Views on best Canon lens for bird photography please

r1ch · #1 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 04:42 PM

Hi, I have a Canon 550d and I'm now looking to invest in a new lens. I'd appreciate your views on the best lens for wild bird photography. Most of my photography will be carried out whilst wandering around reserves and woods, along shores and sometimes in hides. I'm inclined towards the 'prime' rather than telephoto lenses but would welcome your views....

slimrbp · #2 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 05:06 PM

What's your budget?

John D · #3 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r1ch

Hi, I have a Canon 550d and I'm now looking to invest in a new lens. I'd appreciate your views on the best lens for wild bird photography. Most of my photography will be carried out whilst wandering around reserves and woods, along shores and sometimes in hides. I'm inclined towards the 'prime' rather than telephoto lenses but would welcome your views....

Hi Rich,
Have you read the recent threads on this exact topic ?
I'm sure you will find them of interest and you may also find the solution you are looking for.

John D
Zenfolio | John's Wild World

Gaza · #4 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 06:20 PM

In my opinion, I think that with out doubt, the finest lens is the Canon 500mm f4 IS. But I cant afford the £5000 price tag.

Also I wouldnt think it would be ideal for you, if you are going to be doing a lot of walking around.

Some here favour the Canon 400mm f5.6 non IS I have heard very good things about this lens and seen some very good photos from this lens.

A good lens for some one who is doing a lot of walking, and a lot more sensible price at around the £1600 mark.

I tend to favour Canon 300mm f4 IS + 1.4 x teleconverter. This produces photos that I am very happy with. Ideal for walking with.
These are also around the £1600 mark.

But I have seen them on a well known auction site, second hand, for around the £ 800 mark

All the above are prime lenses. Good quality, but not cheep!

Geoff F · #5 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 08:52 PM

As Richard said, what is your budget? We really love spending other people's money!

Also remember that third party lenses, like Sigma etc will also be suitable, providing you make sure to specify 'Canon Fit'.

Zooms are possibly more 'generally useful' although if you just want something for birds, primes will give excellent quality at a realistic price. Well 'realistic' if you are wealthy that is.

r1ch · #6 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 07:03 AM

Thanks for your comments Richard, John, Garry & Geoff, very helpful and much appreciated. I especially liked the comment about spending other people's money

.The budget is the limiting factor I guess...... is the consensus that if budget is no problem then the canon 500 prime is best (acknowledging the fact that it's heavy for lugging around) but if £1600 is the limit then the 400 plus a 1.4 extender? Thanks again, Richard

r1ch · #7 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John D

Hi Rich,
Have you read the recent threads on this exact topic ?
I'm sure you will find them of interest and you may also find the solution you are looking for.

John D
Zenfolio | John's Wild World

Hi John, I haven't I'm afraid, I'm a brand new member and just finding my way around the site but thanks for the tip, I'll see what I can find, Cheers, Richard

darrenm · #8 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 08:11 AM

i started out with Canon DSLR's last November and have found both the canon F.4 300mm IS and the Canon F.5.6 400mm superb after messing around with various other lenses. The 500mm prime is what i would like but funds dont stretch that far at present but very happy with both of my lenses and they both work with a 1.4x converter if the light is good

r1ch · #9 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 11:36 AM

Thanks Darren, that's useful information. Are you getting close to the birds and do you have to do much with the photo's on the computer? Cheers, Richard

darrenm · #10 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 05:14 PM

i always try to get fairly close to the birds by using fieldcraft and camo but without disturbing them and value the fact that the birds welfare always comes first and if i miss a chance of a shot hopefully there will be another chance in future. The last thing i want to do is scare something or want to put it off from feeding, breeding or any courtship display.

If your camera crops down or the pics can be cropped well on your pc its worth using a tripod and staying a bit outside the comfort zone of the bird.