p.3 #1 · Guys - Ignore this post it's OLD. Calling out to any Sigma 300-800 Wildlife photographers there.
Some say the Sigma 300-800 is not a very sharp lens, what do you call that: http://www.pbase.com/ritzlau/image/100061661/original , sharp it is , but not easy to use , a lens you have to learn to use , and when it will give uoy splendid photo.
Ritz
p.3 #2 · Guys - Ignore this post it's OLD. Calling out to any Sigma 300-800 Wildlife photographers there.
Welcome to the forum Ritz
You may have noticed that this thread was started back in February. I have since bought the lens. And I think you'll find that most here have no issues with my focus on with my lens, nor problems in it's use.
p.3 #3 · Guys - Ignore this post it's OLD. Calling out to any Sigma 300-800 Wildlife photographers there.
Lil,
I'm looking, too, and have been keeping track of who is getting the best photos of birds in flight and what equipment they are using. Like you, I was initially thinking of a zoom, but after examining the results, the 400 and 500 primes are doing much better.
The only thing holding me back right now in getting the larger lens is which camera to get. Nikon and Canon keep coming up with something better. With reduced noise levels at high ISOs, it is less important to go for the big diameter glass, especially since I need the greater DOF of a smaller aperture anyway--how many times do you want just the bird's head in focus? The lighter (smaller diameter) lens is also more maneuverable on a BushHawk, which is my preferred way to shoot flying birds
Don't overlook focusing speed--for fast moving birds, fast focus imperative. The zooms seem to be slower in this regard, especially the ones with IS. Like Thang, I use the focus limiter on my 300mm--it makes a big difference. (Tracking and fast focusing is another aspect improving in the camera bodies, too.)
p.3 #4 · Guys - Ignore this post it's OLD. Calling out to any Sigma 300-800 Wildlife photographers there.
The FOV at 400mm is small enough where tracking small birds can be difficult if they are close, so I can't image trying to zoom in to 800mm and try to track them. With that said I think lil you would be better with a fast focusing prime. 400mm is the longest piece of glass I have in my bag, but I could see 500mm being really nice! I think a 500mm lens would be a good choice.
p.3 #5 · Guys - Ignore this post it's OLD. Calling out to any Sigma 300-800 Wildlife photographers there.
Lil also may I say a lot of times it comes down to positioning yourself well and learning your subject, I'm sure you know that but I found the more I shot a particular bird the more I learned its habits.
p.3 #6 · Guys - Ignore this post it's OLD. Calling out to any Sigma 300-800 Wildlife photographers there.
John,
You invest in lenses - - camera bodies come & go. I have a 300mm prime for BIF. I use the Sigmonster for almost everything else and most would say I do very well with it. I do not regret my purchase.
Brenton,
I know Canon has a 400mm f/5.6 (I think) the only 400mm Nikon has is a f/2.8VR & it's a monster. It's HUGE. I could not hand hold it. I actually understand that the 500mm VR f/4 is lighter.
Also, Brenton.... I know you have seen my shots. Lets not forget that I actually shot Terns in Flight with the Sigmonster. They're posted in this forum not long ago.
Guys - - please remember this is an old post. I don't know why it was dragged out again....
Lil
Oct 04, 2008 at 01:34 PM
anthony whitmo Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #7 · Guys - Ignore this post it's OLD. Calling out to any Sigma 300-800 Wildlife photographers there.
Ignore it ?? Heck were gonna keep this thing to the top Lil
I'm posting on this thread every day for the next 6 months
