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telephoto advise	Nadine (91)	::	2006-04-12 12:09
Hi All! I try to make more picture of animals and nature. This is my favorite theme. I already have a 50 mm macro Sigma lens, a 18-70 mm Nikkor Lens and a 70-300 zoom and macro Sigma lens. The one I use the most is the 70-300 mm Sigma lens, because I appreciate the polyvalence between macro and zoom...but i'm always too far from my subjects to get good & clear shots!!!! I would like to buy a good telephoto lens, to be able to picture birds and other wild animals. I do not really know what coud be the best choice. I thought maybe adding a 2x converter on my 70-300mm could be a good alternative...for a while. Does anybody could help me on this? Thank you! Nadine
Re: telephoto advise	AdrianW (710)	::	2006-04-12 15:44
Tricky. I've recently shot some tests using a 200mm f2.8 L compared to the consumer 70-300 IS. At 200 it's no contest - the 200mm wins by a large margin. However if I put my Sigma 1.4EX teleconverter on the 200 and shoot both at 280 - the 70-300 wins at all apertures. Cheaper teleconverters will perform even less well, and combined with a zoom... Well, I don't think it's going to look nice ;) Ideally save your money for a proper long lens, but try a teleconverter anyway in a store if you can and see what you find - it may be that my lens and teleconverter are a poor match... Also bear in mind that a 2x with the 70-300 will probably stop autofocus working correctly. Test it though.
Re: telephoto advise	Nadine (91)	::	2006-04-12 16:25
Thank you Adrian. So you suggest me to go straight to the long lens, without any converter. Is there any advise you could give me about the best ratio price-quality? 300mm, 400 mm? I wanted to go with Nikon for this type of lens, (I have a Nikon D70 SLR), but prices are much higher than Sigma lens. Any advise on this? Thank you! Nadine
Re: telephoto advise	AdrianW (710)	::	2006-04-12 19:25
IMO Sigma can be a mixed bag. Some of their lenses are comparable to Nikon/Canon, but cheaper - some are so far behind in terms of image quality that it's beyond a joke. Read reviews, and try the lenses if you can. Also look around and see what the people here are using - I've made up my mind about my next purchase, but it won't fit your camera ;) I'm going for the Canon 100-400 IS when finances permit... As for which lens suits you best - only you can really say how limited you find your current lens. Personally I tend to shoot wildlife without a tripod, so I find image stabilization invaluable - other people find a faster aperture more useful. Some find a longer lens suits them better. It's a matter of personal preference I'm afraid! I'll say it again though, try the lenses before you buy - you may find some of the really long stuff not only expensive, but way too heavy...
Re: telephoto advise	aido (4046)	::	2006-06-01 10:00
Hi Nadine, My camera is Nikon also, and I use a Sigma 50-500. It's a fantastic lens and is considerably cheaper than Nikon's 80-400. The Sigma doesn't have image stabilisation but it's still a great lens. In fact since I bought it it's become my main lens, I don't often use anything else. Hope this helps! Adrian
Re: telephoto advise Adrian	drchoneydew (3501)	::	2012-01-29 4:01
Do you guys always use a mono or tri pod I am so frustrated, i like to travel light...and dang...holding my breath and keeping my hands to my side does not work..i suppose i just need to work with a bulky tripod aye?
Re: telephoto advise Adrian	pirate (7474)	::	2012-01-29 4:40
Hi Brenda my favorite lens is the 500 mm f:/4 IS (image stabilized) from Canon, very heavy but still possible to shoot without tripod, so here is what I am doing: from the car: always lying on a beanbag from the hide: tripod (I am not so often sitting in my tent) when walking around: sometimes handheld but really to heavy, so I use a carbone monopod, it's just perfect (if you buy one think about finding a special monopod head which tilts only in one direction, they are small and lightweight) hope that helps Tom
Re: telephoto advise Adrian	drchoneydew (3501)	::	2012-01-29 4:59
it does help tom......you made me laugh about the bean bag..great idea!!! Usually never in my car tho...lots of time when i am biking/hiking see amazing footage but not able to snap the shot. Not giving up, mono light sounds good