Lens choice

[lambo1784]

Looking for advice on buying a Canon 100-400 or a Sigma 50-500,
any feedback on either would be gratefully received.Is the extra reach of the Sigma worth sacrificing for maybe the better Canon lens quality

John

[sebah]

I would only say - 100-400

[evhest]

I would say the 100-400, but don't forget to check out the new Bigma with stabilization.

[Harry Spotter]

Tried someone else's 50-500 once when he wanted to try my 100-400... and I did not exactly like it. I didn't keep any of the handful of photos that I took with it, the lens just felt weird. The zoom ring was mega stiff and without IS you really need high shutterspeeds. I was happy when we switched back and I got my 100-400 back. Don't know about the new OS-version, but if the zoom ring is still that stiff, hmmmno thanks.
And I'm not even talking about image quality, because I can't comment on that, as I deleted the pictures I shot with that lens on the spot. I know the thing vignettes a lot at the long end though...

[DJMikey]

I had another experience. Bought the 100-400 first and brought it back to be replaced by the 50-500 Sigma. I hated the 'pump' of the 100-400 and liked the ring of the 50-500 ... Qualitywise ... I made some great pics with the 50-500 but am glad to have switched to Canonglass (now I use 70-200 F4, 300 F4 and 1.4 extender).

[Iwan Bogels]

Looking for advice on buying a Canon 100-400 or a Sigma 50-500,
any feedback on either would be gratefully received.Is the extra reach of the Sigma worth sacrificing for maybe the better Canon lens quality

John

Hi John,

The question is simple.... What is your priority: Quality or quantity.

If you are using the 400mm or 500mm on a Canon EOS-**D or EOS-***D, the 400mm adds up to an oldfashioned 640mm, while the 500mm converts into a 800mm. What's next.......a telescope ?! Ask yourself if you need the extra mm's, and if so, if it's worth the sactrifice for all of the lens......(e.g. also the 100-400mm bit).

Success with the decision,
Iwan

[bvdboomen]

I would go for a 100-400 assuming you have a camera with enough pixels. Then you can crop the difference between 400mm and 500mm if needed. The 100-400 is better than the old 50-500 in every aspect. Plus you get IS along with it. But also the 100-400 should be stopped down a bit to get good sharpness. I myself am considering the 100-400 but first the funds have to rase again since the purchase of Canon's new flagship.
One thing I don't like on the 100-400 is it's zoomingsystem.

[Oscar01]

Hi,

About to buy a Canon 50D, but still doubting which lens to buy. Either the canon 100-400, or the sigma 120-400.

I know, you probably will say that I cannot compare them, but for me I am. But price of the canon is double the prise for the sigma, but I doubt if the difference is that big....

Anybody experience with that sigma lens?

Regards,
Oscar

[Tom Tiger]

Hi,

About to buy a Canon 50D, but still doubting which lens to buy. Either the canon 100-400, or the sigma 120-400.

I know, you probably will say that I cannot compare them, but for me I am. But price of the canon is double the prise for the sigma, but I doubt if the difference is that big....

Anybody experience with that sigma lens?

Regards,
Oscar

No... not with the Sigma just the Canon 100-400 allthough I would recommend looking here,

http://darwinwiggett.wordpress.com/2010 ... hoto-zoom/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(BUT remember the guy who wrote it shoots landscapes.... not fast moving jets)

And this one...

http://howyoudoin.wordpress.com/2010/06 ... m-is-lens/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But the best way is to try it out for yourself. Go to a camera shop and try out the Canon then the Sigma...

I must admit that the Sigma is tempting but it has more vignetting (no idea about the CA).
The Canon focusses better and has a better overal IQ.

Just for the fun of it.... you can see a lot of examples of the 100-400 at my Flickr pages (see signature)
and from a lot of people on this board who use the 100-400

Oh.... and then there is this....

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/returns/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oscar01]

Thanks for the pages, interesting to read. We have an appointment tomorrow to test both lenses with the 50D.

Oscr

[Tom Tiger]

Thanks for the pages, interesting to read. We have an appointment tomorrow to test both lenses with the 50D.

Oscr

Cool, let us know how you did, don't forget to test autofocus responsetime and watch the dark corners

[Oscar01]

Hi Tom,

I will let you know, but I'm by far not that experienced as most of you.....

Regards,
Oscar

[Mad Viper]

The zoom ring was mega stiff and without IS you really need high shutterspeeds

You don't need that with the 50-500, low shutterspeed will also do the trick. You just have the learn to handle it, just trying it out isn't enough to get an feel for the lens I think. And that mega stiff zoom ring, think that was an issue of that particular lens, cause mine lens doesn't has an stiff zoom ring.

Some editted examples of those low shutter speeds with the Sigma 50-500 (without OS):
1/200, f/8, ISO 200
http://www.kosteraviationphotography.nl ... ow_032.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
1/60 sec, f/8, ISO 200
http://www.kosteraviationphotography.nl ... ow_061.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;