Camera Lens question for the bird watchers

Hello all, I just moved to Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay from Ohio. Just started to get into snapping photographs of some of the local birds/ducks instead of just the wife and kids. I have a Cannon D30 and need suggestions on a lens that will help me get some nice close ups. Any suggestions? What would be over kill and what would leave me wanting more?

Hi. It depends on how much money you can spend but a lens going up to a 400 or 500mm would be good. I have a Sigma 50- 500 mm lens which I like.

Hi Ellsworth! Like pelletory said it depends on how much you can spend. I use a Canon 400mm f5.6 prime lens. It cost me about 1,300$ and it does a great job.

Hi Elsworth and Welcome!

Do you really have a D30? or is it a 30D? Canon made both. Nothing wrong with the D30 but you rarely see them anymore. It was Canon's first digital SLR and is now more than 10 years. I still have mine but I never use it anymore.

As for lenses I would recommend the Canon 100-400mm zoom. Not too heavy for an L Series lens and you can use it for taking pictures of the family too. A number of people here have that lens and get remarkably good results with it.


Dave

My Bad it's a 30D
I would be willing to spend close to $1500 is stepping up to the 500 worth it?
Thanks for the input

This message was edited Oct 22, 2010 1:15 PM

Looks like the Sigma 50-500mm went way up in price since I bought it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682764-USA/Sigma_738101_50_500mm_f_4_5_6_3_DG_OS.html

Is it worth it? I can only speak for myself and I always want more. :-)

Hope others will chime in. We also need Linth on this thread.



This message was edited Oct 23, 2010 5:32 AM

It's hard to say whether the extra 100mm is worth it . Generally, you can never have too much reach. The Sigma 50-500mm zoom is the only lens I know of in that focal length in that price range and it is very heavy. I had one when it first came out but found it very hard to hand hold. And wide open it is f/6.3 at the 500mm end. And no image stabilization either, as I recall.

I would suggest you check out Fred Miranda's site and specifically the Buy and Sell forum. Most people that hang out there are professional photographers and serious amateurs and are very carefull with their stuff and sell things in like new condition and at very reasonable prices in order to avoid EBay fees. For example, this link will take you to an ad for a Canon100-400 zoom for $1300. It sounds like it is in like new condition. Even if you don't want that lens, it is a good place to lurk and learn as you decide on what you do want.

I agree with Pelle. Linth for sure, and maybe Al Connor may be able to offer some additional insight

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/943826/0?keyword=canon,100-400mm#8918326

Good luck.

Dave

This message was edited Oct 22, 2010 9:47 PM

Thanks for the invite pelle but Dave is unquestionably the most qualified person to address Ellsworth's questions. The reasons that the Sigma 50-500mm is now more expensive is mostly twofold. The newer version has Optical Stabilization which the older model does not have. The other is the weak dollar, i.e. American Dollar versus the Japanese Yen.

I am a Nikon photographer. I owned a Sigma 50-500 lens for over 5 years and have gotten many years of enjoyment out of it. I have probably taken over 50,000 photos with it. But, I am a believer that when one can (afford), they should purchase same manufacturer equipment, i.e. Canon camera, Canon lenses. I wanted 500mm and Nikon didn't offer it in some less expensive lens, so I opted for the Sigma. I have since splurged and purchased a Nikon 500mm prime lens and use it probably 90% of the time. I have learned to be comfortable with throwing the camera, lens and tripod over my shoulder and carrying it to wherever I want to go.

I spend a great deal of time photographing birds, waterfowl, etc. on the eastern shore and Chesapeake Bay area. I never have enough lens. I use teleconverters on occasion and still want more focal length. Wildlife doesn't always cooperate. How much lens you need, or want, will also be determined by the kind of bird photography you will undertake. That is backyard versus out in the field. Never be reluctant to make a good investment in the lens. They will last you a lifetime even though you will probably buy a new camera. My 500mm lens cost 4-5 times the cost of my camera.

I'm not sure how well a teleconverter does with the Canon 100mm-400mm lens but it's one way you can get additional focal length, when you need it. This lens is one of the most popular out there. A zoom lens has its benefits but a prime lens will produce the best consistent picture quality but will cost more.

As Dave mentioned, Al Conner is also a good person to comment on behalf of Canon equipment. Between the two of them, they have kept Canon in business. :-)

When you buy a new lens, I strongly recommend one with a U.S.A. warranty. Best wishes as you make your selection.

Go to various bird watching forums. Observe what you like and ask what the person is using. Do this a lot for a month and you will have a pretty good idea what others you like are doing. You can then make plans to upgrade to your satisfaction knowing it will be worth it on your terms. I know a lot of folks that spent a pile of money on equipment that they did not understand and did so just on someone elses word or the fact that someone else had certain equipment. Neither of these reasons are valid.....unless you really understand where you are going and why.

Thanks for the input guys.

Most of my use will be in the field. I find the variety of waterfowl in this area amazing. I am use to park ducks and now in my short time of looking I have seen ducks I never knew existed.

You must be sure the lens purchased will retro fit to the body you have. Consider some other facts to. What will you be doing when not birding. For instance will you also want to follow a youngster progress in the sport of wrestling? Football is even worse. That would force us to perhaps advise differently. The f/5.6 lenses will not cut the mustard in low light when the subject is performing in poorly lighted gyms.

This is an exciting time for you. Take time to plan and consider what all you will want to be doing with any major upgrade.