Need more length. Advice?

karlotta

karlotta

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I've been thinking for a while now that i could do with something a bit longer than my Canon 70-200 f4IS (which I love the sharpness of), and i've been drooling over recent threads about the 100-400mm.

I don't really want to be spending £1000 at the moment and I've seen that there are a few options to get 400mm plus for less than that.

I'd love to know anyones experience of the following (photos using them would be a bonus)

Sigma 120-400mm f4.5/5.6 OS
Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 OS
Sigma 50-500mm f4-6.3 OS

Thanks so much!
 
karlotta said:
Anyone? :)
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How about a Canon 400mm (5.6) prime lens. ;)

I have one and love it! :love:

The price new is around £800 if you shop around or £650 ish 2nd hand.

Hope this helps.
 
2 nd hand Canon 400mm 5.6 on ebay......13hrs to go............item number 230318512455...............worth a look. :)
 
I'd not thought about a prime... assumed they were out of my budget. Not having ever shot at 400mm i'm slightly concerned if it's THE length for me, Is it logical to think that something i'd shot at 200mm would appear twice as big with the 400? Not sure if it works quite like that?
 
I had a 100-400 some time ago always used it at the 400 end, great lens, but I sold it and bought a 500mm f/4 then a 300mm f/2.8 which I "lost" I've just replaced it with another from a great guy on here(y) whatever length you think you need, I reckon you can easily add 100mm to it(y)(y)
 
Another viable option is the canon 300 F4 and a 1.4 TC

So would give you 300mm @ f4 and 420mm @ f5.6
 
:agree:


I had that combo (moved to 500 f4 as well), its a really good coupling with great IQ results.
 
I'd be tempted to just go for a 1.4tc for now to put on the 70-200, the Kenco Pro 300 is a good match for that lens.
 
400 f/5.6 is a cracking lens. My copy is as sharp as my 500/4 but nice and light and portable (oh, and a lot cheaper)

Can't comment on the Sigma except to say that I've seen reports that the 120-400 is very unreliable. It is worth noting that the top end of the 500 pair is f/6.3 which means the camera will struggle to focus accurately in low light.

For me, it would be prime all the way. Ideal situation would be 1.4 converter for the 70-200, giving you up to 280 @ f/5.6 and then either a 300/4 or 400/5.6. Probably 300/4 as then you would get 420/5.6 as Les said.

Keep your eye out second hand. The 300/4 non IS is often under £400 used and the IS is about £600

Paul
 
GarynLea said:
I'd be tempted to just go for a 1.4tc for now to put on the 70-200, the Kenco Pro 300 is a good match for that lens.
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That's a good idea... would I keep AF?

grumpybadger said:
400 f/5.6 is a cracking lens. My copy is as sharp as my 500/4 but nice and light and portable (oh, and a lot cheaper)

Can't comment on the Sigma except to say that I've seen reports that the 120-400 is very unreliable. It is worth noting that the top end of the 500 pair is f/6.3 which means the camera will struggle to focus accurately in low light.

For me, it would be prime all the way. Ideal situation would be 1.4 converter for the 70-200, giving you up to 280 @ f/5.6 and then either a 300/4 or 400/5.6. Probably 300/4 as then you would get 420/5.6 as Les said.

Keep your eye out second hand. The 300/4 non IS is often under £400 used and the IS is about £600

Paul
Click to expand...

Would the Kenko mentioned above be ok with either of those primes? I'm thinking I'll have to be patient and wait for a second hand lens.
 
Katy,

What are you looking shoot with the extra length?

Bob
 
karlotta said:
General wildlife, deer, birds to a lesser extent.
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With that in mind, I think the 300/4 and a 1.4x would be a better option than the 400/5.6. You'll end up with 420mm and IS.
I've got both options and the 400/5.6 is certainly better for birds but the number of duller days we get means that the IS on the 300/4 will be a big benefit.

Bob
 
Thanks for the great advice.. I think I'd be happier with a prime with a TC - give me a bit more versatility than just the one focal length. it sounds a good compromise as opposed to the zoom.

Perhaps i'll grab the Kenko now and then keep an eye out for a S/H prime. I guess HK is the way to go for the TC?
 
I sold my shiny 300f4 IS for 590 recently.
 
Liking the sound of £350!! If you get bored of it let me know! Off to peruse the For Sale board!
 
That will be the non-IS version...
 
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