I Need a New Lens

[Zipline]

I've been photographing whales and other species of marine life for a couple of years now. Last year was my first real and serious attempt at it. For camera equipment now, I've been using the Digital Rebel (of course) with a Canon 75-300mm IS Lens. I've only been using a UV Haze filter... no polarizer or lens hood. Well, my lens has been giving me a hard time for a couple of months now. I can't hold down the focus button for to long or it'll lock up and give me an error message. Also, when I try to shoot in continuous mode it'll take 3 or 4 photos and then I'll get an error message again. Another thing that has bugged me about this lens is that the photos seem to lose quality at the full 300mm length. I've been thinking about getting a new lens for quite a while now and these recent troubles have certainly made my decision a whole lot easier!

So, here I am doing some research on which lens I should upgrade to and which lenses would actually be a downgrade. The top lenses that I have in mind right now are...

Quantaray - 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 High Speed Auto Focus Zoom
Sigma - 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO-Aspherical lens for Canon AF
Sigma - 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Zoom Macro Super II Lens for Canon AF
Tamron - 70-300 AF Zoom Lens w/ 1:2 Macro f/Canon
Tamron - 28-300MM F/3.5-6.3 XR DI LD ASP AF Lens

Now, keep in mind that my primary goal in getting a new lens is to improve my whale photography as well as other forms of wildlife (wild birds mainly). I want a lens that will allow for continuous shots (as photographing birds in flight and whales in motion this is a necessary feature) that will also produce sharp images at the full focal length. Does anyone have any experience with any of these lenses? Will they be a good choice for whale watching and bird photography? I don't see that any of these have IS (image stabilization) will that hurt or help me (take into consideration that when photographing whales, I'm on a moving boat so I need something that can handle this)? Basically any info or advice that you can offer me would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
- Mandy

[tim]

Have you looked at this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56752)? The lens that comes to mind is the Canon 100-400 IS lens - what's your budget?

[lostdoggy]

Mandy,

Salt water spray is very destructive to the internal parts of the lens. If you plan to get another lens you should find out what is wrong with the lens you have and if it is salt water then invest in preventive measure for your new lens. Or of coarse you can get pro level L lenses that has added protection.

[Dante King]

You also want to invest in a circular polorizer to help with the conditions at sea and that much sky as a backdrop!!!

[Zipline]

tim - Thanks for the link. I skimmed through it last night after I posted this thread. I'll go back and do some reading shortly. :) As far as my budget goes, I'd REALLY like to stay under $1,000, but I'm not completely against spending slightly higher if the product is really worth it.

lostdoggy - When I began whale watching with this lens, I used to hang out in the front of the boat where the chances were pretty good that there would be some spray. This may very well be what happened to the lens. Last last season and every trip so far this year, I've been sticking with the top deck. It's a lot dryer and warmer! I've also been keeping my camera buttoned up inside my jacket so if I do get wet (which isn't likely being on the top deck) it'll be my jacket and not my camera that gets wet.

I'd been thinking of upgrading to a new/better lens since before the problems started so I don't really want to spend that much money getting this one checked out or repaired. I didn't get any extended warranty or anything like that so it would be coming straight out of pocket, plus I'd have the new lens to pay for.

Dante King - I tried using a polarizer when I began photographing whales. I'm much more impressed with the quality of the photos now than without it than I was with it. I guess it's just my personal preference. :)

Thanks again guys!
- Mandy

[Jackal]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=162616&is=USA
100-400mm L. You won't be disapointed. It's over your $1,000 budget but I say that you save up a little more to get it if needed.

[BlueTit]

I agree with 100-400mm suggestion. I would also love to see some whale shots. Any chance of posting one or two, please :-)

[shiato storm]

be aware that salt water spray will get inot everything, it is not just limited to 'cheap' lenses. get decent protection if you intend to take it out to sea. oh and post some picture too :)

[Zipline]

I agree with 100-400mm suggestion. I would also love to see some whale shots. Any chance of posting one or two, please :-)
Thanks for your input! :)

I've already posted a few of my favorite shots:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=80424

You can view a whole lot more on my pesronal website
(www.whalesightings.com)

- Mandy

[RichardtheSane]

lostdoggy - When I began whale watching with this lens, I used to hang out in the front of the boat where the chances were pretty good that there would be some spray. This may very well be what happened to the lens. Last last season and every trip so far this year, I've been sticking with the top deck. It's a lot dryer and warmer! I've also been keeping my camera buttoned up inside my jacket so if I do get wet (which isn't likely being on the top deck) it'll be my jacket and not my camera that gets wet.

Hiya

You would be suprised at how far the damaging salt spray can get.
The problem is not the actual getting wet, or the spray you can feel on your face. The real damaging spray is the incredibly fine stuff, and it is present higher above the water level than you expect it.

I would consider some form of protection for whatever lens you get :)

(I have a 100-400L - if you go for that one you will certail feel it is money well spent)

[Zipline]

This may be a dumb question, but what type of protection are you referring to? Is there an actual casing that I can put around the lens? Also, since the 100-400L seems to be the top choice, does this come with the casing (if there is one that is)?

- Mandy

[Tom W]

be aware that salt water spray will get inot everything, it is not just limited to 'cheap' lenses. get decent protection if you intend to take it out to sea. oh and post some picture too :)

Also be aware that the 100-400 is not environmentally sealed. That doesn't mean it leaks like a seive, but it does mean that there are no "O" rings and rubber seals at all the moving surfaces like the 70-200/2.8 IS, the 24-70, or the two ultra-wide zooms.

[cfcRebel]

Hi Mandy,
I totally agree with lostdoggy. Find out what causes the error first. And you did not tell us what error it was. It could be the 75-300 lens' fault or the camera's fault. I hate to see you invest in an expensive lens but the same error still persists.

[snibbetsj]

Check out this rain cover. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=316856&is=REGI have one and it does a nice job of protecting the lens and camera. Salt spray is very corrosive.

[Zipline]

The error code that I keep getting is 'Err 01' which according to my manual is 'clean the lens contacts'.

I should also mention that I don't have any problem at all with the kit lens which I've used only once or twice near or on the ocean. This lens is used more often at home with backyard and indoor photos. I've had no problems at all with this lens.

I'm not entirely wanting to get a new lens due to this problem. I've been thinking of getting a new lens for quite a while. These problems have just given me the extra kick to go for it. :).

- Mandy