I have switched to mostly old manual focus fixed lenses for zoo stuff. The out of focus rendering on my 'new' 180mm 2.8 ED
is PERFECT. Of course, I have to be johnny on the spot with the focus, which is REALLY a long throw. It seems like 360
degrees of rotation, although i bet it is less. I miss some stuff when I shoot with it. But the shots look perfect.
I will admit it was a more expensive choice than my usual $40-$60 used lenses, but WHAT A LENS! As close to the
perfect lens as I have found, as is the 105mm 2.5. That one was $99, which was distasteful enough, but the 180 2.8
was even worse. I think it set me back $150, and it was only in 'very good' condition, but once I shot with it, I could
have cared less about the price.
Plus of course there is NO 70mm end, lol. But I always carry two cameras at the zoo. Hell...everywhere. So I always
mount at least one auto focus zoom lens on my second body. I carry a nice little holster that I picked up used at Ado.
for 20 bucks it was a great buy.
This little sucker is SUPER USEFUL and perfectly sized. it hangs there and holds my
spare really tightly, securely and in a small 'footprint'. if you can get one used at B&H or Ado, I certainly recommend it.