Upgrade Path from Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6

Janesy B

Janesy B

Janesy B

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I've got a Tamron SP AF 70-300 F/4-5.6 Di VC USD for my 70D that I mainly use for Motorsport events and I'm starting to find the limits with it and it isn't very sharp so I'd like to upgrade.

I rented a Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 (the older DG model) and loved it but it is over 2 grand and weighs an absolute tonne so I'd like to find a happy medium.

The Canon 100-400 is getting on a little and I don't like the push/pull zoom, the only thing I've thought of so far that we be a reasonable cost/size is combining a 70-200 f/4 with a 1.4x TC for when I need more reach. I'm not necessarily after a faster lens, just one with quicker AF and better IQ.
 
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New version of 100-400L is meant to be due soon... That said the Canon 70-200's are meant to take the TC's very well. And the Tamron 150 - 600 is another option altho it's a beast of a lens to carry and use.
 
Sh4rkie said:
New version of 100-400L is meant to be due soon... That said the Canon 70-200's are meant to take the TC's very well. And the Tamron 150 - 600 is another option altho it's a beast of a lens to carry and use.
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Don't hold your breath on a new 100-400mm L people have been saying the new one is on the way longer than I've been into photography the same can be said for thr 50mm f1.4

I wouldn't rule out the 100-400mm L either on age or the push pull zoom it is a really solid lens and is popular with people on a budget for motor sport and aviation for a reason. I never found the push pull in particular an issue when I rented/owned one for some wildlife holidays it's quick and easy to use and to my mind is easily as convenient as the twist operation.
 
Sh4rkie said:
New version of 100-400L is meant to be due soon... That said the Canon 70-200's are meant to take the TC's very well. And the Tamron 150 - 600 is another option altho it's a beast of a lens to carry and use.
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The 70-200 II with the MkIII 2x is astonishingly good and gives a 400 f/5.6 prime a decent run for its money. Not a cheap option though.
 
Haven't had my 120-300mm OS long but I agree it's heavy
I would have thought for Motorsport the weight isn't an issue?
 
Exactly! It's nice to add to your exercise routine, especially when walking up hills in hot climes.. It evens out the litres of water you have on the other side... :p

al4x, have you had a look at Blackrapid straps yet? They really make sense with lenses like these. The quick release system really helps when you're changing between lenses as well. I have the classic and when using the 120-300 just have that attached to it (and lens over my shoulder) while shooting with the camera (and no strap). It makes swapping between lenses (and generally carrying the lens) much easier.

As for the 100-300 it had quite a following, unfortunately Sigma stopped making it so it can't be had new any more. There was hope they would release a new OS version but it doesn't look like it's going to come. A second hand one can be had pretty cheaply though and they are supposed to be good. Just a shame they don't come with OS!
 
al4x said:
Haven't had my 120-300mm OS long but I agree it's heavy
I would have thought for Motorsport the weight isn't an issue?
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It is, even with a blackrapid strap. I like to move about and walking 3-4 miles in a day with that weight is just not fun. Bloody great lens but I don't have that kind of money to spend anyway. Something that's lighter with the same IQ at f4-5.6 would be perfect.
 
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Amp34 said:
Exactly! It's nice to add to your exercise routine, especially when walking up hills in hot climes.. It evens out the litres of water you have on the other side... :p

al4x, have you had a look at Blackrapid straps yet? They really make sense with lenses like these. The quick release system really helps when you're changing between lenses as well. I have the classic and when using the 120-300 just have that attached to it (and lens over my shoulder) while shooting with the camera (and no strap). It makes swapping between lenses (and generally carrying the lens) much easier.

As for the 100-300 it had quite a following, unfortunately Sigma stopped making it so it can't be had new any more. There was hope they would release a new OS version but it doesn't look like it's going to come. A second hand one can be had pretty cheaply though and they are supposed to be good. Just a shame they don't come with OS!
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Looked but not bought. Which one is most appropriate?
 
Janesy B said:
It is, even with a blackrapid strap. I like to move about and walking 3-4 miles in a day with that weight is just not fun. Bloody great lens but I don't have that kind of money to spend anyway. Something that's lighter with the same IQ at f4-5.6 would be perfect.
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I'm not sure how far I walked when I had my first day out with it. But it on the standard canon strap. I think it was the asymmetric weight distribution that got me after a few hours
 
I'd get a 100-400 L IS.
I had one, sold it and would buy another. Pretty much nothing else close for it's price.

The rumour of a replacement has been running for the last 10 years
 
When I was looking at my sigma the only other option would have been that lens (100-400mm l)
 
The 100-400 is amazing value for money but I've heard there can be quite a lot of copy variation so need to make sure you get a good one.
 
Janesy B said:
I've got a Tamron SP AF 70-300 F/4-5.6 Di VC USD for my 70D that I mainly use for Motorsport events and I'm starting to find the limits with it and it isn't very sharp so I'd like to upgrade.

I rented a Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 (the older DG model) and loved it but it is over 2 grand and weighs an absolute tonne so I'd like to find a happy medium.

The Canon 100-400 is getting on a little and I don't like the push/pull zoom, the only thing I've thought of so far that we be a reasonable cost/size is combining a 70-200 f/4 with a 1.4x TC for when I need more reach. I'm not necessarily after a faster lens, just one with quicker AF and better IQ.
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The 100-400 wont improve IQ or AF performance noticeably over the 70-300 tamron. Well, the 300mm performance might be a tad better but the 400mm wont be better than the 300mm end of the tamron.



Really, i think the Sigma 120-300mm is your best option. Either that or a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 if 200mm vs 300mm makes sense. Adding a TC to either 70-200mm will slow down AF noticeably so unless you use the lens bare you wont get an AF improvement.

If you don't need the zoom then consider the 300mmm f/4.0 IS.


This is a classic problem really. The 70-300mm lenses are excellent value for money and have very good IQ. As soon as you want something a little better you get very few options and the all come at increased price and weight.

"300mm is a little short so you want 400m, f/5.6 is a little slow so you want f/4.0." Nothing too drastic here, not demanding twice the FL or f/2.8. Except that 200-400mm f/4.0 is the price of a car.:eek:
 
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