two questions

[tmf3lehigh]

I just ordered the 500 f/4 IS and it should arrive mid-week. Needless to say, I am very excited and cannot wait to take that first picture.

I have two questions for experienced bird photographers:

1) Would it be worthwhile to upgrade to a 50D from a 40D for use with the 500/4? I've read most of the reviews and debates on this subject, but most focus only on the 50D's high ISO capabilities (or lack thereof). I rarely use the 40D over iso800. Would there be any benefit in upgrading for bird and/or wildlife photography ONLY? I have been offered a good price for my 40D.

2) What would be the best lens (or two) to complement the 500/4? I understand that many think the most complimentary is the 300/2.8 While I am not willing to spend another $3800+ on that lens, I do have access to a 300/4 IS.

So, would it be better to bring the 500/4, 300/4IS and a 70-200/2.8 IS or the 500/4 and a 100-400? I will bring a 30D to mount a second lens. I am not concerned so much about size and/or weight limitations as I am about getting the best shot.

In the past, I've shot using the 400/5.6 on the 40D and the 70-200 on the 30D, with great results. The 100-400 produces good images, but has never left me 100% satisfied.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I leave for southwest FL at the end of the month.

Many thanks.

[gymell]

Congrats on your new lens! I'm not sure about the answer to your first question. I did an upgrade from a 30D to a 40D, which to me was worth it. But the 40D serves as my backup body, since usually I use the 1D III. However, I have found the high ISO of the 1D III to come in very handy so if the 50D offers that, maybe the upgrade would be worth it to you. Otherwise, the 40D is a fine camera and you should get great results with it.

As for your second question, I've found that having a more portable lens is definitely a nice compliment to the 500. For me, the 100-400 makes a great companion lens. I had the 300/4, but I find the zoom to very handy in its flexibility. I'm heading for FL myself next month and will likely take these two lenses.

[jmik26]

Don't know how much of a help I will be but, I am in or was in the same boat with things you mentioned.

The 40d is a great camera. I have been researching and reading threads about the 50d and with the mixed reviews its received, I am concerned about buying it. From what I have been seeing and reading, Canon has me concerned with there newly released cameras. The 1dmkIII with focus problems, the 50d with noise, and now the 5dmkII with black dots on highlights. However, I did read some bad post on the 40d and I bought the camera anyways. To this day I have not had any problems, knock on wood. Right now I am keeping my eyes open for a good condition 1dmkII. It seems to be the tried and true camera.

Having the 300mm F/2.8, I can vouch its a great lens. Middle of next year I am going to pick up a 500mm and hope to have all wildlife and birding aspects covered. I contemplated the f/4 also but I needed the extra stops when shooting deer at sunset.
Since you have access to a 300mm f/4 and you never shoot above ISO 800 that would give me the indication you always shoot in good light. If thats the case, I would use the f/4 lens and sink the cash into a camera. If your looking to buy a lens, I would look at your shooting conditions, low light f/2.8, good light f/4.

Anyways, congrats on the new lens. If you do decide to get the 50d it would be good to hear what you think about it. I have been keeping my eyes open for other birders that picked one up and read there opinion. Hopefully this helped more then it confused...Jeff

[StarDog]

#1 you will love the 500 - leave the IS on even on a tripod.
My choice if I was carrying 2 rigs for FLA would be the 300 f4 is.
Back in NJ you might want the reach of the 100-400.
The images on your site look above average and if they are from the 100-400 I would not let it out of your sight.
I worked 2 years with only the 100-400, added the 500 about 2 years back and use it over 90% of the time. Did find on a FLA trip that it is hard to get the critters in the frame at times.
Bob

[gasrocks]

How about a 400/5.6 for BIF? I have never been a fan of the 100-400 for birds. I have a 300/2.8, 400/5.6, 500/4 and the 300-800/5.6 (tripod only.)

[tmf3lehigh]

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

Originally Posted by gasrocks

How about a 400/5.6 for BIF? I have never been a fan of the 100-400 for birds.

Gasrocks,

I'm going to bring the 500/4, the 70-200/2.8 and maybe the 100-400 (even though I'm not a big fan of it for birding). I will be leaving the 400/5.6 at home since I will want a lens in the 200-300mm range for the second body. I will be using the 500 for BIF shots.

I'd love to bring the entire lens collection, but traveling by air does not favor that solution!

Originally Posted by StarDog

The images on your site look above average and if they are from the 100-400 I would not let it out of your sight.

StarDog,

I'd say 90% of the images after April 2007 were taken with the 400/5.6, not the 100-400. The 100-400 did provide me with some very good pictures, but never as sharp as the 400/5.6

Originally Posted by jmik26

Having the 300mm F/2.8, I can vouch its a great lens. Middle of next year I am going to pick up a 500mm and hope to have all wildlife and birding aspects covered. I contemplated the f/4 also but I needed the extra stops when shooting deer at sunset.
Since you have access to a 300mm f/4 and you never shoot above ISO 800 that would give me the indication you always shoot in good light. If thats the case, I would use the f/4 lens and sink the cash into a camera. If your looking to buy a lens, I would look at your shooting conditions, low light f/2.8, good light f/4.

Anyways, congrats on the new lens. If you do decide to get the 50d it would be good to hear what you think about it. I have been keeping my eyes open for other birders that picked one up and read there opinion. Hopefully this helped more then it confused...Jeff

jmik26,

I like the idea of adding the 300/2.8, but will wait until I need it, and that depends where I am traveling to. As far as the 50D "upgrade", I have not purchased it. With the conflicting reports I've read, I wanted to go down to FL with my tried-and-true 40D. Besides which, I did not want to risk selling a good body and receiving one with a malfunction/defect so close to the trip. Once I return, I will upgrade, assuming my 40D buyer is still interested.