New lens help!

[stckciv]

I know these threads are brought up alot, so sorry if I have not seen any any the search I did!

I have an Elan 7, 350D, 50 1.4, 17-40 4 and an old 35-135 4-5.6. I want something longer for bird/animal shots in the mountains, kids soccer and dance meets, and candid street shots. I have used the 70-200 IS and loved it, but sometimes I wanted a little longer.

I have been thinking of the Sig. 50-500, Canon 100-400 or the 70-200 2.8 with TC. Is there any others that you would suggest and what would you recommend out of those mentioned?

Thanks for any advice!

[bolantej]

for the money i would go with the bigma. (sigma)

[tim]

The 100-400 is a lens a lot of people like.

[Mitcon]

For bird and wildlife 400mm is pretty much a min length unless your super stealthly. I use and love my Bigma (Sigma 50-500) but many people on these forums also love the EF 100-400 L. Both are quite a good lens depending on how you shoot and what features you prefer. There are other offerings like the Sigma 80-400mm but I didn't really like it as it doesn't have HSM.

Check out this link http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=59931

[condyk]

The 100-300mm HSM EX IF f4 Sigma is very good at a silly price. One of Sigma's best lenses. Gets you to 420mm with a 1.4 TCon and remains sharp with a fast AF. The Bigma is a great lens too if you want more reach. The 100-400 IS L is even better, due to IS, so can be hand held for more consistent results that the other two, both of which prefer mounting on a tripod, beanbag or monopod.

I just replaced my excellent 100-300mm with another f4 lens, the 300mm IS L with a Sigma 1.4 TCon. Mainly interested in the IS. A prime might suit you and always nice to have a faster lens.

No sure if any of these options would be good for candid shots ... size and/or colour of lens would make you very un-candid :lol: but at least you could stand quite far away!

[Jon]

For wildlife, the 100-400 rather than the Bigma unless you want to guarantee you have a tripod along. For kids' soccer and dance, you'll want something shorter and (especially for dance) faster, like that 70-200 f/2.8. For street shooting, the 70-200 would also be better than the other two although it'll be quite conspicuous, as condyk says.

[stckciv]

Thanks for all the help!

One other question is weather sealing? I know the bigma and 100-400 wont be like the 70-200. I, obviously, dont plan to be in a situation where this would happen, but I do live in Utah and alot is desert and I often set my tripod up in a running stream. Have any of you with the bigma or 100-400 noticed any wear, water, sand etc. being a problem? Should this really be something I am worried about?

Thanks again, you have all helped!