Hi all,

I'm procrastinating working on taxes and ended up here. Whoda thunk?

I read this thread way back when Loupey first started it. I had just started hanging out in the forums and learning my way around digital photography, so didn't really 'digest' the info here.

Today (because getting tax info ready just "isn't that important right now"), I re-read the thread and have a few questions.

My current setup is a D50, with 18-55 Nikkor (kit), 70-300 Quantaray w/macro 3.5-5.6, and my newest, the Sigma 70-200 2.8.

To say the least, I've been very disappointed with the Sigma while trying to shoot birds at the feeder (for starters). Images are not clear at all. I've used a tripod, monopod, and hand-held. Manual focus, AF, glasses (mine) on, glasses off, UV filter on , UV filter off.

What does this have to do with tubes, you say? I've been taking the photos from inside the house, through an open window. Feeder is about 50-60' away. Birds are tiny at that distance with the 200mm. I thought tubes might help. However I'm wondering if it's me (very likely), or the lens, or camera setup that's the problem. I would think that I should be able to enlarge the photo at least a little bit and still have a sharp bird. No? It's almost impossible to use the Quantaray lens unless the sun is shining directly on the subject and between the hours of 12 and 1pm due to the horrible aperture when zoomed in. So I was excited to get the Sigma for Christmas, but not so much anymore.

Any thoughts or ideas? I liken the tubes as a way of getting closer without getting closer - is that right? Good for a zoom? Turn in the Sigma 2.8 and get a long prime 2.8? Spend another thousand and get the Nikon w/VR (hope not!)

Sorry this is so haphazard - hope someone sticks it out to the end. Apparently lousy focusing is just the beginning of my problems . . .