Birding Photography

I own a Canon EOS 30D camera. I am looking for a moderate telephoto zoom lens.
My choice at this point is a Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Telephoto zoom lens. I am interested in opinions from others interested in getting those great close ups of birds. I can’t really justify purchasing a $1-5,000.00 lens, as it is just a hobby, but I am a perfectionist in my arts, and want the best I can get for around $ 5-600.00 range.

Thanks for any advice you can offer. My skills are more luck than training or ability at this time.

Thanks again,
Elana

Sorry for the late response but I do not come here very often.

As for lens, always buy the best lens that you can afford.

Good site for lens reviews.
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php
http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/Canon_DSLR_lens_listing.shtml

300mm is very short for birding photography. You will need 400mm or better 500mm. One of the best choices is using a 300mm/2.8 with 2xKonverter, which means a 600mm/5.6 in total. I’m using a 100-400mm L IS Lens from Canon and thats to short in many cases.

Frank

Frank and Andy,
Thanks for the information. I will try the 2X Konverter with a 300mm for now. I will save up for a better one later.
I have been lucky with my shots with what I had. I see others that are better quality and it makes you want more.
I have had more opportunities to see some great wildlife than lots of people, but haven’t had the equipment. I lived in
the wilderness in Canada for ten years and have traveled from Alaska to South America.
Thanks again,
Elaine

Hi Elana this reply is quite late for your post but I only just discovered the forums. I am currently using a 300mm lens on my Olympus E510, for smaller birds I found you have to be within about 20 feet for a decent shot. A consideration when using a 300mm lens is stabilization. My camera has stabilization built in, but it is not always effective when at maximum zoom. I use a monopod when out and a tripod at home. The tripod is great and the monopod is very good and easy to carry while walking with the camera attached. I have been looking at teleconvertors and have been told that the 2x will cause you to loose 2 f stops. Also using a teleconvertor will dramatically add to the shake factor. Good luck let us know how you make out.

Hi, Well I got the 70-300mm and then found how much it lacked for what I wanted. I now have the 100-400mm and a 50D EOS…
and would like more…as time goes by more will come. I love the 100-400 lens. It is easy to carry and can catch some great shots.
Next purchase may be a Canon 7D..
Now I am hooked….
Elaine

I find the 70-300 IS lens a little limited too, best results are if the bird is within about 20 feet. Teleconverters seem to have mixed results with this lens, a 1.4x Kenko for about $200 seems to have half decent results, dependent on how picky you are about your results.
Congratulations on your 100-400mm acquisition, I would love one but can’t afford it right now, maybe next year. I would like the Canon 100-400 L IS lens and the 1.4x Kenko teleconverter.