Group Lens Research

[Icebreaker]

Witin the next month I want to purchase a good Zoom lens with a high telephoto. Here are three lenses that I was thinking about

1. Sigma 50-500mm EX f4-6.3
2. Sigma 80-400mm EX OS F4.5-5.6
3. Canon EF 100-400mmL IS f4.5-5.6

These will be used primarly on a tripod taking pictures of distant birds or wildlife. The main reason I included stabilized lenses was in the event I have to pan, which is common shooting (snap not bang) birds taking to wing.

I shoot with the 300D. I know that these are all good lenses, but I would like to here your thoughs on these lenses, pros and cons. I would also be taking the occasional moon shots and filtered sun shots.

Thanks for any input.
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Canon 300D
Canon EF-S 18-55mm
Canon EF 75-300mm
Sigma 28-200mm
1GB Microdrive

[Canuck]

Witin the next month I want to purchase a good Zoom lens with a high telephoto. Here are three lenses that I was thinking about

1. Sigma 50-500mm EX f4-6.3
2. Sigma 80-400mm EX OS F4.5-5.6
3. Canon EF 100-400mmL IS f4.5-5.6

These will be used primarly on a tripod taking pictures of distant birds or wildlife. The main reason I included stabilized lenses was in the event I have to pan, which is common shooting (snap not bang) birds taking to wing.

I shoot with the 300D. I know that these are all good lenses, but I would like to here your thoughs on these lenses, pros and cons. I would also be taking the occasional moon shots and filtered sun shots.

Thanks for any input.
------------------------------------
Canon 300D
Canon EF-S 18-55mm
Canon EF 75-300mm
Sigma 28-200mm
1GB Microdrive

Hmm...It seems to me that you have put a price cap at about $1400. That kills my idea...the Sigma 120-300 F2.8EX ($1900) and 2x TC for $180. That would get you out to 600mm @ F5.6 plus the crop give you a 960mm equivilent lens. I'm getting a 2x TC in my next order. I have the Sigma lens I mentioned and that's why, it is freaking unreal! Prices sourced thru B&H in Manhattan, NYC.

One thing, I highly reccomnend it the battery grip, the BG-ED1 I think it is for the 300D. I have the 10D and BG-ED3. It gives you an extra battery slot and allows you to shoot vertical. Have you shot all day vertical and no grip w/ a 75-300 size lens? Your wrist will probably be hating you for some time!

[Icebreaker]

Actually in Canadian dollars the lens you mentioned is $3400, where as the most expensive of the three I mentioned the Canon is $2400, a little more than I wanted to spend.

Thanks for the tidbit about the battery grip, I'll definatly look at getting one ( never thought about the balance issue).