Ok, I need some help on making a decision. I have just enough money to buy a used Canon 400mm f2.8 non IS lens, or do I purchase a Canon 17-40, 50mm f1.4, a 100mm 2.8 macro, Canon 100-400 f4-5.6, and a flash and some extra batteries. Help me decide.
Brian
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
I think it's got to boil down to whether you want/need to do low light captures at 400mm. f/2.8 is a far cry from f/5.6. In practice I find I can't shoot good field sports with the 100-400 at night, even with fairly good field lights. I tried some ISO 3200 stuff, but the noise was a little too tough to get rid of.
I feel for you making that decision. Not long ago I decided against a 200 f/1.8 that I'd dearly love to have, but can't really justify.
Good luck.
-Noel
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
I guess it depends on what gear you have now and what you like to shoot.
If you're just starting to build your kit of good glass I'd go for the 17-40, 50, 100, 100-400 zoom, batteries etc. That's a good setup, and you can always ditch the 100-400 down the track for something better. You never know what Canon will release in the way of new long glass, and/or you'll probably be able to come across a 400/2.8 that's a good buy if you're ok with waiting for it.
But on the other hand, if you really like to shoot stuff that requires a 400/2.8 and not much else and the price is good... might as well get it! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
pete
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
I guess I should tell everyone what I have now.
Canon EOS 10D
28-135 IS
70-300 IS
Nothing else because I just switch to Canon from Minolta equipment. Minolta did not come out with a Digital SLR that I could use my old lenses on, so had to make a decision.
I shoot a lot of Zoo animals, and actually get paid for the hobby. The zoo uses the photos for postcards and are making a small booklet to sell.
Since you do the Zoo shots, I would recommend the 100-400. It is a much sharper lens than the 70-300, and gives very nice results as well with the EF 1.4X II. I also know that at the zoo, for me, having the zoom capabilities is very important. And for shooting in shaded areas or backlit situations, the Better Beamer will focus your flash and give you nice fill using the long lens...for about $50.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Brian, if you had the 400 f2.8, what percentage of your photos would be with this lens?
If it were less than 25%, I would not recommend buying it. I would suggest the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and a 1.4 extender, in its place. Then add the 17-40 (you're missing the wider end focal length), then (depending on which would be used more) the 50 f1.4 or the 100 f2.8 macro, or perhaps both will fit into your budget.
Good luck.
John
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
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