7D Wildlife Lens

Hi,

I am new to SLR. I have a 7D and have a few cheaper lenses but I am now looking to get a really nice good lens for wildlife and going to the zoo and stuff.

I was looking at the Canon 100-400mm telephoto zoom lens and reviews say its one of the best for those situations so I can get clear up close pictures of animals etc.

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297655​602&sr=1-1

I have about $1500 to spend and I was just curious if thats one of the best lenses for what I am looking for or do you guys think something else might be better?

Any suggestions and help is really appreciated

Mark

Absolutely one of the best; IS the best, IMO. Another couple of options in the same price range would be the Sigma 150-500 f/5.6-6.3 or 120-400 f/4.5-5.6

I absolutely, with out a doubt, adore my 100-400 over all of my other lenses, though.

Wonderful choice you have selected. If you don't want to spend a lot and want new lenses, Syndremark's ideas are great. But they are not in the same price range, they are A LOT le$$! In the hands of the right user those Sigma lenses are great. But if money is not much of an issue I would go with the 100-400.

I started out with the 100-400 and can't bring myself to part with it some seven+ years later. The versatility is nice to have especially in close opportunity environments. A solid choice for birding.

For the zoo, you don't really need a very long lens, a good 70-200 will be sufficient. For Outdoors in the open the extra reach of the 100 - 400 is very useful. Sigma makes a few long lenses too that are worth looking at depending on your budget. For IQ, the Sigmas go in this order:

50-500 OS (forget the older non-IS version), $1600
120-400 OS $900
150-500 OS $1000

However the Canon 100-400 is better than any of them although not by much over the 50-500 OS and you get the extra reach and flexibility to go down to 50mm and up to 500mm with the Sigma. Let your budget be your guide.

robtaylor22 wrote in post #11870403
For the zoo, you don't really need a very long lens, a good 70-200 will be sufficient.

I guess it depends which zoo you attend, and what the photographers intent is. But when I was at the SF Zoo with my 150-500 and my crop DSLR (40D), I was at 500mm most of the time (outdoors).

rjx wrote in post #11870491
I guess it depends which zoo you attend, and what the photographers intent is. But when I was at the SF Zoo with my 150-500 and my crop DSLR (40D), I was at 500mm most of the time (outdoors).

True, some zoos do warrant a longer lens.

Thanks for all the comments guys, they are really helpful

Without doubt one of the best lens I hear from everybody. You have another option of going primes like the 400 f/5.6 or 300 f/4 IS + 1.4x TC. I have my mind set on because it will double up as a fantastic macro as well but will always be in doubt about whether 100-400 or the 300 f/4 till the time I do not actually press the "Place Your Final Order" button.

Well if it is not real wildlife out in the open, like in most zoos, the 70-200 range should be just fine too.

My 70-300 IS has served me well at the zoo. I don't like carrying a big bulky lens at the zoo. Plus the IS is very good and it wont annoy you due to size and weight. The Tamron 70-300 VC would be similarly good in such scenarios.

For wildlife outside of the zoo though, or where > 300mm is needed at the zoo, then the longer bulkier lenses would be worthwhile.

I've been well pleased with my Sigma 150-500.

Thanks again guys, i think ive settled on the canon 100-400mm. Cant wait to order it!

The 400 f/5.6 is a great lens too.

Staszek wrote in post #11875200
The 400 f/5.6 is a great lens too.

+1 for this lens....sold my 100-400 for it...never looked back

the 100-400 is old technology - try something brand new

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Lens

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …70_300mm_f_4_5_​6L_IS.html