10D & birds: a spectator's observations

ScottBerger · #15 03-02-2004, 02:42 PM

Why is the Canon 500mm f/4 worth $2000 more then the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX APO HSM? What will it give me in my shots that I don't get with the Sigma?
http://www.pbase.com/scottbergerphot...pect_park_lake
I don't see any mention of the Sigma 500 in this discussion. I have a bunch of Canon L lenses, but I couldn't afford a $5300 lens. What am I missing?
Scott

Dan_Barthel · #16 03-02-2004, 02:51 PM

In my view, the nice thing about the Canon long glass is how well they perform with the Canon extenders. With the 500 there is no practical difference with/without the 1.4x extender. Don't know about the Sigma. Also AF speed is vital for bird photography, and both the 300 and 500 are really quick.

Dan

Noel_Carboni · #17 03-02-2004, 04:16 PM

Image Stabilization comes to mind. If you've a mind to shoot handheld as I do, there's no comparison. A whole new realm of photo opportunities arises with IS. I dunno whether that's 2 grand worth of difference though. Your shots look pretty good.

-Noel

LatCorrea · #18 03-02-2004, 05:13 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Lat, you will love the lens. Glad to see you made the decision.

Dan

[/ QUOTE ]

Dan, it was your advice that made me stop and think. After considering the 300 f2.8, I drifted towards the 400 DO; finally after discussing with Ken Newcombe last weekend I realised the importance of the 500. But, the weight still bothers me though.

Thanks very much Dan.

Noel, I'm in Sealy, Tx. all next week so will not receive it till I get back. Boy!! your shot of the Anhinga is tremendous, you should be posting on NatureScapes. The reflection is perfect.

Latafat

ScottBerger · #19 03-02-2004, 07:29 PM

Noel,
If you can hand hold the Sigma 500 f/4.5 you're a better man then me. I agree IS is nice to have, but I can't imagine not using this lens on a tripod. I use a Wemberly head. It is exquisitely stable and smooth. I move the camera into position with my right hand and use the RS80N3 to take the picture. Thanks for the kind comments.
Regards,
Scott

Rob_Whitehead · #20 03-03-2004, 01:13 AM

I haven't been all that impressed with the sharpness of my 400/5.6L. I'd be interested in seeing a comparison/lens test with the 400DO, but I haven't come across such a thing.
Autofocus I feel could be better with the 10D/400f5.6L combo for birds in flight, and I think the 1DMkII might be the trick. AF should also work with the 1.4TC.

I'm going to get a new tripod head and try and refine my long lens technique, but just thought I'd mention given all the praise this lens has been getting that I haven't been as impressed as I'd hoped.

KK_Hui · #21 03-03-2004, 08:07 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I haven't been all that impressed with the sharpness of my 400/5.6L. I'd be interested in seeing a comparison/lens test with the 400DO, but I haven't come across such a thing.
Autofocus I feel could be better with the 10D/400f5.6L combo for birds in flight, and I think the 1DMkII might be the trick. AF should also work with the 1.4TC ...

[/ QUOTE ]

Rob,

My experience with the EF400/5.6L is very good and it is a lot better than the two 1-4 IS I previously owned shortly after it was launch in 4Q 1998. AF speed is fast. Truly is a lens for handheld flight shot bird photography. Perhaps an example to just illustrate what I mean ...
http://www.angelfire.com/nb/kkhui/241103_32x.html