Just started taking pics of birds

I just bought the 55-250 stm (it is my only lens that has reach). I was wondering if an extender would work to get more reach out of it?

Thanks

Your question struck my curiosity, so I did a quick Google search. It appears the Canon teleconverters won't work with this lens: http://gdlp01.c-wss.com …xtender-ef-14x-iii-en.pdf

However, you're getting nearly 400mm out of the long end of that lens with the crop body you're using it with. 400mm is absolutely a good birding focal range! Some of my favorite wildlife images were shot in the 200 to 300mm territory. The trick isn't to try to snipe birds from a single location; it is to move around and work with the environment.

Instead of spending money on a teleconverter, get some tan pants and a camo shirt or jacket. Believe it or not a little camouflage does seem to put the wildlife at ease. Think about bow hunters.... the techniques they're employing are the same ones you'd want to use.

Poindexter wrote in post #17467124
Instead of spending money on a teleconverter, get some tan pants and a camo shirt or jacket. Believe it or not a little camouflage does seem to put the wildlife at ease. Think about bow hunters.... the techniques they're employing are the same ones you'd want to use.

I agree. I've hunted my whole life, so I moved those skills into my wildlife photography. I like just sitting in the woods with my camera and waiting to see what comes along. I've had squirrels, kinglets, chickadees, nuthatches, and warblers within just a few feet of me. Early morning is the best time to get out. All the critters are hungry, and looking for food.

I got the bird bug a few years ago. If you really get into it...... hang on to your wallet.

I'm having a blast but spent some money.

Big mistake it will consume your life. You to will soon be driving 6.5 hours one way to take a pic of a rare bird and then driving back home. Run away while you can. And yes learn how to get close. The stalk is part of the fun. Enjoy

Pauhana wrote in post #17469488
Big mistake it will consume your life. You to will soon be driving 6.5 hours one way to take a pic of a rare bird and then driving back home. Run away while you can. And yes learn how to get close. The stalk is part of the fun. Enjoy

Hahaha. I found a blue bird nest yesterday and just started. now I'm going over there very day to see what's going on.

I have to agree. I just started taking bird photos and have quickly learned that getting closer to the birds will be just as important as the lens.

Heya,

Getting close is key, even with long lenses. That may mean you get there and wait for the birds to come to you. This can be in the wild, or at a feeder.

I started with a 250. I went to 600. I still often am trying to get within a few feet of birds, even with 600. There's just never enough reach! But I find I go for smaller and smaller specimens with my 600. I honestly can take on large birds with a 200 no problem, especially on APS-C.

With a 250, just focus on getting close. And also, remember creative environmental context helps.

Very best,