Thinking about a new lens too :D

[Hermie]

In my early days with the Canon EOS 20D i had more range (x1.6) with a 300mm lens. Now with a much much much better camera the EOS 5D i don't have that anymore. So i'm looking for a new lens that has that kinds range. I came up with this Sigma lens (much cheaper)....

http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3276&navigator=3

Thoughts please

[JimG]

Hermie,

Nothing wrong with the lens you are looking as long as you do not expect to be able to shoot fast moving objects. The largest aperture is going to force you to use slower shutter speeds, in addition to higher ISO settings. At these focal lengths your going to need some kind of stabilization, a tripod or mono pod further reducing the types of photography that you will be able to pull off using it. If I were in your shoes I would save for a while longer and go for a lens that has larger aperture capabilities.

[Hermie]

Thanx jim. I also looked at the canon lenses and they have the stabilisator. I'm waiting on the prices to go down a bit. The canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS sounds better in my ears (fitted on a EF 2.0x Extender) i got 800mm!!!

Is there anybody who used an extender before?

[fotodog]

Sigma has some nice lenses in that range, albeit a tad slow.

They have really sharp optics, I've been a fan of Sigmas lenses for years.

I've used an extender in the past with film. Just remember that you're not only extending your lens but your aperature as well.

[kiwicolin]

Actually you still have the same range
With the 5D full frame and higher MP, you just crop the image and you get the same as before, just more border area around it

[Hermie]

fotodog - i have to say that i don't have much experience with sigma. In the early days they were not that good, now they are much much better (i knew). I'm thinking of the lens because i would use it for 90% for concerts and don't need much speed (1/25) and the 5.6 it's good! BUT the canon lenses have stabilisators and that's what i very like....

kiwicolin - i know what you mean by cropping the photo (http://www.digifest.nl/dp2/deeppurple/deeppurple8.htm) but somethimes a man wants more!!;-)