Opinions and preferences please

[Desertraptor]

I am after a 2nd lens and here's what I have found in my searching.

300mm
Canon EF 90 - 300 f4 - 5.6 USM (which I read around here is nothing to rave about)
Tamron AF70 - 300 f4 - 5.6 LD Macro

200mm
Sigma 55 - 200 f4 - 5.6 DC
Canon EF55 - 200 f4 - 5.6 II USM

It's to be used for birds and other wildlife I can find out here in the desert.

Or other options welcome although my budget is limited.

Cheers

[LightRules]

I'd recommend this one:

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/telezoom/70-300mmAPO.htm

[Desertraptor]

Where to buy this lens. I found the older version on b&h.

[Timm]

Try Sigma4less - http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1542f02eb21b156/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0040_Zoom/product_overview.shopscript

[dwterry]

I have the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS 'L' lens, which I really love. But I gotta tell ya, 200mm is just not long enough for birds and other small/distant animals.

I've ordered the Canon 2xII extender, which will turn the lens into a 400mm. Maybe then it will be long enough...

[Desertraptor]

Thanks for the link..

Found it at Sigma4less @ $US189.95 or AUD$312.00
(plus duty/gst if applicable)

Is this a good price or can I find it cheaper?

For any Aussies who read this. Has anyone had any trouble importing camera gear?
What duty/gst is applicable if any?

[Mitcon]

I would suggest the Sigma 70-300 APO also if budget is really that tight, I have the canon unit and it's not anywhere near as sharp and it's not RING USM. If you really like Canon lenses I'd say next bet would be the EF100-300 USM (this has the ring version and I think it also has FTMF from memory). I think you need more reach for birds, I know some of them in that area and in the Flinders do come quite close for some reason.

But more reach will save you being tempted to crop too much. I also think you will find if you look at the customs website that you will have to pay customs duties/broker fees and also GST on any item over $50 is what I've heard so if your buying OS do allow for this amount just incase you do get hit with it. They charge the duty and GST on total price paid (goods+shiping and handling) I believe.

Have you tried to buy more local ? I know what we Aussies pay sometimes seems a rip-off but when I bought my Bigma I got it cheaper from a local store than I could from OS + all the other fees. Do you come down into Adelaide much ? theres a pretty good store I buy from there and so far they have been very good for prices. Most stores quoted me $839 more than this store did for my Bigma (thats almost 40% off :D).

As I said though, unless you certain 300mm is all you need or can afford I'd look into something with the 400-500mm range like the EF100-400 or if budget doesn't allow the Sigma 50-500 or 80-400.

[Mitcon]

I don't know if the store in Adelaide would be cheaper but you can buy online in Australia the Sigma 70-300 APO Super II for $399

[Mitcon]

Found another online store in Australia selling it for a couple of dollars less. Only $373.18, I start to wonder if it is ever cheaper to buy OS ? By the both of these stores charge more for the Sigma 50-500 I bought from a shop in Adelaide so maybe they would be even cheaper again ? If you want I can let you know the store in Adelaide or the Australian websites with these prices.