Should I get the 100-400? (1 Viewer)

J

John_N

Active member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #1

Hi,

Although not an avid birder I do like to take pictures of them, despite not having a clue what they are unless its a sparrow

I do have the Sigma 150-500 which is a nice lens and I have managed one great (to me) image:


Sparrow by magsnorton, on Flickr

But the bulk of them are more like these.


2011_04_18_0658 by magsnorton, on Flickr


2011_04_18_0676 by magsnorton, on Flickr


IMG_4046 by magsnorton, on Flickr

I have a gallery if that helps : here.

I know I would loose 100mm but would the clarity be better?

The only test shot I've published (the other was of a shop sign) is this:


Test shot of 100-400 by magsnorton, on Flickr

It looks nice.

I was also wondering how you guys 'n gulls (pun intended!) found the 100-400 paired with a 1.4 teleconvertor for birding.

Ta,

John

 

M

micloi

Well-known member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #2

The 100-400 is usable with the 1.4x but do not forget that it will become an f8 lens so you will need good light.

I found my 100-400 at 560mm f8 to be sharper than the 150-500 at 500mm f8 and as sharp as the 50-500mm at 500mm f8 BUT results will very depending on the sharpness of each individual copy so do not quote me on this.

 

J

John_N

Active member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #3

I can understand that, having run mine all today at f8.

Thanks though, I think I may invest

 

a.dancy

Registered User

• Apr 18, 2011

• #4

The best thing you can do is try one. I am sure if you went to a bird reserve such as Martin Mere you will find someone with a 100-400 who would let you try it out. I dare say someone (more local) may pop up here and arrange a meet with you. We can talk about lenses till the cows come home but there is nothing better than having a try with the lens you are considering. Just remember when you use image stabilisation you need a second for the IS to kick in and work.

On a general point that applies to everyone, if you do not reach a point when you can get the best out of your current lens then there is little point in upgrading IMHO.

 

J

John_N

Active member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #5

Well I did try one, just at Jessops and it produced a good image which is what started all this (expensive looking) exercise off in the first place.

Thanks for the advice on upgrading, just wish I could clear the idea from my mind!!

BTW micloi, which actual TC did you use?

 

MSA

I may be relaxed but I'm not drunk....

• Apr 18, 2011

• #6

Probably displaying my ignorance here, but isn't the ISO rather high on many of the pictures linked to first post? I know 7D copes well, but maybe the (perceived) problem is trying to take pics in unsuitable conditions? (I say perceived, 'cos I quite like the Goose pic and the others aren't that bad!).

 

J

John_N

Active member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #7

The ISO was high because I'd gone manual locking in a high shutter speed (probably too high) and wanted to keep f8 as I believe that is where the lens is sharpest.

I have to say I do wonder when I see images sometime how people keep all three down in apparently rubbish weather...

BTW on both the days I took those pics they were in glorious sunshine, with the exception of the flying goose.

Anyway I've just won a 100-400 so fingers crossed its a good one

 

Last edited: Apr 18, 2011