Which telephoto lens for upgrade?

wippers

wippers

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Gareth
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Hi All - Having toyed with the idea of upgrading my Canon 300/4, I have started taking a serious look at what's on offer. I want to use the lens for both low-level aircraft stuff and wildlife. This is the list of what I have so far seen. If anyone has any input or had experience with any of these lenses, I would be most grateful for any feedback etc. I'm looking at second hand only as can't afford new. I have seen a few on Ebay in the States and Japan/Singapore. Has anyone had any experience of buying from outside the UK? Are there import duties to consider?

Sigma 300mm f2.8 non-IS.
Seems like a pretty good lens for the price, but not sure how good the IQ is. It's the lower end of the price scale but is it worth a punt?:thinking:

Canon 300mm f2.8 IS or non-IS.
This seem to be the lens of choice for many of the low-level photographers as it apparently works well with both the 1.4x & 2x TC's. The non-IS is cheaper and I'm not sure I'll need the IS or not. I have had success with my previous non-IS 400/5.6. :shrug:

Canon 400mm f4 non-IS
These don't seem to fetch much more than the Canon 300/2.8, although is it swings & roundabouts with what you gain in length, you lose in an f-stop?

Canon 500mm f4 non-IS
Again, similar to the above. There are quite a few of these about (including the older f4.5) and prices don't seem too bad.

Canon 600mm f4 non-IS
This looks like a good piece of kit but not sure about the weight and hand-holding up on the hills in Wales.
 
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Still use my 300mm f4, but I was luck to get a mint condition 300mm f2.8 MKI a couple of years back and just love it, great lens and easily hand holdable and works well with the MKII TC's, even the 1.4x and 2x TC stacked in the right conditions.

300mm F2.8 (MKI) + 1.4x and 2x TC (MKII) stacked
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Canon 300mm f2.8 + 2x TC (MKII)

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300mm f2.8 (MKI) + 1.4x TC
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Of course with everything, you need the right conditions to get the best results and haven't done much aviation recently.

As for the lenses, sigma 300mm f2.8 autofocus not great in low light, 120-300mm f2.8 was better lens, although original had its issues as well. Apparently the new OS version is much improved, although desantnik used one recently and wasn't impressed. http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=394409

Canon 300mm (non IS or IS MKI) very good lenses, been very impressed with my IS version, even with the 2x MKII TC

Canon 400mm f4, I assume you mean the DO version, not impressed with that lens at all, a friend has one, its soft, might be ok for stationary wildlife, but anything moving, the jury's out for me, you'll need to step it down, too much $$$ for average performance unless solely used for wildlife.

Canon 500mm f4, want one :thumbs:

Canon 600mm f4, probably just abit on the heavy side to be manageable, although not has heavy as 400mm f2.8

As for buying oversea's, kerso (ian) would be a recommendation
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=293871&page=29

Otherwise B&H photovideo or Adorama are the only ones I would recommend, but its all above board, so taxes and duty.

Not used Japan, but Hong Kong, DigitalRev or Onestop Digital always have good names, but reason why cheaper is shop warranty rather than manufacturers warranty, so you might have to send lens back to where ever.

If you're happy to buy used, then camtech, mpb photographic, park camera's, mifsuds, ffordes are good sources of used equipment, I bought my 300mm from digital depot, I bought from most of them and had very good service.

Peter
 
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Cheers for the great posting Peter. Very informative and has helped to get rid of the 400mm from the list. I've not ruled out the Sigma due to the lower cost which may be used as a stepping stone while I save for one of the real big boys.
I think the ultimate lens like you have said is the 500/4 although I doubt I'll ever have the funds for the IS version. Have you had any dealings with the 500 non IS?
 
Gareth,

The 500 f4 is quite a beast - I had one on test from a friend and its great on a tripod and can be handheld but mobility it gets tiring after a while.

So much so that I had a chance to buy it and turned it down for a 300/f2.8

The 600 f4 up hill and down dale would be a real challenge :)

Hope this helps

Rob
 
wippers said:
Have you had any dealings with the 500 non IS?
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Friend had the 500mm IS (MKI) version, not had much dealing with the non IS, but be-careful, as canon sometimes stop servicing the older lenses because they don't keep parts.

If I was to get the 500mm, it would be the MKI IS version
 
pete.rush said:
...., DigitalRev or Onestop Digital always have good names, but reason why cheaper is shop warranty rather than manufacturers warranty, so you might have to send lens back to where ever.
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You should check DR's warranties, cos they are not what you describe. Anyway who ever needs to send a lens back, certainly not me, never had a dodgy lens.
 
Jackwow said:
You should check DR's warranties, cos they are not what you describe. Anyway who ever needs to send a lens back, certainly not me, never had a dodgy lens.
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Using them as a general example, but quite a few Hong Kong based camera shops use their own warranties like microglobe or simple electronics in the uk that also sell grey imports
 
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