There are 2 other "relative bargain" lenses which just happen to be available
for several of the major brands. I have used both of these and can attest to
quality, if you believe me of course :-).

These are the Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 and the Sigma 500mm f4.5. Oh, Sigma also
makes a 100-300mm f4 which is really a bargain. These are all HSM, in Sigma
jargon this just means they have focus motors in the lenses so focus is pretty
quick. Compared to the cost of Canon and Nikon lenses these are huge bargains.
I have used the 120-300 with both Nikon and Sigma TC's, although the Nikon TC
requires a small modification.

For full disclosure I shoot Nikon and use a 400 mm f2.8 and the 200-400 f4 VR as
my two prime bird lenses, the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 as secondary.

Should anyone want to see samples from these lenses, drop me an email. One of
the really fun things I have done with the Sigma 500mm was to stack a Nikon 2.0
and a 1.4 TC together. No AF, and I had to be really rock solid, but it sure
was fun to do. Luckily the Heron wasn't moving.

Quoting Bill Anderson <billandersonbic at yahoo.com>:


> Canon has a 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 zoom with image stabilization, which is what I
> attach to my 7D for?bird photography.???It too is extremely versatile and the
>
> camera + lens?is light enough that I can shoot hand held using my preferred
> "walk and stalk" method.??The lens is a relative "bargain" at $1,800?compared
> to
> the cost of a straight telelphoto.
>
> Bill Anderson; Edmonds, WA

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