Beginner Birder thinking about the 400 5.6

[Paul McNelis]

Hello everyone!

I live in SouthEastern Pennsylvania, near Tyler Arboretum and John Heinz Wildlife refuge.

Here's what I'd like to be able to photograph:

Tree Swallows: In my area there are Tree Swallows that fly near where I live and work that I would love to photograph! I am often able to get within around 20-30 feet of them at work when they perch on trees that have been planted for landscape purposes around the office. At home, they fly about 3-5 stories high. I have never seen these before in my life, and I am just fascinated by them! Their pointed wings, their sounds, their quick flapping of their wings and subsequent darting about. Can I get decent close-up photos of them with the 400 5.6 or will I need a TC?

Songbirds: there are goldfinches in my area, cardinals, and in the Arboretum I have seen bluebirds. Lots more birds exist I know, but since I'm an amateur birder, I don't know which ones. I would love to photograph these as well. I can't get too close to them but would hope that getting close enough... would the 400 5.6 take decent photos of them?

Hawks: When I see hawks high up in the sky, where they may be several stories high, big enough to see a mocking bird (?) dart at them to chase them out of their territory. Will the 400 5.6 take close-up pictures full of plenty of detail?

I'm not looking for full frame, but I would like at least enough to show lots of detail. I hope you understand what I'm trying to get at. I would like to be able to capture decent photos without having to use a blind, just hiking and nature trails and photographing what I come upon.

I've been lurking around here for a few years, and have been interested in getting into birding. I used to photograph bugs (you can see some here http://bugguide.net/bgimage/user/1597) until my wife and I had our son and I had to sell my $3k worth of equipment (20d, mp-e, etc.) for financial reasons 2 years ago.

As of late, I have been thinking about photographing birds more and more, and am considering purchasing a 40D or 50D as well as the 400 5.6. I've digested enough forum posts and reviews scattered across the internet over the past, oh... 5 years, to know it's the lense I would purchase.

Sorry for the long post, thanks for any advice you can offer!
Paul

[Chrysophylax]

The 400mm f/5.6 is a great lens, it is also a one of the best lenses for taking pictures of birds in flight. If you are going to photograph smallish birds, (American goldfinch size) I would say that a distance without a TC would be around 20/25 feet, (closer if possible)any more than this and you would have to crop to get a full frame shot. I have used mine with a TC and got good results in the right conditions with good light, auto focus can still be acheived by using the far left focus point, but it is a bit slower. It all depends on how close you can comfortably get to the subject without spooking it. Some birds are easier than others. I tend to use cammo clothing, and even cammo netting. The 400mm f/5.6 coupled with the 40 or 50D would be a great set for you, try a converter for some closer shots. Regards. Neil.

[JohnZ]

Exactly what Neil said.

[Paul McNelis]

OK, so my next question is:

is there anyone here that has a 400 5.6 and uses it without camouflage and/or blinds, as more of a walkabout lense?

I don't have hours to spend as I have a 2 year old, so 2 hours would be tops per day over the weekends to the local arboretum/nwr.

I'm wondering if I should give up on pursuing this potential hobby. But every time I see a bird I wish "i want to photograph that!"

Signed,
Unsure

:/

P.S. I guess what I'm asking is - can anyone relate to my situation, and is one of these lenses suitable for a casual nature photographer/birder like myself who has limited time?

[JohnZ]

Yes I normally wander about with the lens mentioned. Only you can tell if you want to spend the dosh on this wonderful lens. Worth every penny, in my opinion, but it is a lot of money to spend for a couple of hours per week ?

[hampers]

I use this lens as well, with a TC at times using taped pins (loads of discussion on other threads on this subject and how to do it - works fine in good light). Light enough to carry with ease and excellent for birds in flight shots. Would have no hesitation in recommending it.

Phil

[postcardcv]

is there anyone here that has a 400 5.6 and uses it without camouflage and/or blinds, as more of a walkabout lense?

I don't have hours to spend as I have a 2 year old, so 2 hours would be tops per day over the weekends to the local arboretum/nwr.

P.S. I guess what I'm asking is - can anyone relate to my situation, and is one of these lenses suitable for a casual nature photographer/birder like myself who has limited time?

I used to use the 400 f5.6 as my walkabout lens and was very happy with it (normally with one or two small kids in tow). Using it as a walkabout rather than setting up in one place you'll get different opportunities, but you should still be able to bag plenty of shots.

[Roy C]

I only use the lens as a walkabout as I have never shot from a blind or hide in my life nor do I have a managed bird reserve to shot from :C
For me it is a case of walking for an hour or two and getting my shots as and when a bird occurs. The beauty of this lens is the lightness for walking around with the camera/lens hanging from a neck strap ready to fire at a moments notice.
Mind you, If I have a 1.4tc attached I always use support (tripod or Monopod). Either way I have the camera attached to the pod ready to fire.

[gabba]

I am thinking about getting a 400 f5.6, this thread has been useful. Will the auto focus work on my camera if it is coupled with a converter ?

[Chrysophylax]

I am thinking about getting a 400 f5.6, this thread has been useful. Will the auto focus work on my camera if it is coupled with a converter ?

It will work with a TC if you tape the pins as mentioned, AF will be slower, but you can try different AF points to find which one is best for you, usually it's the far left one in the viewfinder. If you buy the Kenko 1.5TC there will be no need to tape the pins as they are not present on this model of TC, this is the one I use the most as IMO it is better than the canon 1.4 one, which I have also got.

[Nikon Kid]

Great lens, just look in all the posters gallery's to see how good it is, don't think about it buy it :-O

BTW I do wear camo gear, me thinks I can get a bit closer.

[postcardcv]

It's worth being aware that the performance with a tc can be very variable, not just from one model to the next but even between different cameras of the same model. It's worth trying a tc but just because others have had success it doesn't mean it will work for you.

[JohnZ]

I have found that out Peter. I cannot for the life of me get my 40D to work with my 400mm and also with a TC.

[Chris B.]

Paul -

2 words: BUY IT! It's one of the best BIF lenses made! I had one for many years and only sold it because I needed the flexibility of the 100-400 zoom. I used mine with a 30D and a Tamron cheapie (non-reporting) TC and got decent results.

Chris

[macshark]

This is an excellent lens for the situations you described. It takes some practice to get good at tracking birds in flight, but the 400mm f/5.6L is probably the best. If you want to use it as a walk-around lens, it also takes some practice to hand-hold and release the shutter without introducing camera shake.

[Nikon Kid]

I have found that out Peter. I cannot for the life of me get my 40D to work with my 400mm and also with a TC.

John Have you tried an outer focus point, when I did it worked with my 50d.

[JohnZ]

Not yet Terry. Will have to try it.