I wanted to pick some expert brains on lens options. Specifically I'm in the Market for a long zoom lens (lucky enough to be going on a safari in the near future). I've been looking at the Sigmas which seem to be the only real option. I'm fairly happy that something that goes up to 400mm seems in order. However, I'm puzzled by the most frequent piece of advice which is to go for the 100-300mm plus the APO 1.4 converter. From my experience a teleconverter seems to drastically degrade picture quality. This is based on using a Kenko converter though.

Does the 100-300 plus the 1.4 really give better results than, say, the 120-400 or the 150-500? If so, is this a result of:

a) the sigma 1.4 teleconverter being so good
b) the picture quality of the 100-300 being so good that the degraded image is still better than the other lenses
c) the 100-300 being of such high resolution that even when the picture is degraded it is still above the limits of the sensor?
d) something else entirely that I'm not considering...

I'd really appreciate some help which will hopefully mean I can make a decision. I'd hate to spend this much cash and get it 'wrong'.

Cheers

I am by no means an experienced photographer but I don't know how people manage without two command dials (or the status lcd on the top).

I'm half joking really but I guess it depends what you are used to.

Cheers guys

Back from a weekend away now and the Sigma 17-70 was used extensively (around Canterbury). Really noticed the difference in sharpness to the kit lens and also the overall performance inside the cathedral which has a lot of dim and variable lighting.

In response to Womble's comment on the polariser - I'd be interested to know what people's thoughts are on polarisers for wide angle (or for that matter, extreme telephoto). If it will be of limited use then I will stick with the 72mm. If I were to go with the 77mm I also think I would have trouble attaching the lens hood to the 17-70. It may be possible to attach the hood and then screw in the filter but I guess it would be fiddley. If it comes to a straight choice between polariser or lens hood then what seems best?

Cheers,

J

A Sigma 17-70. After using the kit lenses for a while I think this is a really useful range for me and the reviews seem very positive for image quality (plus it's a bit faster than the kit lens and has a pseudo macro ability). All in all seems like a good versatile choice for me. Really excited about using it to be honest!

I have to buy a polariser for it though (which will be huge). I'm weighing up whether to get the 72mm I need or go for a 77mm as I will probably get a Sigma 120-400mm in the near future and potentially a 10-20mm which both use the 77mm thread.

Maybe I can cheer myself up by going out at lunch and picking these up!

Good news! It's my birthday!

Bad news! I am 30...

Good news! Got a new lens from my girlfriend!

Bad news! Had planned on spending today taking pictures but have too much work on so I had to go into the office...

Boo! Was really looking forward to it. I'd decided it wasn't too much of a problem as the weather has been shocking lately but today is a glorious, crisp, sunny day. Was planning on visiting a couple of little churches and a cemetary around Wimbledon (that sounds more morbid than it actually is...)

There is a shiny new lens sitting at home unused!

Sorry Jeff, had no computer to reply over the weekend - I wasn't being rude. Sounds like you have got where you wanted to be anyway though.

I'm interested (looking for a camera to use for infrared or to convert) but the kit lens wouldn't be needed. Do you have a price for body only?

Am in London if that helps for viewing/pickup.

Cheers,

James

Hmmm... Where did the K7 for sale thread go in the Classifieds section? Did I miss something? I'm guessing it deteriorated into name calling or something.

Pity, I was watching the thread with interest (not to buy, but to see how it turned out).

Hey Mike

Just wondering how useful this is as a general purpose lens in addition to macro. Is it quick to focus and how does it cope when the subject is outside of the close focussing range? I'd quite like a decent fast walkaround lens that could grab macro shots too.

Cheers

James

Don't use one but I wish I did. Mine has come back from holiday with a war wound - a minor scratch on the screen. The girlfriend was wearing the camera as she mounted a horse and it banged into the pommel on the saddle. Only a minor impact and a simple plastic screen protector would have prevented any damage.

I have learnt my lesson.