Telephoto Zooms

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Canon 100-300mm f/5.6L

If you're looking for a  new  "L" zoom, this probably isn't the lens for you. But for those looking for a bargain, these still produce sharp images with excellent contrast, bokeh and color. 

Often referred to as a "Coffee Grinder", they work well with teleconverters and are much lighter and smaller than current "Pro" lenses of their size. They use a push/pull focus with build quality simular to standard Canon EF series lenses. If you can live without Image Stablization, USM focusing and prefer shooting without a polirizing filter (due to it's front element turning during focus) it might be the lens for you.

Example photo taken using the EF 100-300 f/5.6 L & Kenko Pro 300 1.4X:

Lens Construction 15 elements in 10 groups.

Diaphragm Blades 8

Minimum Aperture 32

Sigma 28-300 & Tamron 70-300 Compared:
There's several versions of the Tamron, so you'll need to be careful which you get. Be sure it has a 1:2 macro ability, and you'll be fine. There's also a newer model of this lens which is slightly more expensive, but when tried side by side I found little difference.

The Sigma feels better quality wise. The Tamron seems a little light in the hand, but has much better clarity. The Tamron sells for $149. with 6 year warrenty at B&H, and newer version a bit more. You'll pay double that for the Sigma. 
Here's a breakdown on the advantage of each, and their weak points.

Click Photo To Enlarge
Sigma 28-300:
This Sigma and other 28-300's are great if you want to turn your DSLR into a point & shoot, but they're not as  sharp as many other lenses, and somewhat slow with an aperture of f/3.5-6.3.  My personal feeling is you're better taking a point & shoot with a 10X zoom  instead. And many, like Canons' S3-5 IS offer image stabilization.

Click Photo to Enlarge
Tamrons Di LD is one of the best buys out there if you're on a tight budget and looking for a versatile, long lens which gives reasonable results. It offers half life size macro, and seems a bit sharper than either Sigma, or Canon's inexpensive alternatives which are currently available close to it's price. It's worst problem is some flare in high contrast conditions. So try shooting with the sun to your back, and always use the supplied sunshade. As with any long telephoto, be sure and use higher ISO settings as needed to keep the shutter speed high. Most problems people complain about are due to shooting with shutter speeds too slow. Keep it at least 1.5 time the focal length (1/450th at 300mm) and stop down 2 stops when possible, you'll get nice shots. This will help get the most from any lens you own.  More information on  the Tamron 70-300mm LD  (Scroll down the page about mid way).

Canon has a new EF 70-300 IS that's getting good reviews. It's priced around $550.00, and has image stablization.  My top pick being a Canon 100-400 L IS or Canon 400L prime. If you can get by with 200mm, no question, the EF 70-200L would be the way to go, and can also be used with a 1.4X teleconverter with good results. There's several models of Canon L lenses available with, and without IS.

If you've made your mind up no other lens but a 28-300 will do , stay with newer models, since some older Sigma lenses have a bad habit of "chip" malfunction. Chip replacement runs around $100. to $150.00 (with shipping), and takes between 4 to 6 weeks turn around. So be sure you're getting a newer compatible version which also has updated optics giving better results.

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