New to Canon

[Mahopac]

After using Olympus for the 11 years I decided to make a change so I purchased a Canon EOS 7D and Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L EF IS Zoom Lens, so far I am very happy with. I am a wildlife nut and I am looking for another lens besides the 400mm which will be good for birds. I have a bad wirst and lugging that 400 and a tripod around is a pain.

[Mahopac]

Wow . Thanks for all the help

[mjs1973]

I didn't see this post until now...

So what kind of budget do you have for another lens? When it comes to birds, especially small ones, a long lens can be a pretty important tool to have. Since you said the 400mm + tripod is a pain, I doubt you want to carry around a 500mm or 600mm lens, so I would suggest something smaller and lighter than can be easily used hand held. The first thing that comes to mind is the 300mm f/4 IS L ($1360). You are going to be giving up some length, but it's a much smaller and lighter than the 100 - 400mm. This lens is also great for birds in flight. Throw a 1.4x TC ($500 for the newest version) on it and you have a 420mm f/5.6 that is still manageable hand held.

Another option is the 400mm f/5.6 ($1250). It too is smaller and lighter than the 100 - 400mm. I have never used this lens, or heard much about it, but it's another option.

Have you considered renting? I have rented the 300mm f/4 a few times and I love it. It will most likely be my next lens purchase. Give LensRentals.com - Rent Lenses and Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, or Sony a try if you're interested in renting something to test it out. They also sell some of their used gear. I just looked and they have a used 400mm f/5.6 for sale for $1000.

[mjs1973]

A couple other things to add. Since this was posted in the Canon forums, I only mentioned Canon lenses. There may be some 3rd party lenses such as Sigma, Tamron or Tokina that will also fit your needs.

I think the question you are asking would be much better suited for the Nature/Wildlife forum instead of the Canon forum. You will most likely get a better response from people who are interested in the same types of subjects that you are.

[hilda]

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum, cannot start a new thread yet I am new to photography and want to buy a Canon. I love to snap everything but my favorite one is nature. My budget is 2000-3000$. Could you please guide me which model and lens is better to start with? I could buy more lenses later. I'd really appreciate if you kindly help me

Hilda

[cafilmwork]

i use a canon 550d/t2i, works pretty good

[Sinotek]

I am too thinking of buying a cannon but im not too sure if its the route I want to take.

[Sinotek]

Actually learned a lot from this post thanks

[hilda]

Thank you guys After a lot of research I finally decided to buy a Nikon D90 with 18-55 & 55-200 lenses for now! Is it safe to buy them from Amazon? If not, what would you recommend?

Thanks

[hilda]

Okay I decided to order on line from B & H Photo Video Excited to take a lot of photos

[chuckdee]

After using Olympus for the 11 years I decided to make a change so I purchased a Canon EOS 7D and Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L EF IS Zoom Lens, so far I am very happy with. I am a wildlife nut and I am looking for another lens besides the 400mm which will be good for birds. I have a bad wirst and lugging that 400 and a tripod around is a pain.

Maybe a monopod would be better for you?

[salluu]

it helped me too