Sigma 500mm 4.5 or Canon 300mm 2.8 + Teleconverter

I have the opportunity of a used Sigma 500mm prime, as the Canon 500 is out of my price range, Should i snap up the Sigma or wait for a used Canon 300mm which i can use whith my 1.4x extender? The main use for these lenses will be motorsport and some wildlife.
Thanks for your opinions!

I'll let someone else extoll the virutues of the Sigma but I can tell you that the 300mm f/2.8L IS takes the 1.4x TC with really no appreciable loss in IQ at all. Short of actual lab tests, it's transparent.

So, the decision is 500 @ f/4.5 (with insert IQ) or 420mm @ f/4 (for all intents and purposes, flawless IQ)

300mm 2.8 with tcon

I went the Sigma 500 route and didn't regret it for a moment. Have alook at just about all of the circuit based galleries on my website (link below) and they are taken with the Sigma 500. An absolutely fabulous lens. Also check out any posts made by GSH or Cadwell (or their websites) to see stunning images taken with this lens. An absolute performance bargain compared to the Canon equivalent.

Simon.

* waits to be flamed by all the Canon L zealots *

No Flames here Simon. As I said, I love the 300 + TC but have no experience with the Siggy so you're word's gold with me!

I had edged slightly towards the Sigma as its available to me now and *slightly* cheaper than a 300 2.8, I'm not sure how much the 80mm lack of focal length will mean but ultimately image quality is the deciding factor.. to me at least.

Regardless of what anyone says, sticking a TC onto a lens has an impact both on AF speed and on quality. That impact may vary by lens, and may be at its least noticable with the big white super teles, but there is an impact - Canon has even published figures by how much AF speed was reduced that someone may be able to link to or quote, but they were significant.

Motorsport is like wildlife photography in that up to a point, you always want more reach. Assuming that you're not going to be signed on at the UK race circuits you visit, you don't want to be limited by side on pans, want your target nicely sized in the frame and you can justify the expense, then I would still go with the Sigma 500. The quality from this lens is in my experience superb. The Canon 300 + TC may give you some flexibility, and I know plenty that use that combination, but the Sigma is excellent. Note the Sigma will not AF even on your 1 series with a 1.4XTC - it should, but it won't.

However, this is just my opinion, and you need to work out what is best for you.

Simon

Boily wrote in post #8860788
300mm 2.8 with tcon

+ 1 also for the above.

I had a Sigma, AF was not camparable to the canon, it lacks IS and does not take a Tcon easily (taped pins might work but not all the time and not on all lenses....bit of a lottery). My 300 2.8 plus any Tcon is sharp wide open....save your money, get he canon to start with cos you will end up with it anyway.

Neilyb wrote in post #8863837
I had a Sigma, AF was not camparable to the canon,

My Sigma 500 was capable of tracking single seat race cars coming straight down the barrel of the lens at 150+ mph on a 1D mk II without issue.......

Hmmm, it's starting to get a little warm in here for me, and I'm sure I saw some flames

To the OP - it's horses for courses - a Canon 300 + 1.4XTC and 2XTC maybe a more flexible option for you. Your money, your choice. I wouldn't buy any lens just because it was available to me. That is not a good reason to but unless you have a large disposable income.



Simon.

Let's play guess the lens...answers on a postcard please.

All @ 500...some hand-held, some on a monopod.

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^- Wow, Thats nice...

Makes me really want a Sigma 500 now

God i hate this forum >.> You're going to bankrupt me

Yes, Sigma 500/4.5 unless you also do Friday night H.S. football and need a 300/2.8.

KenjiS wrote in post #8913009
^- Wow, Thats nice...

Makes me really want a Sigma 500 now

God i hate this forum >.> You're going to bankrupt me

I bought mine (used but in A1 condition) before the prices got silly. I've thought about selling it and probably making a decent profit on what i paid but every time i use the damn thing i decide to keep it.

I'm looking forward to finally sticking it on the 7D this weekend

GSH wrote in post #8913133
I bought mine (used but in A1 condition) before the prices got silly. I've thought about selling it and probably making a decent profit on what i paid but every time i use the damn thing i decide to keep it.

I'm looking forward to finally sticking it on the 7D this weekend

I saw one on Ebay for $1600 once...in box, used 5 times..

I was very "EUGH" over it