Longer zoom thoughts

I'm thinking of (have been thinking for a while) about a longer zoom. It will be used for wildlife and occasional air show shots. My priority is image quality and light gathering capability.

I already have the 60-250 which is a lovely lens but unfortunately doesn't pair too well with tele-converters. I shall be keeping it though just because the image quality is rather nice

So in addition I'm currently thinking along the lines of the following two options:-

1) Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF together with a Sigma 1.4x APO Tele-converter
2) Sigma 150-500mm f/5.6-6.3 APO DG HSM

Obviously option one is more costly and shorter but gives more flexibility and a faster aperture at the long end. Image quality seems to be generally excellent from what I've read even with the matched tele-converter (which is important to me)
Option two gives me more money in my piggy bank and is an all in one solution with a longer focal length. However it's a bit heavier and probably less flexible that the 100-300 + x1.4 solution. Not sure whether HSM is a good or bad thing?

I would be interested to know users thoughts on image quality, built quality general ease of use. Perhaps also some other options I could consider in this sort of price range.
Thanks.

Grey top I have a sigma 28 300mm 3.5 6.3 you could try I am thinking of selling it later on in the year

I could post it in the coming week if you like just send me your address
by pm

James

Thanks for the offer that's very kind of you but I don't think your zoom will be fast enough at the long end.
I'm looking for a minimum of f/4 @ 300mm so when matched to 1.4x APO Tele-converter I'll end up with f/5.6 @ 420mm.

oops my bad read 150-300 5.6 6.3 on your post

James

I would go for a Sigma EX lens. The IQ is definitely superior to their non EX lenses.

You could of course consider the Bigma too, which is an EX. There is a new version due out at the PMA apparently.

I can certainly vouch for the 100-300mm and TC combo but would hold off until the new Bigma is released.

Does it have to be a zoom? You have the DA*300 f4 and you could combine it with the Pentax 1.7 AF TC . I find it works OK

Thanks Gwyn and Mike, yes that new Bigma looks interesting, I wonder what the price will be as it now packs optical stabilisation and HSM?

Hi Barry, yes that option had crossed my mind too but I haven't seen any examples anywhere with the DA* 300 and x1.7TC. I have seen quite a few frankly stunning shots on a wildlife forum with the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF and 1.4x APO Tele-converter combination, all be it in a Canon mount.

Not wildlife but- link

It's not too shabby with the 2x teleconverter either.

Yes there is that too, which is just another factor swinging me the the direction of the 100-300mm at this point.
I'm really amazed at the sharpness and definition that this lens appears to be capable of with the Sigma 1.4x APO fitted.

Well put it this way, you know I am somewhat undecided on what camera to buy next but when a reasonably priced 100-300mm came up on TP in Canon mount I bought it .. just in case.

Check out my portfolio page 3......both goldfinches taken with the DA*300 plus the 1.7 converter!......not bad efforts!........Ken

Yes, I guess it has be one of the nicest lenses Sigma make. I certainly haven't read a single bad report about the image quality.

Impressive Ken, I can't argue with the quality of those. Were either of those cropped to any extent?