What lens for birding, 100-400mm L or a prime & which one?

[markmce]

 

[artyman]

Primes are usually a tad sharper, the 100-400 is more flexible, has 2 stops IS, for birding longer is usually better, so also consider Sigma 150-500 (better IS system than the Canon, but a bit heavier, but also longer) and the Sigma 50-500. Or if money no object the Canon 500mm f4 is considered a good lens. Personally I would go with a zoom.

 

[markmce]

Artyman thanks for the reply, is the Sigma 150-500mm as sharp as the Canon 100-400mm, sharpness and reach are important ?

 

[artyman]

I was happy with my Sigma 150-500, this is a 100% crop and full size shot

 

[John Mc]

Might I just interject and ask, Was that on Your 7D?

 

[RichardTaylor]

Purely for birding probably the prime (the only downside being is relatively long minimum focussing distance)

For a birding and general purpose use, especially when you just want to "reach in" and grab things the 100-400 (I own one).

 

[artyman]

Might I just interject and ask, Was that on Your 7D?

No that was on my 350D.

These are from the 7D