SIGMA 135-400mm overkill for me?

[PLuKE]

I think i am going to take the plung and pay out for a 400mm lens. I was going to do this near Christmas time but i dont really wanna wait that long.

I need peoples thoughts but first i will explain what i want it for...

I used a 100-400mm lens over the weekend as some of you may of seen and i really fell in love with it, My uncle let me borrow his Canon 90-300mm and couldnt get as close to things as the 400mm which is obvious.

The 400mm gets nice and close for when i want to take pictures of planes, But i dont know if a 400mm is overkill of motorsports i was told a 300mm is fine for motorsports.


My second question is, i have a 18-55mm lens, But would the 135mm starting zoom from a 135-400mm lens be a to big of a gap. I only use the camara for general pictures (18-55) and bigger lens for planes and motorsport.

Thanks

 

[malla1962]

I was never keen on the 135-400, slow noisy AF and soft.

 

[tikkathreebarrel]

Don't forget that the 100-400 gives you a 100 lens, a 400 lens and everything in between!

 

[PLuKE]

Looking at reviews they say the Sigma 135-400mm is a good lens, Alittle soft up at 400mm but 300mm its a good peace of kit with fairly quick AF.

I have been looking at the 100-400mm but they seem to expensive for me.

I am not sure if 135mm start of zoom is alittle to much, I think really a 100mm would be best.

Regarding I.S, Is it a must on 400mm lens without using a pod?.

Luke

 

[Steve Smith]

Regarding I.S, Is it a must on 400mm lens without using a pod?.

Not a must, but may be desirable for you.

Remember, people were using 400mm lenses for years before image stabilisation was invented.


Steve.

 

[Mike.P]

Had the 135-400mm and really didn't rate it at all.

Far too soft on the long end, will be fine for large objects but not too good with anything requiring good detail (Birds etc).

 

[Paul Holtom]

Have just got the Sigma 120-400 and initial shots look good so could be worth considering, I would also have liked the Canon but couldn't justify the cost.

 

[andrewc]

You can crop your shots and still get excellent results, even when printed in large sizes.

Personally I'd rather have a sharp, fast focussing lens that is a bit too short, than a soft, slow focussing shot that fills the frame.

Look at Sigma 100-300 f4. Slots in nicely between Canon 70-200L and Canon 100-400L.

 

[PLuKE]

Well i got to borrow my uncles Canon 90-300mm 4.5/5.6 and pictures at 300mm zoom look really good. Now might sound silly but would the Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO be as good or better at 300mm zoom as the Canon?.

Wanna make sure i am buying something thats decent and not regret it. BTW i can pick the Sigma 135-400mm f/4.5-5.6 for £270 S/hand.

Thanks!
Luke

 

[Mike.P]

Wanna make sure i am buying something thats decent and not regret it. BTW i can pick the Sigma 135-400mm f/4.5-5.6 for £270 S/hand.

Thanks!
Luke

I paid £200 for mine and regretted it. (well actually I tell a lie, I didn't regret it as it sold for £350 on Ebay last month).
Anyway, if you want to see some pics taken with the 135-400mm here are mine on FLickr.