Re: Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO DG Aspherical lens
First, I'm always weary of reviews that I hear from people in store or anywhere outside of our hobby. It's tough for their experiences to apply to us because what we do is very different. We often shoot something large, far, moving fast, coming towards and then past us. I can't think of many forms of photography that compare.
When light is good, your shots may well be crisp for you to not need IS on your lens because of a nice, easily attainable 1/500th shutter speed. However, IS helps not only with a clear image, but also in tracking what you're taking a photo of. On those very windy days, or days where it's cold and my hands are not 100%, the IS helps me track the subject and keep it centered in the frame...reducing the amount of cropping needed.
I'm not saying this because I have money, because I don't. But I will always, always urge people to hold out for a little longer to spend a few more bucks on better equipment. Once you're spending hundreds of dollars on camera equipment, you're already investing a good chunk, and you might as well hold off a little to save up a few more bucks to get the next best piece so that you do not sell yourself short.
So, I say hold off. The 100-400 will always be the ultimate spotter's lens, and a staple in the camera bag.
Re: Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO DG Aspherical lens
Phil makes a good point when researching what lens to buy don't listen to any store employees. They may have knowledge but more times than not you know more than them and they are trying to make a sale. Stick to the advice of good photogs.
After reading your post I am going to assume we are talking about shooting aviation in good conditions. So the F/4.5-5.6 will be ok for this. Now excluding IS (because it basically is there to just combat camera shake) I am also going to assume we are talking about holding the camera perfectly still. I am also going to assume your shutter speed is correct. I don't subscribe to jacking up the shutter speed to freeze the action but Phil had a good nuetral 1/500th. Now all things considered I would think the Canon glass would give you the better result. I happen to like my gear to be as heavy as possible so I can't help you with the weight but if your on a budget and want everything in one lens Phil is right get the 100-400.
Re: Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO DG Aspherical lens
Yeah, I know I should ask people with similar photography habits instead of people in the store. Which is why I posted here :)
It's not so much that budget is a limiting factor for me. In a few months, I can come up with the money for the 100-400 L. But it is a lot of money, and I'll feel a lot better about spending it if I know it's really the right thing.
I am aware of the fact that the 100-400 L is <deity>'s gift to aviation photography. But I don't like the idea of using a lens that heavy handheld. My arms are going to get tired and I'm not going to enjoy using it after an hour. Enjoyment takes priority over quality for me. And it happens that the smaller 400mm lens is both of lower quality and much cheaper. At the very worst, it's a significant step up from what I have.
(Side note: both Sigma lenses have a twisty zoom, which I like better than Canon's push-pull.)
But! Tonight, I saw someone using a monopod. That could kill many birds with one stone. A monopod is much less cumbersome to carry around than a tripod, which is important since I don't own a car. Photography-wise, either I won't miss the IS because I'll have something to steady my camera, or I won't mind the weight of the 100-400 L because I'll have something to support it. And if I get a pan/tilt head or a ballhead, I'll be easily able to follow the plane. Good idea?
(Now that I think about it, I should probably buy a monopod anyway. It would be useful on my city photography excursions.)
Re: Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO DG Aspherical lens
Having been one who purchased a Sigma zoom in the past, I would reiterate Phil's comments. Wait for the 100-400L, you will NOT be disappointed. The lens is not THAT heavy or you would see all of us out there using mono or tri-pods. The group has been out for 4-6 hours at a time with the 1-4L and you never see anyone complaining about their arms hurting.
Trust me on this next point as well, the IS is something that I thought I didnt need either, then once I got the lens with that wonderful IS, my keeper rate went from 50% to 90%. You will get used to the push-pull zoom quickly it's really not that big of an adjustment.
As for the mono-pod idea, unless you are shooting still aircraft, forget it. You'll be the only one with the mono-pod, and when an aircraft you really want comes by, you'll be the guy smacking everyone else in the shins as you try and track it. :wink: j/k
That's my 2 cents. Take it for what its worth.
Re: Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO DG Aspherical lens
I also would recommend getting the American version of the lens, and getting the warranty with it. Both are very important for protecting your equipment.
Re: Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO DG Aspherical lens
Hm. I'll have to rent it a few more times and see how I feel about it...maybe I'll get used to the weight.
Re: Sigma 135-400 f/4.5-5.6 APO DG Aspherical lens
Well again the weight is somethng you have to decide upon. Phil raises another good point avoid grey market like the plague. As for the other things like preferring a push pull opposed to twist is another thing to consider. Try them all and make your decision.
