Since you stated mainly wildlife then I'd agree with John and go the the DA*300 + TCs if necessary. For field sports a 70-200/2.8 is going to be much better, in fact for the X games I used a 50-150 and it was the perfect lense for the job (I had the *300 with me but it was just too long).

If you really only want one lense then look for the now out of production Sigma 100-300/4 (and TC) for an all-in-one solution.

Depending on how you use it (pre-focus for sports) then the 60-250 is a wonderful lense although the AF isn't the fastest.

Mine lives on a monopod ... easy to transport, quick to adjust or store and light enough to leave on all day when walking around on a shoot. However if it's macro in one location then a tripod will offer you more stability of course.

Take a ticket and a place in the queue

EBay and keep your eyes open on other countries sales sites & forums - you may have to bid for it from overseas.

The *300 shades the 60-250 in both AF speed and sharpness .. not that the 60-250 is remiss in either area. However, of course the flexibility of the zoom is another matter all together and so I wouldn't say these lenses are mutually exclusive of the other !

Really need to know what you are going to use it for. Do you need the zoom range (since you initially chose the 100-300/4) ? If so then the 60-250 is a very nice lense indeed and an able substitute, though AF is not lightening fast.

Don't really need a zoom, or rarely 500, and the lense will mainly be used around 300-400+mm ? Then the DA*300 is a superb lense and add a x1.4 or x1,7 Tc to that to get a nice range of 300/420/510.

Need zoom and convenience to 500mm ? Then either the 150-500 or 50-500 are both very good lenses.

It seems to me that the 70-200/2.8 s are too short for you (based on the lenses you listed) and the 70-300s are really not in the same class - or even close. Add a x1.4 to the 55-300 and you may fall asleep waiting for it to find focus (cracking little lense on it's own though).

Why are you switching back Jeeves ?

True Axl - however after just one month it seems a little early to be ditching such a great lense. I have to say I nearly did the same thing - but then it started to come into it's own as I find out how and when to use it. #3 on my list of most used lenses.

Don't do it ! This is one sale I fear you will live to regret, fabulous lense.

For many people a Bridge camera gives them exactly what it says, it's a step up from the the P&Ss but doesn't have the 'fear factor' many people exhibit when faced with DSLRs and the steep learning curve (yes, there are auto modes but they don't give the best results).

Pros : are the multitude of scene modes and most still have the 'DSLR' control modes to try if you wish. Huge DoF, excellent macro, incredible zoom range, very good HD video, and sharp. I used to have a Sony HX1 which was an excellent little camera within it's limitations. The mode used most was it's 'Panorama' setting which was great (though low res) and enabled me to get simple no-hassle panoramas. Bridge cameras make great, light, convenient, take anywhere, travel cameras.

Cons : ISO, noise, low light, slow AF, shutter lag, blown highlights, low DR.

If someone is not ready for a DSLR, or maybe doesn't want to go to a changeable lense system, these are great options. To the OP - Definitively look for one with the panorama option !

Incredible zoom range (this is optical not digital)













Simple Panoramas

Great set !

I like Fatspider's idea too