Great Wildlife Site [Archive]

14-10-2006, 12:33

No pics from me, but I thought this would be the best place to post this link. It's the site of a wildlife photographer in The Philippines.

http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone

Incidentally this guy uses the Sigma DG EX APO USM 300mm-800mm 5.6, which is starting to make more and more sense to me as a complete long lens solution. At least if you have to hump a monster like that around, the flexibility of it's zoom range means you're never going to be over-gunned.

IanC_UK

14-10-2006, 13:07

lmao yes mate, its the same size as Matts bazooka of a lens, but has the advantage of 500mm of zoom as well ! Produces some cracking shots too !

14-10-2006, 13:11

I think I might have to sell some internal organs. :thinking:

IanC_UK

14-10-2006, 13:13

lol give it a go mate ;) I need to raise a few grand as well, want 1d mk2n and 500mm f4 L lol ;)

14-10-2006, 13:29

It's about time you bought the camera anyway and stopped messin' about. ;)

IanC_UK

14-10-2006, 14:03

It's about time you bought the camera anyway and stopped messin' about. ;)

LOL ;)

mfwild13

15-10-2006, 00:53

lmao yes mate, its the same size as Matts bazooka of a lens,And just a mere 1Kg heavier at around 6Kg.

15-10-2006, 12:57

And just a mere 1Kg heavier at around 6Kg.

That's a serious consideration isn't it? The Canon 600mm f4 is a monster of similar weight, not hand-holdable and way too much for my wallet anyway. The logistics of transporting and just moving around with lenses like these are quite considerable.

I may go for the Canon 500mm f4L, which is hand-holdable in short bursts and gives 700mm and 1000mm focal lengths with the 1.4X and 2X converters respectively, will still autofocus, and has the benefit of IS.

I'd welcome any thoughts on the subject from long lens users - Matt, Pink Fairy?

Matt

15-10-2006, 16:32

When I take the big lens out, I only take with me what I need, so the camera bag is emptied of all unnecessary items.
This makes the lens managable when walking distances with it.
The problem with the 800 is, nobody does a bag suitable to carry it in, so you end up with it swinging about on a shoulder strap
which can be very uncomfortable, especially when you've got the backpack on too.
I believe that, even Sigma's own bag can't be used as a backpack.

Something I try not to do is take this lens out just for the sake of it.
If its left in the car, its a target for any criminal, and a poor way to lose
my hard earned.

15-10-2006, 18:02

Thanks Matt - food for thought there.

Matt

15-10-2006, 18:48

The good thing about it though, is when you get a fantastic shot, makes the effort of carrying it, worth it. ;)

15-10-2006, 18:49

Stop it! :D

IanC_UK

15-10-2006, 18:53

heheheheheh yeah know exactly what you mean Matt :)

Pink Fairy

19-10-2006, 11:03

I know Romy (Liquidstone) well, he's a regular on birdforum.net... have to say, all his recent photos have been taken with a 500 I.S. + 1.4x teleconverter.

cheers,
Andy

SDK^

19-10-2006, 11:13

I've seen a 300-800 and it was massive - it should come with a lifetimes gym membership :p

19-10-2006, 17:04

Well you can all stop worrying now, I've finally made up my mind. :D

It's gonna be the Canon 500 F4L. :thumbs:

Mainly the reasons are image stabilisation, a far more manageable bit of kit to hump around, the weight of the 500 isn't going to challenge my Gitzo tripod at all, and I kind of love this pod. It's also a more manageable proposition for hand-held fliers, and with the 1.4 and 2X TC's becomes long enough and flexible enough for my needs... ooer!

Whew!

IanC_UK

19-10-2006, 19:01

yay CT made his mind up :)

Until someone says something that makes this decision feel wrong ;) hehehehehe

19-10-2006, 19:09

No... it's like a Custer decision. Not rescindable in any way shape or form. It's a done deal. :D

IanC_UK

19-10-2006, 19:18

No... it's like a Custer decision. Not rescindable in any way shape or form. It's a done deal. :D

I know where i can get you a 600 F4L for 2k mate ?

;) LOL bet that would change your mind, if it was true of course ! lol

19-10-2006, 19:23

LOL. Nice try, but I don't think so. I don't have the commitment to hump one around, complete with tripod and all the rest if the kit. and the 500mm is likely to get used more rather than lying at home when it's not an actual birding outing. :)

2K you say?.... erm ..:thinking:

;)

mfwild13

19-10-2006, 19:26

So just when will you be making us all green with envy?

A quick trip to NYC maybe as only £2950 at Adorama!!

19-10-2006, 19:29

I think Santa might have a heavier load this year. :D

That's a great price!