Which zoom lens?

[Sherpa]

Hi

I've just bought a new D300 with the standard lens but now I'm in a bit of a quandary over which zoom lens to buy. I shoot mainly wildlife and events such as motorsport.

I am considering a Canon 75-300mm f4-5.6 IS. On my D300 this becomes a 120-480mm lens. I don't want to use a tripod and the extra reach of this zoom is appealing. Would the IS compensate for no tripod at 480mm?

The Canon 70-200mm f4 L is also appealing but the extra cost is prohibitive at the moment. The zoom range 112-320 on the D300 should be fine and I'd love to own a 'white' lens. I could buy the 75-300 now or save up till the end of the year to buy the 70-200. Should I wait and buy the L lens?

Any comments to help me in my choice would be appreciated.

Cheers

[sGu]

For wildlife: 100-400mm if you can't afford prime ones, and that's in the range for motorsport, too, also you can consider a 1.4x TC to give you the extra reach.

70-200mm f2.8 with 1.4x TC would just about to give you 300mm f4 which is great, but considering the reach, it might not be enough for your purpose.

Never had my hands on a 75-300mm before, so I can't really comment on that.

Not sure if it helps :roll:

[Andy_T]

70-200mm f2.8 with 1.4x TC would just about to give you 300mm f4 which is great, but considering the reach, it might not be enough for your purpose.


I assume the main thing to consider here would be the price :roll:

The 70-200/4.0 is reported to be a great lens, and well worth waiting for. You have to decide how urgent you need it...

Always keep in mind: The bodies come and go, but the lenses stay with you (if they're good).

Best regards,
Andy

[sGu]

well, not enough money and good glass really don't go together in the world of photography ... unfortunately

[mummaj]

I can't say much about the sports photography at this point but for animal or nature shots you can check These (http://www.clanmage.net/gallery/Zoo)
These pictures were taken with the 70-300mm Canon zoom lens, no tripod. I must say this setup is very sensitive to movement without the tripod but can be done.