Canon 1000D - Can it be used for bird photography?

[rebelshooter]

Hello

I'm new here and I was given a Canon 1000D kit. I was wondering how the Canon 1000D would perform with a Sigma 70-300mm for bird photography?

Thanks.

[Ollie]

There is absolutely no reason why the Canon 1000D can't be used for bird photography. It's a 10.1 mega pixel camera which is more than ample for bird photography.

With a DSLR it's the lens that you use that counts more than the actual camera. Put it this way, with an entry level DSLR like the 1000D you can put a decent lens on it and get decent photos. Get a top of the range DSLR and put a cheap inferior lens on it and you will get inferior photos.

The Sigma 70- 300mm isn't a bad lens although you will need to get quite close to your subject but with decent field craft skills you should get some decent shots.

Hope this helps and a warm welcome to WAB

Roger

[ron1863]

Hi and welcome to WAB. I have the Sigma 70-300mm APO and as Ollie says, you need to get fairly close to the subjects. The easiest way to do this is to use bird feeders in your garden and either take shots from a window or from behind a screen such as a hedge or trellis, the closer you are the better. It may take a while but the birds will get used to the feeders and you, enabling you to get some decent shots. You should secure some branches near to the feeder to give a more natural shot. Good luck.

[rebelshooter]

Originally Posted by Ollie

There is absolutely no reason why the Canon 1000D can't be used for bird photography. It's a 10.1 mega pixel camera which is more than ample for bird photography.

With a DSLR it's the lens that you use that counts more than the actual camera. Put it this way, with an entry level DSLR like the 1000D you can put a decent lens on it and get decent photos. Get a top of the range DSLR and put a cheap inferior lens on it and you will get inferior photos.

The Sigma 70- 300mm isn't a bad lens although you will need to get quite close to your subject but with decent field craft skills you should get some decent shots.

Hope this helps and a warm welcome to WAB

Roger

Hey, thanks, Roger!
I like bird photography and am working on a budget. I got a pretty good deal but was wondering if I should hold out for another model. I'm excited about getting started. The last time I used the Sigma was on a Nikon, and it was great. However, I have had to give my Nikon up (and cried buckets when I did). Now, I got a Canon 1000D. I've been reading a lot of reviews, and began to worry about the speed of the camera (if it was good enough for bird photography as they tend to flutter about a lot). I feel so much better.

Thanks, for the pointers and the warm welcome.
Looking forward to reading more posts in the forum!

[rebelshooter]

Originally Posted by ron1863

Hi and welcome to WAB. I have the Sigma 70-300mm APO and as Ollie says, you need to get fairly close to the subjects. The easiest way to do this is to use bird feeders in your garden and either take shots from a window or from behind a screen such as a hedge or trellis, the closer you are the better. It may take a while but the birds will get used to the feeders and you, enabling you to get some decent shots. You should secure some branches near to the feeder to give a more natural shot. Good luck.

Hello, ron! Thanks for the welcome and the pointers on the bird feeders. I'm on the hunt for pretty nifty ones (either that, or I'll make them). I think the branches are a good idea. It's just my luck. I have some left after making the "bird tree" for my lovies. On the other hand, would you guys know of any other lens that is pretty reasonably priced but has a better reach?

[welsh.lensman]

Hi rebelshooter and welcome to WAB, enjoy.

[rebelshooter]

Originally Posted by welsh.lensman

Hi rebelshooter and welcome to WAB, enjoy.

Thanks, welsh.lensman!

[Vectisbirder]

Hi Rebelshooter, and welcome to the friendly world of WAB, it's a nice forum and the people here are a good bunch. As Ollie says, there's no reason why an EOSD 1000D shouldn't be used for bird photos, and you'd get good results with the Sigma as well. I used to have a Sigma 70-300 and it was a very capable little lens.

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by rebelshooter

Hello, ron! Thanks for the welcome and the pointers on the bird feeders. I'm on the hunt for pretty nifty ones (either that, or I'll make them). I think the branches are a good idea. It's just my luck. I have some left after making the "bird tree" for my lovies. On the other hand, would you guys know of any other lens that is pretty reasonably priced but has a better reach?

Not for the price of the Sigma 70-300mm. You could possibly get a 400mm fairly cheaply on one of the auction sites but then you are taking a chance on it's condition.

[rebelshooter]

Originally Posted by Vectisbirder

Hi Rebelshooter, and welcome to the friendly world of WAB, it's a nice forum and the people here are a good bunch. As Ollie says, there's no reason why an EOSD 1000D shouldn't be used for bird photos, and you'd get good results with the Sigma as well. I used to have a Sigma 70-300 and it was a very capable little lens.

Thanks, Vectisbirder!
Can't wait to use them for bird photos.
I'm looking through the site and there are just so much to see.
Glad I stumbled upon this.