New Lens

[nglen]

I am hoping to buy a new lens very soon. I have been looking at the Canon 100 - 400 f4.5 - f5.6 IS USM lens or the canon 300 mm f4 IS USM with a 1.4 converter . The price is much the same , and it would be for wildlife mainly birds. I would be greatful for any help in choosing the right lens. I already have a canon 70-300 IS USM.
Thanks Nick.

[GerryNick2]

As you already have a 70-300mm I would go for the versatility of a zoom and the 100-400mm which is an excellent lense and capable of producing excellent wildlife images. Don't think you will gain anything by going with the 300mm prime and a 1.4x extender.

Gerry

[nglen]

Hi Gerry. Thanks for the reply , I may have a chance to try the 100 - 400 on my 40D next week out in the field .I think this is the way i may go. Thanks Nick

[zan]

It all depends on what you want to shoot. I shot almost exclusively with the 300mm (eventually +1.4x converter) for almost a year, and you get used to the focal length really quickly. I imagine a zoom is more practical if you'll be staying in a hide for long periods (not something I've ever ahd the patience for) and you can't zoom with your feet, but I'm very happy with the prime. The image quality should also technically be better out of the prime vs the zoom.

Zan

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

if your going to mainly shoot birds go for the longer lens. Also I bet it won't be long before you find 400mm isn't long enough, especially for the smaller birds. Have you thought about one of the 500mm zooms, the new sigma 150-500 with OS is out this month.

Good luck ,

neil

[nglen]

Hi Neil, Thanks for your input and help . i would like a longer lens but money starts to run out . i wonder what sort of price the new sigma will be . I am meeting some friends one has a sigme 50-500 and one a canon 100-400 so i will be able to try them. I post what i spend my money on .
Nick.

[nglen]

Hi Zan. Thanks for you input and help. i do a lot of my shots from with in a hide it could be better with a 100 400 . i will post what i do in the end.
regards Nick.

[wildlifesnapper]

Nick

the new sigma is £749 from a couple of places.

neil

[big bill]

Nick I picked up of the site that will not be named for £320 the Sigma 170- 500 lens and it works a treat have had a look on the site today and there are a couple of 50-500mm lens going at the moment if you watch what you are doing you should be OK best of luck in whatever you do

[staffs birder]

I have the Sigma 50x500 lens and twice the locking device has come apart scoring the sides of the barrel. Had some great photos with it and the Nikon D70 though.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by staffs birder

I have the Sigma 50x500 lens and twice the locking device has come apart scoring the sides of the barrel. Had some great photos with it and the Nikon D70 though.

This must be quite a common fault. It has happened to mine and at lease one other I know of. Ours were dealt with under warranty, but it does seem to be a design weakness.

[Dean Eades]

Go for the 300 f4 superb

[glsammy]

It it's a choice between the 100-400 or the 300mm F4 plus 1.4X, I'd also recommend the 300mm. This is not from personal experience I hasten to add, but from the research I've done in making my choice. The one obvious advantage the 100-400 has is the zoom range, whilst the 300mm F4 wins so far as image quality is concerned.