Canon EOS400D

[Martyn Yapp]

Hi

I am pretty much decided that I wan't to buy a Canon EOS400D Camera but I am really undecided about what lens I should buy for bird photography. I do not wan't to convert from being a birder to a photographer.

I have been told that if I wan't to hand hold a 400mm zoom I should look at image stablizing lenses. Is this true, if so are the new Sigma 400mm lenses with their image stablizing system comparable to the £950.00 canon.

Also a novices question, in real terms is a 400mm lens with a convertor the way to go?

The lens I refer to is the Sigma80-400mm F4-5.6 EX APO OS DG (77mm)

Martyn Yapp

[IanF]

You won't be disappointed with the Canon 400D - it's well specified and a very good performer.

Lens wise 400mm is the way to go. 300mm just isn't enough. 400mm is a compact walk around lens - you don't need IS to hand hold in good light - with plenty of reach. If adding a teleconverter then using a tripod or a monopod is a must unless you find something to lean against - a tree, fence, hide is ideal.

I'm using a Canon 400mm f5,6 mostly hand holding - there isn't a better lens unless you're in the league for a 500mm or more. I picked mine up secondhand for £600 - they're well worth the money even new and will last a lifetime.

With the Sigma lenses the primes are very good indeed they're a little heavier and bulkier - the zooms can be a little soft but the 80-400mm is well regarded.

[paul goode]

Hi

I am pretty much decided that I wan't to buy a Canon EOS400D Camera but I am really undecided about what lens I should buy for bird photography. I do not wan't to convert from being a birder to a photographer.

I have been told that if I wan't to hand hold a 400mm zoom I should look at image stablizing lenses. Is this true, if so are the new Sigma 400mm lenses with their image stablizing system comparable to the £950.00 canon.

Also a novices question, in real terms is a 400mm lens with a convertor the way to go?

The lens I refer to is the Sigma80-400mm F4-5.6 EX APO OS DG (77mm)

Martyn Yapp

Hi Martyn

'I do not wan't to convert from being a birder to a photographer.'

Very important point that. Its very easy to load yourself up with photo kit to the point that getting out of the car or past the nearest feeder is a challenge. At which point birding can go out of the window.

My view, and thats all it is, is that a good dslr setup for birding in all weather (within reason) is, camera body (come back to that in a minute) and IS lens.

Ian is right to praise the 400 f5.6, its a cracking lens, but I think IS will get you more good shots handheld in crappy light (10 months of the year?) Zooms have better close focusing and zoom out, for that Robin thats at arms length.

Without wishing to stir up a hornet's nest the prime is probably optically better than the zoom, but, unless you're a pixel peeking perfectionist, the zoom will produce damn good images! I'm convinced that for how most of us view images the difference is not significant. But then you may want to dismiss that comment as the biased view of someone who owns the zoom! (Have got a Sigma 500mm prime to compare it to though)

The sigma and canon zooms are both fine, you pays your money and takes your choice. I've got the Canon and love it. Totally happy with the image quality and how easy it is to get sharp shots at ridiculously low shutter speeds.

Now then, tc's and camera bodies. Total minefield! I don't use the tc on my zoom with the 400d but do with my 20d because the 400d seems to make the IS unstable. Other people report no problems so I don't know what the answer is. I'm finding that the tc does affect image quality a bit in poor light but then again I'm getting shots that I'd struggle with pretty well any other way.

So 400d and is zoom = great walkabout setup. From my findings small question mark over the tc.

Hope that helps

Paul

[christineredgate]

Martyn,at the moment there is a 400f5.6 lens selling for £ 450 go for it.I have just purchased the 400D and with this lens the results are very good,except in low light conditions.This lens is exceptional esp for the price.