which lense

[operatorcamera]

hi.ive finally decided to make the switch from olympus to canon.i intend to buy the canon 50d,the 18-200 canon ef lense and i can`t decide weather to buy the sigma 50-500 or the dedicated canon ef 100-400.any advice greatly appreciated.
regards trevor.

[Geoff F]

Are you talking about the latest Sigma with OS stabilisation?

That is a difficult choice but I suppose one of the deciding factors would be, do you need to go as big as 500 mm. If the answer is yes, the Sigma will get you there without requiring a converter.

[Gaza]

Hi Operatorcamera

I use the Canon 50D + Sigma 150 - 500 OS
A combination that i am very happy with. Haven't tried the 50 - 500 myself, but have heard that it is good.

[david156]

Hi.

I recently bought the 50d and I use that with the 100-400 lens.
Was originally going to buy the 150 - 500 sigma but decided on the canon 100 - 400 L lens and I haven't regretted the choice.
All I can suggest is go to a good camera shop and try the 50d with both lenses in good and bad light both hand held and on a tripod (a good camera shop will let you do this) and see which you feel is best,

Cheers David.

[glsammy]

I'd certainly agree you should try and test either before you decide, if possible.
I've seen both good and bad reviews on both these lenses, some really rate the Sigma OS whilst one reviewer didn't find it very good. Sample variation may well be the answer to that though.
I've been using my Bigma a lot lately, and whist I appreciate its versatility I still hanker after the better resolving power of the Canon 400mm F5.6 L I used to have.
I proved with that lens that you could get better overall quality by taking a shot @ 400mm with the F5.6 and cropping it to the equivalent of the Sigma @ 500mm. That wouldn't be the same with the 100-400. From what I've seen the image quality of that lens is very close to the Sigma, making the choice a very difficult one.
Sorry, I've not be too helpful there have I!

[Gaza]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I'd certainly agree you should try and test either before you decide, if possible.
I've seen both good and bad reviews on both these lenses, some really rate the Sigma OS whilst one reviewer didn't find it very good. Sample variation may well be the answer to that though.
I've been using my Bigma a lot lately, and whist I appreciate its versatility I still hanker after the better resolving power of the Canon 400mm F5.6 L I used to have.
I proved with that lens that you could get better overall quality by taking a shot @ 400mm with the F5.6 and cropping it to the equivalent of the Sigma @ 500mm. That wouldn't be the same with the 100-400. From what I've seen the image quality of that lens is very close to the Sigma, making the choice a very difficult one.
Sorry, I've not be too helpful there have I!

That's about, how I see it, glsammy

From what i have seen, I don't think there is much difference between the Sigma 150 - 500 and the Canon 100 -400
The advantage, in my opinion of the Sigma. Is the extra 100mm.

But i also agree that the prime lens is really the way to go

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Gaza

That's about, how I see it, glsammy

From what i have seen, I don't think there is much difference between the Sigma 150 - 500 and the Canon 100 -400
The advantage, in my opinion of the Sigma. Is the extra 100mm.

But i also agree that the prime lens is really the way to go

A few of us looked at the 100-400 and 50-500, with regards 'reach' and could not see much in it. Certainly not 100 mil worth

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Gaza

That's about, how I see it, glsammy

From what i have seen, I don't think there is much difference between the Sigma 150 - 500 and the Canon 100 -400
The advantage, in my opinion of the Sigma. Is the extra 100mm.

But i also agree that the prime lens is really the way to go

It's also why I've just ordered another Canon 400mm F5.6! I found that the Canon 400mm is very close to the Sigma 500mm. I personally think the Bigma is nearer 470-480mm. The better resolving power of the prime more than makes up for the slight difference.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by operatorcamera

hi.ive finally decided to make the switch from olympus to canon.

Are you selling your Olympus stuff - I might be interested?

Jim

[Gaza]

Originally Posted by Boddie

A few of us looked at the 100-400 and 50-500, with regards 'reach' and could not see much in it. Certainly not 100 mil worth

That's interesting. Boddie
What exactly were your findings? What were you checking for ? Length ? Image quality ?
Did you compare these lens with comparable ( length ) prime lens, for length ? If so what make of lens ?

I am interested, as it is soon time for me to purchase a new lens.