New to photography and the forum

Phild · #1 (**permalink**) 13-09-2009, 11:32 AM

Hi Guys, I am new to the forum and have just started out in bird photography a couple of weeks ago. I have a Canon 50D and have been hiring lenses to see what to buy. I mostly go to Egleton at Rutland and have had some great shots with a Canon EF 300mm f2.8 L I.S. USM Telephoto Lens. It’s a really sharp lens and it does produce good images.
On Friday I hired a Canon EF 300mm f2.8 L I.S. USM Telephoto Lens, although a bit heavier this lens is exceptional, I was even lucky enough to get a Kingfisher shot, although it was a long way off and I used a 1.4 extender with the lens.
I am having good fun, it’s very addictive! Here are a few shots taken with the Canon 300 2.8 lens, long way to go, but photos seem to be getting better each time.

big bill · #2 (**permalink**) 13-09-2009, 05:20 PM

Hello Phild firstly welcome to the site ,there is nothing wrong with your pic especially for the lens combo used ,its sharp and well focused and background thrown out sufficiently to emphasise the Robin well done look forward to seeing more of your work

ron1863 · #3 (**permalink**) 13-09-2009, 06:28 PM

Hi and a warm welcome to WAB, looking forward to seeing more shots.

welsh.lensman · #4 (**permalink**) 13-09-2009, 06:45 PM

Hi phil and welcome to WAB, that a nice first photo you've put up, I look forward to seeing lots more of your images in the Gallery, enjoy the site.

Geoff F · #5 (**permalink**) 13-09-2009, 08:07 PM

Whether to go for a telephoto prime or a zoom is a big decision. Prime lenses are sharp and reasonably priced, well relatively speaking! But a zoom offers so much more flexibility.

If you think you would always use a zoom at maximum, then a prime makes a lot of sense.

Have you also considered the Canon 400 mm. The downside is no IS and a fairly long minimum focusing distance. But it is worth considering for birds if you normally use a tripod.

Phild · #6 (**permalink**) 14-09-2009, 09:15 AM

Hi Geoff F, I did hire the Canon 400mm f/5.6, great to carry around and I got some great shots. I also noticed that many bird photographers were using it and getting excellent results. I took a jump and went to the 300 2.8 to see what the difference is and if all the reviews about this lens were right.
Haven’t really decided what lens to buy yet, may try a zoom next, perhaps the 100 – 400.

Got this buzzard with the 400 5.6 last week

big bill · #7 (**permalink**) 14-09-2009, 12:42 PM

Nice Pics again Phild ,have you considered one of the Sigma zooms like the 150-500 or the 50-500mm lens they did a review in one of the camera mags last month and the 150-500 had a cracking review also it has the optical stabilisor fitted

Phild · #8 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 08:55 AM

I will give the Sigma a go as well, just had the Canon Extender EF 2x II delivered today, going to give that a go with the 300 2.8

willing to learn · #9 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phild

I will give the Sigma a go as well, just had the Canon Extender EF 2x II delivered today, going to give that a go with the 300 2.8

I have the 300mm 2.8 300mm IS usm lens, had great results with the 1.4 X TC & 2.0 X TC. Which gives this great lens a bit a versatility. Though I really also like My 100mm - 400mm IS tele for its relative lightness and also its very versatile a great walk around lens.
Regards
Colin

Tobyh · #10 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 05:26 PM

Welcome to the forums Phild,

A great bunch of people here who can normally answer virtually anything wildlife related - i've found colleagues on here very knowledgeable especially on the photography front.

Look forward to seeing more pictures!

TobyH