Which of these lenses would you choose...

[Medic1]

...considering price and image quality? Anyone with these specific lenses would be very helpful. Example pics are also welcome....thanks

Used mainly wildlife and airshow/auto racing....would the IS on the Canon make it the better choice?

Canon 100-400 IS

Sigma 50-500 4-6.3 EX APO

[Eric DeCastro]

if i won the lotto the canon (or just saved up a whole lot)
all other caes the bigma.

[flyfishnj]

Gotta go with the Canon

[ScottE]

I depends on whether you use a tripod most of the time or not.

I compared the two and optical quality was about the same. If there was any winner, the Sigma may have been slightly sharper at longer focal lengths and the Canon at shorter.

I chose the Sigma 50-500 because I almost always use a tripod and the longer focal length was more important to me.

I I shot hand held very often I would have chosen the Canon 100-400 because of the image stabilization, even though I don't like the trombone type zoom.

[booggerg]

buy all three!

[Medic1]

Well, I don't know how much handheld I would be doing. I just decided to start the auto/airshow thing this year, and besides that I have not owned an SLR until about 3 months ago (Always, high end P&S until now) I have the 70-200 f4L, so worrying about sharpness at short focal lengths is not really a concern....I will just change lenses if necessary.

Is the IS really worth the extra $600 CDN it will cost me (not to mention losing 100mm vs the Bigma)......I am kind of torn here. I would really love to get the 100-400....I love Canon white lenses and their L glass.....but don't know if I love it to the point of $2100 CDN.

Keep the opinions coming............

[MrChad]

I'm convinced of a phrase a buddy says...

Why buy a Canon body to not use Canon lenses? (Nothing against 3rd party glass BTW.)

[RockOne]

auto/airshow thing
I don't own either of these lenses (yet :-) ), but for airshows I would say that the 100-400 is probably the way to go (its on my list as next major purchase), because it is lighter (which ia a bonus if you intned to carry it around all day), and has IS which also would come in useful, because handheld is usually the thing at airshows.

From what I've read about them optically both are good lenses, but the weight might be an issue. Of course if you are built like Conan the barbarian, then weight might not be an issue :-).

[cc10d]

I like ethe 100-400L IS as it is relatively easy to use. Lighter, and IS helps a lot when handheld. I find the telescoping zoom faster than the twist, and after using it more intuitive. I like having lenses that I can actually use in real world timing. Big lenses and tripods do have a place and will not be replaced for those times, but when on the fly, a lighter quality zoom is going to yield more pictures.

[RJSorensen]

I am using a BigMa on loan from a friend . . . but I think I will go with the Canon 100-400 when I buy. I think this is a problem many of us come up against, and it is very hard to decide.

This was shot with the BigMa this week, other than being the wrong end of the bird, it looks ok to me. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=55736 Little Bird . . . taken at 500mm.

[Gonebrdn]

Although fresh into the digital/Canon world, I've been shooting birds (secondary to my primary interest--birds themselves) with 400mm since '66. Really lousy lenses in the early days, by the way. I have scores of poor shots of rare birds ;-(

On looking at your list of lenses, I wonder why you want to go zoom--the 100-400? You cover the shorter focal lengths already, and you lose a bit with the zoom compared to, say the 300 F4L IS or the 400 primes. These will not only be a bit sharper (but the zoom you site is crisp enough that the difference is admitedly small I believe), but also lighter in weight. Add a 1.4X TC to the 300 and you're set for most wildlife apart from National-Geographic-shoot-serious-glass.

I have friends with the 100-400, but the weight and the trombone focal adjustment (and the extreme crispness of the 300) caused me to choose the 300 F4L IS with a 1.4X as necessary.

Just my personal prejudice.......

[Medic1]

Its a difficult decision......of course I would love to get the 100-400 IS....but I am looking at a fair bit of money more. The stabalized image really pulls me toward the Canon and the extra 100mm pulls me to the Bigma......as for buying a prime the 300mm is about $300 more, which is a decent length, but could almost achieve that by dropping a 1.4X on my 70-200. Add the cost of the Teleconverter to the price of the 300mm and we're looking at more than the 100-400 IS in price. The reason I lean toward a zoom is that the local airshows offer photo passes in which the aircraft taxi in close proximity to the photo area.....that would mean from the time they hit the runway and start taxiing in, I would have to switch from the prime to a shorter length instead of just zooming out..........decisions decisions......but everyone is helping....keep em coming

[CyberDyneSystems]

The bigma is a great lens and a great bargain,..

But if you can swing it,. you will keep the 100-400mm forever,. the Sigma you will want to upgrade to the 100-400mm eventually ;)

If you decide to go Bigma,. find a deal on a used one.

[Mike Panic]

canon

[zach]

Medic1, I am going through the same struggle myself. Here is my list of choices.
1. Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS
2. Canon 400 f/5.6L
3. Canon 300 f/4.0L IS
4. Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS
5. Sigma 50-500 f/4.0-6.3
Of course you can eliminate #4 since you already have the 70-200 f/4.

Isn't this just painful trying to decided?

[Medic1]

It most certainly is painful, because I want them all but I know its just not practical right now......oh well, can't take your money with you if you die can you!!!

[Lesmac]

You may want to look at the review of the canon 400 5.6 L against the 100-400 on luminous landscape.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/forgotten-400.shtml

Les
http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/

[Hogleg 44]

I have the 100-400 IS, and it is a terrific lens. Very sharp, crisp....and the different zoom action is easy to master. If you have any $$ left, the 1.4 converter would get you the other 100mm.

[Bruce Watson]

Another option if you want image stabilization is the Sigma 80 - 400.

I bought one along with the 1.4 converter. Heavy, but well built and sharp, has a twist zoom action.

Endless debate can go on about Canon superiority and it may well be true, but the Sigma was several hundred dollars cheaper and is a fine lens.

I have a mixed bag of both and have taken shots with all that I consider very good (for me).

[Jack W.]

I also just got the Sigma 80-400 OS. Built like a combination of a Sherman tank and a Mercedes Benz. I haven't yet had the oppurtunity to really put it through it's paces, but the few shots I have so far look VERY good (on a 20D).
While I could have bought the 100-400 IS, the Sigma was $400 cheaper. I chose the Sigma because of the positive user reviews, and some pics I saw.
Seems to AF quickly, and the OS works great.
But it's heavy. I'm figuring to use it most of the time on a tripod, and I also have a cable release.

[Phil Hall]

I used the 100-400IS at the reno Rir Races and was very happy with the results. I also used the 1.4x extender which gave me up to 560 mm. I think the 600 mm with the 1.4x would be ideal, although it would probably have to be mounted on a military Hummer.


Phil Hall

[DSMITH131]

I have the sigma and a 2x converter and they are great

[Medic1]

Does the 80-400 AF work with Canon. Sigmas website says it only AF's with Nikons

Here, under 80-400, in red text:


http://www.sigmaphoto.com/html/zoom_intro.htm

[Bruce Watson]

I have a Canon mount version, works just great.

It is not an HSM focus motor, the Sigma version of USM, and therefore maybe a tad slower in focus, however it meets all of my needs and probably well beyond.

Bought it from BH, with currency exchange and shipping worked in, was $$ many dollars saved over buying Canadian.

Just for the record, I do buy from Cdn retailers as much as possible, but only if there is not big gap in pricing.

[Bruce Watson]

Does the 80-400 AF work with Canon. Sigmas website says it only AF's with Nikons

Here, under 80-400, in red text:


http://www.sigmaphoto.com/html/zoom_intro.htm

This reference concerns the OS (Canon = IS) operaton of the lens with Nikon cameras in the Nikon mount version, but does not mean that the Canon mount version is not fully compatible with Canon EOS cameras such as the 300D and 20D (what I use the lens with).

AF works fine, but when you put the 1.4X on it is necessary to manual focus same as most of the other lenses being compared here, with possible exceptions of the non zooms.

[zach]

Just an observation from searching a few of these lenses at Pbase. A large majority of the photos with EXIF data show that the focal length used is 400mm. To me that means a majority of the time the zoom is being used at max.

I know that the zoom maybe more practical for everyday use, but in my case the subject matter most likely won't be really close except on rare occasions. I know I will end up getting more lenses in the future, but deciding on what to get now is still a struggle.

[Andy D]

I can only comment on the Canon 100-400; I bought mine predominantly for Airshow use and love it!

[Medic1]

I have a Canon mount version, works just great.

It is not an HSM focus motor, the Sigma version of USM, and therefore maybe a tad slower in focus, however it meets all of my needs and probably well beyond.


Did you choose to buy a non HSM version.....the one I'm looking at has HSM

[spoolin_photography]

if you have to canon 70-200mm whay dont you just use a 2.0x TC ?????

[mbze430]

One thing that kept me from purchasing the 100-400mm is the push-pull action on the lens. That lens is known to pull in alot of dust after a good 6months in the field.

70-200mm w/ 1.4x is okay, a bit soft. Ultimate is just getting a 400mm prime either f/5.6 or the f/2.8.

I usually see alot of guys just using 300mm at the air show. They say its because they get wider view when shooting formations

[Bruce Watson]

Did you choose to buy a non HSM version.....the one I'm looking at has HSM

The lens I have is the Sigma 80-400 which does not (perhaps they have changed?) have HSM.

This is the flaw that many feel takes it out of the same league as the Canon 100-400, but for my purposes, it is not an issue.

[Anders Östberg]

100-400.

[Medic1]

Yes, they must have changed the 50-500 format, because I went back again just to check and it is an HSM version

http://cameracanada.com/eNet-cart/product.asp?pid=AFEX50500C&type=3

[CyberDyneSystems]

Medic1

Your reading what is being posted incorrectly ;)

The EX-50-500mm HAS HSM,. allways has,. hopefully allways will :)

The EX-80-400mm OS DOES NOT have HSM focus motor :(

[Persian-Rice]

Spoolin, the 2X TC is know to substantially degrade image quality. the 1.4 TC however almost leaves all the origional details in tact.

I think the 100-400 is good, but yes, I have also heard the dust issues. But the ultimate killer is that it's too slow for indoor or dusk shooting.

Long primes are nice, usually very limiting because they are at a fixed focal length while being very long.

70-200 f/2.8 IS or no IS with a 1.4 is good, but still a little bit short for any serious wildlife shooter. But even with a tc, the lens is pretty fast.

Every lens has it's downsides, but for pure practicality, the 100-400 or the 70-200 + tc are my choices. Only reason I have the 70-200 is that I am willing to loose some zoom for speed because I shoot indoors as well.

[Medic1]

CDS,

Thanks for clearing that up...I thought I was missing something there.

Also notcied you reviewed the 50-500 on FMreviews, thanks for weighing in your opinion there as well.

[darkdrakon]

Baloney on the dust!! I have the 100-400 and have no problems with dust I shoot with a canon 10D and have cleaned the sensor once with a blower bulb. if you are going to use either of these lenses get a monopod or use a tripod. anything more than 300mm and I can't hand hold this beast and get sharp pictures, I have very steady hands too :-)

[zach]

After spending a weekend with the 100-400 my mind is made up. I will be purchasing the 100-400 within the next 2 weeks.

[FlyingPete]

Baloney on the dust!! I have the 100-400 and have no problems with dust I shoot with a canon 10D and have cleaned the sensor once with a blower bulb. if you are going to use either of these lenses get a monopod or use a tripod. anything more than 300mm and I can't hand hold this beast and get sharp pictures, I have very steady hands too :-)

The dust issue is not dust in the camera, but dust in the lens, the thing acts like a giant pump, when you zoom out, the air has too come from somewhere!

As a point my 75-300IS has dust inside it, and it does not have a push pull mechanisim, so it is potentially any lens that changes volume.

[photoshooter]

i do drag racing and local stock cars i have sigma 50 -500 i use it all the time its great i just bought the 70 -200 2.8 sigma and its great just bought the 27-70 2.8 sigma and am very happy with all also use sigma 500 flash