Decent lens...

[NickCantle]

Hiya chaps.

I have to admit, I'm very much a close up photographer with my trusty Sigma 105mm Macro and the fungi...BUT I've recently developed a want for some bird and mammal photography and a lens to match. I'm not sure what's best to start with for birds...and then finding that at a reasonable price too. It's all above me. Which is why I thought I'd lob a post here and see what's recommended. So to sum up...I would like to know.

Good beginner bird and mammal photography lenses. Nothing 600mm lol...but an adequate size for doing the job on an acceptable level.

Price range. Maybe say up to £500 - £600

I have a Canon 400D

No preferences as to which type of lens mechanism as I'm still in the dark about that

All suggestions and comments welcomed and appreciated!

Kind regards...

Nick

[rlchew]

Hi Nick

I started out with a Sigma 80-400mm F4-5.6 lens for my Nikon D70 which I was very happy with for bird/mammal photography. I have since moved on to a Nikon D80/Sigma 500mm F4.5 combination although I do still use the 80-400mm.

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd

2 points though ....

Firstly, I am only familiar with this lens (and my 500mm prime) and there will be others which I am sure other WABers will comment on.

Secondly, this lens is around £800, more than your quoted price range, but Warehouse Express do offer interest free finance options which always helps to spread the pain.

Best of luck with what ever you choose.

Richard

[ron1863]

Have a look at the Sigma 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO at £410.99 or the 170-500mm F5.6-6.3 DG APO at £508.99

Sigma SLR Lenses (Prime Lenses, Zoom Lenses, Lens Cloth, Convertors)- warehouseexpress.com

[glsammy]

Don't forget the Bigma!(Sigma 50-500mm) You can get this for around the price point your setting yourself.
I wouldn't be without it. I've often toyed with the idea of getting a prime focus lens, and I know a few around here that have done that, but I'd miss the versatility of the zoom lens. In my humble opinion the Bigma is the best zoom lens under a grand you can get.
I was surprised when I saw how many of my shots are taken at less than the 500mm maximum. Have a look through my Gallery for almost a couple of thousand examples!

[NickCantle]

Thank you for your responses chaps!!! I'll do a little research!

Nick

[NickCantle]

So what are the main differences between the Sigma 50-500mm and the Sigma 170-500mm F5.6-6.3 DG APO?

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

So what are the main differences between the Sigma 50-500mm and the Sigma 170-500mm F5.6-6.3 DG APO?

100 - 150 smackers, a bit of weight I imagine, but a vastly more usable zoom range.

Personally I love my image stabilizer 100-400 that the sigma's don't have.

Don't forget to budget for a good UV filter though.

[NickCantle]

Cheers Hobjob

Been churning it over in my mind all of yesterday and even as I woke up today I found myself dreaming of the Bigma. I searched around and found some 'reasonable?' prices ...

Looks like i'll have to wait until Christmas! But that's something to look forward to. As for the differences, it sounds like the Sigma is worth it...I've a 105mm Macro and that's done me proud. All of my recent images in the Gallery are taken with it and I'm most pleased at some.

I always spare a little cash for a UV Filter.

Thanks!!!

Nick

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

So what are the main differences between the Sigma 50-500mm and the Sigma 170-500mm F5.6-6.3 DG APO?

Hi Nick,

Its simple really, the 170 -500mm is slow and sounds a bit like an industrial grade coffee grinder whilst focusing!

The Bigma is super fast focusing and almost silent.

I've had a Bigma for just over five months now and wouldn't swap it for anything, its a brilliant lens, its built like a tank, and consistantly produces top quality images, for the money you just cant fault it!

Steve.

[NickCantle]

Thanks for that Steve. You backed up something I was hoping for

My mother wont be pleased though!!

Thank you for all of your help. I'll keep you updated on the situation

Is there anything I'll need for the Sigma? Adapter or convertor rings so it fits on my 400D? Might sounds like I'm asking ridiculous questions but this is unexplored territory for me!!!

Thanks!

Nick