I also shoot the 5d Mk2. I am a wildlife shooter and can recommend two lenses that are extraordinary (and relatively inexpensive even when compared to Sigma). But first, I shot a Sigma 150-500mm f/5.6-6.3 for a while. Too slow, too big, too heavy. Fairly good IQ for the money. My recommendations however:

1. My number one go-to wildlife lens is the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM prime lens. Tack sharp, lightweight, of modest size. L-glass quality at Sigma prices. You will not be dissatisfied with this lens. No 'IS' but I'm always shooting at 1/1000s to 1/2500s, so no 'IS' required.

2. EF 70-200mm f/4L USM (non-IS) for larger critters (or closer shots). Same advantages as above. If you can afford a f/2.8 go for it. But this lens has top value for dollars spent.

3. I also have the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro. A stellar lens, and also great for portraits.

Why buy Sigma when you can buy L-glass at the same price?

I actually like them ALL, including the last one. I appreciate when a photographer will risk pushing the limits a little bit (and willing to share his experimentation). Keep up the good work.

Overall I like it. And I am NOT a portrait shooter. I personally love B&W (especially for portraits). I like the pose, I like your composition. The lighting appears a little harsh on her complexion, and I 'think' possibly a little more side-lighting might have enhanced her features more (more modulating of light ... does that make any sense?). I have used a moderately inexpensive piece of post-production software called: Portrait Professional. I've been pleased with the results. It smooths the skin, and sharpens the eyes while maintaining a natural appearance (it also very intuitive and user friendly ... a must for this old guy). Off subject: I own and shoot the Mk2, how are you liking your Mk3?

Slow to rise sounds like a little 'Purple Pill' problem. I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself. I'm a really old guy so I sometimes say inappropriate stuff like that.

These are GREAT. I'm a wildlife photographer not a 'people' photographer, but you demonstrate a high degree of skill and ability. I really, really like these. Well done.

That is GREAT. Made me laugh. You live in God's country my friend. I've looked at some of your previous posts and like your photography.

Oops. Just read in one of the previous comments your reply to camera & lens info. Very good with a 300mm, and the f/2.8 provides a great bokeh. I shoot primarily with my 5d Mk2 and a 400mm f/5.6L prime lens ... more reach, but your bokeh is much more refined than mine. Great job.

These are very nice captures. I love the bokeh in the images. Very smooth and creamy. The exposures and colors are very pleasing also. Just curious: Camera and lens? I can already tell that the photographer is good. Nicely done.

Actually, I have a third lens you might want to consider. First, I've owned (and shot extensively with) all three lenses.

1. EF 100-400mm f/4 - 5.6L IS USM zoom. I had a bad experience with this lens. It was a bad copy and ALWAYS shot soft. I sent it back twice to Canon, but to no avail. Sold it with 'complete' disclosure to the buyer. I found it to be soft, heavy and I (personally) didn't like the push/pull zoom.

2. Sigma 150-500mm f/5.6-6.3 zoom. Compared to my bad copy of Canon this was an improvement. It is very slow at 6.3, and a very big lens. A relatively decent lens for the price, but not L-quality.

3. My personal recommendation: Because I always shot at the extreme FL of both lenses mentioned above (I rarely used the zoom range), I finally opted for one of the best values from Canon. The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM (non-IS) prime lens is OUTSTANDING. You can still buy it brand new for about $1,000 USD. It is tack sharp, lightweight and built like a tank. I'm usually shooting at shutter speeds of 1/1000s to 1/2500s for my BIF and wildlife photography, so 'IS' is not required. I would opt for this lens, or a GOOD COPY of the 100-400mm if you absolutely need the zoom (but it will be heavier and costlier). The Sigma 150-500 is okay, but for the same price you can get Canon L-glass (no comparison).

Some will disagree, this is only my opinion. But I make my living shooting wildlife, and this lens is for me.

Nicely captured. Beautifully crisp and sharp, and the exposure is spot-on (not always easy with white birds). I may have chosen to crop it horizontal with more room in front of the pair, but it is a very fine image. Well done.

Beautiful capture. Crisp, great exposure and I love the cropping (leaving in a significant portion of the environment). You resisted the temptation to crop too tight. And you are shooting with some of my favorite gear: Canon 5d Mk2 and 400mm. The only difference is I shoot with the prime and you shoot with the zoom. Well done.

I say do it anyway, it's the right thing to do. Any good investigative photo-journalist has an obligation to shoot these kinds of unethical practices, legal or not. Just MHO of course.

The 'BTW' part.

That just cracked me up.

Nicely done. Great photos.