Makes of lens's

devilnev · 24 Mar 2011

I am asking for recommendations of makes of zoom lenses....well i have seen mixed reviews on makes ..
I have a Canon 7D ..
So should i stick to canon make and probabably pay for the name .....
What are the differences between Sigma and tamaron and other makes ...
does te auto focus and various other bits work just as well on a non canon make len's..
..
I am looking at getting some thing starting in the range of 100 mm going up to 400mm ..( not below 300)

Jelster · 24 Mar 2011

Your choice is limited to either Canon or Sigma. Canon have a couple of 70-300mm lenses, one being the new "L" model, plus of course the 100-400 which is always a favourite. You will be paying over a £1,000 for any of the L range. Sigma have a few options, probably the best "bang for buck" lens out there at the moment is their 150-500 which can be found for under £800, but the 50-500 has a good rep also.

What's your budget and what are you shooting ?

Steve

Sent from my iPad using TP Forums

LikeBreathing · 24 Mar 2011

Take a look at some of the many reviews over the web and maybe hire some of the ones you like the look of. Certainly check out the ones Steve suggested.

HoppyUK · 25 Mar 2011

If the Canon 100-400L is within budget, just get that. Apart from being just about the only lens that fits your spec, it is very good and as popular as ever.

You don't really pay for the name, you pay for a better lens, optically and mechanically, with superior performance and that will hold its value extremely well.

Russ77 · 25 Mar 2011

I have a Canon 7D too, bought a Canon EF-S 15-85mm which IMO is a fantastic "general" lens and is very sharp. From what I can gather on here optically it's pretty much up there with the L range but it's not weather-sealed.

I've also just purchased a Canon 100-400L which has only had one outting so far but I'm REALLY pleased with it

Jelster · 25 Mar 2011

HoppyUK said:
If the Canon 100-400L is within budget, just get that. Apart from being just about the only lens that fits your spec, it is very good and as popular as ever.

I have to say that I have been quite impressed with the Sigma 150-500, the OS (IS) is good, but even at 400mm it's widest aperture is f6.3.

Steve

devilnev · 25 Mar 2011

Jelster said:
Your choice is limited to either Canon or Sigma. Canon have a couple of 70-300mm lenses, one being the new "L" model, plus of course the 100-400 which is always a favourite. You will be paying over a £1,000 for any of the L range. Sigma have a few options, probably the best "bang for buck" lens out there at the moment is their 150-500 which can be found for under £800, but the 50-500 has a good rep also.

What's your budget and what are you shooting ?

Steve

I dont have a budget as such the lens is to fill a gap i have in the selection i have at the moment .
I found that i needed a long zoom lens after the tp meet at the Britsih wildlife centre.
my selection i have at the moment is
Canon EFS 18 -135 (with image stabiliser)
Canon EFS 18 -55

so you can see i need a longer lens to give me a decent selection.

Jelster · 25 Mar 2011

devilnev said:
I dont have a budget as such the lens is to fill a gap i have in the selection i have at the moment .
I found that i needed a long zoom lens after the tp meet at the Britsih wildlife centre.
my selection i have at the moment is
Canon EFS 18 -135 (with image stabiliser)
Canon EFS 18 -55

so you can see i need a longer lens to give me a decent selection.

I think you need to decide between the Canon and the Sigma. There's a few users on here who you could probably meet up with and give them a try.

I know that Stewart (lenses for hire) doesn't stock the Sigma 150-500.

Steve

Sent from my iPad using TP Forums

devilnev · 25 Mar 2011

the main reason for post is conflicting views on canon v other make lenses .some swaer by canon and others swear by makes other than canon ...so mabe you can see why i am not sure what way to go .
I want a len's that will do the job and do it well so from what has been said sigma is a comparable make to canon .
i will rule out tamaron and got for test runs on sigma and canon

Oggy · 26 Mar 2011

Jelster said:
I have to say that I have been quite impressed with the Sigma 150-500, the OS (IS) is good, but even at 400mm it's widest aperture is f6.3.

Steve

Forget f6.3. Realistically, the 150-500 at 500mm doesn't really start to work until you get down to F8 or smaller. That saying, it can produce great pictures and is very good value for the money. I do like mine.