help with lenses please

[lanie1]

hello confused again, sorry to keep asking but need some help again with these lenses,i have been checking on some lenses but even more clueless now,sigma 70-300mmf4,5-5.6 auto focus.sigma 400mm f5.6 telephoto.tamron28-80mm f3,5-5,6 zoom,sigma 70-300mm f4,5-5.6 autofocus which if any would do the job on my 350d canon for wild birds any help please i dont want to spend any money on the wrong one, and would they fit my camera the people who are selling them say they will.thanks lanie

[John D]

Hi Lanie,

Both Sigma and Tamron make lenses to fit Canon EOS DSLRs.
However what lens will be best depends on your budget but normally a lens not less than 300mm and better still a 400mm or greater will be more suitable.
There are several threads already on the forum on this subject which may be helpful.

John D
Zenfolio | John's Wild World

[JaySteel]

Unfortunately the lenses required for good bird photography are very expensive. As already stated I believe also that a 300mm lens in a minimum requirement for bird photography. I only have my Canon 70-200L f/4 & 1.4extender giving me a maximum length of 280mm and this is simply not long enough for small birds at all. At this length you really need image stabilisation on your lens as well which puts the price up again.

Best regards,
Jason

[Pyrrhocorax]

Any lens going up to 300mm or more will "do the job". If you can get one with image stabilisation (OS on Sigma lenses) that would be extremely helpful.

I use a Sigma 50-500mm (without OS), when I have time to set up properly with a tripod etc. and have good bright conditions. The results can be superb, but image shake is a problem. There is now an OS version, which I'm hoping to get one day (c£1000)

More often I use a Nikon 70-300mm, which DOES have OS (Nikon calls it VR) I can use this lens hand held even in moderate light. This is a great compromise, excellent results and very portable.

I also have a Tamron lens which is ok, but I find the images are too soft.

I dont get on too well with converters, try to get a lens that does what you need without one, then consider adding one. Using a converter costs you light, autofocus speed and depth of field.
Much depends on what you want to spend.

Personally I'd recommend anything 300mm+ by Sigma or Canon, with autofocus, and image stabilisation.
Since you need to ask the question, I'd say dont rush it, there are plenty of lenses out there. Take the time to read reviews. There are quite a few Sigma 120-400mm lenses with OS around the £500 mark, but I dont know the lens.
Good luck.

[John D]

Depending on how much you intend to spend it might be better to forgo 'image stabilisation' as it isn't really a 'must'. If you were to look through the 'Gallery' you will see there are several members who manage very well without it and even some who have it but never switch it ON. I like others don't have OS etc but use a monopod to provide any stability that is required.

You should also note that not all lenses provide satisfactory images when used with a teleconverter even when it is possible to connect them together.

John D
Zenfolio | John's Wild World

[nightshade]

Lanie i can see you getting more confused. In your price range I would look at the online reviews of lenses such as this one Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Interchangeable Lens Review
You will find reviews for most of the lenses in your price range.

[lanie1]

thanks for all your help,i will keep looking

[Geoff F]

This lens review site may help All Tests / Reviews

I think the main consideration here is do you just want a bird lens or a general purpose lens which will also be suitable for birds? What sort of birds and how close can you get to them?

Certainly, 300 mm would be the minimum.

Just for birds, or other distant targets, would be ideal for a prime lens, say 400 mm which would provide good quality at a more realistic price. And you could add a 1.4x converter which would take you over 500 mm.

But if you want a zoom option you will have to pay a bit more or accept a slightly lower quality, unless you can get within the 70-300 distance range.

I use the Sigma 150-500 which, like the alternative 50-500, can produce good results and still offer versatility, but at a price, and they are heavy.