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After quite a few reviews of the different lenses, I need to make some adjustments. I need to add the Sigma 100-300mm lens and remove the 80-400mm lens. From the reviews the 100-300mm is a versatile and sharp lens. If I add the TC to it, I would then get my 400mm rang out of it.

Although the 80-400mm still seems like a good idea the reviews on it are mixed. Many say its good, but almost everyone recommends the Sigma 50-500mm. They cite the 80-400mm is a good travel lens and the OS is very useful, but it’s slow for sports and the OS actually makes it more difficult. It can be turned off of course, but if you were going to do that and for the same price, the 500mm is better.

The sample shots I’ve seen still make this look like a good lens, but the slow AF is going to cause a problem. My 70-200mm lens has HSM and it works great. The Bigma also has HSM so it should focus very on moving objects – with enough light of course.

Another interesting side note is the 2x Teleconverters, regardless of manufacturer are not recommended. A few people use them, but they are less than impressed with the resulting image quality. Apparently everyone makes a good 1.4x, but the 2x models cause pictures to be soft. I actually found the question being asked of whether you should get the 2x converter or buy a whole new lens and everyone said getting a news lens was definitely better. So ok, there goes that idea…

So new list looks like this:

Sigma 100-300mm – $1000
Sigma 50-500mm (Bigma) – $930
Canon 100-400mm (IS) – $1500

All three get high marks from those who have used them. It’s pretty overwhelming praise for the Canon lens. It’s “L” glass and the images are very sharp. It also has good focus speed and I’ve seen several shots used for motorsports which look great.

It looks like these lenses are the best choice for the money (so far). The Sigma’s have the HSM and the Canon has its own AF.

It may be awhile before I actually get one of these lenses, but I figure I need to start looking now, that way if a price break comes along, I’ll be ready.

Other Articles of Interest:

• I need a little more zoom
• Some good information on the Sigma 18-200 F3.5-6.3 OS DC
• Short Report: Tamron AF18-200mm ƒ/3.5-6.3 XR Di II
• Return of the Sigma 80-400mm
• Sigma unveils three new ‘OS’ lenses
• Canon reveals 18-200mm IS lens
• Sony A700 available in December
• Speaking of 300mm Telephoto Zooms…
• Huge Canon Lens – 1200mm F5.6 USM
• Sigma 18-200mm OS lens