Birding lens for a 5D2. Recommendations?

based on me sitting on the deck and shooting what comes around to the feeders. I'm usually within about 20' or closer on occasion. Also don't want to break the bank but want something long enough to fill the frame with a bird if possible.

Had and sold a 70-200 f/2.8L IS. Was a tremendous lens for birding from about 10-12'. Would like something longer and possibly a prime.

What's a good choice out there that might be in the $1K range?

Thanks!

dave

If you need IS, I'd recommend the 300 f/4L IS.. great lens
If you don't need IS, I'd recommend the 400 f/5.6L.. bigger FL, but lacking IS is a bit annoying.. you'd have to have a tripod in low light situations.

The 200mm mk2 L for around $700? Stick it on a tripod, and you've got a good birder. The Sigma 150mm 2.8 macro is a good choice if you happen to need a macro lens as well.

I would say you need 600-800 on a 5d2. I would get a crop and 400 5.6 or possibly 300 2.8 with converters.

Where can I get a 300 2.8 with converters for a $1K range?
I'll even clean eventual blood spills from it, if necessary!

MOkoFOko wrote in post #12420401
The 200mm mk2 L for around $700? Stick it on a tripod, and you've got a good birder. The Sigma 150mm 2.8 macro is a good choice if you happen to need a macro lens as well.

You'll need something longer than a 200mm on a FF camera for birding - like the poster mentioned already. Plus, since you are usually tracking birds in flight, a tripod won't do you much good either - a mono pod might though. Just my 2 cents.

in FF I would go for the 400 f5.6 L..... but the thing should be using a good tripod or monopod when using it in low light or you can't get high shutter speed like Alex said

Why don't you rent one and test it to see if is the lens you're looking for...

400 F/5.6. 5D2 pixel density means the centre 8mp crop is basically like a 30D image, so reach should be sufficient if you're willing to crop.

You really only have 2 choices if you stick with canon lenses. A used 300 f4L IS or a used 400 f5.6L. Check them out in the lens sample link you won't be disapointed.

I will say I liked my 100-400L on my 5D2, atleast pic quality. I wouldn't say there is only 2 choices. There are 3rd party lenses as well.

But you asked for a birding lens on a 5D2, there isn't a good one around $1000 unless the bird is on your porch. Trust me the 100-400L seemed way short on the 5D2 after having it on a crop body. I would get a refurb 50d for around $400 just to use when you need range. Plus you have better fps.

I wouldn't even consider bird watching with 400mm on full frame. It's an exercise in frustration.

^^^^ There's only 2 choice if you stick with Canon. I would say that

The 5D MKII works fine with the 70-200MKII + 1.4 around small ponds, etc. for the ducks & birdys and then crop with the 21mp, but i used the 60D 1.6 with the 100-400 & now the 400L prime. Now if i ever get the 500/f4 IS and use the 1.4 then it really wont make alot of difference which of the bodys i use for my wildlife objectives.

jantzer wrote in post #12420954
I would say you need 600-800 on a 5d2. I would get a crop and 400 5.6 or possibly 300 2.8 with converters.

Sigh... No

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Sigma 150-500mm. That must be somewhere around your price range (I'm not well up on US prices) and gives a good amount of magnification.

For the purpose you state I would recommend the 100-400 or one of the better Sigma zooms. You'll want something with IS because your shooting conditions are static, unless of course you can and will be using a tripod. 400/5.6 could pull it off if you have a mon-pod but the lack of IS on it puts it behind the 100-400 for your intended use. You could also use the 100mm range for other stuff if you so desired.