Moving from a Sigma 150-500 to Canon 300mm f4 + 1.4x TC combo - makes sense?

Probably a ton of threads already, but would like to know first hand experiences if any of us have made the move.

Do you miss the extra 80mm reach? (though I haven't really compared the FoV between the two given that "focus breathing" does make the Bigmos less than 500mm)

Would love to hear back

Cheers,

I'd be more concerned on whether I'd miss the zoom or not.

Thanks, I'm guessing having the 55-250 on the 2nd body should be taking care of that.
I'm hoping the quality jump (if any) would warrant the prime v/s the zoom

hayath wrote in post #15086060
I'm hoping the quality jump (if any) would warrant the prime v/s the zoom

I have used both lenses. In my opinion, yes, the quality jump would most definitely make this worth the move.

The extra 80mm is really meaningless, as numerous tests have demonstrated that the Sigma 150-500 does not perform at it's best over 400mm.

If you already limit yourself to 400mm with the Sigma for IQ reasons, then you will actually be gaining 20mm, not losing 80mm.

I do not have first hand knowledge, but if you don't use your Sigma beyond 400mm, yes (I would think it is potentially a good switch). I haven't used the 300L (f/4), but I'd wonder if with a 1.4X and cropping to reach 500mm that it is better than the Sigma at 500mm. If you don't need the versatility of the zoom, better stabilization, nor the 500mm reach, then I'd go for it. I like the versatility and the 500mm reach. Though I'm still debating picking up a 300L (f/4).

Depends on your usage. If you're going to be at the long end of the zoom, then the 300/1.4x would be better. I made this exact switch. The 150-500 is basically an f/8 lens... for best results, whereas you can have 420/5.6 with the prime. IS is much better on the Sigma, but acceptable on the 300 combo. I can take static shots at 420mm down to ~1/125(on crop)...which is just a little better than 2 stops.

The 300 combo, is far and away.. a better handling setup. The Sigma is big/long/heavy, and i was very unimpressed with the zoom creep.

If you have a 1D series body, you can use a 2x on the prime.. for 600/8(though not the best IQ) and still retain AF..albeit slower, but you're at the limit with the Sigma @500. A 1.4x on the Sig, would put you to 700@f/9 and MF. While i found the Sigma ok at 700(i've tried 1000/13 and 1400/18 as well..more for fun ), you start to need a lot of light, and MFing that lens isn't as easy as the 300.. for sure.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #15087075
I have used both lenses. In my opinion, yes, the quality jump would most definitely make this worth the move.

The extra 80mm is really meaningless, as numerous tests have demonstrated that the Sigma 150-500 does not perform at it's best over 400mm.

If you already limit yourself to 400mm with the Sigma for IQ reasons, then you will actually be gaining 20mm, not losing 80mm.

jimewall wrote in post #15087076
I do not have first hand knowledge, but if you don't use your Sigma beyond 400mm, yes (I would think it is potentially a good switch). I haven't used the 300L (f/4), but I'd wonder if with a 1.4X and cropping to reach 500mm that it is better than the Sigma at 500mm. If you don't need the versatility of the zoom, better stabilization, nor the 500mm reach, then I'd go for it. I like the versatility and the 500mm reach. Though I'm still debating picking up a 300L (f/4).

1Tanker wrote in post #15087232
Depends on your usage. If you're going to be at the long end of the zoom, then the 300/1.4x would be better. I made this exact switch. The 150-500 is basically an f/8 lens... for best results, whereas you can have 420/5.6 with the prime. IS is much better on the Sigma, but acceptable on the 300 combo. I can take static shots at 420mm down to ~1/125(on crop)...which is just a little better than 2 stops.

The 300 combo, is far and away.. a better handling setup. The Sigma is big/long/heavy, and i was very unimpressed with the zoom creep.

If you have a 1D series body, you can use a 2x on the prime.. for 600/8(though not the best IQ) and still retain AF..albeit slower, but you're at the limit with the Sigma @500. A 1.4x on the Sig, would put you to 700@f/9 and MF. While i found the Sigma ok at 700(i've tried 1000/13 and 1400/18 as well..more for fun ), you start to need a lot of light, and MFing that lens isn't as easy as the 300.. for sure.

Thanks Tom! I use the Bigmos @ 500mm, f8-f9 and have got decent images (sometimes with support)

Thank you jimewall - that is the precise crossroad I'm at now

Thank you Kel! You've got to know the bigmos well and I second each of the points you've noted.

I will be using the long end of the reach almost *all* the time, especially with birds (which is what I primarily shoot with this lens)
What I haven't been able to do is get myself to try the 300 f4+1.4X TC combo and compare how much of a FoV difference does it make

I love these threads.....Bigmos at f/8 to f/11 at full 500mm gives very good sharp images:

Thank you BM! Those are fantastic results from the lens.

I personally have used the Bigmos and cannot find much fault, but the f8 and it's need for a lot of light is something that's bothering me now (plus the fading sharpness away from the center)

All these shot with the Bigmos
http://picasaweb.googl​e.com ….m/Aerobats2?no​redirect=1

your shots have always been impressive with the bigmos...i'm sure you'll do fine with the 300mm and a 1.4TC...if you don't need the zoom option it seems like a good idea...

Thank you Andre! The quality does begin to fall off as the subject to cam distance increases - hoping this combination performs better

I currently have both the 150-500 and the 400 f/5.6L. Even with a 1.4 extender attached to the 400L, it's MUCH sharper and picks up much more detail than the Sigma. I use the combo on the 1D4 though, I'm not sure which body you're wanting to use the 300L with extender on. If you have a 1D body I would recommend the 400 over the 300 for faster focusing, much better combo for birds in flight.

^ Thank you
I have a Canon 40D and a TC on the 400 - that combo would lose AF

You are going to have IQ but miss the zoom.

Do it... For birds I find myself on the end of the zoom anyways 90% of the time..

As for the 150-500, There are good copies and there are bad, I owned bad ones, nowhere near as good as the 100-400, Much less the 300 or 400 primes