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Post by Romy Ocon on Mar 31, 2009 1:08:26 GMT
Let's forget about brand/system loyalty for a moment, and have some fun building the most economical birding kit we can think of, using any brand or system. This can be valuable info to those starting on bird photography. We need to establish some parameters first so we will not be comparing apples to oranges: 1. The kit will be composed of a DSLR (8 MP or more), a kit walk-around lens, plus a long lens. 2. Stabilization is a must, whether lens or sensor based. 3. The long lens should have a focal length of at least 500 mm. 4. All equipment must be available off the shelf now. 5. Extra batteries, CF cards, tripod/head, flash gun and other accessories not included in the costing. Given these parameters, my vote goes to the Sony A200 + 18-70 kit lens + Bigma. Sony A200 + 18-70 kit = USD 500 Bigma = USD 1000 Total system cost = USD 1,500! I'd prefer this kit over Canon/Nikon entry level DSLR + Sigma 150-500 OS mainly because of the better optics of the Bigma. Let us see your recommendation for a starter kit.  |
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Post by Eric Vergara on Mar 31, 2009 2:28:49 GMT
Likewise here with the Sony A200 + 18-70 kit lens but instead of the Bigma I will opt for the Tamron 200-500. I have both of the lens albeit my 18-70 is a minolta brand.
Sony A200 + 18-70 kit = $500.00
Tamron 200-500 = 769.00 ($30.00 rebate already taken out from the price)
Total cost = $1269.00
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Post by Romy Ocon on Mar 31, 2009 2:40:17 GMT
Likewise here with the Sony A200 + 18-70 kit lens but instead of the Bigma I will opt for the Tamron 200-500. I have both of the lens albeit my 18-70 is a minolta brand. Sony A200 + 18-70 kit = $500.00 Tamron 200-500 = 769.00 ($30.00 rebate already taken out from the price) Total cost = $1269.00 Yup, Tamron 200-500 is also well regarded optically, and that kit is even cheaper! The only tiny edge of the Bigma perhaps is the HSM focusing. |
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Post by Eric Vergara on Mar 31, 2009 3:16:29 GMT
I don't think HSM is available in the Alpha/Minolta mount. I am not sure, though. The Tamron is also lighter for BIF.
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Post by Romy Ocon on Mar 31, 2009 3:45:49 GMT
I don't think HSM is available in the Alpha/Minolta mount. I am not sure, though. The Tamron is also lighter for BIF. Indeed you're right, looks like HSM is not available in Alpha and Pentax mounts (though ok for 4/3, and Canon/Nikon). The only advantage of the Bigma over the Tamron 200-500 then is the 50-199 mm range, at the expense of additional weight and cost. |
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Post by Eric Patdu on Mar 31, 2009 4:04:54 GMT
This is a very informative thread. ;D Please keep your suggestions coming. I'm currently torn between a Nikon D90 or the Canon T1i for my first DSLR but the Master has already voiced his preference.  Though, I am leaning toward the Canon / Nikon path because of lens investment. This is what I am thinking for myself: Canon T1i (I like the video capability as a bonus) with EF-S 18-55mm IS lens - $899.99 Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS lens - $255.00 Total cost: $1,154.99 Good enough for a beginner like me.  I've read somewhere that the 55-250mm lens is equivalent to 88-400mm on an APS-C sensor so I guess it's good enough for me since some birds here in the US are quite approachable. When I have proven my worth in "wielding" a DSLR then maybe I can already justify buying a longer and faster lens. ;D |
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Post by Romy Ocon on Mar 31, 2009 5:57:10 GMT
This is a very informative thread. ;D Please keep your suggestions coming. I'm currently torn between a Nikon D90 or the Canon T1i for my first DSLR but the Master has already voiced his preference. Though, I am leaning toward the Canon / Nikon path because of lens investment. This is what I am thinking for myself: Canon T1i (I like the video capability as a bonus) with EF-S 18-55mm IS lens - $899.99 Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS lens - $255.00 Total cost: $1,154.99 Good enough for a beginner like me. I've read somewhere that the 55-250mm lens is equivalent to 88-400mm on an APS-C sensor so I guess it's good enough for me since some birds here in the US are quite approachable. When I have proven my worth in "wielding" a DSLR then maybe I can already justify buying a longer and faster lens. ;D Looks like a great kit, 720p video capable too. With the 500D's pixel density, 250 mm is even longer than ever..... I think this is good enough bait to hook you into serious birdshooting. ;D |
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Post by Jun Gregorio on Mar 31, 2009 6:47:09 GMT
My birding kit consist of :
Canon 40D + 70-200mm F4 IS
to add reach. I added a 1.4 TC.
I'm planning on getting a 500mm minimum before summer and I'm keenly watching the debate over the Bigma 50-500. The only exception I have to my rule is that I might consider the Canon 100-400.
After reading this thread. My dilemma/confusion grows even bigger:
- the Bigma 50-500 looks like a highly recommended lens by the mastah. And it is affordable enough as far as my pocketbook is concerned. My worries for getting this lens is that. I'm afraid it would render my 70-200 obsolete since I can't logically think of carrying both at the same time. And I do love the 70-200 as my walk-about lens.
- the Tamron 200-500 does seems like a better choice. since it compliments my 70-200. And it's cheaper than the Bigma. On the negative side. I would still be carrying two heavy lens.
I have no personal bias between the Sigma and Tamron since I have not used either one of them. I think the deal breaker for me wil end up being the one that has IS.
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Post by Romy Ocon on Mar 31, 2009 6:59:29 GMT
My birding kit consist of : Canon 40D + 70-200mm F4 IS to add reach. I added a 1.4 TC. I'm planning on getting a 500mm minimum before summer and I'm keenly watching the debate over the Bigma 50-500. The only exception I have to my rule is that I might consider the Canon 100-400. After reading this thread. My dilemma/confusion grows even bigger: - the Bigma 50-500 looks like a highly recommended lens by the mastah. And it is affordable enough as far as my pocketbook is concerned. My worries for getting this lens is that. I'm afraid it would render my 70-200 obsolete since I can't logically think of carrying both at the same time. And I do love the 70-200 as my walk-about lens. - the Tamron 200-500 does seems like a better choice. since it compliments my 70-200. And it's cheaper than the Bigma. On the negative side. I would still be carrying two heavy lens. I have no personal bias between the Sigma and Tamron since I have not used either one of them. I think the deal breaker for me wil end up being the one that has IS. Jun, the Bigma's optics are great but without stabilization, you need a tripod most of the time. If you wish to keep within the Canon system, and have IS, the cheapest options are the 300 f4 IS or the 100-400 IS. |
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Post by Neon Rosell II on Mar 31, 2009 7:20:27 GMT
One of my first birding DSLR setup was this... Canon 30D - US $ 529 body only 1.4x Kenko TC - US $ 199 Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro - US $ 189 For a total prevailing price of - US $ 917.00 ;D Sample photo of this rig taken in Songkhla, Thailand 30D + Sigma 70-300 mm f4-5.6 APO DG + Kenko Pro 1.4x TC, @ 420 mm, f/8, ISO 1600, 1/750 sec, manual focus and exposure, hand held. Noise filtered using Neat Image Demo edition. 420mm slightly below the 3rd parameter of 500mm  |
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Post by Jun Gregorio on Mar 31, 2009 8:25:57 GMT
Jun, the Bigma's optics are great but without stabilization, you need a tripod most of the time. If you wish to keep within the Canon system, and have IS, the cheapest options are the 300 f4 IS or the 100-400 IS. ooops sorry Neon Romy, when I said IS. I was actually referring to the Bigma's HSM autofocus. My bad. I don't mind using a tripod either. I'm just waiting for my trip to Calgary to get a good one (7% less tax) ;D Your suggestions are all valid. I should've bought the Bigma when the Canadian dollars was almost at par with the USD At the moment the Bigma is $1700 |
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Post by Eric Patdu on Mar 31, 2009 17:44:02 GMT
..... I think this is good enough bait to hook you into serious birdshooting. ;D Hehehe.... That's what my wife is worried about. ;D One of my first birding DSLR setup was this... Canon 30D - US $ 529 body only 1.4x Kenko TC - US $ 199 Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro - US $ 189 For a total prevailing price of - US $ 917.00 ;D That's one nice lens and very affordable for the price Neon. The photo says it all... might consider that one too. |
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Post by Teddy Regpala on Mar 31, 2009 18:17:38 GMT
The Nikon D200 is nearing it's lifecycle, and it was available at Best Buy(a national electronics/appliances chain) recently for just $599. Unfortunately, they've ran out of it due to the bargain price. The cheapest I can find it from a reputable source is from Newegg. I'm not a Nikon fanboy, it's just the one I'm familiar with I can recommend.
For the lens, I don't personally have experience on these, but it's being mentioned in the forums as viable alternatives: the Tamron and Sigmas.
So:
*Edit #2 - just found out that it's back at Best Buy (and price is back to 599)
Body: Nikon D200 - $699 $649.99 $599.99
Lens choices:
Tamron 200-500 f/5-6.3 - $770
Total: approx 1,369.99
Sigma 50-500 f/4-6.3 - $1029
Total: approx $1,628.99
Sigma 100-300 f/4 - $1049
Sigma TC 1.4x - $189
Total: approx $1,837.99
*edited*
I prefer the last one, though it can only get you to 420mm @ f/5.6.
And you're investing on a TC, which can be used later with (Sigma) primes.
* and I forgot to add the kit lens, as the price is body only.
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, AFS 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G , TC 1.4EII, TC 1.7EII, SB-800, Manfrotto 190CXPro3/393(3421), RRS BH-55, Kirk NC300 lens collar