needs lens advice for wildlife, birds etc

Z

Zetex

Messages
5
Name
Ian
Edit My Images
Yes
hi,

i have recently purchased a nikon d3100 and two lens kit. its came with 18-55 kit lens which is fine. really like the camera and its very easy to use and already producing some cracking pictures (for my standard)

the other lens is a nikon 55-300mm VR lens, i was hoping this would allow me to take picture of birds in my garden, but the distance im shooting from is approx 20ft and i just cant get close enough with this lens...

can anyone suggest a lens that will allow me to do this, i have been reading but im a little confused, im very new to photography and as a newbie the budget is a bit tight but willing to invest, this is a hobby to me and always will be....

many thanks in advance...

Z:)
 
By no means am I an expert but the biggest problem seems to be that above 300 mm, things start to get a little bit pricy. Do you have a budget in mind? The sigma 150-500 OS HSM may be worth a look but it's going to cost £600+

Edited to add, maybe think about ways of getting closer to the birds without scaring them off. Hides etc....
 
Invest is a good word to use.
Unlike SLRs lenses can last a lifetime.
Do you have a budget ?
I wouldn't recommend using a TC with that lens btw
 
are the birds you are photographing on a bird table ? if so might be a cheaper option to gradually move it closer to where you are. I don't think teleconvertors would work (cerainly not well) with your lens - they are mostly suited to fast telephoto prime lenses.
 
Have a search for various threads under this 'equipment' area, including one recently on the use of hides, camo, etc.
 
Agree with above, a £30-£50 camo net/hide/poncho is a good investment and will return much more than a lens costing loads more will.

If you start taking things more seriously in the future then look into better lenses, but be prepared to pay. And your camo will still be useful even then.
 
I have a 70-300 VR on my D5k, and tbh I find it the perfect balance between being close enough and being portable. I don't often find I need something longer tbh. Admittedly I do have a 600 AIS, btu rarely use it. And, I can often crop pretty heavily on the D5000 and get fine results, and you, with having the newer sensor and better ISO control, should have even fewer problems, so long as the AF is spot on. :thumbs:
 
thanks guys,

some very helpful tips there... im trying to photograph birds that are on the bird table.

at what distance would i need to be using the 55-300mm lens?

thanks alot

Z
 
Hi Ian

To give you an idea, this was taken with the 150-500 at 500mm from 10-12 metres.

Feet.jpg
 
Hi mate

That what I'm trying to achieve, either I build a hide or I pay for a lens with reach they are my options..

I think I will go and see what I can get a sigma 150-500mm

Off for a look around, thanks once again guys...

Z
 
Another recommendation would be the Sigma 100-300mm F4 IF DG EX APO HSM - I know as I've owned one....

Infact I sold it here a little while ago to get Nikons 70-200mm VR - shame really as that was a cracking lens - had both Sigma's EX APO 1.4x & 2x TC's to go with it as well....

They go for around the £550 mark IIRC
 
Zetex said:
Hi mate

That what I'm trying to achieve, either I build a hide or I pay for a lens with reach they are my options..

I think I will go and see what I can get a sigma 150-500mm

Off for a look around, thanks once again guys...

Z
Click to expand...

Just make sure the sigma has HSM. That is the focus motor that you'll need for the 3100. The new 150-500 does have it, but I think there are older versions (or similar lenses) that don't.

Thanks
Rick
 
Zetex said:
Hi mate

That what I'm trying to achieve, either I build a hide or I pay for a lens with reach they are my options..

I think I will go and see what I can get a sigma 150-500mm

Off for a look around, thanks once again guys...

Z
Click to expand...

I think you may need to do both!

I use the 150-500 but still find I need to get very close, 10-15ft, to achieve frame filling shots of smaller birds.

You can always zoom out when something larger, like a woodpecker, turns up.:thumbs:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top