beginner sports/wildlife telezoom

[colblaha]

I'm new to photography, but have been doing some reading. I want to shoot birds from time to time and lacrosse games in the spring, so i'm doing my research now before the season starts.

My budget is <$300 (can't afford any L glass until after graduation :/), so I found that the ef 100-300/4.5-5.6 is a good starter lens, as well as the sigma 70-300APO. Do any of you have experience with either or both of them so you could compare the two, in optical performance, AF speed, and maybe build quality. (I've read the 100-300 has some zoom creep, but i don't have experience with that so i don't know if it will be a problem.)

As my first lens, which would be better for sports and wildlife?

Thanks,
Adam

[jay24k]

I have the sigma. It's a decent lens. I've noticed a bit of higher noise at 300mm unless you use a lower ISO but it could be me or the glass I'm shooting through on my fish tank. It does take nice shots though but would recommend a tripod for the far end of the range.

Here is a sample closeup shot I did of a 1 inch ricordea in my fish tank with that lens.
http://www.leesburgflorida.gov/other/ric.jpg

[aggarcia]

I have ethe sigma 70-300 APO II. I used it mainly for motorsports photography. The build quality is about what you would expect for this price range. I use a D30, so I could not comment about autofocus speed on a newer body, but I get get to use this lens once on a friends 20D and it seemed to AF faster. If the birds are still you should not have a focus issue. Since it is really not fast AF, I select a spot and prepare for the cars to come by. You can see examples of my shots at: http://www.garciaalfaracing.com/Sprint_web/index.htm
http://www.garciaalfaracing.com/Enduro_web/index.htm

With a range of 4.0 - 5.6 you will need plently of light to get the shot. I was surprised how even with overcast sky and pouring rain the sigma got me the shots.

[Jack W.]

Hi Adam. I have the Canon 100-300 on my 20D. I've found it to be an excellent lens for what it is, but is soft at 300, like most zooms. Backed off a bit from full zoom it's nice and sharp.
My girlfriend has the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM on her 20D (both of which I gave to her for Christmas). I tested her lens and mine, and hers is sharper (probably because the IS really helps me with my lousy camera shake). It's more costly than the other lenses you're considering (a little over $400), but worth it.

[DionM]

I had the 70-300 Sigma ... took it back. Woeful AF performance.

I bought the 100-300 Canon - MUCH better AF, and its ring USM with non-rotating front. A bit soft at 300, but awesome at 100+.

These were taken with it on my 20D, no sharpening done.
http://www.fotos-files-forums.net/gallery/Eumundi_Colours_20042912

[Penguin_101_1]

tagged for later ref.