What is best 400 mm for EOS 20D golf shots

I have posted in the camera equipement forum this question yesterday

and got some answers

 

SIGMA 80-400 OS and monopod wrong way ?

 

But perhaps here you could help me better on golf photography.

I need a reach at 400 mm (I have just a very good Canon 70-200 L4 with

a 20D)

 

I am not satisfied with the sigma 80-400 OS (you can see details in

the camera equipment forum) so I hesitate now for buying at about same

price (1000 or 1500 USD)

 

here 4 examples about what i mean

 

All of course without traitment or any sharpening (view at 100 % please)

 

First, a shot i thing very good at 1/1000 sec aperture 4 with the

70-200 L4

 

http://asafgolf.free.fr/IMG_1685.JPG

 

then, 3 shots with the Sigma 80-400 OS activated, on monopod.

 

first, this portrait, in my opinion very different of the previous in

terms of quality, not sharp, and with a terrific blur around the withe

edges (the tee in the mouth, horrible...)speed 1/500 aperture 5.6

 

http://asafgolf.free.fr/IMG_2661.JPG

 

second, a shot at speed 1/400 aperture 7, same problems

 

http://asafgolf.free.fr/IMG_2119.JPG

 

finally, a shot at speed 1/600 aperture 5.6, also not sharp, very

inferior quality compared to shots of Gary with the 400 5.6 Canon first.

 

http://asafgolf.free.fr/IMG_2630.JPG

 

There is a subjective aspect, of course, in the appreciation, but to

simplify, the problem for me is only that : buy the 400 5.6 Canon or

the 80-400 Sigma for sharpen golf shots, What is the best choice ?

 

Perhaps a better choice/same price for my requirements will be not a

zoom, but a prime like the Canon 400 L 5.6, and not OS or IS, but a

monopod only (300 L4 too short). This conclusion based after watching

the Leszek test (Canon seems clearly better at 5.6) and also after

watching and compare attentively number of pictures on Pbase take with

the Sigma 80-400 and the Canon prime L lenses at about same price or a

little more. When I see for example shoots of Gary Stephenson with the

20D / Canon 400 L 5.6

 

http://www.pbase.com/gary/nissan05

 

It seems to be clear that this lens is much more better than Sigma

80-400. Many 80-400 shots are not sharp at all? (quite same for the

100-400 IS?)

 

thank you for attention and help.

The lens you want is definitely the 400/5.6L prime. I have one with my 10D, and it's clear that the money that wasn't used in making a zoom or putting in an image stabilizer went into making a lens that is diffraction-limited wide-open.

JBQ's assessment is dead on. I am a little suprised you need a 400mm lens, especially on a 20D, but you obviously know from experience. Although I personally would prefer the 400/5.6 there are those that may recommend the 300/4L IS with 1.4x which would provide results somewhere between the Sigma and the 400/5.6 but with the added security of IS when it is not so sunny.

I need a 400 because of the heavy shutter sound of the 20D, I must stay far enough from the golf players to respect the silence "quiet please..."

Wow, that is pretty extreme isn't it. Of course, I do not golf. You could make a foam baffle with a cutout for the lens that would be placed between the body and the golfer. I am thinking if it were 12" x 12" and perhaps 2" thick it may just be enough to deaden the sound. It could reside just in front of the camera to allow you to grip it properly. Might be a little awkward but might also do the trick. You could test it on a friend on a golf course. Just a thought. Good luck!

Have you tried shooting the Sigma 80-400 OS WITHOUT monopod and with OS function ON? Alternatively, try shooting 80-400 OS on monopod, but TURN OFF the OS function.

 

A few cases were cited that IS/VR lens perform as designed when hand-held, but the function must be switched off on tripod/support for optimum result (IS/VR mechanism tried to compensate for movement that doesn't exist when supported.)

 

If you get a chance to go back and try shooting on monopod with OS off, or shooting handheld with OS on, please do share without of your findings.

 

Good luck.

I know it's not on your list but have you looked at the Tamron 200-500, it should be faster focusing than the sigma and almost as sharp as a 400mm prime.

400 f/2.8

Patrick,

 

I personally agree with Dan Smith on this one.. but it's all personal preference. I personally like the Canon 400F/2.8 for sports. The speed of the lens and ability to isolate your subject in a shallow DOF is important especially when you consider that your promary subject might be shooting from within a gallery of spectators. My suggestion would be to rent a few lenses and see which would suit your needs best.

 

-Norman