Choice of lenses for birding

[Stormy08]

Thinking of trying out bird photography. Understand the pros of using prime vs zoom lenses and at least 500mm focal length is required for small birds. I have a FX and DX body. I have narrowed down to 2 choices of lenses:

#1 Nikon 300mm PF with 1.4C (around $3k)
#2 pre-owned Sigma 500mm F4.5 (around $2k)

Any advice on the aforementioned lenses? Or alternative lenses around $3k? Thanks.

 

[Light Machinery]

With a budget of $3k, I cant really think any AF primes that will fit your bill.

The Sigma 500/4.5 will give you more reach & better image quality vs the 300/4 PF + TC14E III combo.

The difference between the two lenses will be the usage. The Sigma 500/4.5 will need the support of a sizable tripod & gimbal head, where as the 300/4 PF + TC14E III can be used handheld all day.

Happy hunting for the Sigma 500/4.5

 

[chiangkxv]

300 f4pf works very well with the 1.4TCIII and very well with 1.7TCII. I'll go for 300f4pf for its compactness, Ease to carry around and excellent AF and IQ.


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[chiangkxv]

Try looking for a used unit. It should go for about 1.8k and $450 for the 1.4TC.


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[Stormy08]

Thanks all for the advices. I think I go for the 300mm PF with TC 1.4 combo. Other than getting 600mm FOV with one stop loss of light, I can save as no requirement to buy a heavy duty tripod with a good gimbal. Cheers.