Good telephoto lens for beginner

[lizzi]

Hi all,

I've decided to get a 400D and want to get a telephoto lens so that I can start developing my interest in bird photography. I don't have a huge budget so can anyone recommend a lens they think would be suitable for a beginner? I don't want to spend the earth although saying that, I'd rather splash out a bit more on something that's going to give better image quality that on a really low quality lens. Is the EF 75-300mm any good? Thanks.

[mike from ebbw]

Hi Lizzi,welcome to the birdforum!I use the ef 75-300mm regularly and for the money I think it is a great little lens (the kite below was taken with it).I also use a sigma 135-400mm which is also a great budget lens (I paid £100 s/h).The nuthatch was taken with this lens.You dont have to spend a fortune on gear to get decent results.Hope this helps,Mike.

[lizzi]

Wow Mike, I love the picture of the nuthatch. How far away were you from it? Can you recommend anywhere I could look for a second hand 135-400mm?

[g8ina]

The Tamron 28-300 is my favourite all round lens. Can be had new for about £200, or cheaper 2nd hand off ebay. If I'm not using my scope, I'm using the Tamron.

[lizzi]

Thanks for the advice. Have you got any examples of photos you've taken with the Tamron lens?

[g8ina]

http://www.harrisphotography.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Album/index.htm

All except birds, where some are with the scope. EXIF data (where intact) tells if the Tamron is used.

hth

[Vectis Birder]

I have got a Sigma 170-500mm lens which I am very happy with.

[g8ina]

Hmmm, I have a feeling that some other folk may not class a 500mm lens as a beginners or a budget lens :)

Mind you, I'm hoping to get the 50-500mm once I sell a few bits and pieces...

[postcardcv]

Personally I'd go for either a Sigma 135-400 or a Sigma 170-500, both can be picked up for a good price secondhand and are excellent lenses to start you in bird photography. In bird photography you'll often want more magnification and rarely (if ever) want less, while a 300mm lens can be fine with some subjects it can be quite limiting. The two Sigmas I mention would both give a bit more reach, but be careful when buying Sigma lenses secondhand as older ones may not be compatible with your DSLR.

[bobsofpa]

I would go for either the Tamron 200-500 or the Sigma 50-500. Both are rated well as zooms. The Tamron is a little lighter in both weight and on the pocket book. The Sigma 170-500's IQ is not as good as either of the above.

[rezMole]

The Tamron 28-300 is my favourite all round lens. Can be had new for about £200, or cheaper 2nd hand off ebay. If I'm not using my scope, I'm using the Tamron.

Agreed - this is a good lens for a beginner - I used to have a Nikkor 70-300 and the Tamron beats it hands down. When birding I use the Tamron 200-500 (a cracker), but the shorter lens is nice and small and perfect for those trips out where birds might be secondary. So, if you get one, you'll use it a lot, even if you end up getting a longer lens in the future.

[postcardcv]

I would go for either the Tamron 200-500 or the Sigma 50-500. Both are rated well as zooms. The Tamron is a little lighter in both weight and on the pocket book. The Sigma 170-500's IQ is not as good as either of the above.

I'd agree that they are both good lenses, however the issue of IQ could be debated, they might have a slight edge but the 170-500 is still very good, and it will cost a good deal less.