Lens Buying Question

[nssd70]

I have a Canon Rebel XS and I have a cheaper 75-300 lense,but I'm wanting to upgrade to a better lense,and I need a little bigger lense. I was thinking about going with a 100-400 lense,but wanted opinions on whose I should go with,or if there was something else that I shoild be thinking about. My budget needs to be something under $1000. Thanks for your response.

Doug

[gonzalu]

Under $1K? Hmmm, you'll be hard pressed to get anything new for under a thousand of at least 400mm and good quality.

The current choices in order of quality/price in my opinion are:

Canon Primes

Long
400mm f/2.8 L
400mm f/4 DO L
400mm f/5.6 L

Not as long but great quality
300mm f/2.8 + TC14
300mm f/4 + TC14

Zoom/Proven Useful by many thousands of photographers
100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L

Sigma
150-500mm F/5-6.3
50-500mm F/4.5-6.3 Bigma (Well known... has soft corners, barrelling, CA)

Tamron
SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di (I have no clue how good it is)

Tokina
AT-X 840 AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 (No idea of performance)

If I were you, I'd either invest in the 100-400mm or the Sigma Bigma. They are used day in and day out by more than any other lens mentioned above.

Personally I am Nikon and used to have an 80-400mm and also made do with a 70-200mm f/2.8 + TC-17 for a couple of years and ultimatley my itch for ultimate quality pushed me to the 200-400mm f/4 Nikon which is sharp from corner to corner, fast at f/4, sharp wide open or stopped down, VERY HEAVY and VERY expensive. But man it delivers the goods.

I will eventually get an 500mm f/4 for Airshows on Full Frame and eventually (like when I win the Lotto) a 600mm f/4 and the 400mm f/2.8 ... Their IQ is just stellar and the money is worth it if you desire the best quality.

But, with enough light, you can get KILLER results with a 300mm f/4 prime plus or minus the 1.4x teleconverter... or just go flexible with the 100-400mm and give up a bit of IQ. But, if downsizing for web, it will not make much difference as I have seen KILLER images with the cheapest of lenses. Only when you get to scrutinize the details at large sizes does it really show!

[Zee71]

Doug,

Not sure.........but there are rumors Canon might be releasing a newer version of the 100-400mm IS lens in 2011. If that's the case, you might want to hold off a tad, because some hard core Canon user might start dumping their 100-400mm lenses and upgrading to the newer verison, in which case you might get bargin. The other option is to check the used department at B&H, they may have additional lenses there.

Another option is to have fellow spotters make a contribution :P

[nssd70]

Thanks for the suggestions. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used lense either,if I could find one in good condition.

Doug

[jerslice]

I'm selling my 100-400 for $1,000.

[sporky]

AT-X 840 AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 (No idea of performance)

I have the Nikon version of this lense and find it to be quite good for the money, or lack of money considering I got it for about 1/3 of the NIKKOR version. I don't see too much in way of softening at the edges, but then again I am still raw at seeing stuff like that.

-Tad

[NIKV69]

I'm selling my 100-400 for $1,000.

Ding Ding! But it. Your best option by far.

[Roush6NY]

That is the best deal for $1000 for the 100-400. I just bought that lens 2 weeks ago brand new from Adorama for $1630 with the tax. All the used units were close to $1300 and the same with B&H.

I would grab it, it's worth every penny !!

[NIKV69]

That is the best deal for $1000 for the 100-400. I just bought that lens 2 weeks ago brand new from Adorama for $1630 with the tax. All the used units were close to $1300 and the same with B&H.

I would grab it, it's worth every penny !!

Use Unique, they are right over the border in NJ, ship same day you get it next day since your so close for no upcharge. No tax.

[megatop412]

I've been meaning to take a road trip up north to see Unique in person, anyone been there? I'm sure it isn't like B&H(which I also need to see in person)

[ANITIX87]

B&H is great. If you go, as for Paul. He's by far the most knowledgeable when it comes to general stuff, though they may have Canon/Nikon/etc. specialists there now.

Great superstore, and whatever they don't have there, they can easily get from their warehouses. Definitely worth the trip. Just be aware that you WILL pay tax if you buy in-store.

TIS

[Roush6NY]

B&H is massive, Adorama is very good I think, my last 2 lenses and my new canon body I got from them, they have great customer service

[moose135]

B&H is like a toy store for photographers. If you go, make sure you have plenty of time, and plenty of money!