I've rarely had a need for anything much over 150mm so I've continued with an 18-200mm sigma DC OS I got a very good deal on some years ago. However I recently needed to upgrade and after much research decided I couldn't justify the canon 70-200 L with IS and IS is a must for me so that knocked out the cheaper L version.
But I did find a great deal of praise for the canon 70-300mm IS so I managed one at around £205 quid +p&p secondhand off ebay - with filter and lense hood. So far its been a great improvement on the sigma, a lttle softer at the 300mm end but still a significant improvement and nothing I can't put right in photoshop for the average shot.
this lense has a rrp of £650 and even at amazon price of £320 would be good value IMHO. I know even that's a bit much for many but it can be had second hand for around the £200-£220 mark and that makes it a bargain especially as, and I quote:
The optics of the Canon EF 70–300mm f/4–5.6 L USM lens include 19 elements in 14 groups, two of which are ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass (that is normally reserved for the L series)
Looks pretty sharp. For the water shots, try it on the lowest ISO setting and the highest aperture (ISO 100, F>22) with as long an exposure as you can have and the water looks really funky.
Thank you Waj_100 & Smudges Dad , I will try try the lowest ISO as I am pretty keen to learn as much as I can whilst gaining experience
another fan of low iso for not blowing out highlights.
you won`t be disappointed with your lens even after a while op, it`s fantastic for the money.
I will try the lower ISO next time I go there to take photos, it's crazy really as the same images on my Facebook account are nowhere near as Vibrant as the same images on my Flickr account, so some stick out more than others in regards to detail & exposure. Believe me I am extremely impressed with the lens, considering it is my first telephoto zoom lens with IS, my previous lens (70-210), had really bad shake to it & stopped focusing once the battery dropped to a certain level.
which make of lens did you get in the end? The canon?
I am sure 250mm will be long enough to take zoo fences out of focus.
I got the Canon 55-250 II, I was considering the Tamron 70-300 but found it quite heavy and difficult to maintain focus, even with the VC (their version of the IS) switched on.
I've rarely had a need for anything much over 150mm so I've continued with an 18-200mm sigma DC OS I got a very good deal on some years ago. However I recently needed to upgrade and after much research decided I couldn't justify the canon 70-200 L with IS and IS is a must for me so that knocked out the cheaper L version.
But I did find a great deal of praise for the canon 70-300mm IS so I managed one at around £205 quid +p&p secondhand off ebay - with filter and lense hood. So far its been a great improvement on the sigma, a lttle softer at the 300mm end but still a significant improvement and nothing I can't put right in photoshop for the average shot.
this lense has a rrp of £650 and even at amazon price of £320 would be good value IMHO. I know even that's a bit much for many but it can be had second hand for around the £200-£220 mark and that makes it a bargain especially as, and I quote:
You don't take zoo fences out with a long lens. You need wide aperture, get close to the fence and use manual focus (other advice is equally valid!)
Thanks for the tip, as it is something that I am keen to learn & nothing wrong with a bit of trial and error along the way, with regards to manual settings. Next week weather permitting, I will be going to Thrigby Hall, which is in no way as big as the likes of Africa Alive & Banham Zoo, but will give me chance to take some more shots, for which I will put onto Flickr.
Comments
which make of lens did you get in the end? The canon?
I am sure 250mm will be long enough to take zoo fences out of focus.
I've rarely had a need for anything much over 150mm so I've continued with an 18-200mm sigma DC OS I got a very good deal on some years ago. However I recently needed to upgrade and after much research decided I couldn't justify the canon 70-200 L with IS and IS is a must for me so that knocked out the cheaper L version.
But I did find a great deal of praise for the canon 70-300mm IS so I managed one at around £205 quid +p&p secondhand off ebay - with filter and lense hood. So far its been a great improvement on the sigma, a lttle softer at the 300mm end but still a significant improvement and nothing I can't put right in photoshop for the average shot.
this lense has a rrp of £650 and even at amazon price of £320 would be good value IMHO. I know even that's a bit much for many but it can be had second hand for around the £200-£220 mark and that makes it a bargain especially as, and I quote:
You don't take zoo fences out with a long lens. You need wide aperture, get close to the fence and use manual focus (other advice is equally valid!)
Thank you Waj_100 & Smudges Dad
I will try the lower ISO next time I go there to take photos, it's crazy really as the same images on my Facebook account are nowhere near as Vibrant as the same images on my Flickr account, so some stick out more than others in regards to detail & exposure. Believe me I am extremely impressed with the lens, considering it is my first telephoto zoom lens with IS, my previous lens (70-210), had really bad shake to it & stopped focusing once the battery dropped to a certain level.
I got the Canon 55-250 II, I was considering the Tamron 70-300 but found it quite heavy and difficult to maintain focus, even with the VC (their version of the IS) switched on.
Superb deal you got there
Thanks for the tip, as it is something that I am keen to learn & nothing wrong with a bit of trial and error along the way, with regards to manual settings. Next week weather permitting, I will be going to Thrigby Hall, which is in no way as big as the likes of Africa Alive & Banham Zoo, but will give me chance to take some more shots, for which I will put onto Flickr.
I think the canon was a good choice. I think marque lenses are better (and dearer) than the independents. I am sure you will enjoy it.
do you not?
personally, I would get close to the fence, go to 150mm or plus, and get a close up on the animal.
a standard lens would just give you a shot of a cage for the most part, surely.