400mm lens alternative

FM Forum Rules
Rules: One new topic per day

FM Forums \| Nature & Wildlife \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
1 2 3 4 5 end

Archive 2009 · 400mm lens alternative

Josh S
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.5 #1 · 400mm lens alternative

Gail, what an improvement already!

I've enjoyed this thread... and with the 4,000 + views I don't think that I am alone.

As someone who uses the 400mm 5.6L I'm glad that you've enjoyed and had relative success with that lens.

I wouldn't doubt the body much either. I went from an XTi to a 40D in this past summer and, well, I loved the change.... However, a huge part of it was just that the larger 40D suit my hands better - I'm sure the XSi is a better fit for you. I was lifting my XTi and my 40D yesterday and the weight difference seems significant (OK the 40D has extra batteries and a grip). Anyways, all that to say that I would stick with the light-weight body for now... I think it is capable enough. Certainly, it is the most capable per weight SLR you'll get

Cheers!

Feb 02, 2009 at 05:52 AM

gailb
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.5 #2 · 400mm lens alternative

Yes, I am missing the 400mm L lens. The speed of focus was amazing.

I believe with practice, I'd do well with it. But I want to rent a few more L lenses and decide which I'd use more. Just haven't had the time yet.

I didn't note the thread had 4000+ views!! Wow, popular subject!

btw, does the L really stand for Luxury?

Mar 20, 2009 at 05:27 PM

jimbob
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.5 #3 · 400mm lens alternative

Hello gailb,
The L stands for Last. Once you have an L lens in whatever focal length you choose, unless your needs necessitate a fast maximum aperture, it will be the Last one you need in that focal length.
Jim.

Edited on Mar 20, 2009 at 07:45 PM · View previous versions

Mar 20, 2009 at 06:09 PM

sav1977
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.5 #4 · 400mm lens alternative

400 5.6 is super light. Makes my non-IS 70-200 2.8 feel like a piece of lead.

Mar 20, 2009 at 06:13 PM

aeast
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.5 #5 · 400mm lens alternative

I am curious what galib decided to go with. Kind of feel that I read this thread and the ending was left out

Jun 10, 2009 at 03:35 PM

gailb
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.5 #6 · 400mm lens alternative

I think of the 400mm L every time I use the camera. However, I've decided not to get it at this time. I'm not sure my use of it will justify the cost. I didn't enjoy carrying it around either. I love photographing wildlife but it's not something I do frequently.

I'm renting other focal length lenses to see if there is a lens better than my kit lenses that I'll get more regular use. A Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 arrives tomorrow.

I will eventually a higher quality lens; but I'm in no rush.

Jun 10, 2009 at 10:57 PM

pcimaging
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.5 #7 · 400mm lens alternative

You know Galib, if you are not real concerned about high quality expensive optics, I might suggest you try out a 28-300 Sigma. They are pretty inexpensive and the versatility is very handy. One reason I dare mention that lens is that it is super light. When it is closed down to 28mm it is hardly any larger than the 18-55 kit lens. Even at full telephoto, it is still very compact. I have the lens myself and although I never use it these days because I did move on to some expensive long telephotos, I was always able to produce images that were indistinguishable from some better glass. The thing that was a concern if I was going to make large prints is that sometimes there was a purple fringing effect. It is a cheap option but I think real good bang for the buck.

Jun 10, 2009 at 11:29 PM


FM Forums \| Nature & Wildlife \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 3 4 5 end