I think its 100-400 for me

[nigel_b]

I was out on the riverbank late afternoon today and spotted a splashing up ahead.

Using a Sony A100 with Minolta 70-210 Beercan I crept up the bank and managed to snap these, admittedly not great, few shots of an otter:







I know they're not technically the greatest ever shots, but the point is the otter was coming up in different places each time, and only literally for a few seconds. Even from 210 I had to widen the field of view for when the otter surfaced, so I could get back on him.

I'm sure with a 400 prime lens I wouldn't have got the shots.

Anyone got any thoughts?

[PMG]

Originally Posted by nigel_b

I was out on the riverbank late afternoon today and spotted a splashing up ahead.

Using a Sony A100 with Minolta 70-210 Beercan I crept up the bank and managed to snap these, admittedly not great, few shots of an otter:







I know they're not technically the greatest ever shots, but the point is the otter was coming up in different places each time, and only literally for a few seconds. Even from 210 I had to widen the field of view for when the otter surfaced, so I could get back on him.

I'm sure with a 400 prime lens I wouldn't have got the shots.

Anyone got any thoughts?

Yes .... three of them in quick succession - fantastic ... lucky you ... and wish it would happen to me!! (But it never will stuck indoors - mental note I must get out soon or go completely haywire ........... )

And to be serious yes an 100-400 would work for lots of things - its can be used hand-held with good results - tho as ever - best on a tripod - or braced securely on a beanbag, rock, tree roots etc. and yes you could zoom in and out if you have quick reactions. I don't know the Sony camera you mention but I assume it would take the 100-400. I know folks who are reliant on this lens and always use a 1.40 extender with it and if a bit of cash hadn't come my way then I would still be relying on this set up.

You're right in thinking the 4,5, or 600 prime would get the shots - but primes are not forgiving if you do get close - no zoom and part of a larger mammal may be missing from the shot - also they are not easy to get on a moving target ........ read up plenty and compare both cameras and lenses before jumping would be my advice!

Pauline