best affordable long tele

<p>Have a 6D together with some primes and zooms also has a 70-200 f/4 which I like. Need a longer reach zoom. Bought a Tamron 150-600mm but sold back after just 3-4 days.<br>

Need a zoom like ef 200-400mm but it is VERY expensive which I can't afford.</p>

<p>Ef 100-400 seems logic but I have 24-70 f/2.8. If I buy 100-400II, I will no longer need 70-200. The gap between 24-70 to 100-400 is only 30 mm.</p>

<p>My question is is ef 100-400 II very good and sharp lens? It seems also expensive.</p>

<p>What would you recommend to me in that range? No need to be only Canoon zooms!</p>

<p>Thank you</p>

 

<p>Just to say the Canon 100-400 II is an excellent lens. But it is quite big and heavy though not as heavy as the Tamron. So while I can recommend it I also think you should keep the smaller, lighter 70-200 f4. I have kept my 70-300 for that reason. If you are concerned about the cost perhaps the Mk I 100-400 might be the answer.</p>

<p>What was the reason to send back the Tamron, what did you not like about it? It may help understand which lens will work for your needs, or not.</p>

<p>I own a 500/f4-II, a 70-200/f4 and both the 1.4x and 2.0x TC-III, which I use mainly on my 7D MkII. I'm still planning to buy a 100-400mm Series II. I shoot birds and wildlife primarily, but also do landscapes, travel and portraits. Which lens I use depends on the size of my subject and my proximity. I've borrowed someone else's 100-400mm and used it to shoot deer bucks and preferred to my 70=200mm for that purpose and it works for large birds. I think it'd be a great sports lens also. The 70-200mm is also great for that, with or without the TC.</p>

<p>You've never said what you want to shoot. There's no better zoom at an "affordable" price than the Tamron and Sigma, They're both about as good as the old Canon 100-400mm, but not as good as the excellent Series II.</p>

<p>Shooting at focal lengths beyond 400mm, requires some good technique. Are you sure that you were using the lens correctly? If you want to post an image with EXIF data and a description of how you took the image, we might could help you. Link us to a full resolution image if you want useful advice.</p>

<p>I just bought a Sigma 150-600mm C. I think and also according to reviews, that this is where you get most out of your money. It costs below 1000$</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The Sigma 150-600 Contemporary is a very good lens, with an outstanding performance to dollar ratio, and the build quality feels excellent. It's a great bargain, given both its versatility and the prices for the alternatives from the major manufacturers. While image quality isn't super tack sharp, especially at 500-600mm (and the corners aren't as crisp on full-frame cameras), if you factor in all the cash left in your bank account as opposed to purchasing a 500mm or 600mm prime lens or something like the Canon 200-400mm f/4 lens, you'll be thoroughly impressed and chuckling all the way to the bank.<br /><br />http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2015/03/30/sigma-150-600mm-contemporary-lens-review</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I shoot landscape, architecture and people. I bought Tamron 150-600mm to shoot aeroplanes and also general shooting.<br /> I use Canon 6D. I have no problem with hand held shooting. I've taken these picture with monopod.</p>

<p>You will notice that lens is better below 500mm. Sharper when it is used 400mm and below. If I will not use this lens above 400mm why I need 150-600mm?</p>

<p>Here are the samples and exif data :</p>

<p><strong>@ 400mm</strong><br /><img src="http://i.hizliresimupload.com/la6qpdDc.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <strong>100 % crop</strong><br /><img src="http://i.hizliresimupload.com/MgFR3BMV.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <strong>EXIF DATA:</strong><br /> File Name IMG_0271.JPG<br /> Camera Model Canon EOS 6D<br /> Shooting Date/Time 10/31/2015 12:43:10 PM<br /> Shooting Mode Program AE<br /> Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/800<br /> Av(Aperture Value) 10<br /> Metering Mode Partial Metering<br /> ISO Speed 640<br /> Lens TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011<br /> Focal Length 400.0mm<br /> Image Size 5472x3648<br /> Image Quality Fine<br /> White Balance Mode Auto<br /> AF Mode One-Shot AF<br /> AF area select mode Manual selection<br /> Picture Style Auto<br /> Sharpness 3<br /> Contrast 0<br /> Saturation 0<br /> Color tone 0<br /> Color Space sRGB</p>

<p><strong>@ 500mm</strong><br /> <img src="http://www.hizliresimyukle.net/u/37/06/87f60637_orginal.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <strong>100 % crop</strong><br /> <img src="http://www.hizliresimyukle.net/u/51/82/87f68251_orginal.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <br /> <strong>EXIF DATA :</strong><br /> File Name IMG_0278.JPG<br /> Camera Model Canon EOS 6D<br /> Shooting Date/Time 10/31/2015 12:49:10 PM<br /> Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/400<br /> Av(Aperture Value) 8.0<br /> Metering Mode Center-Weighted Average Metering<br /> Exposure Compensation 0<br /> ISO Speed 800<br /> Lens TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011<br /> Focal Length 500.0mm<br /> Image Quality Fine<br /> White Balance Mode Auto<br /> AF Mode One-Shot AF<br /> AF area select mode Manual selection<br /> Picture Style Auto<br /> Sharpness 3<br /> Contrast 0<br /> Saturation 0<br /> Color tone 0<br /> Color Space sRGB</p>

<p><strong>@ 600mm</strong><br /> <img src="http://i.hizliresimupload.com/yit7zgTQ.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <br /> <strong><strong>100 % crop</strong></strong><br /> <img src="http://www.hizliresimyukle.net/u/32/51/87f65132_orginal.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <br /> <strong>EXIF DATA :</strong><br /> File Name IMG_0265.JPG<br /> Camera Model Canon EOS 6D<br /> Shooting Date/Time 10/31/2015 12:10:17 PM<br /> Shooting Mode Program AE<br /> Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/500<br /> Av(Aperture Value) 9.0<br /> Metering Mode Partial Metering<br /> ISO Speed 640<br /> Lens TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011<br /> Focal Length 600.0mm<br /> Image Quality Fine<br /> White Balance Mode Auto<br /> AF Mode One-Shot AF<br /> AF area select mode Manual selection<br /> Picture Style Auto<br /> Sharpness 3<br /> Contrast 0<br /> Saturation 0<br /> Color tone 0<br /> Color Space sRGB</p>

<p><strong>@ 600mm</strong><br /> <img src="http://www.hizliresimyukle.net/u/48/01/87f60148_orginal.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <strong><strong><strong>100 % crop</strong></strong></strong><br /> <img src="http://i.hizliresimupload.com/II1WkElG.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <strong><strong><strong><strong>EXIF DATA :</strong></strong></strong></strong><br /> File Name IMG_0460.JPG<br /> Camera Model Canon EOS 6D<br /> Shooting Date/Time 11/9/2015 2:22:32 PM<br /> Shooting Mode Aperture-Priority AE<br /> Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/160<br /> Av(Aperture Value) 7.1<br /> Metering Mode Center-Weighted Average Metering<br /> Exposure Compensation 0<br /> ISO Speed 1600<br /> Auto ISO Speed OFF<br /> Lens TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011<br /> Focal Length 600.0mm<br /> Image Size 5472x3648<br /> Crop/aspect ratio 3:2<br /> Image Quality Fine<br /> White Balance Mode Auto<br /> AF Mode One-Shot AF<br /> AF area select mode Manual selection<br /> Picture Style Auto<br /> Sharpness 3<br /> Contrast 0<br /> Saturation 0<br /> Color tone 0<br /> Color Space sRGB<br /> <br /> <br /> In general view, when looking at the photos % 20-25 view, they are acceptable but when magnified to % 50 or more they are not sharp at all after 400mm.</p>

<p>Is EF 100-400 sharper? Does it worth to risk that much money and buy?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p><strong><em>"In general view, when looking at the photos % 20-25 view, they are acceptable"</em></strong><br>

stop looking at 100% magnification !<br>

also, shoot in RAW (not jpeg) it's easier and better for sharpening</p>

<p> the old original 100-400 is still pretty good at 400mm</p>

<p><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/20025408881_35966f447d_b.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/598/21596146118_3b9f0979d0_b.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p> </p>

<p>Your shutter speeds are way too low for hand-holding or monopod shooting, particularly with that lens. You might get away with it with a Canon prime, with Series II stabilization, but the Tamrons and Sigmas are not up to it. </p>

<p>You say that you, "have no trouble with hand holding." At these focal lengths, you likely do and you're seeing it in your images at 100%. Please do continue to inspect your images at 100% and 200%. With your equipment, it's reasonable to expect sharpness at those levels.</p>

<p>Also, be aware that DOF is extremely shallow at these focal lengths. In the last one, if you focused on the emblem on the meter, then the conduits behind it would be OOF. In the first image, if you focused on the mirrored skyscrapers in the back, the structure in front would likely be out of focus. </p>

<p>You don't mention EV. Generally, your shots look unexposed to me. I'd shoot all those scenes at +1EV and then adjust Exposure down in Raw conversion. It'll minimize noise and give you more dynamic range. With other subjects, you need to be aware and not blow out important highlight, but with the subjects you've shown, they look unexposed to me. (Calibrate your monitor if you have not done so). </p>

<p>Just as an example of what I get with the Canon 100-400 II here is a recent airshow shot (Gloster Gladiator) taken at 400mm at 500th f11. No sharpening and as I am in a hurry and only checked a couple of frames this is probably not the best example!</p><div></div>

<p>...amd now the 700 pixels wide crop from the frame...</p><div></div>

<p>I agree with David's analysis. I think you made a mistake selling the Tamron. You have unrealistic expectations - you need to improve your long lens technique. You could get a Sigma 150-600mm, but this and the Tamron are pretty well neck-and-neck performance wise, with some edge to the Sigma in some conditions, but the AF in the Tamron is, perhaps, a little better. Certainly any 400mm or less lens is going to be easier to get sharp images than 500-600mm. From my perspective unless you have a pressing need for >400mm (or even >300mm for that matter), these are specialist lenses that require extra care in use.</p>

<p>Thank you all very much for precious contributions. Yes I need indeed a lens 200-500mm range.<br>

EF 100-400mm II looks very expensive. Don't know really if it worth that money after selling Tamron to 670 $.<br>

Reviews of 100-400 first verion is not so great. Or I can try to come closer to the subject with 70-200mm instead if I can ))</p>

<p>The 70-200/f4 with the 1.4x TC-III (don't try to save money on a cheap or old TC) is excellent. That'll get you 280mm of very sharp images, which will stand up to significant cropping. If you're not going to be printing any of the images larger than 20", they that'll likely do the trick.</p>

<p>Another lens to consider, is the really nice, sharp and compact, EF 400mm f/5.6L. It doesn't have IS, but you can raise the ISO and shutter speed to get really sharp images. Ditch the monopod and hand hold the 400/f5.6.</p>

<p>Also don't forget the excellent 70-300L. This is what I use instead of the 70-200mm f4IS. Same quality with further reach and shorter in length (although, of course a little heavier), and only a little slower at the long end.</p>

<p>I agree with David. Your shutter speed is way too low. In addition I suspect some of the flatness is due to atmospherics. </p>

<p>I think sending the Tamron back is a mistake. I found this lens very sharp, staying at f/8 and cranking the ISO to get the shutter speed up and got some great shots of birds and events that were out of reach before with just the 70-200 f2.8L IS. The only negative experience was leaving my hotel room in Saint Marten and venturing out into the hot humid air outside and having internal condensation on the lens that took a long time to dissipate (while good targets were staring me in the face of course). I got good shots from a floating kayak in the Delaware of bald Eagles - not perfect since it was hand held and a moving platform and backlit, still not bad. I would use it more often but its very heavy, especially if you go out on a hike. </p>

<p>The Tamron at high focal lengths and even using a good tripod, its reminds me of my telescope where walking nearby also causes the image to bounce. Using mirror lock up is often necessary such as this shot with the 150-600. which they allow the link to stay.

 

<p>It seems there is a lot of shake going on in the shots. I would try using a solid tripod and a good head to see what that does. Use mirror lockup if possible. </p>

<p>I use a 6D and 100-400L first series. It's sharp and contrasty at 100% at all focal lengths. Long lenses over 200mm have a learning curve. They like lots of light and higher shutter speeds. Forget the I/focal length rule, more like 1/2xFL. I aim for 1/1000th with my 100-400L. At these shutter speeds IS can be switched off. I only use it for stationary objects in low light where I can take my time to get AF, IS settled for the shot, works well under these conditions. I've heard nothing but good about the new 100-400L MkII. If this is affordable I'd go for this. If not the older version will not disappoint. Canon have refurb 100-400L MkIIs on sale but they go fast.</p>

<p>I said it earlier, but I'll repeat in a separate panel, the EF 400/f5.6L is an exceptional and affordable lens that'd be good for airshows.</p>

<p>I need a zoom. Ef 100-400 II is expensive. <br>

1.4x TC-III will give me 280 mm max, not much. I need more.<br>

400 mm f/5.6 is not flexible at air shows and for approaching planes.<br>

Confused... </p>

<p>They go something like this: 55-250 STM, a good lens at a reasonable price, good value for its performance; 75-300mm various manufactures, cheap but all are best forgotten; 70-300IS, a step better than the 75-300s and for those on a budget, good; 70-300LIS an excellent lens, optics, AF, IS and build all very good; 100-400LIS original, very good optics, good AF, IS only 2 stops, there is a weakness in the zoom mechanism that can cause it to require servicing; 100-400LIS Mk2, excellent optics, build, AF and IS to 4 stops. Users report only excellent results; Tamron 150-600, optically good, sharpness falls off from 400 towards the 600mm FL; Sigma, good optics, seems to be thought by users to be a little better than the Tamron version although both seem to get soft towards the 600mm end (may need to go to f8 out there).<br>

You can establish your focal length needs, budget and local prices and select any of the above that suits. Any other long tele lenses are BIG$s. The 400mmL f5.6 is a great lens but only a fixed focal length and no IS. </p>