Lens help

[David N Smith]

In the near future (hopefully in the next 3 months) I plan on getting a new lens and I need help deciding what to get. I like shooting birds (perched), BIF, and landscapes. I currently have the Canon 60D, but that could be upgraded in the future also, with a 24-105L f/4, Sigma 70-200 f2.8, and Tamron SP 70-300 f/4-5.6.
I am looking at the following:

1) Canon 100-400L and later adding the 1.4TC

2) Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3

3) Sigma 150-500 f/5-6.3

I have read reviews and they are all over the place as far as IQ and AF go. So I was wondering what the members here thought. I know most use the Canon L's but most of those I will never be able to afford, but I have also seen some excellent images posted on here with Sigma and Tamron lenses so hopefully I can get some feedback that will help me decide.

David

[David Stephens]

The 100-400L plus the 1.4TC on your 60D will be problematic, with either no AF or really slow AF. The new Tamron 150-600mm is getting lots of good press and would be a top contender as an entry lens into BIF photography. Go to Flickr and search for the Tammy and then sort by Interestingness, to see some of the potential from this lens.

[David N Smith]

Thanks David. That wasn't the reply I was expecting. I have been following threads on other forums and reviews on the Tammy because I like the range on it.

David

[Miguel Palaviccini]

David, how about the 400 f/5.6L?

[David Stephens]

Remember, the 400/f5.6 doesn't have IS and it will not AF fast enough with a 1.4x TC to be of any use for anything moving. I owned it. It's light, sharp and fast, but I found the focal length too short.

[Don Lacy]

The 400/ f5.6 paired with the 60D has an effective focal length of 640 ( yes I know pixels on subject is a truer measurement but I am keeping it simple) ad the best IS system in the world a tripod and you have a very sharp combo that will produce better images even when cropped then the other lenses mentioned. If you need more focal length then the Tamaron might be your best option.

[Sandy Witvoet]

Hi David,
I also have a 60D... and the Tamron 70-300.... and a Canon 300 F4 USM IS, which I use with a 1.4. The Tamron is versatile and a nice lens and good to keep as "back up". I bought the 300, then a 1.4 since it is a good combo and AF works well.... of course, I still had lens envy, so recently bought a 400 DO.... haven't had time nor weather to give it a good try tho....but it's about max weight/balance that I can manage hand-held. The 400 DO sometimes gets a "bad rap", but we shall see! Just looking at my history here.... good thing would be to "try before you buy", since everyone has different requirements. I'm sure that input from others will be more precise than mine, but just figured I'd share a few thoughts with you!