Bird photography - long lens / converter combi ?

[david_tolcher]

I am having a foray into trying some bird photography - waders

mainly. I currently use a 300mm f2.8 (chipped late AIS MF but a real

dog) and a 1.4X tamron converter on a D series digital. I need a bit

more length and have 2 options - 1) get a 2X converter (e.g. a TC200)

or 2) get a MF 400 F3.5 lens and continue to use the 1.4X converter.

Results from the 1.4X and the 300 are good quality.

 

Have read Bjorn's site and other long lens sites. Anyone have

relevant usage or experience to share ?

 

Thanks

 

Dave<div></div>

[susan_smith5]

There may be some helpful info here --> http://www.moose395.net/

[ShunCheung]

This topic is regularly discussed in the Nature Forum. Please search the archives there. The bad news is that there is no inexpensive way to do serious bird photography: ideally, you need a 600mm/f4 or at least a 500mm/f4 plus convertors. If you don't mind MF, the 400mm/f3.5 plus convertors might work, but eventually you'll want more focal length.

[greg s]

Hi David,

 

I used a chipped 600mm f/5.6 AIS lens with an SLR and then with a DSLR. Always liked that lens a lot as it had a wide range of capability for different subjects (hummingbirds to herons). Got tired of manual focus through a DSLR viewfinder though and have switched to a 500mm f/4 AF-I plus 1.4x TC. My own viewpoint is that a 500mm prime plus TC (or extension tube sometimes) is the way to go for bird photos. I have kept the 600mm as it is a relative bargain for a lens in the $1500 range (plus it's 'lightweight' at approx 6 lbs or so).

 

Cheers,

Greg