Dog show lens?

Exposure101 wrote in post #7816626
I don't think those would be good for the show. I think for something like a dog show the more versatility the better.

I've tried using 4.0 zooms indoors and the results just weren't acceptable. It's very difficult to get enough shutter speed to get any shots with movment. The 100 2.0 gets great reviews and I think you need a fast lens for indoor shots. Everything I've purchased in this hobby has compromise, and this is a tough lens to fill for the budget. I'd suggest at least a 2.8 lens and any zoom with that speed will be expensive. I think I'd be happier with quality shots at higher shutter speeds and lower ISO, even if I had to crop them some.

Scuff wrote in post #7824366
A longer lens will allow you to get some better 'head on' shots, and the wider the aperture will help to throw out all of the background distractions.

So.... Obviously, go for the longest and widest aperture that you can afford.

Good luck with your decision.

So Scuff,

Was this shot with the 70-200 L? It is overwhelmingly the sharpest image that has been posted in this thread. Great shot.

matonanjin wrote in post #7824782
So Scuff,

Was this shot with the 70-200 L? It is overwhelmingly the sharpest image that has been posted in this thread. Great shot.

I didn't really want to state the lens as the OP was on a budget, so the image was posted as an example of the view angle and the OOF background.

It was shot with a 1dmkIII and a 300 f2.8Lis at f4.

Oh, and thanks for the kind comments.

I found this lens
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

Has any one tried this lens. It seems to be a lens I could use anywhere

Scuff wrote in post #7826040
I didn't really want to state the lens as the OP was on a budget, so the image was posted as an example of the view angle and the OOF background.

It was shot with a 1dmkIII and a 300 f2.8Lis at f4.

Oh, and thanks for the kind comments.

SUPER shot but gear wise it is like showing a staving person a banquet table then telling them if they could afford it they could eat.

The OP has a budget in the $300 range and you show examples using, what, an $9000+ rig? Niiiice... I know gear does not make the photographer but it does control what is reasonable to expect.

BTW, I am TEASING because I get the idea you are presenting. The bigger you can open up a lens the better the bokeh will be all things being equal. I am finally getting that part in my head.

I really hope I can drag myself out the AM's with the agility trials with our local show. Not being an AM person, I have yet to make what is actually my favorite part of the show. So I settle for playing with the Saluki's, greyhounds, whippets and the ponies (Deer & Wolf Hounds) along with my buddies the Golden Retrievers. Actually I have so much fun with all the puppy dawgs.

In the mean time it gives me time to consider actually grabbing a 200 f/2.8 II along with a 1.4x TC. I know it would not give me the same results as your 300 f/2.8 IS @ f/4 but it might be worth the effort. I have had my eye on that 200 f/2.8 II just for the dog show anyway plus it is affordable for me right now. I also have been thinking about the 70-200 f/4 or the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 II as an option as well. I really have my eye on that Canon 200 though.

brecklundin wrote in post #7826338
SUPER shot but gear wise it is like showing a staving person a banquet table then telling them if they could afford it they could eat.

The OP has a budget in the $300 range and you show examples using, what, an $9000+ rig? Niiiice... I know gear does not make the photographer but it does control what is reasonable to expect.

BTW, I am TEASING because I get the idea you are presenting. The bigger you can open up a lens the better the bokeh will be all things being equal. I am finally getting that part in my head.

I really hope I can drag myself out the AM's with the agility trials with our local show. Not being an AM person, I have yet to make what is actually my favorite part of the show. So I settle for playing with the Saluki's, greyhounds, whippets and the ponies (Deer & Wolf Hounds) along with my buddies the Golden Retrievers. Actually I have so much fun with all the puppy dawgs.

In the mean time it gives me time to consider actually grabbing a 200 f/2.8 II along with a 1.4x TC. I know it would not give me the same results as your 300 f/2.8 IS @ f/4 but it might be worth the effort. I have had my eye on that 200 f/2.8 II just for the dog show anyway plus it is affordable for me right now. I also have been thinking about the 70-200 f/4 or the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 II as an option as well. I really have my eye on that Canon 200 though.

LOL

My breeds are working, and terriers and of course the standard poodles which should be placed in the sporting group but that is another story lol

sorry opps

This is a hands down, 70-200mm F4L.
Nick

no one has info on this lens ? Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

kerrysroxy wrote in post #7827565
no one has info on this lens ? Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

The thing about that lens is that a f/6.3@250mm you will need to have very good light to get shutter speeds you'd want to freeze action. I'd also imagine that you'd need to stop down a stop or two to hit the sharpness sweet-spot of the lens (which means you'll even need more light).

I can't give any other specifics about that lens since I have never used one. What you can do though is go to pbase and search for that lens to see examples. Try to see how it performs at different aperture settings. Maybe you'll see that it fits what you need perfectly


John

Edit: Never mind about the pbase idea, I just took a quick look on pbase and I guess the lens is too new to have any examples

Oh, I just took a look on BH and the Sigma 18-250 is $529! For $70 more you can get a brand new Canon 70-200 f/4 non IS or spend less for a used one.


John

Thanks for the info Palmor , I never used different lenses only the standards that came with my lens.

I keep forgetting that they have F stop limits.

Not only is the maximum aperture an issue, anytime you have a zoom with that much range you have to sacrifice in image quality.

kerrysroxy wrote in post #7828809
Thanks for the info Palmor , I never used different lenses only the standards that came with my lens.

I keep forgetting that they have F stop limits.

BTW, I don't remember seeing both of these sites posted but they both can have really nice reviews. I prefer the first usually, especially if there is a video included in the review of the lens. But both give pretty solid coverage for the stuff that matters. And it usually comes w/o any bias:

http://www.motleypixel​.com/reviews/index.htm
http://www.slrgear.com​/reviews/index.php ( might have posted this one already??)

brecklundin wrote in post #7841543
BTW, I don't remember seeing both of these sites posted but they both can have really nice reviews. I prefer the first usually, especially if there is a video included in the review of the lens. But both give pretty solid coverage for the stuff that matters. And it usually comes w/o any bias:

http://www.motleypixel​.com/reviews/index.htm
http://www.slrgear.com​/reviews/index.php ( might have posted this one already??)

thanks breck, I think i am going to go with the sigma, 70-200 f/2.8 . I finally found a thread with pictures and IMO the pictures look more vivid that some of the other lenses suggested. Its in the bf price range also lol I will see if I can get one soon. If i do I will definitely post.

I went to the first link and love that site thanks