Bosque Del Apache, which lens?

I'm headed to Bosque Del Apache in the next few weeks. I've never done any bird photography. I'll be there at sunrise and sunset.
What lens do I need to use?
I assume my 70-200. But will that have enough reach?
Help please.
Thanks!

I'll be there in the next couple weeks as well. Main lens I'll be using is the 400 f/5.6L. With the 1.4 extender attached if needed.

You may want to rent something longer than the 70-200.

70-200 f/4 might work for a few shots when the larger birds are close (cranes, geese, etc) but I'd say you're going to want more reach most times.

From what I have heard from a few friends that go regularly you want a wide angle lens for full view takeoff shots of thousands of crane/geese.
And you want the biggest darn lens you can get your hands one. 500/600/800mm. And a 1.4 TC.

Obviously everyone is different. a nice 400mm could be enough.

Thanks for the suggestions.
I'll look into renting a bigger lens.
Jerry

jhayesvw wrote in post #16480337
From what I have heard from a few friends that go regularly you want a wide angle lens for full view takeoff shots of thousands of crane/geese.
And you want the biggest darn lens you can get your hands one. 500/600/800mm. And a 1.4 TC.

Obviously everyone is different. a nice 400mm could be enough.

Bosque Del Apache is a fantastic place, when I visited I did not have my 150-500 at the time, it would have been put to good use. I did however leave with some great shots of Roadrunners, Herons, Mule Deer, waterfowl that were pairing off. The large flocks were too far out and needed a very long lens. You will get some good shots with the 70-200 and wish you had a longer lens at times. Chance of some good Landscapes shot while you are there.

The two main places most folks shoot at sunrise and sunset are the flight deck and the crane ponds. The area is very scenic and getting the birds in their habitat looks great, so you can get beautiful shots with your 70-200. The cranes keep their distance, so closeups require a longer focal length. After the flyout in the morning you might head up the North Loop road and stop by the Coyote Deck. The right hand side of the deck has the better unobstructed view. Cranes will be feeding in the field and flying/landing in the area. You may also see hawks hunting. Further up the road there are other fields to get shots of the cranes and often deer.

There are three crane ponds just after you enter the refuge from the north. The second pond tends to have the most cranes but the first one they may be a little closer. This is a good spot for sunset as the cranes fly in for the night.

Have fun.