Canon 100-400 or Tokina 80-400

[crn3371]

Was ready to get the Tokina as I wanted something longer then my 70-200f4, but couldn't afford the Canon 100-400. Well, Santa came early, and was a little more generous then I expected. So now, I've got two shopping carts going at Canoga camera, give me your two cents worth.

Cart #1 - $1400
Canon 100-400

Cart #2 - $1400
Tokina 80-400
Sigma 30 f1.4
Bogen 3021 tripod w/488rc2 head
Bogen monopod

I know the Canon is the better lens, but,one nice lens, or a bag full of goodies?

[mebailey]

I would go for the Canon but admit that I dont know much about the Tokina.

[BrewsterPilot]

The Tokina has gotten few, but excellent reviews;

GOOD
-Internal focusing
-Filter-friendly hood
-EXTREMELY compact
-Excellent image quality ->200mm, Very good 200-300mm and Good 300-400mm. After what I've heard, excellent border performance.
-Sharp
-Sturdy, metal construction
-Easier to hold steady (without IS).

BAD
-Heavy
-No IS
-Slower focus (but just a bit)
-Maybe a tad worse IQ.


Personally, I'd go for #2, but this depends on how much you think you'll use the lens and how you can live without IS.

I'll be getting the Tokina when I have enough $$$.

[trubwana]

Go for the 100-400. You won't regret it!

[red hot sheep]

I have to say, for my useage, the IS is extremely useful, and can mean the difference between a great shot and a motion blur!

Here's a picture that I took at 400mm, ISO 1600 (with -1EC then pushed back up in processing) at F5.6 (wide open) and shutter speed 1/30 (in other words bad lighting!):

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/327262107_6fc7c39f8f.jpg?v=1166545479

[calicokat]

My vote is for the 100-400L, in the long run, a better value

[condyk]

Lovely shot Sheep man ... great composition and colour with natural sharpness. Greta how you dealt with the noise.

Anyway, ... as one of the few who will no doubt contribute here who has owned both :lol: :lol: I would go for the IS L. I'm not a huge fan from a usability point of view but it is a solid all rounder and will do most people without a mono/tri.

The Toki is a great lens for the money and the Mk II was available not long ago at some amazing prices, having just been replaced by the 'D'. That is very good but not in the same class as the Bigma or IS L, which are close/copy dependant in my ownership experience. T

he best of the bunch is the 100-300mm EX DG HSM Sigma IQ wise, but no use most of the time without tri/mono.

So, all around, go for the IS L.

BTW, the Tokina is NOT ... repeat NOT heavy. It is the same size as a 24-105mm and weighs very little more. Great travel zoom. There is no 400mm lens lighter I suggest. But I see why you are attracted to the bundle: the 30mm 1.4 is a beauty and it's about shooting priorities eh? Only you know what will get most use.

[Stan43]

I would also favor the 100-400. The usual reasons, build quality, resale,Colors, probably an IQ edge.

[BrewsterPilot]

I would also favor the 100-400. The usual reasons, build quality, resale,Colors, probably an IQ edge.

You forgot IS! And IMO the build quality of the Tokina exceeds that of the Canon.:cool:

[mrfourcows]

i guess it depends on usage. if it were an occasional lens, say its going to be on your body only about 20% of the time, then i would think cart 2 is a wiser option.

[BobbyT]

What about replacing the Tokina with the Sigma 100-300 in cart #2? The Sigma works very well with the 1.4 TC retaining AF and IQ. Something to think about.

[crn3371]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Just walked in the door with a new 100-400. In my heart it was the one that I really wanted. The Tokina option was just my pragmatic side speaking up. But since this was bonus money that I wasn't even expecting, the heck with practicality. Pictures to follow, once I recoup from Christmas. For any of you SoCal residents, can't recommend Canoga Camera enough. Nice service with in-store prices that match, or beat, B&H. Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays, everyone.

[angryhampster]

I have to say, for my useage, the IS is extremely useful, and can mean the difference between a great shot and a motion blur!

Here's a picture that I took at 400mm, ISO 1600 (with -1EC then pushed back up in processing) at F5.6 (wide open) and shutter speed 1/30 (in other words bad lighting!):

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/327262107_6fc7c39f8f.jpg?v=1166545479



MY GOD. I'm guessing it wasn't handheld....

[mrmarklin]

Was ready to get the Tokina as I wanted something longer then my 70-200f4, but couldn't afford the Canon 100-400. Well, Santa came early, and was a little more generous then I expected. So now, I've got two shopping carts going at Canoga camera, give me your two cents worth.

Cart #1 - $1400
Canon 100-400

Cart #2 - $1400
Tokina 80-400
Sigma 30 f1.4
Bogen 3021 tripod w/488rc2 head
Bogen monopod

I know the Canon is the better lens, but,one nice lens, or a bag full of goodies?


IS alone is worth the extra. Don't cheap out on your lenses, they take the picture.:p