Lens for wildlife photography
May 7, 2018 12:26:14 #
Sorry, but big lenses are all pretty heavy. I don't see any other options for you other than the obvious ones like using a tripod, monopod and/or going to the gym and working out until you can lift, carry, hold and use a heavy lens.
Raptor wrote:
Good morning. I have enjoyed reading your posting... (show quote)
May 7, 2018 12:33:43 #
I have the Tamron 150-600 and the Tamron 18-400. I find myself using the 18-400 95% of the time . . . The 150-600 is only used when I'm in a static position and with a tripod. The 18-400 is much better for moving about . . .
May 7, 2018 13:23:20 #
jackpinoh
Loc: Kettering, OH 45419
charles tabb wrote:
"Alternately, you might want to look at a Sony RX10 IV - which only weighs 2.5 lbs and offers up a field of view equal to a 24-600mm lens (on a full frame camera)."
=======================================
As far as I know the Sony RX10 IV is not a full frame camera.
=======================================
As far as I know the Sony RX10 IV is not a full frame camera.
Correct. It has a 1" sensor. Interesting point: If you switch the image format from 3:2 to 1:1, the focal length range becomes 31-760mm. This camera also has a type of optical stabilization.
I think this would be an excellent choice. I have a camera (RX100iii) that has the same sensor. Great except for high ISO, which won't be a problem in the daytime.
May 7, 2018 17:18:23 #
I have seen photos taken with the Nikon 300mm f4 lens and they are absolutely stunning, if I didn't already own the Nikon 300mm f2.8 G VRII I would buy the f4. Quality lenses like that are expensive, but you get what you pay for. Yes the Nikon 80-400 is expensive, however I find it to be a quality lens in my arsenal, you can get them cheaper now that Nikon discontinued making this lens.
suntouched wrote:
Well, since I haven't used the Nikon 80-400 mm len... (show quote)
May 7, 2018 18:20:13 #
Raptor,
Know exactly how you feel since I also have scoliosis and can't handle the weight/DSLR. I personally use a Canon EOS M with zooms and they are very light and work great for me. For you I would recommend selling your existing setup and going with a Micro 4/3 because it is much lighter than your current setup and has the 2X multiplier factor on the lenses. So my pick would be the Olympus OM-D Mk 10 II which is on sale now for about $499 and the Panasonic 100-400mm (effective 200-800). The camera with battery and memory card weighs a dash over 13 ounces and the lens weighs a tad over a pound. That means your entire setup weighs around 30-33 ounces, which is more than 50% less than your current rig. Your back will love it and I think you'll be happy with the results. PS. All Micro 4/3 lenses fit all the cameras since they have a standard mount.
Know exactly how you feel since I also have scoliosis and can't handle the weight/DSLR. I personally use a Canon EOS M with zooms and they are very light and work great for me. For you I would recommend selling your existing setup and going with a Micro 4/3 because it is much lighter than your current setup and has the 2X multiplier factor on the lenses. So my pick would be the Olympus OM-D Mk 10 II which is on sale now for about $499 and the Panasonic 100-400mm (effective 200-800). The camera with battery and memory card weighs a dash over 13 ounces and the lens weighs a tad over a pound. That means your entire setup weighs around 30-33 ounces, which is more than 50% less than your current rig. Your back will love it and I think you'll be happy with the results. PS. All Micro 4/3 lenses fit all the cameras since they have a standard mount.
May 7, 2018 19:36:28 #
Raptor wrote:
Good morning. I have enjoyed reading your posting... (show quote)
I have a tripod, that one leg plus the center column make a monopod. It came with a little nylon pocket thing that clips to my belt/belt loop and the end of the monopod goes into it and I have a great moveable lens support.
May 7, 2018 20:01:31 #
Brucej67 wrote:
I have seen photos taken with the Nikon 300mm f4 lens and they are absolutely stunning, if I didn't already own the Nikon 300mm f2.8 G VRII I would buy the f4. Quality lenses like that are expensive, but you get what you pay for. Yes the Nikon 80-400 is expensive, however I find it to be a quality lens in my arsenal, you can get them cheaper now that Nikon discontinued making this lens.
I have seen those images with the 300 mm f4 lens too! I have the PF 70-300 mm lens (full frame) and it is a really nice lens. I trust it to perform and it does. It's just a bit short for birds. You are right- you do get what you pay for and then when it's time to sell you get back most of what you paid for it. I won't get distracted- onward to the 300 mm f4 lens :) Until then at least I have the Tamron 100-400 and knowing its limitations it will work in the interim. Maybe Raptor should look at the Nikon system- he won't find anything lighter unless he goes to a smaller sensor.
May 7, 2018 20:24:08 #
jackpinoh
Loc: Kettering, OH 45419
ddonlewis wrote:
Raptor, br Know exactly how you feel since I also ... (show quote)
The Panasonic 100-400mm lens actually weighs 34 oz. So the weight with the E-M10 Mk 2 or 3 will be about 3 lb.
May 7, 2018 20:35:18 #
Raptor wrote:
Good morning. I have enjoyed reading your posting... (show quote)
I recommend you downsize to an Olympus E-M1 Mk II and a Panasonic 100-400 lens; and consider an Olympus 300mm f4 plus MC-14 teleconverter. These will give you excellent results and a huge savings in weight.
May 7, 2018 20:35:24 #
If Raptor is interested in wthe Panasonic 100-400 mm lens I would strongly suggest getting extra warranty and I would be hesitant putting it on an M10-2 mount. It is a heavy lens for that model. He would have to be careful to carry the lens and camera by the lens. My experience with the lens was not a good one. The dust seals were either defective or became so (according to the Texas service center) allowing lots of dust inside affecting the auto focus making the lens unusable. I did not have extra warranty and so... While it worked I got some nice images with it. I ended up salvaging the lens on Ebay.
I want to add this is not everyone's experience of course.
I want to add this is not everyone's experience of course.
jackpinoh wrote:
The Panasonic 100-400mm lens actually weighs 34 oz. So the weight with the E-M10 Mk 2 or 3 will be about 3 lb.
May 8, 2018 00:32:06 #
suntouched wrote:
If Raptor is interested in wthe Panasonic 100-400 ... (show quote)
I would not consider the E-M10 for wildlife; much better focus with the E-M1. Continuous AF just doesn't work well with contrast detect AF.
May 9, 2018 20:21:49 #
Sreno
Loc: Northern Michigan
Too many good suggestions to post another. I too grew up in the U.P. Manistique. The end of township Park road (Now MichiBay) Have thousands of photos from the end of that road (Lake Michigan)
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.