Starter Lens for Bird Photography

[Jun Osano]

I recently switched to DSLR and have sold my 75-300 lens.

I'd like to ask the group which lens is perfect for bird photography as a starter.

1. 70-300 IS USM
2. 70-200
3. 100-400 IS USM

Thanks in advance for the input.

[JP Cariño]

lens choice number 3

[mantarey]

I agree with JP, definitely at least a 400mm for starters. You might also like to consider the 400 5.6 prime.

[tina mallari]

I'd pick choice #3 too I don't have that lens (yet - HehEHehEe I'm dreaming) but have heard and read good reviews regarding that lens.

You have to remember that you need the "reach" if you are going into bird photography so even if the 70-200mm lenses have excellent ratings, it will be super short (bitin sobra) for bird photography ;D

For me this is the best place to read up on lens reviews. Of course, I discovered this link through Master IDOL Romy when I was still very new to photography.

Canon Zoom Lens Reviews at Fred Miranda

[Jun Osano]

Thanks guys, I was considering the 100-400 too but wifey doesn't want to issue clearance to purchase yet. ;D

[Romy Ocon]

When I was starting in bird photography (and being a true-blue Ilocano), I tried to go through the cheap route and my first long lens was the Tokina 80-400 (PHP 20K, built like a tank, and as slow focusing as one too ;D).

Here's my birding lens progression:

1. Tokina 80-400
2. Bigma (sold to a friend when I got the Sigmonster)
3. 400 5.6L
4. 100-400 IS (average copy)
5. Sigmonster (Sigma 300-800)
6. 500 f4 IS
7. 100-400 IS (excellent copy, sold my first copy at a great loss)

Right now, I mostly use the 500 f4 IS, 100-400 IS and Sigmonster. The 400 5.6L serves as a mere backup. The Tokina is donated to the Fungus Society at home.

Thus, my lesson learned is buying too cheap is not cheap in the long run because I've to upgrade several times anyway.

If you intend to get serious with the hobby, I'd suggest the 100-400 IS or 400 5.6L, or even the 300 f4 IS + 1.4x TC. It's a bit painful on the pocket but you only suffer once, and be happy ever after, at least until you start yearning for even longer glass. ;D

Romy

[Ding Carpio]

I would think the 100-400L would be more expensive than the 400mmL 5.6 (which is what I have). I recommend going for the latter and spend the extra money on a Kenko 1.4X ProDG converter to extend the 400mm into 560mm. In my two years shooting birds, I never found myself in a position of wanting to shorten my 400mm (e.g. wishing it were a zoom) so, if you will use the lens purely for birding, I'd say the short end of the 100-400mm is not very useful.

What the 100-400mm has going for it, though is the IS which is great especially when shooting in low light. I compensate for this by either walking around with a monopod or using a tripod, mirror lock-up, and remote shutter release.

So, bottom line, if you can afford it, go for the 100-400mm because of the IS. But, if you're like me who'd save up lunch money for goodies, the 400mmL + 1.4X TC + monopod could be an option.

[Jun Osano]

Wow Master Romy, thanks so much for the info.

Ding, i would check the price and maybe choose between the zoom and the prime.

Thanks all.

[gpx4]

The 100-400L IS is still on sale at adorama and B&H photo till January 13, 2008.
With the Canon rebate and current FX, peso cost +- 60K. D-Zone prices is still 90k.
Supermom sells HK bnew at 62-65k. I got mine pre-owned mint at 55k.

HTH

[Bobby Kintanar]

I have both the 400mm Prime and the 100-400 L Zoom. What I do is mate the 400 Prime with a Sigma 2X (Manual Focusing) on a tripod, and I've found that IQ does not suffer too much with this combo, specially when used with Live View on the 40D. The 100-400 L IS is ideal for hand-held shots.

Bobby K.

[mantarey]

For starters, how about a 2X Telecon with this lens.

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800557508-USE/Canon__Super_Telephoto_1200mm_f_5_6L.html

Nah, maybe too long for a start but Ka Romy can surely use this one.

[Romy Ocon]

mantarey said:

For starters, how about a 2X Telecon with this lens.

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800557508-USE/Canon__Super_Telephoto_1200mm_f_5_6L.html

Nah, maybe too long for a start but Ka Romy can surely use this one.

Lol, Rey.... I'd like to attach my 16x TC to that for a 19.2 meter focal length! ;D ;D ;D

My 16x TC:


Attached to the Sigmonster to make 12.8 meter focal length:

[mantarey]

Now who in the world can top that

[Jun Osano]

I thought this is a forum for bird photography. Why is there a Bazooka in your arsenal Master Romy? ;D hehehe

[Bob Kaufman]

One more vote for the 100-400. Right now this is my "workhorse" lens. It's light enough and powerful enough for handholding.

[Reyno Rosete]

Like Romy, I started cheap (Ilokano DNA) but ended up with the 100-400 after so much frustration with the cheap imitation.

[Romy Ocon]

Glad to know you took root in Ilokoslovakia too, Reyno!

reyno said:

Like Romy, I started cheap (Ilokano DNA) but ended up with the 100-400 after so much frustration with the cheap imitation.