lense advice

[denn]

for a bit of a novice i'm afraid, i already own the canon 400d inc 18-55 kit lense, (i know), i am a birder, now wishing to move into photographing birds in flight etc, like most people i dont have a huge budget to blow on a lense (pity), i am torn between the bigma and the sigma 80-400 os. or any other lenses you might recommend, i know your all probably fed up with us newbies looking for advice but believe me it would be much appreciated, thanks, denn.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by denn

for a bit of a novice i'm afraid, i already own the canon 400d inc 18-55 kit lense, (i know), i am a birder, now wishing to move into photographing birds in flight etc, like most people i dont have a huge budget to blow on a lense (pity), i am torn between the bigma and the sigma 80-400 os. or any other lenses you might recommend, i know your all probably fed up with us newbies looking for advice but believe me it would be much appreciated, thanks, denn.

Hi Den,
Don't know what your actual budget is but if you are considering the bigma which is a fine lens you might want to look at the Canon 400mm f5.6L USM lens. It's only slightly dearer than the bigma depending on where you buy from

It's regarded as one of the best for in flight shots and although it's a fixed focal length of 400mm and doesn't have image stabilisation it's a pretty light and very sharp lens being a prime. I'm talking from experience as I have both the bigma and the Canon 400. The 400 is easier to get good flight shots with due to it's light weight.
Roger

[VinceS]

denn, like you I am considering the Bigma, but for my nikon d80, so am interested in the replies you get. I am under the impression the Bigma may come down in price a little as Sigma have released a number of new lenses one of which may be considered a replacement for the Bigma. Maybe one of the more experienced members might be able to shed more light on this area.

Vince

[denn]

to be honest vinceS my brain is numb with it all, one minute its defo this lense then that lense, to be honest i am awaiting the opinions of the more experienced photographers on the site, because i have'nt a clue what to do,(theres a song there somewhere) lol. i am waiting replies to try to work out what the heck i need ,?

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by denn

for a bit of a novice i'm afraid, i already own the canon 400d inc 18-55 kit lense, (i know), i am a birder, now wishing to move into photographing birds in flight etc, like most people i dont have a huge budget to blow on a lense (pity), i am torn between the bigma and the sigma 80-400 os. or any other lenses you might recommend, i know your all probably fed up with us newbies looking for advice but believe me it would be much appreciated, thanks, denn.

Of those two i'd go with the bigma - but it might be wise to wait a little while as sigma are supposed to be launching a bigma type lens with OS - even if you dont buy the new lens its launch will push the price of the other two down.

On your latter point about it being deffo this , then deffo that - its really horses for course and you need to try before you buy cos what works best for me wont necessarily suit you best.

All the lenses from the major manufacturers will be okay and a lot of the differences about whats best come down only to preference or brand loyalty (the two provisos to this being a: dont buy a mirror lens , and b: dont buy the cosina 100-400 because it is awful )

[SteveHL]

Denn
You may want to check out the Sigma imaging web site as they have just announced two new lenses in the range you are interested in both with OS which is their version of image stabilisation. The two are the
120-400 f4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM and
150-500 f 5-6.3 DG OS HSM.
Hope this helps.
Regards
SteveHL
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lens...m/telezoom.htm

[baggy2508]

Hi.
I own a Bigma which I use for birding but I have to use it on a monopod as its is quite heavy, it is a really good lens but you may think a lighter one would be better suited for your needs.
Regards John B

[geordie1970]

Originally Posted by baggy2508

Hi.
I own a Bigma which I use for birding but I have to use it on a monopod as its is quite heavy, it is a really good lens but you may think a lighter one would be better suited for your needs.
Regards John B

Hi Baggy which monopod do you use and how to you find it

[Hobjob]

Like many on this list I have the canon L 100-400 image stabilized. (IS)

Now I realize it is more money, but so well worth it.

The IS is just fantastic.
The pump zoom allows one to "find" the shot so much more
quickly.

Theoretically the quality of glass is better.

Previous threads show that WAB members direct testing
showed the 100-400 to actually go to about 450, and
the Bigma not to go to 500, only about 450.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of at least a monopod.
(and a 1.4 extender which you will want very soon !!! )

[denn]

based on a budget this question, again for bird photography, 70-300 is canon with converter, or 80-400 os sigma, which if you had to make the choice would be better, just dont think i can stretch to the L series lenses and starting to think the bigma is to bulky for what i want.
sorry for these tedious questions, denn