which lens for bird photography

luckydogluckydog Registered Users Posts: 396 Major grins
edited July 14, 2005 in Cameras
Hey folks,
I am looking at 2 lenses at present as a starting bird photography lens. I'm just after comments on the two if anyone knows of or has the glass in question....N.B Funds are important as I want to only spend about $1000 (Aust$).

Both are Sigma lenses

135-400mm AF F4.5-5.6 APO ASPHERICAL
170-500MM AF F5-6.3 APO RF ASPHERICAL

Thanks in advance
Lucky

P.S I haven't looked at Ebay as I don't have access at work and my 5yo changed my internet password and i'm awaiting a new one :wxwax
http://darrylluckphotography.smugmug.com

40D
18-55mm, 28-105mm USM II, 50mm f/1.8, 400mm f/5.6

Comments

  • luckyrweluckyrwe Registered Users Posts: 952 Major grins
    edited July 12, 2005
    I had the 170-500, it is nice but too slow for birds I think. Try to stay at f/5.6 at least.
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited July 13, 2005
    Any lens you get will be 100mm to short :D

    I'm looking into 300f4 prime + TC17E right now
    so far most of my current shots are at 300mm tops

    Hope that helps ne_nau.gif
    Benjamin
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  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited July 13, 2005
    As you all know i use the 400mm f/5.6 L prime & love it. It can out focus my eye on a moving target in speed. Learning to pan effectively is another question entirely.

    By comparrison ..its cheap.

    Gus
  • KhaosKhaos Registered Users Posts: 2,435 Major grins
    edited July 13, 2005
    Humungus wrote:
    As you all know i use the 400mm f/5.6 L prime & love it. It can out focus my eye on a moving target in speed. Learning to pan effectively is another question entirely.

    By comparrison ..its cheap.

    Gus
    15524779-Ti.gif Great lens for the price. One day I'll own the 500, but for now this lens serves me well.
  • luckyrweluckyrwe Registered Users Posts: 952 Major grins
    edited July 13, 2005
    My 400mm/5.6 is sweet. I need the extension ring to focus a tad closer so I can sit on the porch while watching the birds.
  • luckydogluckydog Registered Users Posts: 396 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2005
    Okay I'm currently deciding on the 135-400mm...Is this a reasonably fast focusing lens/is it manual focus or what? I'm going to be brand new to SLR photography and need to know more about the glass.
    http://darrylluckphotography.smugmug.com

    40D
    18-55mm, 28-105mm USM II, 50mm f/1.8, 400mm f/5.6
  • KhaosKhaos Registered Users Posts: 2,435 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2005
    If you are going to buy a lens of that length with the 400 at 5.6, buy the Canon L. Seriously, wide open, the Sigma can not touch this lens. It's light easily handheld and sharp.

    See these for example:

    23338148-M.jpg


    24583490-L.jpg


    23151647-M.jpg


    21084578-L.jpg
  • luckydogluckydog Registered Users Posts: 396 Major grins
    edited July 14, 2005
    The Canon 400L is a great lens for sure, but it's also more than twice the price I can spend. If I wasn't married with kids and a mortgage i'd go crazy buying the good stuff :)
    http://darrylluckphotography.smugmug.com

    40D
    18-55mm, 28-105mm USM II, 50mm f/1.8, 400mm f/5.6
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