Which lens should I buy for wildlife photography with Canon 90D?

Question

Heading to Yellowstone next month and I need a long lens for my 90D. Ive been looking at the Sigma 150-600 but some guys online say its too heavy for hiking and then others swear by the Canon 70-300 IS II. I only have about $900... is 300mm actually enough for wolves and stuff?

JacobAdect · Accepted Answer

Quick reply while I'm on my lunch break... honestly, 300mm is just gonna leave you wanting more when you see a wolf pack across the valley. @Reply #2 - good point! Weight is definitely the main trade-off when you go for the massive zooms, and if youre hiking a few miles every day, your neck will feel it by noon. Since you want to stay under $900, you have to be a bit strategic with your glass choice. Your 90D is an APS-C camera, which is a huge advantage for wildlife because of that 1.6x crop factor. A 400mm lens effectively acts like a 640mm on your body, which is usually the sweet spot for most encounters in Yellowstone.Consider the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary for Canon EF. It is much lighter than the 150-600mm versions and fits your budget perfectly, even brand new.Look at the used market for a Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM. It lacks image stabilization, but the sharpness is legendary for the price point and it is very easy to carry.Spend the leftover cash on a solid cleaning kit like the Giottos Rocket Air Blaster because the dust out there is no joke and will get all over your sensor during lens changes. Just remember that wolves are often tiny specks even at 600mm, so dont forget to enjoy the view through your binoculars too. Feel free to ask if you need help picking between those two or finding a good used deal!

Brimsnozpruro · Answer

In my experience, 300mm is simply not enough focal length for distant wolves. Over the years, Ive found that maximum reach is the most critical factor for Yellowstone.

Purchase the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary for Canon EF.

Use a BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap to manage the lens weight comfortably while hiking.

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Which lens should I buy for wildlife photography with Canon 90D?