cony25

I am debating whether to buy a whole new lens with a 50-500 range or buy the extender to fit a 70-200 2.8 L lens…..what is the best choice? I don’t mind carrying a big lens…for bird photography…and another question any recommendations for a cannon mark II camera telephoto?

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

The best wildlife lens is either the 500mm or 600mm prime lenses by Canon (one N in canon). Canon has redesigned both lenses to be lighter and can be hand held by more people than before. Yes, these are expensive. Your second best choice for wildlife would be a 300mm f/4 lens with a 1.4 teleconverter used on one of Canon crop sensor bodies like the 7D, 70D or wait for the new 7D Mark II. The 400mm f/5.6 isn't a bad choice either. Last would be an aftermarket lens like the Sigma 150-500 and/or their new or soon to be released 150-600mm lens.

I have a 70-200mm lens and sometimes use a 1.4x on it but only for certain wildlife. This combo still doesn't have the reach you would be looking for in most cases. It will also work with a 2x but keep in mind that subject that are far away will be a little soft. So again, not really the best combo for wildlife.

Which Can(n)on Mark II are you talking about? There are many mark II Canon products. I'm assuming you are referring to the Canon 5D mark II. This is not the best camera body for wildlife since it is full frame, it's not the best or fastest focus, and it's got a slow frame rate. If you choose one of the lenses that are smaller than 500mm then I suggest a crop sensor body with a fast fps rating. If shooting a long lens, then I wouldn't shoot anything with a frame rate slower than 6/fps.

Blaster6 Loc: Central PA

What is bigger? Your wallet or your desire for perfectly sharp photos?

The teleconverter is a compromise that will extend your reach at the cost of a stop or two (depending on the extender) and there will be some loss of quality that you may or may not notice.

Can you rent or borrow one of each first? Nobody can tell you if the tradeoff is worth it. You will have to try it for yourself.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Look at either the Sigma 150-500 or the new Tamron 150-600... TC's,especially a 2X one will degrade the IQ

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I've decided to buy the new Tamron SP 150-600mm f5-6 VC USD lens, and it should be here any day now, it shipped Friday. I'll be taking in the backyard where I test all my lenses on a target about 70 yards away. I do the test, and add my Tamron 2X, and 1.4 extenders to the mix and see how it shoots. I may post them on the Hog.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Cony, definately a tough situation. I too own the 5dmkll. I tried to do birds with a 200 +1.4x and just didn't get the reach. A small bird(robin size) at 30" is just too far. I went to a 100-400+ 1.4 and am happy with what I get. You still have to be close, that is key. If you crop more than 50%, you'll loose the details completely.
You could get away under a $1k if you got the converter and a used 7d, that will get you the's out the length of the Sig(since they are short), with pretty good IQ. But the reality is that you need to be close enough to fill as much frame as possible. I feel if you manage 10 good shots in a year of birds, you are doing VERY well.
For more money, you can go the 100-400, or 400, +1.4's. You need to tape the pins to get AF.
I personally have not seen any shots that would convince me to try a third party lens, or maybe they are just miss-used. And the big primes aren't magic, but the prices are. My 100-400+1.4 does pretty well. I have not used a 2x, but want to try one.
So what am I comparing it to? I used to used a 500 f4, and until I replace it, I use a 600 f4.5 manual on occasion.
Cony, good luck. ;-)
SS

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

SS, here's a link to a thread with the shooter using the new 150-600mm Tamron... Impressive to me...
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-182971-1.html

And here is another link to someone using the Tamron (they also have other sample images if you look at their post listings)

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-181824-1.html

cony25

Yes, it is a mark II 5d, I also have a 60d from canon (with one n) thank for the grammar correction.
So i guess my 60 d would be much better for wildlife?

cony25

My desire for sharp photos… I don’t like soft focus,,,if teleconverters compromise quality, then I don’t want them…is this always the case?

cony25

What do you mean need to tape the pins on af?

Blaster6 Loc: Central PA

Yes, they always reduce the quality of any lens you attach them to. This is acceptable for some people or some uses. It isn't acceptable for me.

The amount of quality loss is up to debate but there is no debating there is a loss.

cony25

Wow,,that’s what I needed to know,, a teleconverter is $500.00 for 350.00 more you get a good telephoto…totally worth the telephoto...

Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

I have found that my 1.4 Kenco on an 18-250 Sig works pretty well when shot with a Nikon D-90. I did find out, though, that if you extend the lens to its fullest, then back off slightly, maybe 10 mm, the image is really sharp. Much better than at full extension. I don't have any idea why.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Cony, you will lose less with a converter than if you crop.
If the f-stop gets low enough, a camera will not auto focus, but by taping the pins, it fools the camera, and does a pretty good job.
Soft pics are often caused by too much cropping, or soft lenses(not sharp at the long end, in zooms). The trick is to get closer.
Check "LenRentals.com". Look for Tamron 150-600 shoot-out. They compare some of the longer, less expensive telephoto lenses.
Good luck;-)
SS

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you have the version II 70-200, you will be OK with the 2X and IQ at 400mm ! - and, the quality you get at up to 400mm will be equal or better than the 150-500. Otherwise the IQ will be less with pre II versions. If you do have the II version, I would definetely make use of it with the 2X. Big question is 400mm enough ? I use a used 300 2.8 with 2X to get to 600mm - and that might make sense for you since you do not mind weight....