Lens help for field trial (if anyone knows)

I'm trying to decide which lens I need, a 24-105 or a 28-135. I understand that the 24-105 is the better lens but I will be shooting spaniel field trials where the dog is normally within shotgun range (say up to 40 yards). Will the added reach of the 135 off set the 105's superior optics? I normally print at 8x10 but if I get lucky, I sometimes go larger. Thanks guys! Harry PS Or maybe put one on the camera and one in my pocket?

hrblaine wrote in post #17037475
I'm trying to decide which lens I need, a 24-105 or a 28-135. I understand that the 24-105 is the better lens but I will be shooting spaniel field trials where the dog is normally within shotgun range (say up to 40 yards). Will the added reach of the 135 off set the 105's superior optics? I normally print at 8x10 but if I get lucky, I sometimes go larger. Thanks guys! Harry PS Or maybe put one on the camera and one in my pocket?

I would go with the 24-105 for the optics and the f/4 instead of f/3.5-5.6.

hrblaine wrote in post #17037475
I'm trying to decide which lens I need, a 24-105 or a 28-135. I understand that the 24-105 is the better lens but I will be shooting spaniel field trials where the dog is normally within shotgun range (say up to 40 yards). Will the added reach of the 135 off set the 105's superior optics? I normally print at 8x10 but if I get lucky, I sometimes go larger. Thanks guys! Harry PS Or maybe put one on the camera and one in my pocket?

With only a 30% difference in focal length, you likely won't see any noticeable difference. If you could get up to 200mm or so, that would likely be a lot more interesting.

hrblaine wrote in post #17037475
I'm trying to decide which lens I need, a 24-105 or a 28-135. I understand that the 24-105 is the better lens but I will be shooting spaniel field trials where the dog is normally within shotgun range (say up to 40 yards). Will the added reach of the 135 off set the 105's superior optics? I normally print at 8x10 but if I get lucky, I sometimes go larger. Thanks guys! Harry PS Or maybe put one on the camera and one in my pocket?

I've not shot a field trial but I've done a pointing dog hunt test and I carry my camera pheasant/grouse duck hunting. Hopefully this qualifies me to give some advice.

You're going to have a much easier time framing shots while staying out of the way with a 70-200 or 70-300 than you will with a 24-xxx. This goes double for smaller dogs like spaniels and ranges up to 40 yards. It's going to be during the day and outside so I don't think aperture is anything to worry about, especially when we're talking the difference between f4 and f5.6. But, I don't think an extra 30mm is a huge difference, either.

I would opt for something like a 70-200 or 70-300 for an event like this if possible. If it's not, the 28-135 all the way solely for the extra reach. In the second image below the dog wasnt even that far away and I was still at 300mm to frame this shot.

If you go 28-135, there seems to be some variation in IQ from the lens. It can be ok to near a 24-105L. My suggestion is make sure you can try the 28-135 before you buy (or are able to return).

I would want a 70-200 over a 28-135 for dog sized animals at 40yards.

Between the two you've mentioned, it would be the 24-105, no question. As others have suggested, something longer would be better at the distances you mention. Both the 70-200 F/4 IS or the 70-300 L would be excellent alternatives without breaking the bank.

What I meant was that 40 yards is probably the maximum distance. MNUplander semms to have been there, done thsat. I have a 70-200 f4 is so I believe that I'll try that first. Thanks all for the help.

I was shooting 35mm 50 years ago, theatre/dance mostly, used an 85mm f1.8 Nikkor exclusively; just getting into digital, lots to learn. I've been field trialing for 50 years or so also but really never combined the two, thot I'd try. I have taken pics of pointing dogs but in training where I could walk up to the dog on point, thus my 50 f1.8 was more than enuf.

Great shot of the GSP MNU. My dad bred GSPs when I was growing and I have a Weimaraner now. When I first read the thread title, I was thinking 100-400 myself but a 70-300L would be great too.

I have both lenses and don't think you will see much difference when shooting outside under well lit conditions. 24-105 will be sharper but not noticeably in an 8x10 print. The 24-105 is the lens that stays on my camera because of its versatility. If you can afford it, you will never be disappointed with this lens.

FEChariot wrote in post #17038558
Great shot of the GSP MNU. My dad bred GSPs when I was growing and I have a Weimaraner now. When I first read the thread title, I was thinking 100-400 myself but a 70-300L would be great too.

Thanks! He's a big boy at about 80 lbs without an ounce of fat on him - his energy can drive me up the wall during the off season. But, every fall I'm reminded why I put up with him all year round...what a machine.

I've never hunted over a Weim but I've always thought they were good looking dogs, too.

OP - If you've got the 70-200, definitely bring that. Bring your 24-105 just in case you find it too long but I bet you'll find yourself 100mm+ most of the time. Have fun!

MNUplander wrote in post #17039486
I've never hunted over a Weim but I've always thought they were good looking dogs, too.

He's been a great retriever but his nose can't hold a candle to any of our old GSPs. Pretty sure it's an air scent versus ground scent thing.

"OP - If you've got the 70-200, definitely bring that. Bring your 24-105 just in case you find it too long but I bet you'll find yourself 100mm+ most of the time. Have fun!"

The Cocker Nationals are in Altoona PA the end of Oct. I'll be going to a trial in OH a month earlier, will definitely take the 70-200, try it out. I have one dog qualified, hope to have a second one, he'll run 3/4 trials before then so he should be OK.