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Lens for Wildlife


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35 replies to this topic

#21
Dogbytes

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I'd be interested to hear what Sigma say about your pics. Whatever lens you end up with, don't skimp on the rest of the kit - tripod and head come immediately to mind.

 

In the final analysis, both the most important bit of photography equipment and potentially the weakest, will always be the photographer. I say again TECHNIQUE! It takes a while to learn and, to use a cliche, it's a journey. It really doesn't matter what lens you start out with but an 'easier' one, which in this case probably means a shorter focal length, will enable youth at least get some decent shots whilst you're learning. Might I suggest it might also encourage you to develop other ways of getting the shots you want - stalking, use of hides, etc. As I said, it really isn't my field of expertise but there must be a ton of books/websites on the subject.

 

I think I read somewhere that it takes 14000 hours to master something. I don't know who comes up with these statistics but it could be about right. Having the 'right' gear is never going to be be the whole answer.

 

My hobby, okay my other hobby, is hunting with my Lurcher. There is a guy called John Darcy, who has written some phenomenal books on the subject - I say 'written' but it's the photographs that stand out. His wildlife photography is truly incredible. I believe his main weapon of choice is a 300/2.8. What I really find incredible is how he positions himself to get the shots. Therein, I believe, lies the difference between the shots he gets of his dogs and the ones I get of mine...

Shop - Darcy Books



#22
Ron

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"A good photograph is knowing where to stand."

--Ansel Adams

 

 

--Ron



#23
Dogbytes

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--Ron

 

I believe that David Bailey was once asked for a simple tip that the average person could use to improve their photographs. He replied "Take two steps forward".



#24
Daniel

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You are right in everything you say. Me being a beginner this lens is probably too much for me. I called Sigma and sent the a bunch of pictures. They are going to go through them. I even set my camera on my pickup hoping there would be no movement. Even with a row second delay the picture still turned out blurry. I took over hundred pictures again and one was well almost there.

Glad I only rented it. If it is movement I have a long ways to go. This lens is not for me.

Back to square one and get the 80 to 400 Nikon.

 

Square one is a good place to be. 



#25
alden

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At 600mm you need to be shooting with a shutter speed of 1/1,000s, minimum, and I would also use a solid tripod, or monopod, but a monopod is going to take some practice.



#26
Steve M

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I'd be interested to hear what Sigma say about your pics. Whatever lens you end up with, don't skimp on the rest of the kit - tripod and head come immediately to mind.

 

 

 

Well Sigma has never gotten back to me.   Lensrentals where I rented the lens did.  They are not sure what went wrong other than the photos look soft all over.  They believe an element could have gotten bumped out of alignment.  But I know more than likely it had a lot to do with my inexperience. 

 

Kudos to Lensrentals as they offered  to refund my money or take a credit.  I took the credit and am trying another lens.   The one recommended here the 80 to 400 Nikon.



#27
Dogbytes

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Good choice. Best of luck with it - let us know how you get on. 



#28
Steve M

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Good choice. Best of luck with it - let us know how you get on.

I am very happy with it. This is taken and then zoomed in. By far way better than what I got out of the Sigma. Yes I still have learning to do.


IMG_0333.jpg

This one was in a real cloudy day


IMG_0360.jpg

Taken late in the evening

IMG_0342.jpg

#29
Dogbytes

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Lovely shots. I reckon you've made the right decision there. Result!



#30
Steve M

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I can buy the lens I rented for about 425 less than new sakes tax added on each. The lens I rented is ten months old and rented out eleven times.

The new is only $270 more but the place I would be buying new from does not charge sales tax. But I am uncomfortable about that and feel I should be paying the tax on it!

So trying to decide on new versus the used!

#31
Merco_61

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I'd go with the used one as that is a known good lens. The sample variation is much smaller than on cheaper lenses, but it still exists.

#32
Dogbytes

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I buy all my lenses used. Can't remember ever having a problem.



#33
Wayben

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I buy a lot of lenses used.  To me the biggest thing to watch for, other than overall condition, is impact damage, which isn't always easy to see.  You've already used that lens and it seems to be working fine, so I'd go for it.  As Merco said it's a known lens.



#34
Steve M

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Thanks all for your support.   I will be buying this lens today.   Don't need to ship back.     LOL



#35
austinkiker

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I think you have figured out the lens you'd like to go with, I myself was in the same predicament not long terribly ago.  I'm a enthusiastic hobbyist on a budget.  Been dabbling with wildlife photography for  a few years.  I ended up with the Tamron 150-600 in my bag.  I've enjoyed it on my D5300. Sample photos attached, most of which are smaller file sizes for emailing purposes, I hope they turn out ok on here.  Pretty good results for someone like myself who's doing it just for fun.  A pro might argue otherwise, but I'm not sure.  I myself am trying to decide if I want to upgrade to the D500 or D810.   

Attached Thumbnails

  • 2Does_inPeeDee.jpg
  • Bald Eagle.jpg
  • BaldEagle_onlimb.jpg
  • Drake_WoodDuck.jpg
  • Osprey_fishintalons.jpg
  • WoodDuck_ontree.jpg
  • Osprey_inpinetree.jpg


#36
Steve M

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I think you have figured out the lens you'd like to go with, I myself was in the same predicament not long terribly ago.  I'm a enthusiastic hobbyist on a budget.  Been dabbling with wildlife photography for  a few years.  I ended up with the Tamron 150-600 in my bag.  I've enjoyed it on my D5300. Sample photos attached, most of which are smaller file sizes for emailing purposes, I hope they turn out ok on here.  Pretty good results for someone like myself who's doing it just for fun.  A pro might argue otherwise, but I'm not sure.  I myself am trying to decide if I want to upgrade to the D500 or D810.


Great photos