Lens suggestion...

[prateek76]

I am looking for a telephoto lens to add to my photography arsenal.
I have a Canon 60D with Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro.
I like to do wildlife and macro a lot. Confused between two right now:

1. Canon 70-200 f4L IS with 1.4/2x teleconverter
2. Sigma 150-500 OS

Suggestions!!!

[Orion1971]

Hi,

Having owned the 150-500mm Bigma I can say it's a great 'zoom' lens and great value for money but if your looking for that extra Quailty I would suggest a Canon 100-400 L IS over the 70-200 with converter this lens I bought after lots of research and never looked back the 100-400 L IS cost a bit but it's worth it in the end and IMHO the best Zoom lens you can buy under 5.000gbp.

[Saracen]

....

I like to do wildlife and macro a lot. Confused between two right now:

I'd say you need to think about about what you want it for.

IIRC, on the 60D, you're going to find auto-focus may or may not work with the Canon 1.4TC, and won't work with the 2xTC.

So .... exactly what do you mean by "wildlife"?

If you mean, say, birds in trees where you really need more reach than 200mm gives you, I'd suggest there are better options than the 70-200 f4IS and a TC. Orion1971 suggested one, that being the 100-400L IS. If you mean wildlife where you don't need that level of power, then the 70-200 may be enough, and let's face it, it's a cracking good lens, and is both lighter to carry and a lot more versatile than the 100-400.

As a general purpose lens, the 70-200 is a corker, but it obviously doesn't have the reach of the 100-400. So it's a case of either picking, or trying to compromise. Or getting both, if your wallet can strand it.

The problem with auto-focus, by the way, is that using any teleconverter loses light, and the general rule is 1 stop for a 1.4x, and 2 stops for a 2x. That loss of a stop means that on f4 lenses, you are pushing right up against the light requirements of the AF system, on all but Pro end cameras.

Which suggests another option. You can stick with the 70-200 and at least the 1.4x, but instead of the f4, go for the f2.8. It's heavier, and a lot more costly, but it should work with the 1.4 and you stand a chance with the 2.x.

All this suggests one final piece of advice, Before buying, find a shop with the relevant lens and TC in stock (or a company to rent them from for a couple of days) and try them out thoroughly. Work out for yourself what will work and what won't. It's a lot of money to take a chance on and mess up.

[Bobster]

wildlife? 400L 5.6

[miniyazz]

F5.6 is the stated limit for AF on the 60D. However, my 60D with 70-200 f4 and 2x converter has been pretty successful with autofocus, at least in daylight

Personally though, I'd recommend the 100-400 L IS over the 70-200 f4 IS with 2x converter, if most of your shots would be over 200mm. The IQ will be around the same/slightly better than the 70-200 f4 with converter (the 70-200 f4 IS is a better lens than the 100-400, which is getting on a bit in age now and could use an update, but the converter will drop the quality).

The 70-200 f2.8 IS is a totally different beast, and presumably way out of your price range if you're going to go for the Mk II (which is streets ahead of the Mk I).

The Sigma is a good option if you're on more of a budget or need the extra range.



Edit: Sorry didn't notice the date and didn't expect a lens sixth on the thread list in this forum to be over a fortnight old!

[Doritos]

wildlife? 400L 5.6

it's so easy to just quote one of the best lenses out there without really taking into consideration the OP's financial situation...
since that 400L is around 4k.. I don't think that's even worth thinking about.
go with 100-400L - one of the most versatile lenses that canon has. perfect for zoos and airshows. push pull mechanism is fast and it works.
failing that, that 2nd lens OP mentioned is probably best.

[Bobster]

it's so easy to just quote one of the best lenses out there without really taking into consideration the OP's financial situation...
since that 400L is around 4k.. I don't think that's even worth thinking about.
go with 100-400L - one of the most versatile lenses that canon has. perfect for zoos and airshows. push pull mechanism is fast and it works.
failing that, that 2nd lens OP mentioned is probably best.

are you mental?? the 400 5.6L is about £890 - the 100-400L on the other hand is around £1,200

[Saracen]

are you mental?? the 400 5.6L is about £890 - the 100-400L on the other hand is around £1,200

Current prices, at Warehouse Express .... 100-400L £1200, 400 5.6L is £1090. No doubt, there are cheaper sources for both.

And at £4k (or more) he's more likely thinking of the 400 F4 DO IS, I'd guess.

But you're dead right, the 400 5.6 is a great choice for a wildlife lens. Personally, though, there's a bit of a trade-off between quality and versatility on those two, and I'd go for the versatility of the 100-400, even if it loses out a tad on the quality, largely 'cos that's not all I'd use it for. Each to his own, I guess.