Best lens for long long distance

[ladybelle2k]

Hey all,

Well I've been out to the local eagle's nest again with the Bigma. It wasn't quite enough reach by itself so I tried adding the 2x extender and of course lost image quality.

Just for future dreams, what would be the perfect lens for this situation:

The eagles and nest are 150 yards from where we are allowed to photograph.

I'm looking at getting good detail and naturally sharp crisp pictures.

What would be the best lens in this situation if I had the bucks?

[tiha]

Maybe Sigmonster (Sigma 300-800mm)? The biggest Canon lens is EF 600mm f/4 (not counting EF 1200mm f/5.6).

[ladybelle2k]

Hmmmm...a sigma 800mm...never have seen any pics with that one. That might be interesting.

[dewmuw]

Originally Posted by ladybelle2k

Hmmmm...a sigma 800mm...never have seen any pics with that one. That might be interesting.

Have a look at this website:

www.suesbirdphotos.co.uk

Sue uses a Sigma 300-800mm and her photos are some of the best you are ever likely to see.

[Choderboy]

Originally Posted by ladybelle2k

Hmmmm...a sigma 800mm...never have seen any pics with that one. That might be interesting.

Search for "sigmonster" on these forums. Recent post showed results with a 2x converter.

Look for posts by "liquidstone"
eg
My favourite:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=137433
and
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=151457
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=150551

Lots more - with good details of camera settings (thanks Romy)

[GyRob]

iv just been thinking about this one, how about a digi scope ? for non moving shots it would not cost a lot and would give great reach .
Rob

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Sigmonster runs just shy of $5k I believe, but to me, it seems like the end all wildlife zoom! You'd for sure have to get a super heavy duty tripod, as it's quite the beast! You'd for sure get those eagle shots, and without loss in quality from an extender, you may even be able to crop a bit to get your shot. Liquidstone's shots are great.

[ladybelle2k]

Ok I have to plead ignorance...what is a digi scope?

[GyRob]

Originally Posted by ladybelle2k

Ok I have to plead ignorance...what is a digi scope?

ITS a spoting scope that you attach a digi camera too henc digi scope you just need a simple addaptor depending on the scope you can get far more reach than even the sigmonster .
Rob.

[Citizensmith]

Originally Posted by gyrob

ITS a spoting scope that you attach a digi camera too henc digi scope you just need a simple addaptor depending on the scope you can get far more reach than even the sigmonster .
Rob.

You do get a lot more reach but at the cost of a lot less light. These things are designed for the much more sensitive human eye. Attach a camera and you'll find you maximum appeture may be in the f/8 to f/16 range. So it better be bright and a non-moving subject.

[jjonsalt]

http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/r..._1000_lens.htm

[PetKal]

Originally Posted by ladybelle2k

Hey all,

Well I've been out to the local eagle's nest again with the Bigma. It wasn't quite enough reach by itself so I tried adding the 2x extender and of course lost image quality.

Just for future dreams, what would be the perfect lens for this situation:

The eagles and nest are 150 yards from where we are allowed to photograph.

I'm looking at getting good detail and naturally sharp crisp pictures.

What would be the best lens in this situation if I had the bucks?

I see at least one practical/economical solution for your situation:
Find eagles that are withing the reach of your Bigmah.

[Alan B]

Can i just ask, whats stopping you getting closer ?.

Oh and agreed about using the HUGE Sigmonster .

[Citizensmith]

Originally Posted by Alan B

Can i just ask, whats stopping you getting closer ?.

Oh and agreed about using the HUGE Sigmonster .

Probably the law and fines. There are often exclusion zones around rare birds like that they they don't get disturbed and abandon the nest.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Ladybelle,.
Sigmonster 300-800mm is a good choice,. but if cost is no object and long distance is worth more than zoom flexibilyt the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS is aguably a better solution.

Sigma offers 800mm @ f/5.6
The 600mm with a 1.4X T-con offers 840mm @ f/5.6 and does this with the very significant addition of Image Stabilization. Birders use the 600mm with the 1.4X attached all day.. and image quality remains superb even wide open.

At these focal lengths the increase in keepers that IS offers is exponential...

Also,. if using a 1 series,. the 600mm will AF with the 2X and results are still pretty good when stopped down to say f/11

Either of these lenses though are in a world of there own size and weight wise,. say 13 pounds?

The lighter weight solution,. at about the same price as a Sigmonster is the Canon 500mm f/4L IS.
Used with a 1.4X you get 700mm f/5.6 and IS. On a 1 series a useable 1000mm f/8 IS (better when stopped down to f/11 at least ) Much lighter than the other two.