120-400
Sigma 150-500

How does the Sigma 100-300 F4 compare in image quality to the Canon 70-300? I was quite keen on the lens but now i'm not so sure as it's the same range as the Canon i already have and think if i'm going to get something new it would be better to get one with more range? Also looked at the canon 100-400 but heard so many people saying about it sucking dust into the lens / camera i'm just not sure. It will be getting connected to a Canon 50D at this time and i have no intention of moving to full frame any time soon

Also, how does the Sigma 120 - 400 compare with the 150-500 (and even the 100-300) in terms of image quality? I'm by no means a pro so don't need pixel perfection but don't want to get something i'll be dissapointed with

I bought the 70-200 F2.8 IS on a whim and have found it not ideal for me so am looking to do more research before buying my next lens!!

Many thanks for any help and advice
 
I am copying this from a reply I posted in another thread:
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I used the Canon 100-400 many times and I also owned a 200mm 2.8 prime which I used extensively with both an 1.4x and a 2x TC.

At the moment I am using a 300mm 2.8 but I purchased a Sigma 150-500mm OS for my OH to replace her Sigma 120-400mm OS.

And this is after also having a Canon 70-300IS, a Canon 300mm f4 (with a Canon 1.4x TC) and a Sigma 100-300 for (with a Sigma 1.4TC).

In order of preference I would go with:
Sigma 150-500 (for the extra range and very good stabilization)
Canon 300mm f4 IS + 1.4TC (very good combo but no zoom)
Canon 100-400 or Sigma 120-400 (Canon is a bit sharper but the Sigma is much cheaper!)
Sigma 100-300 + 1.4TC (very sharp but no image stabilization)
Canon 200mm 2.8 + 2x TC (excellent lens by itself but I found that I was not too happy with the 2x TC combo, not bad considering but not as good as the choices above)
Canon 70-300 IS (not as sharp as any of the lenses above and you lose AF with even an 1.4x TC)
 
I use the 100-300 f4 EX primarily, but have hired the 70-200 f2.8 and the 100-400L.

The IQ between the 100-400L and 100-300 f4 EX is broadly similar, but the Sigma is between half or a full stop faster which is sometimes useful in gloomy conditions. From 300-400 the 100-400L has the advantage, but if you need it the Sigma will accept a teleconverter and in this case there is a slowing of focus speed and also IQ degredation.

I suppose another option is the 70-200 f4 L and a x1.4TC.
 
Many thanks for the replies guys, this is exactly the sort of feedback i need :). I had also thought of the 1.4* TC for the F2.8 but figured this was an expensive option spending another £200 or so on a lens i could sell for a bit over £1000 to get similar IQ and less zoom to a lens i could pick up considerably cheaper.

So you really rate the 150-500 lens then mate? This was certainly an option i was leaning too to get the benefit of long zoom if it gave decent enough quality shots
 
I love the 150-500. Our copy exhibits very good IQ at 400mm wide open (f6.3) and quite good IQ at 500mm at f8 or f9.
Also the OS system is great, I can get very nice shots at 1/50'' at 500mm
 
I can recommend the Sigma 100-300 :thumbs: with 1.4 TC it is tack sharp and great IQ, I can also say try it with a X2 TC and IQ fly’s out the window.

The canon 100-400 is an average lens used with a extender it becomes an awful lens.

If you can stretch to it the sigma 120-300 f2.8 is the one to go for but it is around £1,200 used.
 
raider2727 said:
I can recommend the Sigma 100-300 :thumbs: with 1.4 TC it is tack sharp and great IQ, I can also say try it with a X2 TC and IQ fly’s out the window.

The canon 100-400 is an average lens used with a extender it becomes an awful lens.

If you can stretch to it the sigma 120-300 f2.8 is the one to go for but it is around £1,200 used.
Click to expand...

LOL, wondered when you would be along mate :D.

I hadn't thought about adding a 1.4 extender to the 100-300....hmmmm another option.....The 100-300 doesn't have OS though does it? Realistically what sort of shutter speed are you looking at to hand hold this at full zoom to get a crisp shot?


I'd never have got involved in photography if i thought for a minute lenses were so compliacted!! lol :D
 
I have the sigma 100-300 f4 and can highly recomend it. Very sharp and seems built to last. I find it a bit heavy to hand hold for long periods but I think it's about the same weight as your 70-200 f2.8 so you should be fine.
I would like the extra reach of the 100-400 but I picked up the sigma for about half the price of the canon.
 
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