Canon lens choice help

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Archive 2009 · Canon lens choice help

wolfephoto
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p.1 #1 · Canon lens choice help

I am torn about buying a couple lenses and I was hoping for some advice. Im looking for a wildlife telephoto. I have been considering the canon 100-400l becasue of its reviews and zoom flexability. Used it a couple times and like it. However for about the same price i could go with a used canon 400mm f5.6 and canon 70-200f4 combo. Is there anything I should look at if I purchase the 4005.6 used. I know its about 5 years old but i dont think there has been much change to it forever. Was just hoping to get some opinions, thanks guys!

Jul 07, 2009 at 07:08 PM

Geofn
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p.1 #2 · Canon lens choice help

The 400/5.6 is a very good lens, but keep in mind that it does not have IS. Overall, the 400/5.6 and 70-200/4 will both be somewhat sharper than the 100-400. But IMHO between IS and the extra range in a single lens, the 100-400 is more versatile for wildlife.

Jul 08, 2009 at 02:04 AM

M Vers
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p.1 #3 · Canon lens choice help

Do a search for 'wildlife lens', '100-400' or '400/5.6', you should get a decent amount of threads that cover this very topic. If it's not the most covered discussion on this board I don't know what is

Jul 08, 2009 at 02:09 AM

n0b0
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p.1 #4 · Canon lens choice help

Geofn wrote:
... IMHO between IS and the extra range in a single lens, the 100-400 is more versatile for wildlife.

What he said.

Also, the best lens is the one attached to your camera. No point getting 2 lenses unless you intend to bring 2 cameras as well.

Jul 08, 2009 at 02:17 AM

Spyglass
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p.1 #5 · Canon lens choice help

I have used the 100-400 and tried to make the best of the compromise. No more.

I now shoot the 400 5.6 and with a little homework on the how the beasties your shooting behave you will have outstanding results with no compromises in sharpness. I know it is slow and sans IS but you can more than compensate for that by using a ball head on a pod if you are shakey.

Another excellent option, in IMHO, is the 300 f/4 IS. Combined with a 1.4X Canon converter your will also be in excellent shape to celebrate success.

I should add I shoot full frame and do not enjoy the benefits of the sensor crop. That means I have to work harder and sneak up more but the occasional rewards are more than worth it.

Jul 08, 2009 at 02:24 AM

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p.1 #6 · Canon lens choice help

Spyglass wrote:
I have used the 100-400 and tried to make the best of the compromise. No more.

Sorry mate but that's a little vague and doesn't help the OP makes a decision. Details please.

Jul 08, 2009 at 02:26 AM

wolfephoto
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p.1 #7 · Canon lens choice help

Thanks for the replys, I agree that the best lens is the one on your camera. If im shooting mostly all primes I guess I had better do my homework and be more prepared than if I had the zoom versatility. As sharp as the 100-400 is im sure nothing is more dissapointing than coming back with a batch of good images you wish were just a little sharper. Think ill stick with the primes, time to dust off the old monopod as well.

Jul 08, 2009 at 03:55 PM

n0b0
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p.1 #8 · Canon lens choice help

If you ain't no pixel peeper, I don't think you have to worry about this lens' sharpness.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Jul 08, 2009 at 04:04 PM

cohenxa
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p.1 #9 · Canon lens choice help

I am not helping but I ended up with both 100-400 AND 70-200 f4 IS :-)
I purchased both 100-400 and 400f5.6 try then for 3 months and end up with 100-400 because: flexibility, smaller in my bag, IS, not shooting a lot of BIF. I resell the 400mm for the price I purchased it!

X

Jul 08, 2009 at 06:35 PM

Yakim Peled
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p.1 #10 · Canon lens choice help

If you are an avid bird shooter then the 400/5.6 makes sense. Otherwise I'd recommend the 100-400.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Jul 09, 2009 at 12:54 PM


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