09-09-2010, 11:43 AM
If you really want 400mm+ on that budget NEW, I guess that puts you in the hands of Sigma. I don't have experience of them specifically so can't suggest further on that.
Is 300mm "enough"? Of course that opens up the possibility of the 70-300 zooms, or even using a 1.4x TC on the 70-200 to retain AF.
Otherwise maybe if you get lucky you can find a used 100-400L or 400L prime in that budget, but I think that unlikely based on what I've seen locally to me. As an outside chance, perhaps a 35-350L? I bought one used not long ago but had to return it as it was rather too worn out mechanically due to age, so do check the condition carefully if you consider this further. The image was not quite as good as the 100-400L on the long end but it was closer than I thought it would be.
Is 300mm "enough"? Of course that opens up the possibility of the 70-300 zooms, or even using a 1.4x TC on the 70-200 to retain AF.
Otherwise maybe if you get lucky you can find a used 100-400L or 400L prime in that budget, but I think that unlikely based on what I've seen locally to me. As an outside chance, perhaps a 35-350L? I bought one used not long ago but had to return it as it was rather too worn out mechanically due to age, so do check the condition carefully if you consider this further. The image was not quite as good as the 100-400L on the long end but it was closer than I thought it would be.
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://snowporing.deviantart.com/">dA</a> Canon 7D2, 7D, 5D2, 600D, 450D, 300D IR modified, 1D, EF-S 10-18, 15-85, EF 35/2, 85/1.8, 135/2, 70-300L, 100-400L, MP-E65, Zeiss 2/50, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300/2.8, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Olympus E-P1, Panasonic 20/1.7, Sony HX9V, Fuji X100.