Budget lens for beginner>>>

ramashwin · #1 26-03-2009, 09:51 PM

Hi guys

I need a lens for my camera(either a Nikon D90 or a canon 40D). I would be shooting wildlife...so I guess Ill need a minimum of 300mm or maybe more.....

So Ive done a little research on my own and this is what Ive managed to come up with...

1)Nikkor 70-300vr or its equivalent in canon with IS
2)Sigma 80-400 os(looks attractive bcos of its price and teh extra 100mm!)

the nikon and canon 400s are out of the question..cant afford em..

I would need VR/IS/OS as I would be shooting handheld...so please let me know how the image quality of these lenses are when compared to each other(keeping the price in mind)...and also if you could suggest any other lenses that I ought to look at...I would really appretiate it

thank you people
peace...

Rob Greenhill · #2 26-03-2009, 10:11 PM

Hi ramashwin,
you've got a dilemma here, for the money , the sigma isn't a bad lens. they also do a 500mm version.You could also consider the Tamron 28-300mm. It ticks all the boxes,and is a good price.If you add a 2x converter you'll be well sorted. Its a bit of trade off with price/quality. My advice would be to go to a reputable camera shop, and try each lens on the camera of your choice,and see howthey feel. Another and possibly cheaper option would be a spotting scope with a T2 mount.This will enable your slr to bolt on the back,and could give a range of 1000mm or more!

Happy snapping, rob

ramashwin · #3 27-03-2009, 02:58 PM

Hi Rob,

I havent used the lenses Ive mentioned above but got the chance to see how a sigma 80-400 performs thanks to a friend. He was extremely happy with what he got and it generally had decent reviews(more good than bad anyway). Also it has OS which I am going to consider when I do buy a lens which the 500mm dosent have. Will have to look at the tamron and consider the 1.4 or 2.0x converters. I can get upto 800 with those.WOW.
A spotting scope?1000mm? Havent the faintest idea what that is but Ill know better in a few days.

Thats a lot of options...I appretiate it. Thank you.

Peace...

Ram

Rob Greenhill · #4 27-03-2009, 03:33 PM

Hi Ram

A spotting scope is kinda like an angled telescope, which has the ability to fit a compact /SLR camera on the back.You're effectively using the scope as a BIG lens.Go to www.warehouse express.com and follow the headings. This is growing in popularity. Look at the heron videos on my link, www.flickr.com/photos/robaurdu/ as these were taken with a scope, as was the ones of the full moon!

Rob

CertEdFriday · #5 27-03-2009, 11:23 PM

Hi Rob - meant to ask when I first saw the video, how do you link the video camera to the spotting scope? I have often thought of this combo...

Rob Greenhill · #6 29-03-2009, 06:35 PM

Hi Dave, the video clip was taken with a compact ...Nikon p4500. this has a screw mount at the lens which fits a bracket which locates over the eyepiece. There are universal mounts to suit a range of cameras. If not, you can manufactere a diy job. A length of aluminium, hole to suit at the point of contact with scope/tripod.Bend this to suit the tripod fitting on the video camera, and marry the two together.It may take a bit of jiggerypokery but not too difficult.If you have any probs, let me know.....I may be able to help.

Rob

CertEdFriday · #7 29-03-2009, 09:00 PM

Hi Rob - thanks for that. Just that I have a digital video camcorder and was wondering if I could hook that up somehow - will have to work on it!!

Rob Greenhill · #8 29-03-2009, 10:09 PM

hi David, another option would be to mount both the scope and camera on different tripods....difficult I know but it mightbe an option. I'd still go with a custom bracket though as this may simplify things. What scope are you going to use?
Rob

Steven Gourlay · #9 30-03-2009, 09:20 AM

Ive never tried this as ive paid enough for my camera equipment already without adding more cost for a spotting scope but can see why they appeal to people. Ive seen a few places with different mounting options for them like.

Never used this company so cannot comment on them but their url is Digiscoping Accessories at Birdnet Optics

CertEdFriday · #10 30-03-2009, 01:24 PM

Thank you for the images Steven
I have the digital video and a converter that changes a lens into a spotting scope - just need to join the two up somehow - a project to keep me busy I think....