70-200/f4 L USM (non-IS) vs. Sigma 120-400/4,5-5,6

I am an amateur photographer that just recently got my first DSLR (60D), I do learn quick and I have full control over all my camera settings so you could call me an advanced beginner maybe.

 

<p> <br>

I have a hard time deciding which telezoom to save up money for. I have not done any wildlife photography before but I know my focus will be on birds (still shots only), squirrels and other animals. I plan on putting out some bird feeders at first, making the birds come to me but I would like to get out in the field later on, setting up there as well.<br>

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Most likely I will be handholding but I do have a tripod if I decide to bring it with me. And since I got a crop body the focal length will be longer on both lenses.<br>

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Sigma 120-400/4,5-5,6<br>

Canon 70-200/4 L USM (non IS) with 1.4x TC<br>

<br />There is also the Tamron 70-300 Di VC USD<br>

<br>

Which one do you suggest?</p>

 

<p>For bird shooting, <em>even</em> 400mm (or 640mm on the crop ;-) ) is often considered a bit short. The 70-200/4, as good as it is, is likely to be waaaay to short, unless you have some very large birds in mind. Also the addition of a 1.4x will make it <em>considerably</em> harder to shoot with since it doesn't have IS. Shooting from a tripod is not particularly helpful unless the birds are larger and not moving. </p>

<p>Of the three, my first choice would be the 120-400 OS HSM, then the Tamron 70-300 VC USD, then, (a remote) third may be the 70-200/4. <br>

To be honest though, there is another option which may be better, have you considered the Sigma 150-500 OS HSM? It's only a smidge more expensive (~$100), and increses your length by ~25%. It's downside is it's small aperture at full length (f6.3) <em>may</em> make your camera struggle a bit (more) in contrary lighting, though for the most part, especially using center point only, you're not likely to notice much of a difference.</p>

<p>Maybe a 400/5.6? I believe birders tend to prefer primes. Any way you do it, it's an expensive pursuit.</p>

<p>Canon 400 5.6L at the least. I will say the Canon 70-200L is way way better than either of those 3 rd party jobs, but not enough length for your needs,only my opinion though.</p>

<p>Marcus: I have considered the 150-500 but read too many mixed reviews that it's being way too soft at 500 even when stopped down to f/8.</p>

<p>Sarah: Way outside my budget, 120-400mm which is at around $900 is my budget.</p>

<p>Alan: Thanks.</p>

<p>Within your budget you should consider a used Canon EF 100-400/5.6 L IS, used Canon 400/5.6 L, used Canon EF 300/4 L (IS or non-IS) with used EF 1.4x, or used Canon EF 200/2.8 L and EF 2x. </p>

<p>If you are concerned about having a useful overall zoom range as opposed to a long fixed lens another more expensive option would be a used original Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L and EF 2x.</p>

<p>I always by used lenses myself as one's budget goes much further. Check keh.com, bhphotovideo.com, and adorama.com</p>

 

<p>If I would buy overseas I would get hit by VAT and customs, which would make buying used almost useless.</p>

<p>Maybe save until you can afford the lens you need, rather than compromising by buying only what you can afford right now. I totally admit that it is hard to put off something you're passionate about, but if you buy a lens that doesn't meet your needs just because that's all you can afford, you're going to wait even longer before you can afford the one that does. There must be a local used market in lenses wherever you are; start posting "want to buy" ads and see what turns up.</p>

 

The Tamron SP 70-300 Di VC USD would be a good start. However, if birds is what you are really interested in, as I am,

you will discover very quickly that 300mm is not enough. As others pointed out, even 400 is on the short side for birds,

even on a crop body.

 

Also, you will almost certainly be cropping your bird shots, and it helps to have the best possible image to start. That is

why the Canon 400 f/5.6L USM and 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM are recommended. They are expensive, but not that

much more than the Canon 70-200 f/4 plus a Canon 1.4x III (a total of over $1,000).

 

Used lenses are available almost anywhere. Maybe your local Canon office sells refurbished lenses, too.

 

It will come down to your priorities. If you really want good bird shots, then one of the 400mm Canons will be your best

budget choice. If you start with the Tamron 70-300, you'll be looking to upgrade to at least a 400 within a year. I have a

Tamron that has seen very little use since I bought my 100-400!

<p>Jay: I know, but it is really hard because I love photography so much. I would rather buy a lens now, use it while I'm saving up for the "end game" lens for me and then sell it off when I get the new one.</p>

<p>How about a used mirror telephoto to get you going until you can save more money -- typically 500/8. The things have terrible "donut" bokeh and are somewhat hard to focus, but they are extremely cheap, extremely light, extremely small, and often quite sharp, with no CA. Then when you can afford a better lens, you can sell your mirror for around what you paid for it, which isn't a lot.</p>

<p>The Canon 70-200 F4 (non-IS) with a 1.4 extender will NOT be better than a Tamron 70-300 VC F4-5.6. I shoot with both and I would put the Tamron a step ahead of the Canon 70-200 F4 at F4 and 200mm with VC on when shooting handheld at 1\200. Far ahead if shooting at 200mm F4 at 1\100 and even further ahead at 300mm F5.6 when the Canon has the extender added shooting handheld at 1\200 with no IS.<br>

I would go with the Tamron 70-300 VC just because it is so cheap. I got mine for $399.00.<br>

<a href="http://patrickwheaton.com/windmills/h54e8f950#h54e8f9bc">http://patrickwheaton.com/windmills/h54e8f950#h54e8f9bc</a><br>

I also agree with the person who said look at the Sigma 150-500 if it is only $100 more will get you a lot more reach for only a little more money.</p>

<p>Using feeders, the 70-200mm f/4L, combined with the 1.4X will work well. For example:</p>

<p><a title="Northern Cardinal by dcstep, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4012/4274894709_1ca60f2ce6_z.jpg" alt="Northern Cardinal" width="608" height="640" /></a></p>