Camera advice for tele birding setup

Hi all, just after some advice for a birding camera setup (small bush birds, not pelicans etc)

I've been looking into a tele setup for birding - been wanting to get into it for years (photographing, not just watching), but never had the money till now - well depends on how much it's going to be!

I've got a 400D, and looking at a good tele (Canon 500 or 600mm f4 - still deciding), but want to have the right set up figured out before spending any money - because it's not cheap!

I understand that there is no auto focus for lenses after f5.6 on the non 1D cameras - so if you have a 500 or 600mm f4 with a 2xtc = no autofocus on a 400D. Is the lack of autofucus not an issue, or do you not need the reach? I definately like the idea of keeping autofucus if possible, as bush birds in Australia like to keep moving and are pretty shy.

The 400D is also pretty crap at high ISOs. Having a TC on a long lens would mean a high f stop - I might only be able to use this setup with lots of sunlight, which would not be my preferance. Otherwise bumping up the ISO would mean really noisy pics. What do you think - camera upgrade, or 400D sufficient?

Just because I might be able to find the money for a big tele doesn't mean I have money to burn on an un-necessary camera upgrade!! So any advice from bird people would be great.

Cheers,

Hi Alice,

i will try to offer you some feedback but hopefully i won't forget anything. the AF with the 2X is not a big deal in my own opinion for 2 reasons:

1) i don't like the IQ with the 2X anyway
2) the added reach of the 2X can almost make up for the loss of reach you would have with the 1.3 crop.

3) the 400D is very good with reach because you have 10MP on a 1.6 sensor which means that you can also crop a bit more.

as for the 400D, you will be more than fine. i shoot mostly birds with the 500 and 1.4 tc and i rarely go over ISO 800 which is very good even on the 400D. we have quite a few amazing bird photographers here (look for liquidstone) that use the 350D and get mind blowing results.

as for the lenses, my best advice to you is to try and rent both of them before you buy one. each lens has it's own pros and cons so it is important that you try them out and decide which is the right one for you.

last advice i can give you is to set aside at least $1000 for accessories for the the big lens. a good solid tripod and head are a must and you will also want a few other small accessories that make these lenses a bit easier to use.

Thanks Blonde!

that sounds good, upgrading cameras was going to be expensive, plus the 1.6x factor is good to keep if possible. I've checked around in my state (WA, Aus), and no rentals for me, I might just have to take a well-researched plunge.

What do you mean by a few other accessories to make using the lens easier?

Thanks again!

What would you recommend for tripids/ball heads etc? I'm a hand-holder so far, but know this won't be possible with this kit!

Just a heads up, there is alot of online camera rental stores... www.rentglass.com , ziplens.com , just google it. I've rented twice online with excellent results...

Oh, and if you're shooting in the daytime, you shouldn't need to boost your ISO up, even with pretty fast shutter times... I wouldn't worry too much about that. Even at ISO 800, the XTi is decent (I have one).. 1600 is pretty sketchy though..

yabbie wrote in post #3960514
Thanks Blonde!

that sounds good, upgrading cameras was going to be expensive, plus the 1.6x factor is good to keep if possible. I've checked around in my state (WA, Aus), and no rentals for me, I might just have to take a well-researched plunge.

What do you mean by a few other accessories to make using the lens easier?

Thanks again!

What would you recommend for tripids/ball heads etc? I'm a hand-holder so far, but know this won't be possible with this kit!

hey,

i am a big fan of the Wimberely head ($600) which makes it effortless to use theses lenses. as for the accessories that i mentioned, you will need a good bag, a lens plate or better yet a replacement foot. you will need a flash bracket if you use a flash. i also recommend a camo cover to help protect the lens from scratches and dings and a replacement lens cap.

We bird with a 500mm on a 20D. We use a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021B Pro tripod with a 488RC2 ball head. We love 'em. Absolutely rock solid and no problems at all. The RC2 quick release is solid, and fast on or off.

A 600 w/ a 2X tcon would be insane!! I have never used a 2X tcon, but have read that the quality is sporadic; some love it, others say it is futile.