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Post by Edward Legaspi on Jan 27, 2012 6:17:07 GMT
Hi,
Recently I've been really interested with bird photography that I wanted to go to the next higher level, I'm aware that I need a higher level camera and lens too. So I would like to solicit some advise on what camera should I invest to :-).
I'm pretty much aware with the functionalities of nikon and canon since I have an entry level camera for both (nikon d5k - 55-300mm, canon 450 0 55-250mm). But I must admit that I was never satisfied with my bird shots using these cameras/lenses. Currently with what I've read, I'm looking for a new canon combo since its set of telephoto lens is cheaper compared to nikon.
Any suggestions/recommendations? Btw I don't have that much money so I can't afford those super high level combo :-).
Thanks, Edward
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Post by Clemn A. Macasiano Jr. on Jan 27, 2012 12:38:46 GMT
Check this combo:
60D + EF400 f5.6 7D + EF 400 f5.6 5D + EF 400 f5.6 or
try EF-100-400 3.5-5.6
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Post by Edward Legaspi on Jan 27, 2012 14:13:32 GMT
Is 5D=5D Mark II? Because when I google 5D it always shows "5D Mark II". And base on snapsort.com 5D>60D>7D, which makes 5D the best choice? Is my assumption correct?
Thanks, Edward
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Post by Clemn A. Macasiano Jr. on Jan 27, 2012 15:03:59 GMT
Is 5D=5D Mark II? Because when I google 5D it always shows "5D Mark II". And base on snapsort.com 5D>60D>7D, which makes 5D the best choice? Is my assumption correct? Thanks, Edward It will depends on your budget. You can still get a used 5D. Just work around your budget with the combination suggested. Cheers Dr. Boymac
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Post by Edward Legaspi on Jan 28, 2012 8:07:20 GMT
Hi,
One of my friend is selling his Canon 50D + 2 extra battery for 23K
and
70-200mm F4L USM - 25K
Do you think it's a good price? Unfortunately couldn't find yet a canon 400mm lens for sale.
Thanks, Edward
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Post by Clemn A. Macasiano Jr. on Jan 28, 2012 8:53:00 GMT
Hi, One of my friend is selling his Canon 50D + 2 extra battery for 23K and 70-200mm F4L USM - 25K Do you think it's a good price? Unfortunately couldn't find yet a canon 400mm lens for sale. Thanks, Edward Check this site and register. surf on the Trade & services www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/index.php?board=57.0
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Post by Christopher Ferrer on Feb 10, 2012 6:18:46 GMT
Hi, Recently I've been really interested with bird photography that I wanted to go to the next higher level, I'm aware that I need a higher level camera and lens too. So I would like to solicit some advise on what camera should I invest to :-). I'm pretty much aware with the functionalities of nikon and canon since I have an entry level camera for both (nikon d5k - 55-300mm, canon 450 0 55-250mm). But I must admit that I was never satisfied with my bird shots using these cameras/lenses. Currently with what I've read, I'm looking for a new canon combo since its set of telephoto lens is cheaper compared to nikon. Any suggestions/recommendations? Btw I don't have that much money so I can't afford those super high level combo :-). Thanks, Edward Use Sigma's for the lens sir cheaper alternative.
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Post by Renoir Abrea on Feb 12, 2012 2:41:08 GMT
i have started with d5000 + sigma 150-500mm + 1.4tc and happy with it...and for some reason i decided to continue with 60d + ef 400mm + 1.4tc and more than happy with it...and still want to be more and more than happy....
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Post by Edward Legaspi on Feb 12, 2012 10:16:49 GMT
One of my friends advised the same thing, but I was never able to try using a longer lens to my nikon d5000, since I've already bought canon 50d and decided to sell my nikon d5000. I'm yet to acquire a longer F canon lens :-)
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Post by Mark Jason Argallon on Feb 15, 2012 6:58:07 GMT
edward, been using and still using nikon D5000. i started with nikkor 70-300mm G lens that doesn't autofocus in D5000 but was able to make some good shots, especially with the philippine pygmy woodpecker. then i upgraded with sigma 150-500mm. i don't have the "mula" to buy any gear right now. but i'm pretty much happy with what i have.
improve on the techniques and practice, as advised by most experienced photographers in this forum. however, if you have the budget, go with what was recommended in this thread. =D
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Post by Edward Legaspi on Feb 15, 2012 7:49:23 GMT
Hi Mark, I've thought of doing that but I guess having a similar body with my wife will make photography easier for us, and will save us some money too :-)
Actually my shot with my d5000 were not that bad, but fully zooming the image will reveal some luminance and chrominance noise. I know a big factor is the lens, and since I need a good lens to get a good photo I've thought of buying a new body too (since overall canon lens are much cheaper compared to nikon) :-) Right now I have a canon 50d, but doesn't have long range lens yet :-(
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Post by alainpascua on Feb 15, 2012 15:31:33 GMT
Since you already have 50D, all you need is a long lens.
It's a toss between Canon 400mm f/5.6 or Sigma 150-500. That will depend on your budget.
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Post by Edu Lorenzo Jr on Feb 16, 2012 14:16:31 GMT
I might be letting go of my Nikon 80-400 soon Sample shots are here in the forums and on my flickr. flickr.com/photos/edulorenzo
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Post by Edward Legaspi on Feb 17, 2012 4:56:25 GMT
I might not be needing any nikon lens anymore since I already switched to canon :-)
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Post by Tonji Ramos on Mar 4, 2012 8:13:48 GMT
Edward, bird gear keeps changing constantly with all the new products being introduced lately. Since you have bought a Canon body you have a lot of choices regarding lenses. I have not used the Sigma so I cannot give you any first hand insights into that lens. But I do hear that the resale value is less and it is harder to sell than a Canon lens. I am not sure if this is a consideration for you. I have used and own the following Canon lenses: 70-300L, 100-400mm, and the 400 f5.6. I wrote a short write up about them which you might be interested in reading. tonjiandsylviasbirdlist.smugmug.com/Equipment-List/PG/16569072_7nV32d#!i=1645218202&k=sJqgwjm Good luck.
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Post by Edward Legaspi on Mar 4, 2012 10:15:12 GMT
Tonji Ramos, Thanks for the very valuable information. As of now I haven't buy any lens yet, it's because I haven't made up my mind on what lens to buy. As you've said both the 100-400mm and 400mm are quite old and it lacks the many technologies available on the latest lens. I've already read some articles on 100-400mm vs 400mm and found out that 400mm is much sharper compared to the zoom lens, but the prime lens itself has also many disadvantage such as no IS, as you've mentioned in your site. Currently, I'm also considering 70-200mm f4 is usm + 1.4x tc. But since you've mentioned the 70-300mm lens I might consider it also. Btw, 70-300mm can't use tc? Seems like it's an interesting lens :-?
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Post by Tonji Ramos on Mar 4, 2012 12:07:16 GMT
Edward, the 70-200mm f2.8 IS series II seems like a possible option as well. It can take a 2x tc very well from what I have read. I don't own this lens but the 140mm-400mm FL with the latest IS sounds like a good candidate for further study. Without the TC it can be used for other non birding photography as well. But it is expensive and the new series III 2x of Canon is $500.
The 70-300L can't take a Canon TC. Not sure if can take another brand. It is an interesting lens and it takes super pics. But it is rather short at 300mm. So it takes a different kind of photo, showing more of the environment. It is also good for flight shots. It might be good for travel birding in some other countries where the birds are not too far.
I think the 70-200mm f4 with TC is not a good candidate for birding it is too short. I would get the 300mm f4 instead and put a 1.4x tc instead of the 70-200 f4.
Good luck. That is a killer question on your mind and it will take some thinking to process.
Just keep asking questions, because we have all asked the same questions at one point in time.
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Post by Tonji Ramos on Mar 5, 2012 22:50:36 GMT
Edward read Romy's great post in the review section on how sharp a 100-400 can be. That will be very useful in your lens quest.
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Post by Toto Gamboa on Mar 6, 2012 2:27:32 GMT
Canon 50D is a very capable camera. I guess all you need now is an L lens that is something in the 400mm range, a sturdy tripod, and a gimbal head. These are surefire ingredients to crazy bird photos. I am using a Canon 50D for the longest time and I dont see myself upgrading anytime soon. I use a 400mm 5.6L. I have a sturdy tripod and a gimbal head too. You can check out my g+ album. Most of the shots I had there are taken with this combo.
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Post by Mark Itol on Mar 6, 2012 5:14:41 GMT
Hi Edward,
Yes, check out Ka Mastah's review on the 100-400 IS.
For birding, personally I would go for at least 400mm (base focal length, no TCs). I use the EF 400mm f/5.6 L and most of the time I'm still wanting for more reach. Reach is a very important factor here if you want the bird to fill a good area in your image, which is crucial in making great images. As Tonji pointed out, the 70-300 L can be a very good starter (I started with the Nikon 70-300 VR), but as you get more devoted (or insane, depending on how you look at it ;D), you'll long for a longer reach.
If I were in your shoes right now it would be the 100-400 IS or the 400 f/5.6, depending on your shooting style. The pros and cons of each are well-stated in Ka Mastah's review. I chose the prime because 1) it was more affordable; 2) I will be shooting on a tripod most of the time; and 3) I like its looks better than the zoom (of course the look has nothing to do with the image quality ;D).
Hope this helps.
Mark
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