Blaumeise
Well-known member
Hi guys,
I have only recently (past two years) really gotten into birding and bird photography, so my equipment isn't the greatest for this particular purpose. I currently have a regular film Canon EOS 300 body and use an EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM lens for my bird photography. I haven't gone digital yet, but am planning on investing in the new 40D in the near to medium term.
As you can see from the images in my gallery, I can get some decent pictures of larger birds and birds that don't mind me getting a little closer. But small passerines are frustrating. I realize many people here swear by their nice f/2.8 lenses, but these are just out of my price range at the moment, especially with the impending 40D purchase.
So my question: what lens would you recommend, keeping in mind that I would like to still be able to take handheld pictures as far as conditions permit?
Do I get the EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM lens and tack on a converter or two?
Or alternatively, do I get the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens, which seems reasonably priced for the focal length, but doesn't get as much light? Does this lens take well to a 1.4x converter or does this make it unuseable in anything but the best light conditions? Is this even useable handheld without the IS?
Is the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM worth considering? Can this handle a converter?
I wish there was something price-wise in between these and the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM...
Thanks in advance.
Misha
I have only recently (past two years) really gotten into birding and bird photography, so my equipment isn't the greatest for this particular purpose. I currently have a regular film Canon EOS 300 body and use an EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM lens for my bird photography. I haven't gone digital yet, but am planning on investing in the new 40D in the near to medium term.
As you can see from the images in my gallery, I can get some decent pictures of larger birds and birds that don't mind me getting a little closer. But small passerines are frustrating. I realize many people here swear by their nice f/2.8 lenses, but these are just out of my price range at the moment, especially with the impending 40D purchase.
So my question: what lens would you recommend, keeping in mind that I would like to still be able to take handheld pictures as far as conditions permit?
Do I get the EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM lens and tack on a converter or two?
Or alternatively, do I get the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens, which seems reasonably priced for the focal length, but doesn't get as much light? Does this lens take well to a 1.4x converter or does this make it unuseable in anything but the best light conditions? Is this even useable handheld without the IS?
Is the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM worth considering? Can this handle a converter?
I wish there was something price-wise in between these and the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM...
Thanks in advance.
Misha