scope v zoom lens

["Nevil Lazarus" <>]

Simon,

Thanks for the compliment.

I can speak with a lot of experience of the 100-400 lens, since that is my
only birding lens that I own and use at present, and all my Australian bird
pics have been taken with it. It is very very good, and extremely rugged and
versatile.

I used both my lens and a friends 300 2.8 in South Africa, and the
experience and results with the 300 2.8 are all totally favourable.  I have
read up on and drooled over the 400 2.8, and have my sights set on it, and
will buy it when I sell my scope....

I can absolutely recommend the 100-400,

Best wishes,


Nevil Lazarus



-----Original Message-----
From: 
 On Behalf Of Simon
Blanchflower
Sent: Thursday, 21 April 2005 8:39 PM
To: Nevil Lazarus; ; 
Subject: scope v zoom lens

I'm thinking about getting the Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6L USM with image
stabliser which retails in the US for $1,409.95 (over here it costs $3,699
so even with import costs you can save over $1000!).

Anyone had experience with this lens - I know its slower than the one
suggested by Nevil (and now I know why his photo's are so good!!) but
significantly cheaper - reviews I have read on the net sound pretty
good.....any thoughts?

Simon