So if you have a 400mm fixed focal length lens then how can you get the frame you want with avian photography? Do you just hope that the bird gets in the right range for the photo? I would think this would be very difficult without being able to zoom in and out to change the frame of the photo to what you would want it to be.
Posted by Steve Foss on February 26, 2007 at 9:21 PM
Kyle, you asked the same question in your other thread on improving long range photography, so I replied to it there.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 26, 2007 at 9:24 PM
Well, you are assuming that you can get close enough to need less than 400mm.
In most cases I find myself locked at 400mm and wanting 500mm or 600mm and then adding TCs, so zooming out is rarely an issue when it comes to avian photography - FOR ME. My final framing usually involves cropping.
Posted by Cliff Beittel on February 26, 2007 at 9:27 PM
There is no "right" range for a photo. If the bird is close, you try to make a pleasing closeup. If it's far away, you try to make a pleasing composition that includes elements of the bird's habitat. If the distance is "just right," you make the normal, ordinary, and often boring composition you might have made in all three instances with a zoom.
Posted by Ed Cordes on February 27, 2007 at 10:45 PM
There have been many threads on the 100-400 vs the 400 prime debate. It basically boils down to the 400 prime is sharper, but less flexible and doesn't have IS. The 100-400 is less sharp at 400, but if you have Canon calibrate it for you it will still be good. (better than your current 75-300). The flexibility of the zoom and the addition of IS make it attractive for many.
I for one chose the 100-400. After using it a few weeks I had Canon calibrate it under warrantee. It has produced many many great images for me. I love the IS and really use the zoom flexibility. I find it not good with teleconverters, but I do use it with an extension tube for butterflies and dragonflies. It is actually my work horse lens.
All that said for birds there is no substitute for focal length. Bird photography is among the most equipment intensive and financially intensive photography there is. This is why you will see that many of us have eventually saved and scraped to get a 500 or 600 lens and still use TCs with them.
Until that time I might suggest you consider the 100-400 IS so you have the most flexibility for other uses, use a high quality tripod and buy an inexpensive pop up blind (about $50) from your local sporting goods store. Use the blind to get close enough for 400mm to give you good framing and practice, practice and practice some more. Learn how to set up feeder stations so there are perches with clean BGs and shoot away and enjoy yourself.
Thank you Ed for your comment - it just proves that I'm not crazy for begging and stealing for a 600 I currently use a 400 with a 2x and it's still not enough for humming birds....
Discussion
5 repliesIn most cases I find myself locked at 400mm and wanting 500mm or 600mm and then adding TCs, so zooming out is rarely an issue when it comes to avian photography - FOR ME. My final framing usually involves cropping.
I for one chose the 100-400. After using it a few weeks I had Canon calibrate it under warrantee. It has produced many many great images for me. I love the IS and really use the zoom flexibility. I find it not good with teleconverters, but I do use it with an extension tube for butterflies and dragonflies. It is actually my work horse lens.
All that said for birds there is no substitute for focal length. Bird photography is among the most equipment intensive and financially intensive photography there is. This is why you will see that many of us have eventually saved and scraped to get a 500 or 600 lens and still use TCs with them.
Until that time I might suggest you consider the 100-400 IS so you have the most flexibility for other uses, use a high quality tripod and buy an inexpensive pop up blind (about $50) from your local sporting goods store. Use the blind to get close enough for 400mm to give you good framing and practice, practice and practice some more. Learn how to set up feeder stations so there are perches with clean BGs and shoot away and enjoy yourself.