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Post by Romy Ocon on Jan 7, 2008 12:21:27 GMT
Hi gang, Looks like the cost of a quality bird photo-kit is becoming more affordable lately. If I've to start all over again and not yet deeply invested in Canon or Nikon glass, I'll probably consider the following kit: 1. Sony Alpha DSLR-A200, 10.2 MP, with in-body anti-shake, with 18-70 kit lens = USD 700.00 www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08010701sonydslra200.asp2. Sigma 50-500 DG (Bigma) in Sony Alpha/Minolta Maxxum mount = USD 999.00 www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/380687-USA/Sigma_736205_50_500mm_f_4_0_6_3_EX_DG.html3. Kenko Pro 1.4x TC for Minolta Maxxum mount = USD 179.00 www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/413177-REG/Kenko_K14PRO300DGM_1_4x_Teleplus_Pro_300.htmlTotal cost of camera and lenses (18 mm - 700 mm range) = USD 1,878.00 At a conservative forex rate of PHP 42 - USD 1, this amounts to PHP 78,876.00 A camera bag, extra batteries and CF cards would push this to just under PHP 100K, complete system! Of course PHP 100k is still no small amount, but if we look at the Canon/Nikon systems with similar capabilities and focal length range (with stabilization or VR), this Sony/Minolta Maxxum system is far more affordable. Romy |
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Post by Jun Osano on Jan 19, 2008 14:52:52 GMT
Sir Romy, how about the CAnon 70-300 IS + Kenko 1.4x setup?
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Post by Romy Ocon on Jan 20, 2008 0:02:14 GMT
For me, 300 mm is just too short for birds, unless you're just after record shots and don't intend to print large. The 70-300 IS is already f/5.6 at 300 mm, and adding a 1.4x will make it marginal in terms of IQ and AF. I think Nestor (pitsew) and Rey (mantarey) have that lens, I suggest you PM them for more info. Romy Sir Romy, how about the CAnon 70-300 IS + Kenko 1.4x setup? |
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Post by dogears on Jan 25, 2008 9:33:47 GMT
Hi Master Romy, I was very surprised to see "Sony|Minolta" on this post (recommendation) of yours  I am a Minolta user and recently acquired a Bigma (the pocket buster) and hoping to use the combo on the field pretty soon. Oh, I think you have to stretch the budget a little more for a sturdy tripod and a head, do I hear Manfrotto 3421?  Sample shots I took recently at some part of Dinalupihan on a very recent trip from Olongapo. I wanted to try the Bigma badly that even though the ducks were 'back lighted', I just pulled over and shoot.     AntiShake switched off though |
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Post by Romy Ocon on Jan 25, 2008 10:13:20 GMT
Hi Moises, We've at least one member here - US based Gil - who shoots with a Sony A100 + Bigma. I'd birded with him at Subic and his gear appeared to work very well, especially the anti-shake at hand held shots. The Bigma's optics, of course, is very well respected. Nice shots.... hope to see more photos from your combo. Romy Hi Master Romy, I was very surprised to see "Sony|Minolta" on this post (recommendation) of yours I am a Minolta user and recently acquired a Bigma (the pocket buster) and hoping to use the combo on the field pretty soon. Oh, I think you have to stretch the budget a little more for a sturdy tripod and a head, do I hear Manfrotto 3421? Sample shots I took recently at some part of Dinalupihan on a very recent trip from Olongapo. I wanted to try the Bigma badly that even though the ducks were 'back lighted', I just pulled over and shoot. |
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Post by dogears on Jan 25, 2008 10:21:28 GMT
He's already upgraded to A700 and he's been more happy with the combo. Thanks for the generous comment |
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Post by bindi on Mar 5, 2008 21:29:54 GMT
BUMP!!
Just wondering if anyone knows where I can find some pics of the Bigma/ Sony A700 combination? This is a very interesting idea to me; thanks for strarting this thread.
A bigma with a Sony A7000 costs just about the same as a Canon 100-400mm L with a canon 20D.
I wonder how these setups compare?
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Post by Romy Ocon on Mar 5, 2008 22:09:49 GMT
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Post by Manny Illana on Mar 5, 2008 23:30:40 GMT
Interestingly, I've been reading up a lot lately on the Olympus E-3.
Anyone care to share similar thoughts on this setup as a birding rig.
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Post by bindi on Mar 6, 2008 6:47:01 GMT
Hi Romy,
Thanks for the links; they are great!
I've seen gils photos, on another forum . He seems to be one of a handful who captures nice sharp pics using the bigma and A700 combo
I think I will keep a good eye on this new technology, as its very exciting.
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Post by Martin Alvendia on Mar 6, 2008 7:23:03 GMT
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Post by bindi on Mar 6, 2008 20:36:54 GMT
Thanks speedmonkey, and hello!
You're right; it doesn't seem like the best time to buy a zoom, with the new Sigma OS lenses coming out so soon. That 150-500mm OS lens looks interesting.
Yesterday I finally (!) made up my mind to stay with canon for a while, and invest in a 300mmf/4 IS prime/ TC combination instead of a zoom for now. I ordered the lens on ebay, and and will be looking for a TC today. I liked the fact that it is light, with IS, and of course extremely sharp.
I will definitely keep my eye on Sony though. I look forward to seeing how this new technology progresses!
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Post by voltaire yap on Mar 10, 2008 18:28:19 GMT
Hi Bindi! This might be a tad late but have you considered the Canon 400mm f/5.6? It is light and fast focusing. My current BIF shots are using this set-up. It doesn't have IS but I overcome this by having a monopod with the Manfrotto attachment that has feet (46 USD).
I also have the 100-400 but it isn't fast enough unless you employ the * button to lock focusing.
Hope this helps rather than confuses.
Voltaire
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Post by tina mallari on Mar 10, 2008 18:42:17 GMT
I have both 400mm f/5.6L and the 300mm f/4L IS and somehow, I prefer to use the 300mm w/ a 2x kenko TC most of the time because it allows me to handhold the combo and still get pretty good photos from it because of the IS. It is true though that the 400mm is indeed very good for flight shots since it is my workhorse when it comes to those BIF's. When you get used to the 300mm w/ a 2x TC and have gotten lots of practice from it already, it can also be used for flight shots using MF <-- you would need A LOT of practice though |
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Post by bindi on Mar 11, 2008 0:43:43 GMT
Hello Voltaire, nice to meet you! And hi Tina!!
Yes, I would *love* to own the 400mm Prime too, (maybe it will be lens number 3) but I am not ready yet for a tripod-only based set-up. I do rely heavily on IS, and I feel less intimidating and more free with it.
The 400mm is great lens for sure; it was hard to choose:)
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