400 5.6 or Bigma?

[Asmodeus]

Considering adding something longer to the stable, since I'm getting more into nature photography. Anyone ever made the choice between these two/.

Given what I already have (see sig) the Bigma would only be used at the long end. Is it close in sharpness to the 400 out there?

[condyk]

Looks like the 400mm would fit nicely in your collection. I really am a Bigma fan, but I doubt it can compete with the prime in any way other than convenience of zoom.

[RikWriter]

Definitely the 400mm, speaking as someone who has owned both. The 400 is much much lighter, easier to hand-hold and also takes sharper pictures.

[GyRob]

The 400 is a great lens and i would think it would be sharper even with a 1.4tc than a zoom .
Rob

[liza]

Go for the 400! A prime is typically sharper than a zoom, and this one is great for nature photography.

[ScottE]

I sold my 400/5.6 after I got my Sigma 50-500 because I wasn't using it any more. The convenience of the zoom was more important to me than the small improvement in resolution.

[IanD]

One of the major benifits of the 400 f/5.6 is its Autofocus. It is wicked fast which is very important if you are going to try some flight shooting. as well, as others have said, it is wicked sharp too.
Example-
http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39139545.jpg

[formula4speed]

The 400 is amazing, won't be trading mine for a zoom. The image quality even with the 1.4 TC is quite impressive.

[Hellashot]

I have a Bigma and love it. During my wildlife shooting I cannot image being hampered by having a super telephoto lens on my camera when there is something close to me or if I want to take a wide shot. I may think differently when I buy another dSLR next spring.

[reewik]

Old post but still doing my homework as a friend just bought the Bigma. I am going to try it this weekend. I still have till the 15th before the rebate expires right?

[chrishunt]

Old post but still doing my homework as a friend just bought the Bigma. I am going to try it this weekend. I still have till the 15th before the rebate expires right?

Yep, you have until the 15th.

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/pdf/Promotions/CIWC_101505_ClaimForm.pdf

-Chris

[calicokat]

I wish Canon made the 400 F/5.6 with an Image Stabilizer.

[cimager]

Go with the 400 f/5.6 sharp sharp sharp
http://www.carringtonsimaging.com/albums/userpics/10001/Duck%2013%20copy.jpg

:grin: