Question: Should I sell my Sigma 100-300 f4 EX to fund a Canon 100-400 L IS
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I've a Sigma 135-400 that I used a few years ago on my 300D. I upgraded to the Canon 100-400 when I got the 20D as I found the focus wasn't as fast enough on the Sigma. I've been meaning to sell the Sigma, but have held onto it as a back up lens. I also love the IS on the Canon
The question to ask is why are you unhappy with the Sigma.
And does this justify the £1100- Sigma price of the Canon lens ?
The question to ask is why are you unhappy with the Sigma.
And does this justify the £1100- Sigma price of the Canon lens ?
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andrewc
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I would be buying a secondhand 100-400. I currently use a 100-300 EX with or without a Sigma x1.4 TC.
I'm happy with the performance of the 100-300 but with the 100-400 I'd get an extra 100mm built in and IS.
With the x1.4tc which gives me the range at f5.6, the focussing speed is noticably reduced leading to a lower keep rate, plus a slight degradation of the image quality overall.
My query is how does the focussing speed of the Canon compare with the Sigma. Some people on here are dedicated Sigma fans with the 120-300 f2.8, others love their Canon 100-400 L.
I suppose another option is to go for the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and retain my existing TC if I need it. A prime is another consideration, but not sure if the loss of flexibility would justify the step away from zoom.
I'm happy with the performance of the 100-300 but with the 100-400 I'd get an extra 100mm built in and IS.
With the x1.4tc which gives me the range at f5.6, the focussing speed is noticably reduced leading to a lower keep rate, plus a slight degradation of the image quality overall.
My query is how does the focussing speed of the Canon compare with the Sigma. Some people on here are dedicated Sigma fans with the 120-300 f2.8, others love their Canon 100-400 L.
I suppose another option is to go for the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and retain my existing TC if I need it. A prime is another consideration, but not sure if the loss of flexibility would justify the step away from zoom.
From what I've read, one of the biggest "issues" with the Canon is the push-pull zoom, as it's a very personal thing and some love it whilst others hate it. Definitely a lens which you need to get your hands on and play with a bit before deciding I think.
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Andrew
Your reason for wanting the Canon is very similar to mine. I was a Wild Fowl reserve and tried to photograph a group of five swans coming into land. Great formation, I was on a bank at about the same height as them . Their approach was at a slight angle, and the Sigma just couldn't lock onto them whilst they flew. I've not had any such trouble with the Canon locking onto moving subjects.
Yes the push pull construction does take a little getting used to but it does have an advantage. As you extend the lens your arm goes out with it to improve the support.
As to the fear that the lens pumps dust around inside the camera, I had to clean my 5D sensor after using it for 3 months ( a very small spot top RH corner) and nothing for 6 months. The 20D before that got one cleaning in about 12 months and nothing in over a year. I'm sure good housekeeping helps.
Focus is coming up in a couple of months, if you can wait 'till then Canon will be there so you can try the lens for yourself. Better still Warehouse Express have just opened a shop in Norwich. They claim you can "See it, Touch it Test it"
Your reason for wanting the Canon is very similar to mine. I was a Wild Fowl reserve and tried to photograph a group of five swans coming into land. Great formation, I was on a bank at about the same height as them . Their approach was at a slight angle, and the Sigma just couldn't lock onto them whilst they flew. I've not had any such trouble with the Canon locking onto moving subjects.
Yes the push pull construction does take a little getting used to but it does have an advantage. As you extend the lens your arm goes out with it to improve the support.
As to the fear that the lens pumps dust around inside the camera, I had to clean my 5D sensor after using it for 3 months ( a very small spot top RH corner) and nothing for 6 months. The 20D before that got one cleaning in about 12 months and nothing in over a year. I'm sure good housekeeping helps.
Focus is coming up in a couple of months, if you can wait 'till then Canon will be there so you can try the lens for yourself. Better still Warehouse Express have just opened a shop in Norwich. They claim you can "See it, Touch it Test it"
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I'd go with a prime personally - I'd get the 300 f4 with 1.4x convertor - awesome lens & the quality is outstanding, focus is stupidly fast too. Even with the convertor, I found it a good deal sharper than any copies of the 100-400 that I've used too.
All depends on whether you need the versatility of the zoom, can zoom with your feet or know when & where to stand to get the best shots :shrug:
I do like the push/pull zoom though & for all around versatility with that range you cannot beat the 100-400.
Good luck with your choice
All depends on whether you need the versatility of the zoom, can zoom with your feet or know when & where to stand to get the best shots :shrug:
I do like the push/pull zoom though & for all around versatility with that range you cannot beat the 100-400.
Good luck with your choice