brand new Bigma, or used 100-400L IS?

Just as the topic says, I am very torn between a used 100-400 and the Newest model bigma... I understand the focal length, quality and IS issues that make these two so different from one another.

So many people say they love each, which should I buy?

My gut just says go with the "dustpump" for the quality, and IS, but i played with the bigma and the range is just astonishing...

Lens will be for walkaround, zoos, airshows... no hardcore birding or anything like that.

Please respond if you feel strongly enough to push me in one direction or the other. I dont just want a "both are great" response if you can help it.

Other question, why not just get a 70-200f/2.8 IS and a TC?

IS matters. The bigma is definitely a pod lens based on both its weight and its focal length. It is VERY hard to tame..I am sorry to say that I tried and I failed. I'll candidly admit that it's an operator issue, not a lens issue.. but I eventually let it go, being unwilling to carry the weight, and the pod, and the whole nine yards.

I eventually landed up with the 100-400 and it is a treat to use, even handheld. 640mm FOV on a 30D and my shots are coming out nice and sharp..... love it!!

For me the deciding factor was the weight. I think it about a pound heavier than the 100-400L...and its over 3 lbs! It felt much heavier when I tried it out on my camera, and when you've got them side by side to compare, for me the 100-400L fit the bill.

I really like my Zoom to work well handheld, so I dumped the Bigma and went with the 100-400mm

When I compared the lenses I found image quality to be about the same. I would base my choice on whether I need the extra 100mm focal length or IS more. If you use a tripod for most of your long shots and shoot at maximum focal length a lot (that's me) the Sigma 50-500 is the better choice. If you do a lot of hand held shooting, go for the Canon 100-400 for the IS.

I shoot handheld 99% of the time and I don't get too many complaints about the quality of my shots with the Bigma. But to be honest I don't use the IS on my lenses that have this feature as I've either got just as good of an image or better without the IS turned on. But that doesn't mean the Bigma is for everyone as others have stated here, it will depend on your individual skills. IMO I would prefer new Vs a used lens also, but thats a personal choice.

I don't think someone else can make the choice for you, think about what you need/want from the lens and that should make the choice clear. If your just doing Zoo's and air shows I question if you really need 400-500mm focal reach ? Would your 70-200 f4 not work well enough for this kind of shooting ? IMO 500mm reach is overkill for Zoo shooting, but each to their own. The Bigma is great because you can shoot just about anything and only carry/use one lens.

All I can say is think about what feature you want most from the lens and your intended use and buy what suits this purpose most. Both are a good and safe choice, but really only you can make the choice. It's your money.

I spent months bugging people for advice, pictures and looking at both lenses closely trying to make a decision.. Ultimately I went for the quality and got the L..

I love my 100-400 L, but I'll admit I'm biased. I had bad experiences with 3rd party lenses in the past, so I just stick with Canon.

Mark

I have used both and think they're both excellent, each with their own strengths. I think it really comes down to whether you need/want IS or not. And even though I have the 1-4IS, the Bigma is truly a unique, special lens.

Using a 1.4x it's quite good still, but using a 2x it can't compete with either the 1-4IS or Bigma.

FWIW, I went to the Pro Photo Expo today and tried to handhold this lens and couldn't, so I didn't buy it ...

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CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #2682846
I really like my Zoom to work well handheld, so I dumped the Bigma and went with the 100-400mm

I have the exact same feeling (except I still have the Bigma, need to off-load it and the 2x TC).

Remember... IS helps on tri/monopod too!

well I pulled the trigger on a nice used 100-400L... Thanks all for the help.

I really wanted the 2 lens combo of the tamron 17-50 2.8 and the bigma (one on each body) for the all-inclusive walk around combo but I think i will really like the 1-400 alot also.

If not, i can always sell it, they move fast (the best thing about L glass)

ScottE wrote in post #2683003
When I compared the lenses I found image quality to be about the same. I would base my choice on whether I need the extra 100mm focal length or IS more.

Mitcon wrote in post #2683399
If your just doing Zoo's and air shows I question if you really need 400-500mm focal reach ? Would your 70-200 f4 not work well enough for this kind of shooting ? IMO 500mm reach is overkill for Zoo shooting, but each to their own.

That about sums up why you made the right choice.

I had both and personally preferred the Bigma, but we all have different specific needs and so we all need different specific solutions.