Lens for birds & other wildlife?

[jatoca]

I have an XSI and the following lenses:

EF 50mm f/1.8 II
EF 100mm 1:2.8
EF 28-135mm IS

I'm looking to invest in a longer lens that would give better results than the 28-135 that I use. I have a pond that collects a great deal of wildlife ( deer, bobcat, bear, and plenty of birds) but unless I camp out there, I'm never close enough to get a good shot!

(hey, maybe I don't WANT to camp out there!!)

Thanks in advance!
Jacqueline

[OldClicker]

Budget? Not going to be cheap. - TF

EDIT: Also, how far are you trying to shoot? Do you have any shots at the distance you want with your current lens? - TF

[Dougjgreen]

I have an XSI and the following lenses:

EF 50mm f/1.8 II
EF 100mm 1:2.8
EF 28-135mm IS

I'm looking to invest in a longer lens that would give better results than the 28-135 that I use. I have a pond that collects a great deal of wildlife ( deer, bobcat, bear, and plenty of birds) but unless I camp out there, I'm never close enough to get a good shot!

(hey, maybe I don't WANT to camp out there!!)

Thanks in advance!
Jacqueline

Here's your realistic set of choices:

Under $500: Canon 70-300mm f4~5.6
Under $800: Sigma 120-400mm f4~5.6
Under $1500: Canon 100-400mm f4.5~5.6

If budget won't stretch that far, there are several cheaper third party solutions in the 70-300 or 100-300 range, that are cheaper than the Canon, but will not be as good, nor will they have built in IS. I am a firm believer in built in IS for lenses that long. For my money, I would probably get the Sigma 120-400. I currently use a cheaper Tamron 200-400mm f5.6 on my Nikon for birds and wildlife, but I am seriously looking at upgrading to the Sigma 120-400mm for it's built in IS, fast AF motor, and well regarded optics.

[WesternGuy]

Jacqueline, I have the Canon 24-105 and the 100-400 (both L/IS) lenses. The shorter one can often get me some good pictures if I find birds on a pond next to a backroad. I find as long as you stay in your car, the birds tend to ignore you. I have also got some good shots with the 100-400. A lot of what you choose will depend on the budget you have and how close you need to get. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[Loupey]

Hi, Jacqueline

I'd be lost without my 300mm f/4L IS. Excellent performer all around (reasonably priced, optically great, functionally light, and beautifully stabilized). Add a Canon 2xII teleconverter and you have a functional, hand-holdable super-telephoto / super-macro.

Add extension tubes and you can shoot beautiful tight macros at three feet.

For N&W at a reasonable price in a Canon format, I recommend no other.

[SmartWombat]

I too recommend a prime lens, if you can afford it.
I have the 300mm f/2.8 L IS, and 1.4x and 2x converters, and extension tubes.
That covers almost every use for me.

I bought the 100-400 L IS too, but found it didn't cope well with heavy rain, and the maximum aperture was too small for the dirty British weather
It is a good, cheaper, lighter alternative - but prime is better quality.

[rongarrett]

The cheapest thing you can do is to just get closer. Visit a local sporting goods store that caters to deer hunters. You will find everything from a small blind that includes a chair and folds up to a size that can easily be carried under your arm, to one that pops up kinda in the shape of a eskimo hut and affords plenty of room to set a large comfortable folding chair and tripod.

Sneak out there before dawn, with a thermos of hot coffee if it's cold and when the sun comes up the wildlife will become active. For the shyiest of critters, the larger blind can be left erected so it becomes a part of the landscape. These blinds afford protection even in the rain, and can be moved about with a minimum of effort.

I have both kinds. I shopped for them after deer season when the sportings goods store owner was in a mind to bargain. I have less than $50.00 invested in the two of them total. I have had deer walk within thirty feet of the blind and foxes within spittin distance. I'm too old to crawl in the mud anymore, so I just ambush em.

By the way the recommendation on the Canon 300mm, F/4.0 is an excellent one. Very hand holdable. Awsome image IQ. Reasonable fast for dim woods.

[jatoca]

Thank you so much EVERYONE for all the great information...I love this website- people are so generous with their time and expertise- it is very appreciated

I'm going to B&H Photo next Sunday to check out the 70-300 mm lenses....I'll probably get the IS if I can afford it...if not, then I'll dream a little until I can.

I absolutely love the idea of the blind- how cool would that be? And spring is just around the corner ( well, maybe a couple of corners...they are predicting another major snow dump this coming Tuesday )

Have a great day and thank you again!