looking to add larger zoom to Canon T5i. Suggestions/Input welcome: I previously used a Nikon D90 but recently switched to a Canon T5i partly due to the weight when I hike. I had a...

MCullen Loc: Encinitas, CA

I previously used a Nikon D90 but recently switched to a Canon T5i partly due to the weight when I hike. I had a 300mm with Nikon and found that many times I wish it would have zoomed in closer (it worked great as it was). I am going on an extensive photo op trip to Alaska this summer and am considering the newer Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. I probably won't hike extensively with it but would like better wild life pictures. I am an advanced amateur and take mostly landscape and wildlife photos. I was also looking at Tamron and Sigma. Any suggestions are appreciated. I am new to the forum.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The new Sigma 150-600 Contempoary lens in Canon mount is now shipping from B&H - $1086 ! get the USB dock to go with it ....

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

imagemeister wrote:

The new Sigma 150-600 Contempoary lens in Canon mount is now shipping from B&H - $1086 ! get the USB dock to go with it ....

The link - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082154-REG/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html

MCullen Loc: Encinitas, CA

Thanks. I did see that and will consider further.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

MCullen wrote:

I previously used a Nikon D90 but recently switche... (show quote)

To be honest I think you will be happy with any of the 2 Canons, any of the 3 Sigmas, or the newest Tamron.
They are all very good lenses, but the pick of them is probably either the Sigma Sport or the new Canon.
If it is pure image quality you are after, it is those two I would be comparing.
Depends on how much you wish to spend really.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The link below demonstrates shooting the Tamron 150-600 on a Nikon full frame body. The price is around $1100. A used copy of the older Canon 100-400 is also in this neighborhood, maybe even cheaper.

But for a specific trip, you might just go to LensRentals.com and got something just for the trip and maybe to help make a longer term decision.

http://photographylife.com/photographing-brown-pelicans-with-tamron-150-600mm-vc

MCullen Loc: Encinitas, CA

Thanks for the input and it is image quality I am after.

MCullen Loc: Encinitas, CA

Thanks for the link. Pictures look great with lens.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The USB controls of the Sigma put them ahead of both the Tammy and Canon with your particular body .....

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

FWIW
I am considering selling my Canon 70-300L and my Tamron 150-600 to buy the new canon 100-400.
It is getting rave reviews.

Robert R Loc: Indianapolis and Naples

The new Canon 100-400 is fantastic. Would not hesitate to purchase this lens.

LarryN Loc: Portland OR & Carbondale, CO

CHG_CANON wrote:

The link below demonstrates shooting the Tamron 150-600 on a Nikon full frame body. The price is around $1100. A used copy of the older Canon 100-400 is also in this neighborhood, maybe even cheaper.

But for a specific trip, you might just go to LensRentals.com and got something just for the trip and maybe to help make a longer term decision.

http://photographylife.com/photographing-brown-pelicans-with-tamron-150-600mm-vc

Great pelican shots. I am also looking for a longer lens for my T5i. Longest lens I have is 250mm so to get a significant improvement for wildlife I think I need to go at less 400 or 500. Depending on cost the 150-600 would probably be best. Thanks for photos taken with your 150-600. I'll put it on my wish list.

LarryN Loc: Portland OR & Carbondale, CO

Psergel wrote:

FWIW
I am considering selling my Canon 70-300L and my Tamron 150-600 to buy the new canon 100-400.
It is getting rave reviews.

I'm curious as to why you would give up the reach of the Tamron for the new Canon. I'm trying to make up my mind on a lens the has more reach than my 250mm for wildlife.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

LarryN wrote:

I'm curious as to why you would give up the reach of the Tamron for the new Canon. I'm trying to make up my mind on a lens the has more reach than my 250mm for wildlife.

So am I ! .......Here - http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2014/12/a-brief-400mm-comparison#more-20710 - is a comparison of the "NEW" 100-400 with the old 100-400 @ 400 .......scroll down the page. Is the II version better ? yes.....but only slightly and mostly in the corners of full frame - IF - you do not crop them out anyway ! But, again - it is slightly better in the center which makes it really GOOD.

It can be argued - if you have a very good sensor - and good pixel enlarging technique/software - that cropping the II version from 400 to 600mm could net you image quality equal to or better than the Tammy @600mm - and you gain a third of an f-stop light which could be important for ISO/noise or focus speed/accuracy !

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

LarryN wrote:

Great pelican shots. I am also looking for a longer lens for my T5i. Longest lens I have is 250mm so to get a significant improvement for wildlife I think I need to go at less 400 or 500. Depending on cost the 150-600 would probably be best. Thanks for photos taken with your 150-600. I'll put it on my wish list.

Especially on cameras that do not have micro focus adjust capability, the new Sigma 150-600's with the USB dock provide a significant potential for better performance in the field.

The Sigma 150-600 Contemporary Canon version is now shipping from B&H for $1089 - make sure to also get the dock.