Hi Mark and Christian reports like yours help me a lot evaluate my needs of photo equipment. Appreciated, thanks Markus
> >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Mark Cassino" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >>> In regards to 300mm lenses - on a 35mm body 300mm is getting a little >>short >>> for smaller birds, unless you have a way to get close. Even >>then, you have >>> to watch the minimum focusing distance. I have the A* 300 f4 - probably >>one >>> of my least used lenses. One drawback for birds is that without an >>> extension tube, this lens is really to short for smaller birds. >>> >>> Of course on an APS sized digital the crop factor makes a 300mm more >>viable. >>> I don't know anything about the third party 300mm's out there though. >> >>Just wanted to add what Mr. Cassino has posted here. I also find >>that 300mm >>is too short for birds. I'm honing my stalking skills and trying to use a >>blind to get closer to the subjects. >> >>However, WRT focusing distance, I loved my Sigma AF 300/4 APO Macro. It >>could focus to ~4ft which rendered song birds full frame (if you could get >>close enough). I chose this lens over the Pentax offerings for >>this reason. >>Coupled with a Sigma 1.4x EX TC you have a sharp 420/5.6 which is getting >>better for birds, plus you retain the close focusing ability. Add the >>digital AOV crop and you get the "equivelent" of a 630mm f5.6 lens that >>focuses to ~4ft. Not too bad. >> >>All that being said, I currently use a 300mm f4 lens with 1.4x TC that >>focuses to just under 5ft for all my birding as at the time of purchase it >>seemed the best bang for the buck. One day I'll have a 600/4 <sigh>. >> >>HTH >> >>Christian >> >>
