Bird Watching: Birds in Motion, 1 by linthicum

linthicum wrote:
Thanks all for your comments ....

My carry around digital camera is a Nikon D70 with a 50-500mm Sigma lens. My other combination is a Nikon D200 with a Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED AF-S II Lens. I currently have a Nikon 1.4x teleconverter on it to stretch it out to 700mm. I also have a 1.7x teleconverter which pushes it out to 850mm.

I made the investment in the Nikkor 500mm lens primarily for improved photo clarity/sharpness. However, once you start adding teleconverters you are beginning to sacrifice on quality. And, a good tripod becomes essential. I still use the Nikon D70 and Sigma 50-500mm combination 80% of the time because it's easier to handle in a spontaneous situation. I am still learning and trying to get more comfortable with the larger lens.

Here is a photo of the Nikkor 500mm lens with the 1.4x teleconverter.