Lusting After a Lens

I am currently shooting with Canon 50D (15MP, 1.6x crop) and Canon 5DMkII (21MP, full frame). My spotting lens is the Canon 100-400 f/4-5.6L IS USM.

Sigma has recently updated their 120-300mm f/2.8 and it looks just spectacular. However, it costs $3,600, and I'm concerned about losing the extra reach at the long end (I would sell or trade in my 100-400 to make up some of the cost).

Would I be at a total loss at JFK without the 300-400 range? Remember that, on my 50D, the Sigma would be a 192-480mm "equivalent" (Manny, I won't get you started on that discussion...haha). I know I'd be fine at the mounds, at Panera, and at "the spot we don't mention where security is annoying". But would Bayswater and HoBe leave me begging for extra reach?

Any other thoughts?

Anybody have experience with this lens?

Thanks,

Antonis (I'm going to stop signing my posts "TIS" since you all know me by now...)

I know I would be hurting with just 300mm at HoBe. With the exception of A340's, 747's, A380's, and 777's, I make use of every last bit of my 150-500mm there. I don't like to crop my images any more than I have to. Bayswater is a different story- you should be fine with 4R arrivals and most 13R departures, as well as most 31L arrivals

I think that it could be a great choice. Being that its an f2.8 lens, you could add teleconverters to your collection later to extend your reach when you need it. With a 2x teleconverter, you'd have a 240-600mm f5.6. At HoBe, that could be awesome.

I'm also trying to get my hands on that lens. I may be going after a previous version though. the new one is a bit out of my reach.

2.8 always a good call...makes it super versatile for low light never mind non aviation stuff. That being said my spotting outing declined quickly after I sold my 100-400. Need a 300+ out here. Miss the reach, though not the lens, all the time. If you're willing to spend 3600 I'd recommend considering looking at used Canon 300 2.8 I primes. I lust after that lens constantly.

I was going to mention a 1.4x converter for the Sigma 120-300mm. With the 2x converter the IQ won't be as good us you'll loose two f-stops. Using that combo on a crop sensor would be plenty good for Hobe and Bayswater.

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Originally Posted by mldoc

I think that it could be a great choice.

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Originally Posted by jerslice

2.8 always a good call...

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Originally Posted by Zee71

Using that combo on a crop sensor would be plenty good for Hobe and Bayswater.

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Do you guys want to chip in and pay 1K each? I can cover the rest.

Antonis

Absolutely can. Check is in the mail.
note that it's post dated to June 7, 2090