Zoom lens suitable for lugging around?

[platypuskn]

Hi there,

I recently bought a second-hand Canon 450d body with the standard kit lens. Ever since then I have been trying to decide on a nice zoom lens to go with it for wildlife photography.

I had fallen in love with the idea of getting a second hand Canon 100-400, but now think this may be a too heavy for general use as I tend to take photos when on a walk rather that going out specifically for the purpose. I can stretch to a very very max of £1000, so what would you recommend e.g. a smaller zoom lens with a teleconvertor?

Also, have any petite females had sucess with heavy lens?

Thanks very much,

Kirsty

[MeadsMan]

Hi Kirsty,well the Canon 100 400 does have image stabaliser,which would help if you hand hold that combination,I think your best bet would be to go in a good camera shop and try different combinations,I think the sigma 100 to 300 F4 might be a good choice.It also seems to work well with a 1.4 converter.

[Geoff F]

I would be very wary about using a converter with one of the 'cheaper' zooms. The 1.4x works fine with most prime lenses but tends to give reduced quality and other problems with zooms until you get into the expensive range.

So the first question is exactly what do you intend to photograph and how close can you get to the subject?

For a general purpose lens, I use the Canon 70-300 which has IS and is reasonably priced. With a 25mm extension tube it also makes an acceptable macro lens providing you use a tripod. 50mm is small enough for most landscape and 300 is just about big enough for general wildlife, although a bit short for some bird work.

As an alternative you could consider a prime lens, say 300mm which would take a 1.4x converter when needed and produce an acceptable size for general wildlife including most birds etc. But you would lose the shorter range unless you also take another lens. But assuming that your kit lens is around 50mm you might manage with this set up.

[skywatcher]

I think you could handle the 100-400. I'm a small female with small hands. I've tried this lens but I went for the 300f4 IS Canon + 1.4 converter which gives me a reach of 420.It also has a good close focus so comes in handy for butterflies and dragons.
I do miss the zoom of the Bigma 50-500 but I don't miss its weight!
Good luck with your choice.
Rosemary

[Jack M]

Always a tough decision when weight is involved and i sympathise .. Ive been on walks with heavy equipment and i understand the feeling when you just want to leave it behind especially if its awkward to hold / carry..

Ive been using the 100-400 as my main lens for nearly a year now firstly on a 400d (same weight as yours) and it was unbalanced especially when you zoomed in. Together they are about 2kg i would guess with the camera much lighter than the lens.

If i was in your position i would invest in a very comfortable bag (try them out in person) and at the end of the day choose the lens which takes the best pictures after all thats what photography is all about .. Taking the best shots .. And thats what will bring back your passion

good luck with your choice,

Jack