Buying zoom lens for Canon 20D

[rwenglish1]

I have bought a Canon 20D, I would like to buy a good zoom lens, to use for taking referance photographs, of wild animals and birds, fish.

I need good close ups of details, eyes, ears, fur patterns, feather patterns ect. I might me as close as 20 ft, for animals in the zoo, or 100 yds for animals and birds in the wild.

I have these two in mind, but any and all sugestions would be greatly appreciated.

Canon - 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 EF DO IS USM Lens
Canon - 70-200 F2.8 L IS USM EF Lens

Thank you,
rw

[condyk]

Both too short in my opinion for the longer 'non-zoo' wild-wildlife type shots, even with an extender.

The most popular option is the 100-400mm L Canon; cheaper but still with IS and great quality (or OS as Sigma call it) is the Sigma 80-400 OS which I have just bought, but it doesn't have the Sigma HSM motor. In the field, I didn't see it as that significant personally for what I want. Most wild animals don't run around like crazy and I don't remember ever having to zoom fast from 50-500mm, or whatever. But I'm not that much of a birder and if you are then it's worth thinking if you do need the HSM or Canon's USM fast motor.

The Sigma 50-500 Ex HSM is awesome, has the HSM motor but doesn't have IS/OS; you do get a very useful extra 100mm length and I've had great results with this, even hand held. Works nicely from 50mm all the way through, so super flexible. Bang per buck, as I always say, is sensational 10/10!

Others here may suggest a few good prime options. I can see there use for birds in flight as they are often fast to focus and track. I just prefer zooms for the flexibility. My only longer prime experience was with a 400mm Sigma and it was a little frustrating, tho' got some great shots too. Horses for courses. You may consider an extender too for the times when you need to get even closer.

[tommykjensen]

Have a look here for recommended wildlife lenses

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56752

[Jon]

For what you're descriing, start with the 100-400 L. It may be just enough in the zoo, and won't be enough in the field, where you'll soon find yourself exploring the wonderful world of hernia-producers in manual focus with the 600 and stacked teleconverters.

Allowing 4x6" for an eye shot, that'll be about 8x12 mm on the sensor of a 20D at 20 ft with the 100-400 at 400 mm.