Do I throw in the towel and go back to compacts

c22w1

c22w1

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Chris
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So, having returned to DSLR photography in the last couple of years or so after around a 30 year break from SLRs, I now find myself ready for the next step. My passion is bird photography but I am regularly frustrated by my Tamron 70-300mm VC (sharp copy) not having enough reach which means I have to crop the image to get what I am after which in turn means I am not using the full resolution my camera has to offer (Canon7D). I am looking into getting a longer zoom lens and having bought budget before it’s not a route I am prepared to go down again, I also cannot justify spending thousands on pro glass, this is just a hobby to me and one that I love but I’m not made of money. That only really leaves me one option- the Sigma 150-500mm lens for around £600. I created another post about this lens and the problems I have had with older Sigma lenses and Sony bodies and the majority of answers were that Sigma have now sorted themselves out and that this lens is ok to buy. Just when I about to buy, I get the following response which indicates that this may not be the case:-
“Personally, I wouldn't buy a Sigma without seeing it and checking it. While I've not had any problems with any of mine, there are enough first hand reports of troubles to make me want to see and test the actual lens I'm buying before I fork out for it”.
Unfortunately there are no camera shops around me anymore and I will have to buy mail order which makes trying before buying not an option. From past, bitter, experience if there is a batch of 10,000 of anything produced with 9,999 being perfect but just 1 faulty item then sods law means I will end up with the faulty one.
I am ready to throw the towel in on DSLR photography and go back to a GOOD quality compact, the range that these lenses cover can go from wide angle to long telephoto (something not possible with a DSLR) and are capable of producing near DSLR quality images so long as you don’t look too closely and only at the printable size. They are much less hassle, lighter, more portable (which means they can taken everywhere) but are they as much fun:- definitely not, would I go out for a days shooting with a compact- probably not.....
 
If you're prepared to do that...Why don't you sell all your current kit and out of the money from selling, just get a basic DSLR like the 500D, whack a grip on it and get a used 150-500mm where you've seen RAWs at different settings?

Downgrade from the 7D yes... but major upgrade from your compact idea and won't cost you anything if you get it right.

*Edit* sorry, I may have misread your op. Thought you meant £600 was out of budget.

Just get the 150-500mm, even if it gives 'ok'results at f8/500mm, you'll still be getting better than any compact out there and the rest is just PP!
 
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For birding, the requirements run something like a) field craft, b) patience, c) the longest lens you can get your hands on.

On the lens front, Canon 400L would be best, or 100-400L more versatile, or the Sigma. If you're unlucky with any of them, send it to the manufacturer and get them to sort it out properly.
 
Have you considered digiscoping as another potential solution?

I was thinking the same for wildlife. Panasonic are bringing this out: http://www.photographyblog.com/news/panasonic_lumix_dmc_fz72/

I don't think dslr and bridge camera are mutually exclusive. I'd use the dslr for what it is best at (low light, shallow DOF, quality images) and use a bridge for the wildlife when weather is good. Most bridge cameras are very noisy at higher isos, often at only iso 400 so you have a trade off.
 
Hoppy UK as the answer, field craft and patience, a longer lens, and teleconverters bring their own problems.
 
Sorry Chris, I was assuming that you had relatively easy access to a decent camera shop - we're blessed with a couple in this city and also have an excellent 2nd hand shop (Mifsuds) within an easy drive. If mail order's the only option, a reputable UK dealer should give better service than a far East based seller as far as warranty issues go should there be a problem with any Sigma you buy. As I've said a few times, I've had no problems with any Sigma lens I've owned but some people have (although reports seem to be getting fewer these days).
IIRC, the problems you had were with the gear stripping on Sony bodies - pretty sure the Canon versions are in-lens motor for AF so that shouldn't be an issue. Looking at e-bay shows that my other suggestion (the Tamron 200-500) can be had for your budget.
 
John, no apologies necessary I very much appreciate your opinion and thank you for that. Looking around this forum there are plenty of people questioning Sigma's quality control and dubious consistancy for me not to want to put any more of my money Sigma's way.
The Tamron 200-400mm certainly looks good but has no IS. Another I have seen although shorter at the long end is the Tokina 80-400mm although again no IS, but looks to be a solid performer. I'll keep looking, I'm sure I will find something at some point to meet my needs, it's just very frustrating when a lens costing £600-£700 (a huge amount of money to me) is still called a budget lens, why do we always get ripped off in this country and photograhy is not an exception either.
 
What about hiring a lens or two to try out before committing to buy?

Can be done via mail order and gives you a chance to "try before you buy".
 
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