Lens decisions for birding

[Mike Quigley]

Hi folks, Im looking at getting another lens for my 5D Mk3. Id like to get some opinions and see if my reasoning is correct.
I am leaning for the most reach, but a little leery of buying used. Im just getting into birding and want reach and speed for BIF.


1.The most reasonable is the new EF 400mm f/5.6L USM for $1339. at Canon. I can use extenders, manual only.


2.The next choice is the new EF 300 f/2.8 IS II USM at $7299. Expensive but both extenders should work with AF? S I could max at 600mm.


3. The last is a used 2009, EF 400mm f/2.8 IS L for $6200. still expensive but a $1000 cheaper than the new 300, now I have 800mm reach, use of extenders and AF.


Thanks for any and all input. Mike

[Doug West]

Mike,

I'm assuming your budget is at least $7300 based on you thinking about #2?
If so, why not look at a used 600?

I know you said you were weary, but I've always bought my lenses used from
here and Fred Miranda and never had a problem.

Doug

[nrohrbacker]

I too have bought used with no problems. I even bought a 'beater' 300/2.8 IS, but the glass is perfect. I was in your same shoes. Started with the 400/5.6, then went to the 300 with extenders. The v2 of this lens should be better in terms of AF, especially with the 2x. Now I have the 500 and do not use the 300 that much except when I know I will not be reach limited. Since you are just starting out, I would lean towards starting on the lower end. You have a full frame camera, which puts you at a little bit of a disadvantage reach wise. If I were you I would rent the 400/5.6. I would steer clear of the 400/2.8 unless it is the v2 model. Way too much weight. You need to work on your technique and the 400/5.6 or the 300 will help you get there. There are two different skills you will need to acquire, and this does not include operating the camera. I will assume you know that already. You will need skill in using a long lens when shooting BIF and also field craft in getting close to your subject. Both will be required to obtain quality shots. Whatever you do good luck and beware. This hobby is not only expensive in $$, but time as well. Little long winded, but hope it helps.

[fabiobernardino]

Handheld or tripod ?

If you're looking for reach, at your budget why not an used 500mm/4 L IS ? You should find one in good condition around $6,000.
With the 1.4 and 2.0 TCs you would have autofocus with the mark3.
500mm @ f4
+TC 1,4x = 700mm @ f5.6
+TC 2,0x = 1000mm @ f8 (autofocus at the central focus point after the Canon's promised April firmware update)

And probably you can use all combinations handheld.

Hope it helps.

[robinlee]

Bear in mind that I sometimes found I need more than 500mm for birding :(

400mm 2.8 is pretty heavy, if you can carry this lens, I'd rather go for 600mm IS

[Sidharth Kodikal]

I gather that weight is not an issue for you (from your choice of 400 2.8 L IS). Given that, here's another vote for the 600 f4 L IS fwiw.
A 500 f4 L IS would also make a great birding lens (cheaper and lighter than a 600)

[Mike Quigley]

Thanks for the great advice. I've been looking for a 500 f/4, are they scarce? I'll take some leads if you have them. Thanks again everyone this is such a great forum.

[Roman Kurywczak]

No one mentioned it....but the Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 is the most versatile and has the most reach for the least amount of money! Most of my gallery images in both avian and wildlife are with that lens......so if weight is not an issue........nothing touches it.

[nrohrbacker]

Look on Fred Miranda for a used 500. There are a few in there right now. They come on here occasionally, but FM is much more active.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Realize that you can also get a used 300-800......just make sure it is the newest version and has the DG designation. Also realize the reach of an extra 300mm is significant to say the least. Look at my images with the lens......then given the reach and the $........talk to me.

[Roman Kurywczak]

I realize that the debate has always been Canon or Nikon......funny....since I've bought the lens.....many are now following. Look at my images and see if the sharpness is fine for you........then spend you money, I you feel you need a label.....I always say.....it's your money. spend it how you feel,,,,,if you want performance at a reasonable price.....then PM me.

[David Stephens]

Of the 3 listed, I'd go with the 300/2.8. I owned the 400/5.6 and it's inability to AF with TCs is very limiting. It's a great little BIF lens, but lack the reach that I often need. OTOH, the 300/2.8 will get you a true 600mm and it's very easily hand held.

I'm using the 500/f4L IS series I and find it a great match for the 5D MkIII, using the 1.4x TC. Later this month a firmware update for the 5D3 will make it AF with the 2X TC. Buying used around $6,000, this is a combination that can be hand held for almost all shooting.

The Series I 600/f4 is HEAVY and not practical to hand hold for most of us. The Series II is another matter and I'm Jonesing for that, but $13,000 is a different discussion.

Many around here use tripods for everything, but lots of us go hand held, particularly for birds in flight. I found that my keeper rate almost doubled when I ditched my tripod and started hand holding 99% of my flight shots. It takes some practice, but I believe that planning to hand hold, when possible, is the way to go.

[Ian Cassell]

I'd cast another vote for a used 500/4. I've been using a 400/5.6 with my 7D for the past couple of years and, although it is a great BIF lens and easy to handhold, just doesn't have the reach I wanted. I got a used 500 a couple of weeks ago (from KEH.com) and a whole new world has opened up. It AF's with a 1.4 on my 7D and I can even handhold it for brief periods. Another lens to consider is the Sigma 120-300/2.8 (a new update is due out this year with a focus limiter switch, which was a disadvantage of the past series). The early ones had some issues with the stablizer, but I understand they're cleaning that up. It would AF with both the 1.4 and the 2X.