High Sierra Topix

I have a Canon digital rebel with a 70-300mm zoom. I'd like to either extend the zoom (2X extender ?) or maybe just get a 400 or 500 mm lens. I looked at extenders and they're like $300 ! Ouch !
Any recommendations on how to get a longer lens, cheap ?

Hi Tom

Tom writes " I'd like to either extend the zoom (2X extender ?) or maybe just get
a 400 or 500 mm lens. I looked at extenders and they're like $300 ! Ouch !" wait till
you looked at what a 400 or 500 mm lens costs, or even the 100-400 costs?
What are you taking pic's of that make you want more reach?
Are you going to print you photo's?
Your lens with a 2x extender will loose autofocus, if I remember correctly, and the
IQ will be quite degraded.
FredMiranda.com has a sale section where you could find a good deal on a lens
from a reputable seller, I have bought two lenses from individuals, and have been
happy with my purchases.

Thanks, Mav. I may print the photos, but no larger than 8X10. I'll check out the link.

You get what you pay for (the 70-300 in my opinion is one of the worst lenses I've ever used). The 100-400 is a great lens. I have the 400mm f5.6 fixed and it is hands down the best lens I have. But yes, these are very high quality lenses and fall in the >$1000 range. They don't loose much value over time however, as you will see from the resale values.

copeg wrote:You get what you pay for (the 70-300 in my opinion is one of the worst lenses I've ever used). The 100-400 is a great lens. I have the 400mm f5.6 fixed and it is hands down the best lens I have. But yes, these are very high quality lenses and fall in the >$1000 range. They don't loose much value over time however, as you will see from the resale values.

+1. I'm using the fixed 300mm f/4 lens. I also use the 1.4x TC for most of my wildlife shots. Would love to afford a 500mm lens (or bigger), but that ain't happening any time soon...LOL!

Mike,
I'm leaning toward a TC (maybe 2X). How's the 1.4X work out for you ? My main fear is loss of sharpness.

The Other Tom wrote:Mike,
I'm leaning toward a TC (maybe 2X). How's the 1.4X work out for you ? My main fear is loss of sharpness.

I've not confirmed this, but I hear that the 2x is not a sharp as the 1.4. My 1.4 is basically "glued" to my 300mm f/4L IS lens...LOL!

The Other Tom wrote:Any recommendations on how to get a longer lens, cheap ?

you can find cheap glass on ebay... but you'll probably hate the image quality you get from these stovepipe lenses

A good long lens will cost you as much as a used car. It's worth it if you have a real need for it, otherwise, ignore, since in the backcountry, these lenses are just dead weight unless you're chasing animals. I've used most of the high end Canon glass when I made money with these things, but I wouldn't think of ever carrying one of these into the backcountry. I'm not enough into the bird or animal photo thing to need a 600 f4 in my pack...

can't help you with what's available in affordable longer Canon lenses - lost track of their stuff since I switched to Nikon a few years ago, but based on my experience in the past, there's a decent consumer level for casual use, but to get the real goods, you need to take out that second mortgage.