New Long Lens help please

[shadytree]

I'm considering taking advantage of the current weak dollar and purchasing a quality long lens from the States.

Basically I'm after a lens that will still Autofocus whilst using a 2x tele converter.
Not sure I can afford the monster Canon EF300mm f2.8 L IS quite yet, but can anyone recomend a good lens ?

Looking for about 600/800mm in focal length. Currently using a Canon 10D.

Any advice would be much appreciated

[V6GTO]

How about the Canon 100-400L IS? I'm still in love with mine after 2 years!

Martin.







>> Edited by V6GTO on Friday 3rd December 13:06

>> Edited by V6GTO on Friday 3rd December 13:09

[Ian_H]

I am pretty sure that with the 2x convertor to maintain autofocus the lens has to be f2.8 or faster and f4 or faster with the 1.4x convertor. How about the 300f4 with a 1.4x convertor that would give you an effective focal length of 672mm and should maintain autofocus providing that there is plenty of light because with the convertor on the lens would become f5.6


Cheers
Ian

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

I've got the 100-400IS and it's a good lense, but doesn't allow auto focus with a x2 converter on the 10D.You probably already know that anything above F5.6 is auto focus un-friendly.

@ 400mm it's effectively 560mm on the 10D and it's the limit for me handheld.

Also...I don't know what lenses you tried but the long F5.6 darkness is going to shock you. Now the F2.8 ... mmm nice.

[ehasler]

100-400L is good, but too slow when you fit the 2x converter to it (you lose two stops, so max aperture at 400mm goes down to f11).

You also lose a bit of sharpness with the 2x converter, and autofocus won't work either (although you can frig it with a bit of tape over the electronic contacts on the lens).

On the other hand, the 300mm f2.8 is a great lens to use with both converters, as even at 2x, you get 600mm @ f5.6. However, it is very heavy, big and not that easy to hand hold for any length of time, so factor in some time down the gym, or shaky pics when your arms start to quiver!!

I've got both, and almost never use the 100-400 when I have the 300mm with me as it is such a great lens, so if you can come up with the cash, then go for it!

If not, what about taking a look at the Sigma 300 f2.8? No idea how good it is, but it's less than half the price of the Canon, although doesn't have IS which is very useful.

[shadytree]

cheers chaps,

I already have the 100-400is , but I'm greedy for more zoom.

It seems there are ways around getting to 600mm + , but i guess you get what you pay for regards the 300mm f2.8

definitley a time for a smilie

[EmmaP]

I'd stick with the Canon 300mm 2.8 IS USM personally. It would be a great investment. The Image Stabilisation system is great, as you already know. You'll be suprised at how you get used to holding such a big weight. Best increase your weight loading at the gym though You will definately need lots of stamina with that beastie.

My Canon brochure says that the Extender EF1.4x will lower autofocus speed by about half, and the Extender EF2x by one fourth.