Help me select a lens, please!

[cyoung315]

The gap idea stemmed from the 100mm being a fair amount more on my crop sensor, I am extremely pleased with all of the shots I get from that lens but thought I would need something shorter for portrait work. The 70-200 talk is a different lens issue entirely. I have a Sigma 150-500 that I am not totally pleased with and before returning it I wanted input on a superior replacement for it while being mindful of my budget. This lens will be for wildlife, distance wildlife photography. Sorry if i muddied any waters in previous posts.

[thekingb]

The 70-200 will disappoint for "distance wildlife." For that you need 400mm at minimum. There's no good answer that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, as you've experienced with your sigma. 100-400 or 400 f/5.6 prime or 70-300L are the best options for under $1600.

[ddt0725]

If you go the extender route, here are a few shots I found that I had on flickr using the 1.4x II. They are not the best shots but hopefully will give you some idea. I can probably dig up some better ones if need be.

This one is with the 200mm f/2.8L II @ f/4...

IMG_6025_DxO by Denise Trocio ( www.dtrociophotography.com), on Flickr

This one is with the 135L @f/2.8 ...

IMG_9254 by Denise Trocio ( www.dtrociophotography.com), on Flickr

100-400mm (manually focused) @ f/8 ...

Male Cardinal by Denise Trocio ( www.dtrociophotography.com), on Flickr

70-200mm f/4 IS ...

IMG_0015 by Denise Trocio ( www.dtrociophotography.com), on Flickr

I have yet to use an extender on my Sigma 50-150mm OS lens but am very curious as to what the results would be like.

Good luck with your decision and be sure to let us know what you decide on and post some photos taken with it.

Denise