scope v zoom lens

Hi Everyone,

Seeing the mail below, I actually do know a few people using the 400mm lens mentioned.  The results I have seen from people using this lens on pelagic trips have been superb.  Naturally any new lens takes a bit of getting used to if you have upgraded.  I currently use a Canon EOS 300D with a EF75-300mm 1:4-5.6 III lens for pelagic birding.  A lot of the shots I have posted on Tom Tarrant's site (Australian Bird Image Database) have been taken using this equipment.

There are a couple of things worth considering if you purchase the lens below.  Firstly it is quite heavy being metal and glass.  I have seen a couple of people using either a harness or a home-fashioned 'arm' to alleviate the extra bicep workout you get when you are using it for a whole day on a boat.  But I guess this depends on what type of photography you do.

Secondly, since I have been shopping around for prices on this lens (my local retailer would sell it to me for $3,500AUD), the cheapest place I have seen it is on centre.net.au

http://www.centre.net.au/Canon_EF_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6L_IS_USM_Lens_0007T3.html

$2572.00AUD

Even with shipping and insurance this site is very competitive.  It was recommended to me by a fellow birder and I know two people (including my partner) who have bought this lens from this site without problems.  It is a beautiful piece of equipment.

Hope this info helps.

Cheers,

Inger

Simon Blanchflower <> Sent by: 21/04/2005 08:39 PM

To:        Nevil Lazarus <>,         cc:                 bcc:        Inger Vandyke/AUNOR01/Power/ALSTOM         Subject:        Re: [BIRDING-AUS] 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