which zoom lens

[zrfraser]

I agree that the 500mm is one of the better mirror lenses out and its auto focus to boot. But, you are stuck with 500mm which is great when you need it, but what about when you don't? When you don't need the reach you have to change lenses and it will be in a dusty environment, which as we know is horrible for digital sensors. I like the 50-500 because you can keep it on there for the most part. You also talked of renting a new alpha body or older Maxxum body. You have to think he has to rent this body for 10 days. I remember from an earlier post that renting (a D70) was something like 300 a week. I don't remember the actual price but was very high considering you could buy one for what it would take to rent one for a few weeks.

Z

[Loupey]

For a trip-of-a-lifetime trip, you need:

1) portability
2) quality glass
3) tripod
4) versatility

Based on this, mrshabbs, and having an intimate knowledge of Canon's product lines and prices, I would highly recommend the following simple recipe:

Canon 300mm f/4L IS (reduces the need for #3 while having #1 & #2)
Canon 1.4 x or 2x II Teleconverter (gives you #4)
Extension Tube Set (also gives you #4)

Other than one other lens (wide to normal zoom for landscapes, sunsets, and people shots), I feel that that would be all you need hardware wise. Not overly expensive, very portable, great image quality, ability to shoot at 300mm for relatively close wildlife and 420mm/600mm for farther stuff.

As for mirror lenses, yes they are light and inexpensive. I used one in the past. I couldn't get past the crazy doughnut shaped out-of-focus points. I wouldn't use them in a park down the street. Let alone use them on the other side of world where you would find pro dealers nowhere to be found after you discovered you hated that mirror lens.

[mrshabbs]

Thanks all for your replies. I have come across two Lens that I feel I could justify purchasing:. Any suggestions on which?

1) canon EF 70-300mm f4.5/f5.6 IS USM

I have been offered this Lens new for £390 and is in stock in the UK.

The lens was purchased in the US - does this make a difference to warranty/compatibility?

I have read that there is a manufacturers problem with this lens and this is the reason it is very difficult (or impossible) to source in the UK at present. Can anyone comment?


2) canon 100-400mm EF f4.5/f5.6 L IS USM.

Many Thanks
Mr Shabbs

[Loupey]

Since you have listed both lenses here, I'm assuming that price is not the whole issue. That said, comparing these two is like comparing a Chevy Camaro verses the Corvette (apologies for using a US car analogy - I don't know what's common in the UK ) In other words, no comparison. Go for the 100-400mm.

I have played around with that 70-300mm. For your upcoming trip, I wouldn't trust that build quality for such a photo-oriented excursion. The 100-400 is built for Pro use.

Keep in mind that the 300mm f/4L IS + 1.4x or 2x TC will cost about the same as the 100-400mm.

To confuse you even more, I just played around with the 200mm f/2.8L. I believe it is one the cheapest "L" prime lens that Canon makes and it is fast, light, and sharp. Put a 2x TC on that you have a sharper 400mm f/5.6 than the zoom version. The cost of this lens plus the TC will be about the same as the 300mm alone. However, no IS

[Liz]

I have played around with that 70-300mm. For your upcoming trip, I wouldn't trust that build quality for such a photo-oriented excursion. The 100-400 is built for Pro use.

I have the new 70-300 IS lens and love it. However, Loupey is right. Since there is a glitch/defect that Canon has promised a resolution for at the end of June, I wouldn't get this lens now. The "glitch/defect" has to do with the build so I wouldn't trust it. The quality of the images is awesome, but for a trip like yours, forget it.

Go for the 100-400mm.

I think Loupey has some great points and I would take his suggestions seriously. He knows what he's talking about.

Liz