Beginner lens, step 2

[WIScott]

I bought an Xsi in the spring and spent all summer shooting my local motorcycle roadrace club and several other local motorsports events, as well as the family dog, etc. I am loving it. I currently have the 18-55 kit lens and the budget 75-300 f/4-5.6 III non USM version.

I'd like to get something that will suit me better for next year, something a little faster and with a little more reach. I'm not trying to break the bank, either. I was thinking about using a 1.4x TC and the 70-200 F4 lens..... am I on the right track? Should I be thinking of something else? Any suggestions, please....

[Jamie Holladay]

I think you are on the right track with that. the f/4 and tc have served me well.

[cwphoto]

I bought an Xsi in the spring and spent all summer shooting my local motorcycle roadrace club and several other local motorsports events, as well as the family dog, etc. I am loving it. I currently have the 18-55 kit lens and the budget 75-300 f/4-5.6 III non USM version.

I'd like to get something that will suit me better for next year, something a little faster and with a little more reach. I'm not trying to break the bank, either. I was thinking about using a 1.4x TC and the 70-200 F4 lens..... am I on the right track? Should I be thinking of something else? Any suggestions, please....

I like the combination, but it doesn't satisfy one of your goals.

What about a 300/4 IS instead?

[WIScott]

I was wondering about that.... even with a 1.4tc and the 70-200 I wouldn't even have the reach I currently do with the 75-300

[BigRed450]

I suggest the 100-400L IS for motorsports. It gives you the flexibility when your viewing areas are limited. For what I shoot the 300 is too short and the 70-200 with or without the TC is out of the question.

[andrewc]

Sigma 100-300 f4 EX

[Cadwell]

Sigma 100-300 f4 EX

Seconded. Nice piece of glass. Much more fun than a 100-400L around a race track.

[andrewc]

My Sigma has provided sterling service for the last two years. I hired a 100-400L to see what it was like and IQ was comparable between 100-300 but the Sigma had the advantage of being between 1/2 stop and 1 stop faster. Beyond 300mm the 100-400L had an advantage.

Coupling a Sigma x1.4 TC to my Sigma showed that IQ was compromised and it would have probably been better to crop instead.

[Cadwell]

If the IQ was comparable between the 100-400L and your Sigma 100-300/4 EX you either lucked out and got hold of the greastest 100-400L ever made or your Sigma needs some TLC. The two are normally streets apart.