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View Full Version : which lens for bird photography

luckydog
Jul-12-2005, 06:48 PM
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
luckyrwe
Jul-12-2005, 07:02 PM
I had the 170-500, it is nice but too slow for birds I think. Try to stay at f/5.6 at least.
bfjr
Jul-12-2005, 08:30 PM
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 :dunno
gus
Jul-12-2005, 09:41 PM
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
Khaos
Jul-13-2005, 06:54 AM
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
:agree Great lens for the price. One day I'll own the 500, but for now this lens serves me well.
luckyrwe
Jul-13-2005, 06:12 PM
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.
luckydog
Jul-13-2005, 08:12 PM
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.
Khaos
Jul-14-2005, 04:48 PM
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:

http://khaos.smugmug.com/photos/23338148-M.jpg


http://khaos.smugmug.com/photos/24583490-L.jpg


http://khaos.smugmug.com/photos/23151647-M.jpg


http://khaos.smugmug.com/photos/21084578-L.jpg
luckydog
Jul-14-2005, 06:02 PM
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 :)