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Thread: Gear for birding

  1. #1
    Wendy Griffiths
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    Default Gear for birding

    Hi all, I am new to these forums so will introduce myself a little. Last year I acquired a Nikon D700 and a 70-200mm lens as a general all round setup. I would have originally got a Canon 40D but I was persuaded for various reasons to go full frame and got the Nikon.

    While I am new to digital photography, I did have a film Pentax camera when travelling the world which took some pretty stock standard photos but excellent in low light hence the D700 etc. I was also, then, very interested in macro photography.

    My dilemma is that I am in the digital era far more attracted to birds than landscapes and macro. The current D700 and 70-200 is just not cutting it as I don't have the ability to get very close to birds, and most local birds are small ie. finches, tits etc.
    Many people who shoot birds have Canon gear and the lens, have generally, been cheaper and a smidge lighter (even before the newly released canon lenses though price may increase).

    I acquired a TC2.0EIII to get a reach of 400mm but that too is still pretty short.

    So, my options
    a) save for a nikon 500mm and get a D300s (or wait for D400) and a TC1.4 OR
    b) sell my Nikon gear and shift to Canon - does then raise the question of which body.

    I don't wish to start a brand debate but is there any advantage in selling my Nikon stuff and shifting to Canon. Any perceived savings will be lost with the brand change over. Having said that I have seen a second hand Canon 500mm and 40D that would be cheaper and get me going.

    I have no idea which way to lean - any thoughts would be appreciated...thanks

  2. #2
    BPN Member Chris Ober's Avatar
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    moved to gear forum
    Chris


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    I have a high sarcasm rate. Deal with it.
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    Wendy Canon vs. Nikon for a new to Nikon birder is an interesting question. Around here, on bpn, you'll see more Canon users. I think that's mainly due to the availability of a wider range of telephoto and super-tele lens at somewhat lower prices, in general. Go over to B&H Photo or Adorama or your favorite online retailer to see the line ups. You'll want 400mm and up for birding, BUT that can get very expensive with either brand. You're talking thousands for a 300 f/2.8 or a 500f/4.

    Still, for starters you need to get out to 400mm with AF with or without extenders. A 300mm f/4 plus a 1.4x TC is an option or a 400mm f/5.6 or a 100-400mm zoom. All those alternatives are $2000 or less, particularly if you buy used. I'd suggest starting in that range. If you're still hot and heavy into bird photograrhy after several month, then consider investing the big bucks to move up to faster and longer lenses.

    If you're going to end up with Canon, then consider making a switch now, rather than later, but that's going to be really hard for you to know. Both are good. I think that you tend see more Canon white lenses used by sports and nature photographers because they focus on that part of their line and are a little more competitive in price.

    Another alternative that many bird photographers take is the Sigma super zoom lenses. There have been lots and lots of really great images taken with a Sigma on either a Nikon or a Canon. They're much lower cost and will allow you to evaluate your own level of interest without changing brands.

    Oh, about the macro, get a 25mm Extension Tube for your 70-200mm. The ET with or without your TC will allow great macros without buying a dedicated macro lens.

  4. #4
    Wendy Griffiths
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    Quote Originally Posted by David Stephens View Post
    Wendy Canon vs. Nikon for a new to Nikon birder is an interesting question. Around here, on bpn, you'll see more Canon users. I think that's mainly due to the availability of a wider range of telephoto and super-tele lens at somewhat lower prices, in general. Go over to B&H Photo or Adorama or your favorite online retailer to see the line ups. You'll want 400mm and up for birding, BUT that can get very expensive with either brand. You're talking thousands for a 300 f/2.8 or a 500f/4.

    Still, for starters you need to get out to 400mm with AF with or without extenders. A 300mm f/4 plus a 1.4x TC is an option or a 400mm f/5.6 or a 100-400mm zoom. All those alternatives are $2000 or less, particularly if you buy used. I'd suggest starting in that range. If you're still hot and heavy into bird photograrhy after several month, then consider investing the big bucks to move up to faster and longer lenses.

    If you're going to end up with Canon, then consider making a switch now, rather than later, but that's going to be really hard for you to know. Both are good. I think that you tend see more Canon white lenses used by sports and nature photographers because they focus on that part of their line and are a little more competitive in price.

    Another alternative that many bird photographers take is the Sigma super zoom lenses. There have been lots and lots of really great images taken with a Sigma on either a Nikon or a Canon. They're much lower cost and will allow you to evaluate your own level of interest without changing brands.

    Oh, about the macro, get a 25mm Extension Tube for your 70-200mm. The ET with or without your TC will allow great macros without buying a dedicated macro lens.
    Thanks for these comments. You're right - if I change I want to do it sooner rather than later. Long lens are expensive but 400mm here with small birds just doesnt cut the mustard. Lens are expensive but I've started saving and well I'm a long time dead as they say :eek:.

    Comment re Sigma - I am looking at the Sigma brand as a possible alternative though I've been warned that I would get upgraditis very quickly so is it cheaper in the long run....

    Still thinking on this as it's not a cheap hobby chasing birds!

  5. #5
    Wendy Griffiths
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Ober View Post
    moved to gear forum
    Thanks - later realised it was posted to the wrong forum

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    One way to guard against upgraditis is to buy used.

    Look for one of the Sigmas used. If you're still taking several hundred images per month (at least) after several months, then start planning the upgrade in earnest. I didn't buy used, but I did the same thing with my 400/f/5.6. I found myself taking several thousand images per month and then took the plunge for the 500mm f/4.

    For next year, about this time, I'll be thinking hard about the new 200-400mm f/4L IS with internal 1.4x TC. With Canon's hard work, that'll be a great BIF lens. I've gotten very good with hand holding my 500mm f/4, but it actually required some muscular development. Today I shot several hundred of an bald eagle under attack by crows and a hawk of some sort, all hand held and many straight overhead, but that's hard to do with that heavy lens. For most people I'd recommend looking at the 500mm Series III (1.5 lb lighter and 2-stop stronger IS) or wait on the 200-400mm or get the 300/2.8 with a 1.4x and a 2x TC. I love my 500mm, but there are some other options that I'd suggest to people where the weight will be an issue. (I'm a linebacker type body build and I really think that's what's needed to hand hold that booger a lot).

    Let us know what you do. Even if you've got the budget to buy now, I'd suggest the Sigma as an interim step to begin your development and buy time to make a Nikon/Canon descision.

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    As I said in another thread. Nikon D3s/D700 gets sharper if a Sigma 500 f4.5 or Sigma 800 f5.6 is used. Sigma lenses are cheaper than Canon's. But not all Sigma lenses are good lenses.

    It is better if you can get a used 500mm f4.5, as it is not worth it to buy a new one with a prices just a litter cheaper than the 800mm f5.6. The 800mm f5.6 is superb but it is as heavy as a Nikkor 600mm VR.

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