Lighter Zoom Lens Advice

mick123

mick123

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Mike
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Im useing a Canon 40d with grip and ive recently bought a Sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM Lens which i have only used twice , had some nice results but im just finding it a bit too heavy to use being disabled . I also have a Canon 55-250 IS which i find perfect weight wise probably because its plastic ,I use it a lot,and again some nice results .I can go heavier but i just find the Sigma too heavy. I have a monopod which i have used with the Sigma but its not always practical to use it .What would you recommend to replace these 2 lenses ? dont mind if the reach is a bit less than 400mm .
Its mainly a sharp outdoor lens im looking for but not costing an arm and a leg , wildlife , sports, shows etc .
Thanks for taking the time to read my post
 
Hi have you looked at the Canon 70-300 IS lens - not sure how it compares weight wise to your 120-400, but it's heavier than the 55-250 IS
It's a cracker of a lens :thumbs:
 
The real problem is not so much the platsic, but the amount of glass. Long lenses need big glass even to achieve modest f/numbers like f/5.6.

The Canon 70-300 IS is probably as light as you'll get at that focal length. Anything at 400mm and above will be heavy.
 
Tough one Mick, it is indeed the size of the glass in long lenses which bumps up the weight.

I know you say you don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but the Canon 400mm f5.6L at 1250 grams is quite a bit lighter than your Sigma which is 1750 grams. Its a stunningly sharp lens for nature photography.

Can't think of anything else which would really fill the bill for you without sacrificing reach. :thinking:
 
Another option could be a canon 200mm F2.8L +1.4TC

Doesn't have the flexibility of a zoom, but It's light/compact and produces stunning images.

They retail for around £600 but often can pick them up s/h for £400-£450.
 
CruisingComet said:
I expected the 70-300 IS to be really heavy before I got mine, but as others here have stated it is actually quite light for it's size.
Click to expand...

With 58mm filter thread and 630g weight it is as light as 300mm would ever get. I would get it over 200mm L if 300mm is your goal. 200mm prime is mostly a planned portrait shoot or sports lens. 400mm L maybe a good option for more serious birding.
 
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