70-200f2.8 +2xTC vs 135-400f5.6 dilemma..

[Dave_G]

Ok

A few months ago I bought a Sigma 135-400 f4-5.6. It's a fairly cheap lens but doesn't have Sigma's nice HSM focus jobbie. Been happy with the results and has produced some images I'm happy with.

Recently treated myself to a Sigma 70-200f2.8 EX DG APO IF HSM...you know the one.

What I'm thinking is, if I splash out on a 2x TC I'll have the same focal length and a faster focusing lens along with all the benefits of the EX HSM etc and still retain the reasonably fast f5.6 aperture.

Is there really any advantage of using the longer lens? Or am I going to be better off with the shorter one with the TC? If so I'll out the 135-400 and buy a 2xTC.

Answers/brainstorms/off topic rants welcome!

D

[EOSAddict]

Well, practically speaking I assume you will take the 2.8 wherever you can because of its advantages and a TC insted of the other lens you will save a lot of space!

My 2p worth!

[LightRules]

Only a suggestion: sell the 135-400 and put it towards a Bigma (50-500). The Bigma plus your 70-200 f2.8 is a nice pair to have, and you have HSM/FTM on both.

[Dave_G]

Well, practically speaking I assume you will take the 2.8 wherever you can because of its advantages and a TC insted of the other lens you will save a lot of space!

My 2p worth!

Is what I'm thinking!


Only a suggestion: sell the 135-400 and put it towards a Bigma (50-500). The Bigma plus your 70-200 f2.8 is a nice pair to have, and you have HSM/FTM on both.

Hmm!

[EOSAddict]

I would love the 70-200 2.8 but then what would I do with my 100-300f4 which I adore!!

[Dave_G]

trade in for the SIgma 120-300f2.8?

lol

[EOSAddict]

There's an idea! Still, I am looking for a suitable way to bridge that 70-100 gap I have! Wish Sigma would do a version of the new 24-105 F4L !!

[grego]

How about Sigma's 100-300 f/4?

And you can always stick a 1.4 tc on it.

[Dave_G]

see what I mean? decisions decisions

[grego]

see what I mean? decisions decisions

Options are always good or tormenting. :lol:

[Dave_G]

hell yeah

my main objective is to get maximum focal length, minimum bag space used up!

70-200 2.8 + 2x TC would take up less space than that combo plus the 135-400, because I'd carry the 70-200 almost everywhere...religiously hahaha

[grego]

How much do you value quality? I mean you could get the 70-300 DO, and that thing would take up very little space. :p

It's all realive to what you desire in a lens. Speed, sharpness, etc.

[EOSAddict]

I think Dave's original qu was based on the fact that he already has the 70-200 2.8 and isn't about to get rid of it... what would be best way of increasing his focal length - another lens or a TC.. am I right?

[grego]

I think Dave's original qu was based on the fact that he already has the 70-200 2.8 and isn't about to get rid of it... what would be best way of increasing his focal length - another lens or a TC.. am I right?

Yeah, but if you are going to use a 2x extender a lot to get 400 + crop factor applied, your results will be okay at best.

[EOSAddict]

I've seen some pretty good results withthe EX/L lenses and 1.4 and 2x TCs - probably at least as good as the 135-400 Dave already owns

[grego]

I've seen some pretty good results withthe EX/L lenses and 1.4 and 2x TCs - probably at least as good as the 135-400 Dave already owns

Oh yeah, I myself have Canon's 2x tc. I mean its not crap, but you will lose out in AF speed and quality will be pushed at times.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/greg9683/MyPhotography/CRW_6600.jpg
With my 2x. Was happy with it.

[EOSAddict]

True,

But its probably not good value in either pounds money or pounds weight to have a 70-200 2.8 and a 100-300 F4 or something similar in the same bag at the same time.... as tempting as it sounds!

[grego]

True,

But its probably not good value in either pounds money or pounds weight to have a 70-200 2.8 and a 100-300 F4 or something similar in the same bag at the same time.... as tempting as it sounds!

Oh yeah, of course, but if you know what you are going to shoot, that's kinda how it would work.

Like I plan to get Sigma's 120-300 2.8, even though I have the 70-200 IS for the longer sports because i get an affordable 300 2.8. I would carry my 70-200 in my bag all the time and only bring the Sigma when I know I will need range for somethign like football, soccer for example. :)

[EOSAddict]

grego,

I think we are talking the same language.. I still intend at some point to get a 70-200 2.8 but won;t lose the 100-300 and a 1.4 or 2x TC give flexibility for the time you pack the wrong bag...