Thanks to both amfoto and Gene for the additional information. Believe it or not, things are falling into place here despite my psyche. I have handled the Tamron 150-600 and recall it not being internal focusing. The objective end extended out while zooming toward 600. There is a barrel lock which can engage when it's fully retracted. I find myself drifting toward the Tamron or the Canon f4L IS. However, the 70-200 2.8 IS "Mark I" looks interesting. The input from all contributors is most appreciated.

Thx Bill. Good advise. Long range plan is to own them all!!! :)

Huskyrider, I'm assuming since most of the shots were taken at 600mm that you have VC set to on?

Gene51, you did a much better job of describing my need than I! I was really impressed when I noticed the price of the non IS version of a new 70-200 f/2.8. I've also seen it as low as $650 on the used market. Thx for the input.

Hmmm, djtravels, you have muddied the waters, indeed. I have a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM that's okay. Replacing it with a L lens is definitely something to consider. Most used seem to be in the $1100-$1200 range right now. You struck gold with that $900 find! Thx.

Thx mcveed. For most landscape shooting, I use a Canon 10-22mm. For this search, landscape may be a poor choice of words. I mistakenly assign the term to any shooting outdoors where I don't have to worry about catching something in motion. Shooting an eagle in a tree as apposed to "in flight." Having said that, it would also please me to no end to have a lens that I can use to capture an elusive/moving target. Thx again for the input.

All handheld! You have a steady grip, huskyrider. All very nice.

I guess I don't have to tell you that these shots are excellent. The last one, especially, is definitely a "download."

Thx Mr PC. I've also discovered that used Canons can be found on Craigslist in the $700-$900 range, which doesn't help. For some, they seem to be popular walk around lenses. On a tripod, the Tamron certainly has the reach especially when mated with a cropped sensor camera. IQ is pretty impressive, especially in that price range.

Good advise! I ran into a SX50 HS today in a local Walmart for $250 on clearance. That's $65 less than I paid for a refurbished from Canon direct.

Another option? DxO Optics occasionally offers free licenses for previous revisions. I think Photoshop 4.0 can still be found (also free). Doesn't Nikon offer post processing software with their cameras?

I've managed to back myself into a decision corner over a GAS attack. This decided lack of ability to decide is centered around three lens:

Tamron 150-600mm SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD for $1070,
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM for $1099 after rebate, and a
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM for $1299 after rebate.

The second Canon is not the IS version: that would tack on another $1000, which I'd prefer not doing. I'm shooting primarily landscapes with occasional nature shots when they present themselves. I prefer to handhold but acknowledge that a tripod is probably a better way for all three. The Tamron is a beast coming in at a healthy 4.5 lbs. Not sure about the Canons except that I expect they are lighter. I'm assuming that I wouldn't miss the IS on the 2.8 as long as I keep the shutter speed down? I'm shooting with a Canon 70D. "There can be only one" to quote the Highlander. Some hog help would really be appreciated. Does the IQ of the two Canons make up for the length of the Tamron? There has to be a rational, objective way to approach this? Right?

Mike - see PM for manual.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap141103.html

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