distance for a 300mm lens...

[louroberto]

Was wondering what a good distance in feet should the bird I am shooting be away before it is too far for a 300 mm lens. Thanks!

[canonloader]

About 25 feet is too far for a small bird, just right for a goose. If you use a 50D and are willing to crop heavy, maybe 50-60 feet. But don't fall for the old trap that if you get a 500mm you can sit on the porch and shoot titmice down by the river. even with a 500/4 shooting chickadees, you have to be within 30 feet or so unless you want to crop.

[louroberto]

Thank you for the response. I will try both no cropping and cropping. Thank you

[chauncey]

A 300mm lens has a field of view of about 5 degrees.

Get a protractor and draw a 5 degree angle and, in your mind, project that out to your target distance.

[gasrocks]

Why don't you ask the question : I can get within ______ feet of a bird that is ____" tall. What lens do I need to fill the frame? I think that would be more useful knowledge. Looking at my chart I hand out in my Wild Bird Photography class (yes, send me an e-mail and I'll send you a copy): 300mm (on a 1.6x crop camera) - 60 feet = 3 foot tall bird fills the vert. of the horiz. frame.

[canonloader]

It took a guy from Wisconsin to do the math. :lol:

[Rich S]

These eagles were 1200-1500ft away. I thought I would try with my 50D to get something. BIGGGG crop, but I at least got this to show. We don't get them here much....Rich http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc150/blackies_owner/IMG_8869_edited-2.jpg

[Rich S]

Red-Tailed Hawk Canon 50D 300mm f/4l IS 1/2000 sec f/5.6 ISO 320 75ft.... http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc150/blackies_owner/IMG_8835_edited-2copy.jpg

[Rich S]

I was too close for this guy(25 ft). When he took off I lost him in the frame. The 50D crop 1.6x makes lenses reach better. When I use my5D I rarely get as good results... http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc150/blackies_owner/IMG_8347_edited-3copy.jpg