Selecting Wildlife Photo Equipment
Thankfully my nature photography has allowed me to build up a small budget that I will be using in the coming year to expand into the semi-professional field.
I have been accepted to participate in a wildlife expedition at Canaan Valley WV next October which I am very excited about.
So I am going to be purchasing a new camera and a new wildlife lens this coming year.
I have faithfully been using my Canon rebel 350d for 5 years now and have taken it from the most rugged inhospitable canyons in WV to the most deslate windy and cold mountain tops.
But I need some better equipment to get into the semi-pro field. So I am seriously considering a Canon 5d Mark II (when they are back in stock) And in the meantime I am trying to select a good Wildlife lens. I currently do not have one and have been limping by with a Quantary 70-300mm 4-5.6
So I am really looking forward to a new wildlife lens and do not, I repeat absolutely do not want to waste my hard earned money (who does?).
Anyway after months of searching and reading I am considering the Sigma 120-300mm 2.8 OR a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS with a 1.4x TC.
I have read so much about the Sigma lenses developing focus issues and I am concerned about the quality. However, their price has went up which indicates a product in demand (it must be in demand for some reason).
Anyway here are some Pro’s and Con’s about these two lenses that I have researched.
Sigma 120-300 2.8
Pros
Fast and can be used with TC to really reach out there
Cons
Large Filter size that is uncommon and expensive
Reported AF issues (I have experienced this with a fixed 28mm Sigma)
Reorted Quality issues
No IS
No Weather seal (kind of necessary for nature photographers)
Much More expensive
Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS
Pros
Weather sealed
Canon L Series Quality
Sharper and faster dependable AF
IS for hand held shots
Less expensive
Common filter size (I already have some good filters that are 77mm)
Cons
Less focal length
Slower Speed at 280 mm with 1.4x TC
I know it may seem obvious with the pros and cons but it is still a toss up to me since I am doing wildlife and nature photography.
If anyone has experience in comparing these two lenses especially on a Canon Digital rebel 350d and/or any experience on a Canon 5d Mark II, I would greatly appreciate your experience and input.
Also if you have any other suggestions that may fit within this budget I am open for suggestions.
I cannot use to slow of a lens becuase I often find myself shooting in low light forests and valleys or in early morning and late evening settings.