Suitable for wildlife shots?

[andycallaghan]

I've just invested in a new camera, and I want to get a "set" of lenses together before I go out and take some snaps.

One thing I love shooting is wildlife (mainly birds).

Would something like this do the trick?

A Sigma 135-400mm f4.5-5.6 APO?

I know there are lenses worth hundreds/thousands that will be the creme de la creme, but I want something basic for the time being.

What are your thoughts?

Or would a 500mm mirror lens be better?

 

[pooley]

Never used the sigma, but I'd have to be pretty desperate to use a mirror

 

[Moonrakerz]

Earlier this year I was looking for a similar lens. I had already decided that the £4,000 + Nikkor was OUT !
After reading an awful lot of reviews, I tried the 150mm - 500mm Sigma

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/telezoom/150-500mm.htm

It is big, heavy and usually needs a monopod or tripod (can be hand held - just !) but I have been really impressed with it.
The OS on it is particularly effective, if a little noisy - but not enough to scare the birds off.
It is more expensive, but I would suggest a look at it.

At 500mm:-

 

[andycallaghan]

Earlier this year I was looking for a similar lens. I had already decided that the £4,000 + Nikkor was OUT !
After reading an awful lot of reviews, I tried the 150mm - 500mm Sigma

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/telezoom/150-500mm.htm

It is big, heavy and usually needs a monopod or tripod (can be hand held - just !) but I have been really impressed with it.
The OS on it is particularly effective, if a little noisy - but not enough to scare the birds off.
It is more expensive, but I would suggest a look at it.

Ah, that was my second choice! Haha.
The 400mm seems better value though...... hmmmmm.

Well at least I guess I'll steer clear of mirror lens.

 

[artyman]

Another vote for the 150-500 it's a good lens if your budget is constrained and comparable to the Canon 100-400.

 

[Joe T]

Dont buy a mirror lens.

 

[Jackwow]

Another vote for the 150-500 it's a good lens if your budget is constrained and comparable to the Canon 100-400.

I'm assuming u were very close to the bird or that's a big crop?

 

[artyman]

I'm assuming u were very close to the bird or that's a big crop?

That's the full frame as I recall about 15 ft.