Upgrade from 350 & 100-400 (1 Viewer)

N

Nig3l

Member

• Jun 2, 2007

• #1

I currently have a Canon 350d and a 100 -400 lens and while I am reasonably happy with the results, I wish to upgrade to something that produces better results.

my results can be seen at www.nigelspencer.co.uk

I am thinking of 300 f2.8 or 400 f4 (possibly adding a 1.4 converter that I already own but don't use) I almost always use a monopod.
Thinking of purchasing secondhand to cut down the cost. anyone know any reputable second hand canon specialist shops?

would like to wait until the long awaited 40D appears rather than purchase a 30D again any comments.

very much like to hear a few views before parting with my cash
cheers Nig3l

 

Last edited: Jun 2, 2007

mike from ebbw

Well-known member

• Jun 2, 2007

• #2

I always use these (link below).I find them very reasonably priced and their delivery service is second to none.You also get a 6 month warranty on all s/h gear.Hope this helps.Oh,and welcome to the birdforum.



http://www.waltersphotovideo.co.uk/

 

Ragna

Well-known member

• Jun 2, 2007

• #3

I thinl the 300F2.8 plus 1.4extender is a far better combo than the 400F4DO.The 300 is canons fastest focussing lens if using it for bird photography the converter will probably be permanently attached but will still give better results than the 400DO.IMHO if the DO range was any good then Canon would have extended if futher with a 500 and a600 DO lens.

 

postcardcv

Super Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Jun 3, 2007

• #4

Hi Nig3l - welcome from all the staff at Birdforum.

I'd agree with Graham's thoughts that the 300 f2.8 with a 1.4x tc would be my choice over a 400 f4. The 300 f2.8 is a stunning lens (I'd love one) it's so sharp and the AF is super fast, it works well with both a 1.4x tc and a 2x tc. So you'd effectively have a 420 f4 for general use a 600 f5.6 when you want a bit more reach and a 300 f2.8 for low light situations.

As for where to buy secondhand... the big Canon primes don't come up secondhand very often and when they do they tend to still be expensive. Have a look at www.mifsuds.com they seem to have a good turn over of used lenses and on the occassions I've used them they have been very good.

 

N

Nig3l

Member

• Jun 3, 2007

• #5

Thanks to all that have replied.
It looks like everyone has agreed that the 300 2.8 is a far better lens than the 400 4.0. The loss of distance is taken up by the 1.4 added to make then both f4.

Thinking about it, I often use the 1-400 not at full zoom, but with the fixed length, handholding the 300 will be better than handholding the 400.

Does anyone know about the long awaited 40D as a replacement for the 30D? or will this be ok on the 350D which is in actualy an entry level camera that has served me well but looks old.

Off to Rutland this afternoon to look for Ospreys to photo. New to birdforum but think it's very good.
cheers

 

postcardcv

Super Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Jun 3, 2007

• #6

Nig3l said:

Does anyone know about the long awaited 40D as a replacement for the 30D? or will this be ok on the 350D which is in actualy an entry level camera that has served me well but looks old.

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I don't think that there has even been a leaked spec for the 40D, let alone a release date! The 350D is still a very capable camera and will work fine with any of the Canon lenses. Certainly if you are looking to upgrade it would be worth waiting to see what the 40D is like (assuming yoru 350D is still working well).

Good luck at Rutland I hope you get the osprey.

 

N

Nig3l

Member

• Jun 3, 2007

• #7

Hi
The Osprey's were as distant as I had thought they may be (the shots on a certain other website must have been taken digiscoping or someone with a very long lens) But it was good to see them.

plenty of warblers, whitethroats, ducklings, signets, etc.
A drive past Eyebrooke on the way home produced Red Kite & Little Owl. Not much on the camera but a plesant afternoon.

Nothing wrong with my 350D (about 18,000 actuations and nothing a good clean would't put right)
I wondered if it was fast focusing enough for the 300 2.8.

I realsie that the spec for the 40D has yet to be announced but I expect it to be better than the 10.1 and 5fps of the 400D at least.

Anyway
I had a look at blueskybirds and some excellent pics.
Especially liked the Wilson's taken the same day that I saw it.
And the stone Curlew pics just make you go green, they are so close compared with when I have been to Weeting.
Bearded Tit also worth a mention, I could go on and on.

 

postcardcv

Super Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Jun 3, 2007

• #8

Nig3l said:

Nothing wrong with my 350D (about 18,000 actuations and nothing a good clean would't put right)
I wondered if it was fast focusing enough for the 300 2.8.

Click to expand...

On the occassions I've used a 20D/30D I've not noticed any difference in focus speed compared to the 350D/400D. To get the fastest AF possible you'd need to use the lens with a 1D, but that would cost as much as the lens! I reckon you'll be very impressed with the AF speed of the lens even on your 350D.

Thanks for the comments about the website, it's much appreciated.

 

C

citrinella

Well-known member

• Jun 4, 2007

• #9

Nig3l said:

would like to wait until the long awaited 40D appears rather than purchase a 30D again any comments.
cheers Nig3l

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I have seen what looked like a genuine report that the 40D (or whatever) will not be out this year. To my mind, this is a good thing - give themselves a chance to make a real difference.

On lenses - I too went shy of a 400DO recently. The reviews are just too mixed.

Mike.

 

H

Hirundapus

Well-known member

• Jun 4, 2007

• #10

citrinella said:

On lenses - I too went shy of a 400DO recently. The reviews are just too mixed.
Mike.

Click to expand...

The early reviews were mixed, but the later ones all seem very good. I think this is a much under-rated lens due apparently to some early poor reviews on the first issues of the lens when they were first made. It is handholdable with a 1.4x converter and it is comfortably carryable all day. I'd not want to carry more. I'm well pleased with mine, though I've not tried at 300 f2.8 or a 500 f4, but the latest reviews from those who have are nothing but good, eg Arthur Morris's detailed comments and the very detailed and very positive new review on the Fred Miranda website by another critical 500 f4 user.