Im selling my sigma 70-300, what should I get?

[Ryguyinlj]

I am not too satisfied with my sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 telephoto lens. It isnt too sharp past 250mm and I am wondering if you have any suggestions for a similar range telephoto that is better than the one by sigma. Or is that just generically expected of that kind of lens?

[another view]

That's usually the case - I have a Tokina 80-400 ATX II (newer one with tripod mount) which isn't very sharp past 300 or so and a friend has the Nikon 70-300 ED which loses a little past 250. At shorter focal lengths, both of these lenses are really good. Stop down to 5.6 or 8 and you'll have a hard time telling them from top of the line lenses. So, if you do need 300 you might consider that Tokina.

As far as figuring out what it's worth, there are two easy ways to do it. Go to KEH.com and see if you can find a used one there. I've never bought from them but understand that they are conservative in their ratings (excellent really means excellent) so take that in to account. Since you're not a store and can't offer a warranty, take 10-20% off of their price.

The other way is to look at completed ebay sales. Usually best to average a few of them out, sometimes something sells for a little more or less than it usually would. Having pictures on the listings will make it easy to compare condition.

[Arctirus]

I've got that sigma lens and it's about as sharp as a cotton ball. In the past I never really used telephoto all that much so an expensive lens wasn't justifiable. I just replaced it with a 70-200 F4 L.

[Outdoorsman]

I am not too satisfied with my sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 telephoto lens. It isnt too sharp past 250mm and I am wondering if you have any suggestions for a similar range telephoto that is better than the one by sigma. Or is that just generically expected of that kind of lens?

Well, what's your budget? Ideally you should get the Canon 600mm with a converter.... but you could put a down payment on a house for that kind of money .
I have been looking at this very same situation. I have that lens and I really don't care for it. It works great for lots of stuff but just not surfing or sports action. I'm thinking about the Canon 400mm f/5.6L, which is something like a grand or so. I have found myself shooting at 400mm equivalent anyway (200mm on the Sigma+ a 2x TC). And with a 1.4x on the 400mm, I would be quite pleased (especially when I get a DSLR this year-crop factor here I come!). Another View has reccommended the Tokina to me as well, and it looks like a very nice lens. I have that one on my "might buy" list as well...
I would definitely say "Prime" though. For our kind of photography, you just can't beat a fast prime in terms of resolution. And we need those tack-sharp photos, do we not? I would say keep the zoom for general purpose stuff- you won't get much for it anyway- and get the longest, fastest prime you can afford.
Hey, how's the surf down there? It's pouring rain and flat as a pancake right now, with no wind and occasional hail. They say the swell will build up, tho., but the winds will probably blow it out... 40 mph winds just don't agree with most humans, even up here where we're used to it...

[Ryguyinlj]

The surf and weather are somewhat like you just described down here right now. You're not missing anything. I went skimming yesterday and the biggest wave I hit was a little over waist high.

My budget is not that great, im looking at 100 plus what I can get for the sale of my current lens. I'm a college student with limited funds.

Right now I have an opportunity to sell that lens because my friend's little brother is trying to start taking pictures and he wants to buy that lens from me.

the sigma lens works fine for taking pictures of skimboarding. I have found that its 100 to 200 range is best, which is what I usually use for skimming anyway. However, I need that lower end, below 100mm. My ideal setup would be to get the 70-200 f4 constant for skimming, and a bigger one for surfing. But until I can afford them (which wont be for at least 5 years at my pace) I will be using a lens that is a compromise. Or, if I can acquire some funds I might get that 70-200 and a teleconverter. However I am not sure how good of an idea that would be. Thank God for that 1.6x cropping factor on my digital rebel.

[Ryguyinlj]

actually, I might be able to acquire a used sigma f2.8 70-200 from a friend for relatiely cheap. The bad news is that it was dropped once and it is a few years old. The good news is that it is still in working order and he would sell it to me for 100. The reason why he is selling it is because he recently got a brand new canon f4 70-200 L series lens. He let me try it out on my camera a few weeks ago.

This image was shot with his lens and my digital rebel. It is cropped to 5.2% of its original size but other than that the image is un-modified. It was shot at 1/2000th, f7.1, and 126mm

Do you think tis a good idea?

[Outdoorsman]

actually, I might be able to acquire a used sigma f2.8 70-200 from a friend for relatiely cheap. The bad news is that it was dropped once and it is a few years old. The good news is that it is still in working order and he would sell it to me for 100. The reason why he is selling it is because he recently got a brand new canon f4 70-200 L series lens. He let me try it out on my camera a few weeks ago.

This image was shot with his lens and my digital rebel. It is cropped to 5.2% of its original size but other than that the image is un-modified. It was shot at 1/2000th, f7.1, and 126mm

Do you think tis a good idea?

The Sigma 70-200 sounds great. I would go for it. The only thing I wonder: Sigma's website lists an HSM version and a non-HSM version. Which one is your friend's? You will be much better off with the ring-type motor, since the AF operation will be superior.
The shot you posted is so nice. So sharp, so well focused. I'm envious that you've gotten to handle some pro glass-- I have not yet...
When I lost my old 70-210 f/4 to a nasty fall, I was about to buy the Canon 70-200 f/4 L but I decided a general upgrade of all my equipment was a better investment. I do see the 70-200 f/2.8 or f/4 in my future, but as a fellow broke college student, I don't think I'll be enjoying one any time soon. My sights are set on either a 10D or a 20D, loans willing.
Good luck and enjoy the Sigma. We all do, of course, expect to see some posts with it, though. Have fun and don't get washed away in the storms this weekend!

[Ryguyinlj]

I'm pretty sure it was HSM. It focused really quiet and quickly too. It's all internal. The only things that are not good is that it was a little sticky on the zoom ring in one spot, it has seen its share of action (the previous owner made some $$ shooting snowboarding), its scuffed up in some places and there is a small scratch on the lens (but its near the rim so It didnt show up in my digital pictures).

By the way, where are you going to school? Are you a photo major?