Need lens advice for Canon 7D mk ii: Hi all, I need help with choosing a lens. Looking to shoot BIF on Canon 7D mk ii. I’m an amateur. The canon 100-400 ii seems to be the way to go...

jenz Loc: Whittier, CA

Hi all,

I need help with choosing a lens. Looking to shoot BIF on Canon 7D mk ii. I’m an amateur.

The canon 100-400 ii seems to be the way to go, but I can’t justify the cost for what I do.

Looking to spend around 1,”00.00 and am open to used gear.

Guidance is much appreciated.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

jenz wrote:

Hi all,

I need help with choosing a lens. Looking to shoot BIF on Canon 7D mk ii. I’m an amateur.

The canon 100-400 ii seems to be the way to go, but I can’t justify the cost for what I do.

Looking to spend around 1,”00.00 and am open to used gear.

Guidance is much appreciated.

Tamron has a new 100-400 that is reviewed pretty well, and is affordable compared to the Canon offering.

http://www.adorama.com/tm100400ca.html?msclkid=a90d75fd452d12f52da42f6777aa0567&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5bShopping%5d%20All%20Products%20%5bADL%5d%20%5bPLA%5d&utm_term=1100502012302&utm_content=All%20Products

jenz Loc: Whittier, CA

thank you, I’m going to check out the link. Appreciate the help.

I struggle with GAS and need to keep my wants in perspective with my skill level.

BB4A

Welcome.

The older 100-400mm L IS “push-pull” USM zoom seems to have been a reliable lens, and a good quality used unit should be well under $1,000 (I’d advise buying from a reputable dealer like B&H or Adorama, just in case?).

I have the newer L IS II USM, and that’s a wonderful lens, but it’s still more than double your budget and unlikely to be many used options or big discounts for a year or more?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

jenz wrote:

Hi all,

I need help with choosing a lens. Looking to shoot BIF on Canon 7D mk ii. I’m an amateur.

The canon 100-400 ii seems to be the way to go, but I can’t justify the cost for what I do.

Looking to spend around 1,”00.00 and am open to used gear.

Guidance is much appreciated.

Jenz, welcome to the Hog!
Use the Canon 100-400 mkl. It’s probably better than all those cheap $1000 3rd Party lenses!!
It’s a better BIF lens than the mkll because it zooms 10x faster!!! Good luck
SS

jenz Loc: Whittier, CA

Living near Los Angeles, our used market is pretty good, but I’ve not seen anything under 1,500.00 for a ii. I rented the push/pull a year ago and liked it; can pick up one for under budget but wasn’t sure if third party options were comparable. Reading gear reviews is fun for me, but when can be overwhelming when it’s time to buy.

jenz Loc: Whittier, CA

I enjoyed the 100-400 push pull very much when I rented it for a trip to Lake Tahoe. Back then I wasn’t really sure where my focus was- pun intended. Over the last year wildlife has been the thing.

How does a 1.4 extender work with the first version?

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

jenz wrote:

Hi all,

I need help with choosing a lens. Looking to shoot BIF on Canon 7D mk ii. I’m an amateur.

The canon 100-400 ii seems to be the way to go, but I can’t justify the cost for what I do.

Looking to spend around 1,”00.00 and am open to used gear.

Guidance is much appreciated.

Welcome to the forum. A thousand dollars is not going to get you a top quality new Canon zoom lens. You may have to settle for a used Canon 100-400mm lens. Or go Third Party. Tamron or Sigma. They aren't as bad, as some say they are. Check KEH Photo Shop. They have a good selection of many used lenses. Good luck.

jenz Loc: Whittier, CA

I’m good with used. Honestly I’d rather have good used gear than a new lens that I’ll regret.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

jenz wrote:

I’m good with used. Honestly I’d rather have good used gear than a new lens that I’ll regret.

Do not completely forgo the 400/5.6, it'a rather cheap lens, especially used, but it is a rather nice lens, beating the 100-400 MI very easily! It is also much lighter and is focusing a lot faster than said lens!!

jenz Loc: Whittier, CA

I hadn’t given that one much attention but will look at it now. Thank you!

I really appreciate everyone’s insights and different perspectives.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Take a look at the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. I have one and it's actually a decent lens and a new one is well within your budget.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

jenz wrote:

Living near Los Angeles, our used market is pretty good, but I’ve not seen anything under 1,500.00 for a ii. I rented the push/pull a year ago and liked it; can pick up one for under budget but wasn’t sure if third party options were comparable. Reading gear reviews is fun for me, but when can be overwhelming when it’s time to buy.

I have the Canon 100-400 push/pull and love it. It's one of my three most versatile lenses. I use it for wildlife photography as well as closeups. I've had it for several years and have had no problems at all with it.

jenz Loc: Whittier, CA

I will look into it. Thank you for the recommendation.

jenz Loc: Whittier, CA

Thanks Donna. Do you use a tripod/monopod when you’re shooting wildlife with this lens? When I rented it, I used it handheld- and had some good results. Since then the tripods on my bag mos of the time but I’ve not rented the lens again.