which lens for birding

[pip2356]

which would be your choice of lens for birding between the canon 100-400L or the canon 400 5.6L. i,m pretty well covered up to 300mm . so i,m thinking maybe the prime but not too sure . any views appreciated.

[Geoff F]

If you only want to use a zoom at maximum, then a prime makes a lot of sense; and it will also work well with a converter. The downside with the Canon 400 is no IS and a relatively long minimum focusing distance. I think it could be as long 11 ft. which means you could miss something which comes close, like that rare butterfly!

But if you normally use a tripod the 400 makes a lot of sense.

When faced with a similar dilemma recently, I eventually chose the Sigma 150-500 for a general purpose lens. But if the 400 had IS then I would probably have bought that.

[Words]

For birding, the 400 5.6 prime is my choice (I have the 100-400 and the 400 f/5.6). Both lenses are good, but the prime is better for birds and gets me shots the zoom just won't. Yes you lose the ability sometimes to have a wider view but it's really comfortable hand held, and with a monopod you can work in poor light (it's much better wide open than the 100-400). It's also faster for AF.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by Words

For birding, the 400 5.6 prime is my choice (I have the 100-400 and the 400 f/5.6). Both lenses are good, but the prime is better for birds and gets me shots the zoom just won't. Yes you lose the ability sometimes to have a wider view but it's really comfortable hand held, and with a monopod you can work in poor light (it's much better wide open than the 100-400). It's also faster for AF.

Couldn't have summed up this lens any better myself.

The only thing I would add is it is one of if not the best lens for in flight shots. It's light enough to hand hold for long periods and the AF is superb.

I'm very satisfied with mine.

[pip2356]

many thanks it looks like the prime is the favourite.

[Hobjob]

Personally I'd miss the push-pull instantaneous zooming
of my 100-400, and the butterfly and flower shots.

I hate changing lenses.

But it is, I read, not quite as sharp and slower to focus
than the prime.

But a 600 would be better for birds

[Geoff F]

Yes, and spending other people's money is great fun; I really enjoy it.