300mm zoom questions (1 Viewer)

I got a Canon 400D a couple of months ago and have been using a Sigma 70-300 DG lens (the non APO one). I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of my pics for such a cheap lens but am wondering if I should upgrade.

Not to a 400 or 500mm lens yet (that'll be one for Santa I think) but to another 300mm zoom. I have 2 questions.

The Sigma 70-300 APO zoom. When I got my camera I didn't actually know there were two Sigma zooms with similar specs (it was a spur of the moment thing when I bought the whole set-up). How much better is this lens than the non APO? I know it is better but if only slightly so is there any point me buying it?

28-300mm zooms. I notice Sigma and Tamron make these. Does anyone use them on the forum? They look attractive...............more compact and I don't need to change lenses when I take landscape pics. How good are they at the long end compared to the Sigma APO 70-300mm? They're about $100 more.

Any opinions gratefully received..............

I use the Tamron 28-300 as an all-purpose lens - it is light and takes reasonable pictures. I used the have a Nikon 70-300 and the Tamron is better than that one was. I would suggest though, that you save up for something like the Tamron 200-500 rather than getting another 300mm lens.

rezMole said:

I use the Tamron 28-300 as an all-purpose lens - it is light and takes reasonable pictures. I used the have a Nikon 70-300 and the Tamron is better than that one was. I would suggest though, that you save up for something like the Tamron 200-500 rather than getting another 300mm lens.

Click to expand...

I've got my eye on that 200-500mm lens but can't afford it (or another longer lens) until next winter. Like I said I'm just wondering about a small upgrade for my 300mm for now..........

Nice photos on your Blog, Stu,
Were they all taken with the Sigma 70-300, and if so, were they with a tripod, or handheld ?
I have the APO version, just recently aquired, but my photos never look as good as yours.
Possibly because I never use a tripod [although I have one], and maybe I am not making enough effort to get nearer to the small birds, or to hold the camera steady.
I have just purchased a second-hand 400mm 5.6 Tokina, and when that arrives, I will try it with the tripod.
Any advice much appreciated.

bestboat said:

Nice photos on your Blog, Stu,
Were they all taken with the Sigma 70-300, and if so, were they with a tripod, or handheld ?
I have the APO version, just recently aquired, but my photos never look as good as yours.
Possibly because I never use a tripod [although I have one], and maybe I am not making enough effort to get nearer to the small birds, or to hold the camera steady.
I have just purchased a second-hand 400mm 5.6 Tokina, and when that arrives, I will try it with the tripod.
Any advice much appreciated.

Click to expand...

Hi bestboat. Yes those photos were with the Sigma 70-300 and all handheld.........

Thanks Stu.
I have obviously got to concentrate more on what I am doing, and just try harder.