Outdoor Ontario

Photography => Equipment and Technique => Topic started by: Reg on November 10, 2010, 08:56:22 PM

Title: Info. on a Lens
Post by: Reg on November 10, 2010, 08:56:22 PM

I am considering buying a Sigma OS 150-500 F5-6.3 Lens for my Canon T1i
My question is,   Can anyone tell me if it is compatible with the Sigma AF 1.4 or the 2X Converters

The Sigma AF 1.4X EX DG APO CONVERTER CANON
                        OR
The Sigma 2X EX DG APO TELE CANON

Thanks Reg.

Title:
Post by: Michael Tam on November 11, 2010, 12:10:18 PM

I am not a Canon user, but the general rule of tele-convertor application for most manufacturers limit the AF function to f5.6 as well as optimal performance with the use of prime telephoto lens.  For my Sigma 400 5.6 APO with 1.4x matching convertor, the image degradation was significant whereas the AF continuously hunt to lock focus in good lighting. Please read the links:

For Sigma technical requirement:
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/150-500m ... -hsm-sigma (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/150-500mm-f5-63-apo-dg-os-hsm-sigma)
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/50-500mm ... -hsm-sigma (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/50-500mm-f45-63-apo-dg-os-hsm-sigma)
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/acc/condaitr.htm (http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/acc/condaitr.htm)
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sigma-lens-te ... lity-chart (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/sigma-lens-teleconverter-compatability-chart)

For Sigma 150-500 & 50-500 OS review:
http://www.stockholmviews.com/sigma_150 ... page1.html (http://www.stockholmviews.com/sigma_150-500_os/sigmapage1.html)
http://www.lenstip.com/244.1-Lens_revie ... S_HSM.html (http://www.lenstip.com/244.1-Lens_review-Sigma_50-500_mm_f_4.5-6.3_APO_DG_OS_HSM.html)
http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00WcFU (http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00WcFU)

Hope it is helpful.  Good birding and photography.

Title:
Post by: Kin Lau on November 11, 2010, 05:34:56 PM

Both TC's will fit, but neither will allow AF. I have both TC's and have used them with my 50-500 in manual focus and video modes (AF doesn't work in video mode anyhow).

Title:
Post by: Reg on November 11, 2010, 06:29:10 PM

Thanks Kin.
Thanks Michael, the links did help a lot.
My other option is the Canon 100-400MM/4.5-5.6L IS USM
but it is much more expensive, however I don't know if it would be a better fit.

Reg.

Title:
Post by: Michael Tam on November 12, 2010, 11:39:12 AM

With regard to the use of a tele-convertor on a zoom, this is an example where this photographer uses a Canon 70-200 f2.8 + 2x with excellent optical performance:

http://www.amoghavarsha.com/ (http://www.amoghavarsha.com/)

Since budget is always a concern, this thread discussed the choice of a bird photography lens with this consideration in mind:

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00WIwp (http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00WIwp)

For the Canon lens line-up, one should consider the 300 f4 and 400 f5.6 apart from the choice of 100-400 f4.5-5.6.  Please see the lens review below:

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos (http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos)

Good birding and photography.

Title:
Post by: Kin Lau on November 12, 2010, 05:22:56 PM

The Canon 100-400 won't work with a 1.4x or 2x TC.

I also have both the EF 300/4IS and EF 400/5.6 as well. I use the EF300/4IS with a 1.4x TC, my wife uses the EF400/5.6 most of the time. AF speed is _very_ good with the EF400/5.6L and EF300/4IS + 1.4x TC is pretty good.

I have a Sigma 70-200/2.8, and with a 2x TC, the AF speed is rather slow for birding, my 50-500 is faster.

I miss the flexibility of the 50-500 sometimes, but the AF speed is a good trade-off. If I'm out and about doing more general shooting, then I still occasionally grab the 50-500.

Title:
Post by: Reg on November 12, 2010, 05:54:55 PM

Thanks Michael for the extra links, there's a lot to think about here.

Reg

Title:
Post by: Reg on November 12, 2010, 06:01:37 PM

Thanks Kin
The 100 -400 say's it's compatible with the 1.4X and 2X extenders.
Does that mean only the Canon extenders, and not the Sigma ones??

Reg

Title:
Post by: Michael Tam on November 13, 2010, 10:05:06 AM

With regard to the use of tele-convertor, the general rule for best optical performance is the use of Matching convertor by the same manufacturer.  It is kind of the same idea of using the same maker's lens on your eye-glasses.

The Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6 is a quality optics.  However, one would operate at f8 with 1.4x and f11 with 2x convertors, both without AF.  Consder the crop factor of 1.6x on a Canon sensor, it is already a long reach compared to the film days.  Study the details of the lens review may give clue to its performance with a tele-convertor:

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/204-c ... rt--review (http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/204-canon-ef-100-400mm-f45-56-usm-l-is-test-report--review)

As with price consideration, here are the price listing at my trusted professional store, Downtown Camera.  Always keep in mind the tele-convertor works best with prime lens, including 300 f4 (with AF) and 400 f5.6 (no AF):

http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... t&Itemid=2 (http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=1607&category_id=223&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2)
http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... t&Itemid=2 (http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1576&category_id=221&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2)
http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... t&Itemid=2 (http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1578&category_id=221&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2)

Good birding and photography.

Title:
Post by: Kin Lau on November 14, 2010, 10:22:10 PM

Quote from: "Reg"

Thanks Kin
The 100 -400 say's it's compatible with the 1.4X and 2X extenders.
Does that mean only the Canon extenders, and not the Sigma ones??

Reg

It'll fit, but you won't have AF. That's the difference btwn "compatible" and "works" :)

ps. You can actually have AF as well on a 1D or 1Ds series body with a 1.4x TC, but you have a T1i, so that doesn't help.

Title:
Post by: Vince on November 15, 2010, 01:23:09 PM

I have that Sigma lens with a Nikon fit. I also have a Kenko 1.4. It will autofocus but it's slow and lighting must me very good. I seldom use the converter with that lens

Title:
Post by: Michael Tam on November 16, 2010, 03:01:07 PM

This review on the Canon lens line-up for Wildlife Photography may be helpful to your decision:

http://www.wildlife-photography-tips.co ... enses.html (http://www.wildlife-photography-tips.com/canon-lenses.html)

Good birding and photography

Title:
Post by: Reg on November 16, 2010, 06:23:08 PM

Thanks everyone for your help.

I am new to Birding, the lens I am currently using is a 55-250f/4-5.6 IS
I get pretty good shots with it but I have to be fairly close and that is not always
possible, I was thinking that doubling to a 500 lens would give me better shots from
a distance. Maybe I should forget about the TC for now, and go for the lens itself.
Also maybe it would be a good idea to rent one first to try

Thanks again
Reg.

Title:
Post by: newfoundlander61 on November 16, 2010, 06:53:57 PM

I shoot Nikon and Canon is a very good line of camera. Sigma lenses are pretty good but a dedicated canon lense would serve you better long term. Regardless which lense you buy the 400-500mm range will be perfect for a carry around lense for birding. I would not buy a TC for now and get the lense, I have never used a TC but its a personal choice.

Title:
Post by: lovetobird on November 16, 2010, 08:42:04 PM

I totally agree with what Paul had to say. I started off with a Rebel XS/ 55-250 combo and moved to the 50D/100-400 about six months ago and at the time was considering the 1.4 extender as well but didn't end up getting it and I never even thought about it again, until now ;-) No matter what lens you get you'll be happy with the upgrade and can get great pictures but I would echo Paul and get a Canon lens, if you can afford it, the 100-400. I'm not at all putting down Sigma, it's just that every photog around me that went with the Sigma 150-500 ended up getting a Canon lens within a year.

Nathan

Title:
Post by: Reg on November 17, 2010, 03:18:12 PM

Thanks Paul & Nathan;

I think I may lean towards the Canon 100-400 for the reason it makes sense to stay with the same Mfg.
I can always look at the TC later.

By the way Paul, what part of the Rock are you from?
I am from Trinity Bay!!

Reg

Title:
Post by: newfoundlander61 on November 17, 2010, 06:44:26 PM

East end of ST. John's on Torbay Road.

Title:
Post by: Reg on November 18, 2010, 02:28:17 PM

I went into henrys and tried both lenses, they were both very good,
however the Canon is a push pull type, and the Sigma is a screw type.
Because I have a bum left arm, the Canon was difficult to adjust, so for that
reason I may reconsider the Sigma.

Reg.

Title:
Post by: Michael Tam on November 18, 2010, 06:39:02 PM

The cost difference may be the final determining factor as well:

http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... t&Itemid=2 (http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=2232&category_id=261&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2)
http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... t&Itemid=2 (http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=3778&category_id=261&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2)

A second review and sample of what the Sigma 150-500 can produce:

http://www.lenstip.com/index.html?test= ... est_ob=184 (http://www.lenstip.com/index.html?test=obiektywu&test_ob=184)
http://www.birdingworld.co.uk/Sigma%20Photos.htm (http://www.birdingworld.co.uk/Sigma%20Photos.htm)

Good birding and photography

Title:
Post by: farmer on December 06, 2010, 12:47:41 PM

I too am new to birding and got a Canon rebel T2i and am using  a canon 55-250f/4-5.6 IS. I would like to buy the Canon 100-400 (when the budget allows!)  My question is, would you buy a used one on ebay? They seem to be going for about $300 less than new, but most are in the USA. Is the risk worth it?

Title:
Post by: Moira on December 06, 2010, 06:53:06 PM

I would agree with Paul and Nathan.  I started with a Rebel xTi with an 18-200 Canon lens and moved on to a Canon 50D with 400 prime lens.  It was a big investment for me at the time, but one I've never regretted.   When I was researching what to buy, most people advised to go Canon and not Sigma and also to go for a prime lens, not a zoom.  But ... everyone has their own opinion and their own budget.  I'm sure you'll do what works best for you.

Title:
Post by: Michael Tam on December 07, 2010, 09:40:42 AM

This newest thread on the question of wildlife optics may be helpful in your decision:

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00Xo4t (http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00Xo4t)

Good birding and photography

Title:
Post by: KennyW on January 10, 2011, 09:14:26 PM

I think that the rule of thumb for Canon lenses is that for 1 series camera such as 1D4, AF cease to work with an extender once the maximum aperture goes beyond F8. For cameras other than the 1 series (such as 7D and other cameras), the maximum aperture is F5.6, beyond that AF will cease to work.

As a result, if you have a 1D Mark III or IV, you can bet on having a 300mm F4 with 2x extender as in this case, the maximum aperture can be attained is F8. Yet the AF speed may be slow. Other than the 1 series cameras, you can't use the 300mm F4 with a 2x extender. In this case, you can only use a 300mm F4 with a 1.4x extend to obtain an F5.6 maximum aperture.

And I think that Canon 100-400L has a better photo quality over the Sigma zoom.

Title: Re: Info. on a Lens
Post by: Michael Tam on December 10, 2011, 12:26:33 PM

For the bird photographers using the big  :roll: 500 f4 or 600 f4 lens, this article reviews the Nikon 200-400 AFS ED VRII lens for its application in the field.  With its lighter lens body together with the variable focal length, it may be an alternative to a prime lens:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/blog ... -vrii.html (http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/blog/michael-clark/2011/12/a-review-of-the-nikkor-af-s-200-400mm-f4g-ed-vrii.html)

Good birding and photography.