canon/sigma lens (1 Viewer)

I am considering getting a new lens for my canon 400D. I have a Tamron 70-300mm which has packed up. I have a canon sx50hs powershot which i am happy with and a canon s95 that I use for digiscoping. I was wondering whether to get a sigma 500mm fixed or 170-500mm lens or alternative or not bother at all. With that range I don't know if I would get improved results with a new lens over the sx50hs or not. Looking to spend no more than 1k new or ysed to be honest. I am only a casual/amateur photographer really. Wondering if anyone had any ideas?

The 400d is very old and outdated now compared to modern cameras ,the sigma 170-500 went out of production several years ago to . I think you really need to research your needs and budget before going further ,in all probability a sx50 would be best for you imho

Thanks black fox. I think I meant the 150-500 sigma os lens rather than a 170-500 lens.

the black fox said:

The 400d is very old and outdated now compared to modern cameras ,the sigma 170-500 went out of production several years ago to . I think you really need to research your needs and budget before going further ,in all probability a sx50 would be best for you imho

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I would get a Tamron 150-600. Much better than the Sigma 150-500 (I have owned both). The Tammy is £949, although in short supply so some sellers are asking >£1k. I think Jessops currently have some in stock for £949. Comes with a 5 year Tamron warranty.

While the 400D is an older model I wouldn't write it off. I used to use one and took some of my favourite bird photos with it - while the newer models do have advantages there is no reason why the 400D cannot produce great images.

The Sigma 500mm prime is a superb lens which will outperform any of the third party zooms out there - but it comes at a price (both cost and weight). If you do go for the prime you would need to budget for a decent tripod and head too. The 150-500 is a well thought of lens which a lot of people are very happy with but it wouldn'd be my choice. I have also read a lot of good about the new Tamron but have yet to get hold of one to try out. For me in that budget I would look at what sort of shooting you do and look at either the Canon 100-400 or the Canon 400 f5.6 prime. Secondhand either would fall into the budget and in my experience outperform the third party zooms.

I see that you are in Suffolk. It would be worth a trip to WEX in Norwich to have a play with some of these lenses and see which you prefer.

I have both the Canon 400/5.6 and Tamron 150-600 and have to say that the Tamron gives the 400/5.6 a darn good run for its money (much to my surprise!!) - the detail at 600mm is certainly better than a up-rezed or tighter cropped image from the 400/5.6, with both at 400mm the Canon wins it. I have also used the Canon 400/5.6 + 1.4x tc (on the 5D3) and think that the Tamron is best at these focal lengths although the Canon takes a tc very well. Between these two a lot depends if you are heavily into BIF, if so then the 400/5.6 is best as it focuses faster and is also lighter to hold - if you are reach limited and shoot mainly perched birds then I would go for the Tammy. The Tammy also has the advantage of a very good VC (I.S.) system if you prefer hand holding. If it were a choice between the 100-400 and the Tammy I would choose the Tammy every time although my experience with the 100-400 is very limited so you can take this with a pinch of salt.

150-600 review here - http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-150-600mm-f-5-6.3-Di-VC-USD-Lens.aspx

and here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gwuaUsTeyQ

tdodd said:

150-600 review here - http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-150-600mm-f-5-6.3-Di-VC-USD-Lens.aspx

and here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gwuaUsTeyQ

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It should be remembered that both those reviews were done before the AF fix.

Thank you all for some really useful comments. I have heard good things about the Tamron lens and I will definitely look at going to Wex.