Recommend me a long zoom

Big_Ham

Big_Ham

Messages
1,183
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
After a long zoom for motorsport, and wildlife.

The leader so far is looking like the Sigma 150-500, are there any others for similar money I should be looking at?

Unfortunately I can't really afford a 100-400 L even second hand. :'(

Currently have a 55-250 IS, but that's probably getting changed soon for a 70-200 L.
 
I've used the 150-500mm and I own the Sigma 50-500mm, if you can manage to go the extra wee bit I'd definitely recommend the 50-500. I found the 150-500 to be a wee bit soft beyond around 350-400mm but still useable, but having said that for the price it's still a very nice lens if you need the extra reach. On the 50-500mm though I'm quite happy to shoot at 500mm wide open and be confident that I'm going to get a sharp pic.

One thing I would say in favour of the 150-500 is the OS which my lens lacks, I use mine 99% of the time tripod mounted so it's not a problem but if you were going to be handholding it would be very helpful for you.

Tommy.
 
I've been using a 150 - 500mm handheld for a while now (I'm saving for a ball head) and I've been quite chuffed with the results.

It is the only long zoom I've ever used so can't comment on it comparatively, but I would happily recommend it to someone looking for a long zoom.
 
@ Tommy, most of the stuff I've read online seems to suggest the IQ is pretty similar between the Bigma and the 150-500.

I occasionally use a monopod with my camera, but mostly hand held.
 
If you need to go for the sigma 50-500 due to being more useable in the uk light. Me I would save up for the 100-400. Pmed you a link to a 2nd hand 50-500
 
Ziploc said:
If you need to go for the sigma 50-500 due to being more useable in the uk light. Me I would save up for the 100-400. Pmed you a link to a 2nd hand 50-500
Click to expand...

That's the way I would go.
Sigma can be to hit and miss on the IQ.
As I found out to my cost.
Go for the canon. You know it makes sense.
 
If its the Canon 100-400L you would like but cant afford why not look the the Sigma 120-400mm? Or even a 100-300mm and a 1.4 TC? As then you can use it as a fast 100-300mm or a perfectly usable 140-420mm F5.6 with the addition of the converter.
 
One thing that may or may not be an issue, depending on how strong and steady your arms are:

The Canon 100-400mm has only two stop image stabilisation, whereas the Sigma 150-500mm has four stops.

For me this is a deal killer, others may have different priorities.
 
Another vote for the Sigma 150-500 (IF you need all the length). Mine replaced the older, no OS 170-500 and beats it into a cocked hat as far as IQ goes and then there's the bonus of the OS.

I'm not saying it's perfect but as far as mm/£ goes (ignoring mirror lenses) it's not easy to beat. Personally, I've found a 70-300 or even a 70-200 long enough when I've been shooting motorsport but then again, that's only at Castle Combe where you're reasonably close to the track most of the way round.
 
Need the extra length in a couple of places when shooting bikes. Not an issue with the cars. Probably not up to the 500mm, but most lens get a wee bit soft at full zoom, so I figured it would still be sharper than a sharp thing at 400.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top