I'm looking to get a telephoto zoom lens and need some input. I'm looking at the Canon 100-400 L and Tamron 200-500 to be used on either a digital Rebel or 20D. The Canon would likely be used with a 2x TC; the Tamron with a 1.4 TC. I'm looking for an effective focal length in excess of 700 (not including the digital factor).
The primary subject matter will be surf/surfers on the North Shore of Oahu. I've shot there before with a borrowed Sigma 50-500 and wanted a TC for some extra reach. I'm not considering the Sigma primarily because I didn't need/use the 50-200 range.
Any thoughts, opinions or suggestions would be appreciated.
Well if you go with the canon 100-400mm L and a 2x converter you will not be able to achieve auto focus. If thats ok with you then I would go with the canon:
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens
Canon 2x II Extender EF - Autofocus
Extender EF 2X II Compatibility Chart
I've been consistently disappointed with the results from my 70-200 & 2x. If you're looking for razor sharp with no weird bokeh, I'd shy away from the canon 2x. (unless that problem decreases as the lens focal length increases) And, I've noticed that the problem seems to be worst when my subject is focused at or near infinity.
I own the Tamron 200-500. I can say that at 500 with the 1.4 teleconverter shooting in Hawaii should not be a problem with autofocus. It will only give you hunt trouble in low light. I used this same setup extensiviely in New Mexico doing bird shots and had no problems except in the woods. I also use it locally here Washington State. Two factors with lower light: autofocus hunting (go to manual) and softer pictures.
However, it would be silly to compare apples and oranges. The Canon L glass is clearly superior and will give sharper images. It will also cost considerably more. Your main question should be if you want to spend the extra money for the added sharpness.
I'm looking to get a telephoto zoom lens and need some input. I'm looking at the Canon 100-400 L and Tamron 200-500 to be used on either a digital Rebel or 20D. The Canon would likely be used with a 2x TC; the Tamron with a 1.4 TC. I'm looking for an effective focal length in excess of 700 (not including the digital factor)...
You won't be able to Autofocus with the 100-400 and the 1.4x or 2x TC. The 2X TC would degrade the quality of the images you'd get with the 100-400 quite a bit, even the 1.4x on the 100-400 will be marginal. TC's work best with fast primes and so so with zooms...especially slow zooms.
