Your opinion on these 2 telephotos

[Spargo]

I'm still thinking about which telephoto I want and by now it's clear you all love the L lenses, BUT...I really want more than a 200mm and can't afford the 400mm L lens. So I have been looking for some others and would like to know your opinion on these:

Sigma 170-500 f/5-6.3 APO - $556
Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO - $430

I have seen some sample pictures of both and they seem to look very good to me. Comments?

[Ballen Photo]

I'm still thinking about which telephoto I want and by now it's clear you all love the L lenses, BUT...I really want more than a 200mm and can't afford the 400mm L lens. So I have been looking for some others and would like to know your opinion on these:

Sigma 170-500 f/5-6.3 APO - $556
Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO - $430

I have seen some sample pictures of both and they seem to look very good to me. Comments?

I have the 135-400, and have taken some so so shots with it, but haven't really wrung it out yet. In fact, I haven't even touched it since getting Canon's 70-200 f/2.8. :shock: I read the ratings in photographyreview.com a while back, and it seems they only gave it an average rating, while the biggest complaint were it's not being real sharp. This could also have been user error though. Hmm, I think I'll have to dig it out again to see what it will do. :roll: :roll: :roll:
-Bruce

[mvonditter]

:D I don’t know about the rest of the guys here, it seems to me the best all around telephoto I have ever used is the Canon USM 35 x 350. Fast reliable and very versatile. Probably worth the extra bucks in my mind.

[henkbos]

Have the 170-500. Didn't use it much after buying the Canon 300 f/4L.
Willing to let it go for a good price.

PM me if interested.

[Ballen Photo]

Have the 170-500. Didn't use it much after buying the Canon 300 f/4L.
Willing to let it go for a good price.

PM me if interested.

Coincidentally, the 170-500 was the other lens I was looking at, but opted not to go with that one due to the max aperture of f/6.3 at the long end. I dont know how well it works, but since Canon recommends a minimum of f/5.6 for correct auto focus ability to work, I didn't want to take a chance with it.
-Bruce

[CyberDyneSystems]

Those lenses are really dogs.. :(

If you can swing it.. look at the Sigma 100-300mmEX f/4, the 50-500mmEX or a Canon prime...

[Spargo]

I'm trying to do one of two things. Keep the price under about $600 and have the lens be all mine, or keep it around $1000 and split the cost with a family member...So what would be the best 2 ZOOM lenses in those ranges? Keep in mind I would like at least a 400mm.