advice on 300mm lens please

pinklady63 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2010, 07:50 PM

I have a Canon 40d which came with a Tamron 70-300mm lens, which my camera now gives the error 1. I need a new chip? I think perhaps a new lens, but which 300mm? I do not have enough money to get a Prime lens, and as a beginner I am happy to keep practising but I like wildlife and movement rather than still animals. The loch I practise at needs a 300mm to get the swans when they are flying or fighting. I do not know whether to get a Canon 200mm or go for a 300mm Sigma, someone please help me.
Thanks

nigel_b · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2010, 08:44 PM

Did they ever work together? If so try cleaning the contacts on lens and body. An ordinary pencil eraser is good for this task but be really careful not to get any bits in the lens or especially the camera. I'd tape up the openings first.

squishy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2010, 08:56 PM

tamron are releasing a new 70-300
it is there first ever lens to use a proper hypersonic AF motor (which is must faster and quieter than what they used to use).

they also claim it is optically superior to other 70-300 lenses, so it might be worth taking a look!

freiston · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 12:57 AM

I believe that Err1 signifies contact problems - Nigel's pencil eraser tip sounds good - you might want to hold the camera body/lens with the contacts pointing downwards to reduce the risk of eraser dust/debris falling into the hardware.

I had a Tamron 70-300 that made a 'bad' noise and then gave the Err99. I can't be sure, but I think I might have changed lenses without switching the camera off, immediately before the problem manifested. I replaced it with another Tamron 70-300 (F4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2) and have had no problems.

I have recently bought the Sigma 150-500 OS - the image stabilisation does help with hand-held shots, which is a good thing because the lens needs a lot of light. It is a lot sharper than the Tamron and does not suffer from purple fringing like the Tamron does - but it did cost over five times as much as the Tamron.

The Sigma is big and heavy and not a low light performer - so I only use it when I 'plan' to - otherwise the Tamron goes out with me for convenience and versatility.

I'm not sure what you mean by the Canon 200mm or 300mm Sigma that you refer to - they are both 'prime' lenses (fixed focal length instead of zoom), and they don't come cheap. Without more detail as to the lenses and price range that you're looking at, and also without knowing if it will be your only lens or if you want to use the lens for photographing other than the swans, I find it hard to suggest something.

pinklady63 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 09:51 AM

I must say thank you to all of you who replied, and the answers were very helpful. I might wait for the new Tamron lens then!
I did read that using a eraser from a pencil could lead to permenant damage especially to gold contacts, which mine are.

Nevertheless the advice has been great and I am most grateful for all your input.

squishy · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 10:42 AM

if you can sacrifice some reach, a used canon 70-200mm f/4 (non IS) can be had for sub £400, and that is a very sharp lens you are getting for the price!

Seltech · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 06:49 PM

I certainly would not recommend using a pencil eraser. It will work but it will also remove some of the very thin gold plate. Eventually, if you keep using it there will be none left and it will corrode.
Much better to use some IPA solution (Isopropyl Alcohol) on a tissue or vodka if desperate.

Paul.