Need help deciding on a looong telephoto zoom...?

I like my sigma 150-500 OS- but if price isn't a concern look at the 50-500 OS instead

Rocky Rhode wrote in post #14773866
True; however, the rumered price always ends up being over the top.

500 f/4 $16k rumer actual around $11k
600 f/4 $20k rumer actual around $13k

Well beyond my means - but hey; a person can dream

Where are you finding these rumored prices- they're not close to what I read

Thank you everyone for input.

I am leaning heavily toward the Canon 100-400 for several of the reasons mentioned, most importantly because of the image quality and sharpness. (And yes, the 200-400/2.8 is out of my price range since that is obscenely high.)

Will keep everyone posted with photos. Albeit, I wont be able to post photos from some of my engagements, but I'll post photos of other people in the park, which I love to shoot in my spare time (not much wildlife in NYC where I am - and I dont count pigeons...)

I've been a member on here since May 2002 (10 years - not a typo), but never posted until now. I've read posts etc but mostly surfed around. Thanks for the advice and inputs.

ezra wrote in post #14775335
I've been a member on here since May 2002 (10 years - not a typo), but never posted until now. I've read posts etc but mostly surfed around. Thanks for the advice and inputs.

That has got to be the longest record for lurker ever!

But yes, can't really go wrong with the 100-400. Reports of a new one coming have been posted on Canon Rumors recently, but God only knows when it is coming, because Canon probably isn't even sure at this point.

Raylon wrote in post #14775349
That has got to be the longest record for lurker ever!

But yes, can't really go wrong with the 100-400. Reports of a new one coming have been posted on Canon Rumors recently, but God only knows when it is coming, because Canon probably isn't even sure at this point.

The 10-year vow of silence is over.

The Sigma 150-500mm OS lens was used when interesting subjects were in the area.

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Silly me, I thought the optics in the Sigma 50-500 OS was considered to be better than the 50-150 series ?

msowsun wrote in post #14773824
While the OP did say "Prices aside; I am focused on image quality.", I don't think he is focused enough to want to pay the $10,000-$12,000 that this lens is rumored to cost.

It's modest work, according to the OP. I assume that that also means modest pay as well.. So, as long as you have a modest budget...

Love the fact that a lens is suggested where all the info you can get on it in regards to pricing is its RUMORED COST ! Too darn funny.

I would suggest renting before buying (where possible). That said, if you find yourself at 400mm most of the time, consider getting a used 300 f2.8 IS with 1.4x or 500 f4. Before i got my 500, i used the 300 f2.8 with 1.4x and AF was still very fast.

The OP didn't say what subject matter he'd be shooting. If its motorsports or soccer etc, the 100-400 is fine. But for birds, reach is always a problem and one quickly learns that 400mm is not enough.

To the OP- the difference between 5.6 and 6.3 is 1/3 of a stop. You can simply adjust for it by adjusting shutter speed to 1/3 stop slower or ISO to be 1/3 stop faster. It's a non issue- unless you know nothing about exposures and the exposure triangle.

Corporate intelligence ? What is that- spying on them, sorry, shooting from the closest parking lot - from perhaps a mini-van or work truck ? Maybe taking shots from an electrical pole ? Assuming that there is glass in the way- you are probably talking manual focus as well. So, unless the conditions are just right, and the windows of the "target" and of your van are perfectly clean- I can see IQ being a major issue. 400mm, or even 500 mm does not sound like that much range- IF you want details and pin sharpness and shooting thru windows- oooh, does not sound that promising.

Those are the challenges as I see it, besides getting arrested or detained. Shooting video might be one thing- but from outside- another whole challenge. You might have better luck with dedicated spy camera hardware if you can get it into the building. Shooting into a building during the day will also be difficult - unless you are planning night time ops. The better solution might be to put the camera on a LONG monopod- with a remote trigger and be real close to the target instead. Lighter, smaller gear like a SX40 might be less obvious- more concealable. Maybe one of those Right angle adapters for lenses..

What's your plan when someone notices you outside taking pics ? Run faster than they do ?

biodan wrote in post #14783030
I would suggest renting before buying (where possible). That said, if you find yourself at 400mm most of the time, consider getting a used 300 f2.8 IS with 1.4x or 500 f4. Before i got my 500, i used the 300 f2.8 with 1.4x and AF was still very fast.

The OP didn't say what subject matter he'd be shooting. If its motorsports or soccer etc, the 100-400 is fine. But for birds, reach is always a problem and one quickly learns that 400mm is not enough.

ezra wrote in post #14773324
The lens will be used on 7D and 650D bodies for the primary purpose of long-distance portraits/candids that need to be pin-sharp, when possible. (Actually, to be specific, I've been hired a couple times already to do Corporate Intelligence on people working at various companies.

Biodan- I've ripped out the essentials of what the OP is attempting to do...

"Corporate Intelligence" implies a bit of stealth might be involved.... And a zoom sure would be handy.

I'd suggest the Sigma 150-500... there will be times you need the extra 100mm.

If money is no object, the Sigma 120-300/2.8 OS with a 1.4X or 2X teleconverter might be the ticket.

These are big lenses, but both the Sigma are black. The Canon isn't as big, but is white and might be less stealthy... though there are LensCoats available to tone them down, if you wish.