Zoom help

[leedogg3]

I would like to pick the collective brain of the forum. Having recently moved to Cornwall I have found myself taking more photos than ever, and have realised I need more focal length. I am looking to capture surfers/birds etc so don't need anything ott. I made a pledge to myself to try and stick to Canon L series since I got a 5d mkii however I am prepared to look at anything really as long as it's full frame. Budget wise I am comfortable with up to £1,500 if pushed. Current lenses are 17-40mm, 24-105mm, 24-70mm. A recommendations will b gratefully received.

[DibblyDobbler]

100-400 is probably the obvious answer. I had one (ok two actually) but after a long and tortuous process which I'll spare you I have ended up with a 400L f5.6 which is excellent and relatively inexpensive. I was shooting at 400 all the time so the zoom was not worthwhile and the prime is a tad sharper and lighter.

If you're limiting it to L lenses and £1500 max then there are not actually that many options! These two plus the 300 f4 come to mind. Or a 70-200 + extender... ?

[Seight_Returns]

Have been using a 70-300L for the last couple of years - very, very happy with it - night and day improvement over my pervious EF 70-300IS - variable apperture and only f/5.6 at the longest end potential downsides. Compfortably within budget.

I use this on a 7D and gives all the reach I need - may not be enough on a full frame camera - if so then as above 100-400 probably your only option for a longer zoom at that budget.

All the 70-200Ls reported to be excellent and apparently work well with 1.4x extenders, but less so with 2x.

[Crafty_]

Yep 100-400 or the Sigma 150-500.

100-400s go for about £750+ secondhand so you might be able to get one of those and something else too ?

[Simpo Two]

leedogg3 said:

I need more focal length... anything really as long as it's full frame.

Why full frame? This will reduce your effective focal length considerably so you'll spend more to get back to where you were.

[S47]

canon 400 f5.6 'L' prime
Plus
Canon 70-200 F4 'L'
Easily get both for £1500 - if spent carefully you could also buy Canon 1.4x convertor withing your budget

[leedogg3]

S47 said:

canon 400 f5.6 'L' prime
Plus
Canon 70-200 F4 'L'
Easily get both for £1500 - if spent carefully you could also buy Canon 1.4x convertor withing your budget

Would that be second hand?

[leedogg3]

M4FFU said:

The 300mm F4L IS and the 1.4? Gives you 420mm 5.6 but with the IS still functioning, I believe.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I think at the moment I am looking at the above.

[leedogg3]

Simpo Two said:

Why full frame? This will reduce your effective focal length considerably so you'll spend more to get back to where you were.

You are quite right of course, I meant to say that as long as it is compatible with full frame.

[Craikeybaby]

On full frame 200mm will be too short for birds/surfer, you want at least 300mm. I've had good results with the 400f5.6, but obviously with that there is a big gap from your standard zooms.

Out of interest, why both 24-70 and 24-105? Are they better at different things?

[leedogg3]

Craikeybaby said:

On full frame 200mm will be too short for birds/surfer, you want at least 300mm. I've had good results with the 400f5.6, but obviously with that there is a big gap from your standard zooms.

Out of interest, why both 24-70 and 24-105? Are they better at different things?

Sorry didn't see question. I already had 24-70mm which I bought second hand, then I got the 5d on a good deal with the 24-105. I could get rid of one but I don't like letting go!

Now I have too much time on my hands I have a new solution.. Sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 for approx £650, Canon 50mm f1.4 for £279 to replace f1.8 which took a roll down cliffs in Newquay and a large Billingham bag to carry it all in?