NEW LENS ADVICE

[MEGHAN]

Good Afternoon Everyone

I own a Nikon D80 with a 18-200 lens and I MUST upgrade because unless these birds are going to sit pretty and let me get within 5 feet of them I cannot hope to take any great photos. Any thoughts on a Sigma 150-500 lens? It will cost about $1350 new. Is this a wise choice or can anyone offer advice on something else. Also, this would be at the top of my price range. I know it's not much money but what would be the best bang for my small amount of bucks?
Thanks in advance for the input

[Photoman]

Hi Megan

  I have a Sigma 50-500mm for my Canon that I use all the time and I love it. The 150-500mm is a better lense because of IS (image stabilizer). I like the 50-500 because its a all in one lense to use. I have never had a problem with it. The photos I post on this website are all from that lense. The price is not bad for a compact lense like that. With practice you can easily hand hold this bad boy. Two thumps up!!

Clemens

[MEGHAN]

Thanks for the speedy response. Waiting in the wings to help the hopless? Thank goodness for you. I appreciate the advice. I was told I HAD to buy a tripod for the lens but from what you said I may just not have to. Is it that challenging to hold it steady?

[Jimbo]

Hi Meghan: I have a Sigma 150-500 on a Nikon D70s. I find the lens not too bad to hand hold and have captured some very sharp pics. Obviously it would be better on a tripod but I don't always want to lug one around.
I find that keeping the shutter speed up over 1000 makes a big difference when hand holding. I also lean on anything handy.
In the end I am pretty satisfied with the lens. Would like it to be better but $5 or 6K is out of reach for me.

Jim Dunn

[MEGHAN]

I hear you Jimbo.  I would like nothing better than to spend a few months worth of salary on equipment, however starving to death and going homeless in order to catch fantastic images just doesn't seem like one of the best ideas I have come up with. I'm really leaning the way of the 150-500 just based on the 2 replies I have had so far. Thanks for your input!

[Kin Lau]

Hi Meghan,

I can easily hand hold the Sigma 50-500 or 120-300 + 2x (the second combo is twice as heavy). I've even used the 600/4 handheld, but my wife can't do the 50-500 handheld, and she's not weak.

However, most of the time, we both use a monopod (Manfrotto 682 - largest and strongest they had at the time, you'll need it), since that added stability helps alot. Especially since you're not always shooting in full-sun - nor do you want to either.

There's also a fair number of different xx-400mm zooms available, many for under $1000-. Ebay has a few for around $500-600.

[Misty01]

Meghan,

I hope that you get your new lense soon.
You are going to need to practice with it before we go to Amherst Island in Jan./Feb!!!

~ Crystal ~

pssssttt... maybe we should hire a bird guide this year lol

[MEGHAN]

Hey Misty,

Got the lense today!!. I am so ready for Amherst Island. Yes I agree a guide to find those owls would be a dream. If anyone lives around the area and would like to provide a guided tour Misty and myself would be greatfull. We went too late this year and struck out on any sightings. So we will be headed back there this winter.
Thank you to all who posted advice for me, it was very much appreciated.
I look forward to seeing some of you out and about.

Meghan

[Misty01]

lol Meghan let's try to avoid this this year!!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn12 ... G_1342.jpg

 :twisted:

[JTF]

I go over alot starting in Late October when the first sawhets start to arrive. I can meet you at the ferry and take you around, no problem at all. Jan & Feb are perfect months for winter owling. I saw the out of service pic from the ferry, thats happens maybe 2 - 3 times the entire year for maint. There won't be any Boreals this year but should be lots of sawwhets; snowies; long eared, & short eared (a little harder to find).

Paul O'Toole
Kingston

http://www.flickr.com/photos/newfoundlander61/

[Moira]

My husband and I are also planning to go to Amherst Island.  Are you recommending Jan & Feb as the best time to go?
I looked through some of your pictures JTF - what great shots.  I really like the white, yellow & black caterpillar and the shots of the GBH with the fish.  I tried this summer to photograph butterflies, insects, etc. with not much success in finding too many of them.

[JTF]

Nov - early march is a good time for owls, jan & feb is usually peak for most of the owl species over there.

[Misty01]

JTF that's a very kind offer that we can't turn down.  
Pluss I always love meeting board members.
Meghan or myself will message you closer to when we are thinking of going so you can pick a date that will work for you.
The ferry maint. was just ironic as we are about 4 hours from Kingston lol

[MEGHAN]

JTF
That would be fantastic, and of course very kind of you. I agree with Crystal, we cannot turn down your offer. You always have the most amazing pictures and always seem to be in the right place at the right time. I have been looking at older posts from Amherst Island/Owl Woods and we would love to be able to capture even one shot like the many incredible ones you have posted.
We will be in touch and many thanks again for the offer.
Meghan

[Moira]

Meghan: How are you finding your new lens?  I also am looking to upgrade from my current Canon 18-200.  I checked out the Sigma 150-500 in Henry's.  Others were recommending the Canon 400 prime lens.  Would appreciate hearing how you are managing the lens and if you're happy with your birding pics.  Thanks.