Wildlife photography lens recos: EF 100-400mm not enough on its own

[Kiwi61]

On a photographic tour to Kruger National Park I found that the Canon 100-400mm lens that I hired for my Canon 90D fell short at times. Leaving the vehicle to get closer was not an option!

What would be the best option to zoom in closer. The same 100-400mm lens with a 1.4 or 2X extender, or a Sigma or Tamron 150-600mm lens? 

I am still very much at the beginner stage, and any advice would be very much appreciated.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

The Sigma or Tamron 150-600 would be a good match for the 90D  "Wildlife On A Budget".  A TC has its place, but I think you'll be happier overall with one of the longer lenses over a shorter lens with a TC.

[Kiwi61]

Gidday Rick 

Thank you for taking the trouble to respond.

Is there any specific reason for the option you suggested?

Are Sigma and Tamron much of a muchness or would you have a preference for any reason.

I am very much a novice so am open to any suggestions from those with experience in this field.

Thanks again mate.

[FloridaDrafter]

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@Kiwi61 wrote:

Are Sigma and Tamron much of a muchness or would you have a preference for any reason.

I am very much a novice so am open to any suggestions from those with experience in this field.

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I've used both the Sigma and Tamron 150-600's on my DSLR's and the Tamron, to me, seems to have a bit better IQ SOOC, but to be honest, once in post you can even it out. You won't get the crisp images you're used to with the 100-400L, FL for FL, but it's an L lens after all. I think it's one of the sharpest EF L zoom lenses out there. I've used it on my 7D II and 5D IV, and when needed I've used an EF 1.4X tele-converter. If used correctly, you can get very good results as long as you don't overreach. I wouldn't recommend a 2X TC.

Newton

[wq9nsc]

I picked up a Sigma 150-600 as a general purpose hiking lens and I have been very happy with it.  I went with the Sigma over Tamron because I already had the Sigma USB dock which I acquired at the same time as my Sigma 50 f1.4 lens.

Here are some sample photos with the Sigma 150-600 along with a few from my Canon EF 400 f2.8 and EF 800 f5.6 lenses.  The EF 400 f2.8 is a very sharp lens, the only lens I have which is probably slightly better is the EF 300 f2.8.  And as far as using extenders, the EF telephoto primes are very sharp and take a 1.4X very well but I won't use a 2X even with them because it drops the image quality too much.

Rodger

[p4pictures]

If you are using the optical viewfinder, then you are limited to just the 1.4x extender on the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens or AF will not operate. You can use the 2x if you use the rear LCD - live view mode - but then I also don't recommend the 2x except when nothing else is available. 

I regularly use the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens on it's own or with the Extender EF 1.4x III on both an EOS 7D Mark II and my mirrorless cameras and they all work well. 

[ebiggs1]

Here is my recommendation form a guy that has had every model and or version of the so-called super zooms, if buying today I would buy the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. It is just a tad bit better in virtually every spec over all the others with the possible exception of the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens. One caveat disclaimer I don't have the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens but it is essentially the same lens as the 150-600mm Sport model which is my goto super zoom. I see no good reason for it as 90% of the time you will be at the long, or 600mm, end. Nobody buys a super zoom to use it at 60mm. Nobody!

I have used the Sigma 1.4x tel-con on my Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. I would say, its OK, not great but sometimes an OK shot is better than no shot. The Sigam C is a good lens and is a bit cheaper. However, if you are going to buy one, buy the best of the bunch which is the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. Make sure it is the "G2" model and not the first one.