Stuff
Again I spent a good part of Saturday working on old image files…. And I started packing my checked bags. This blog post, which took me about 1 1/4 hours to assemble, is the 170th in a row. It was published just before 5:30am on Saturday, June 28, 2015. I fly to Newark today to meet up with denise for our red-eye flight to Edinburgh, Scotland.
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Big Glass Advice Request…
An e-mail from SB:
Artie, Hope your summer is going well. I just watched your B&H video with Denise on Pleasing Blurs; lovely stuff. You guys have inspired me to try some! Thanks.
We spoke late in April. I am almost ready to spend some money and yes, I will of course use your B&H affiliate link. First I have an important additional question (on top of what you and I have already spoken about before). Here goes:
I am going to find myself with a $30k budget instead of the $20k that we had spoken about earlier. Keeping in mind that I own an EOS 7D Mark II and and an EOS 5D Mark III, which option below would you go with? Or would you recommend a different option?
Be mindful that my biggest two lenses at the moment are 300mm F/4L IS and the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. I also own the 24-105mm zoom and both the 1.4X III and the 2X III TCs.
Option 1:
Canon 600mm f/4L IS II
Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS II
Option 2:
Canon 600mm f/4L IS II
Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS II
Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS II
Option 3:
Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS II
Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS II
Option 4:
Canon 600mm f/4L IS II
Canon 500mm f/4L IS II
Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS II
Here is the e-mail conversation that followed:
AM: Where do you photograph?
SB: Mostly in Ohio where I live.
AM: What do you like to photograph?
SB: All types of birds. And I love to do flight photography.
AM: Do you travel to Africa, Antarctica, the Galapagos or similar places with either large animals or very tame birds?
SB: Nope.
AM: Do you go out west to photograph large mammals in low light?
SB: Nope.
AM: How old are you?
SB: 50.
AM: Are you fairly fit?
SB: Yes, fairly.
AM: Give me a call at the office and we can do a phone consult. BTW, if you’d like to learn more about creating pleasing blurs, check out A Guide to Pleasing Blurs by Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris.
Your Call
#1: Which of the options above would you recommend for SB? Why? (Try not to let the fact that you will be earning a 3.5% commission on the total influence your answer.)
#2: If none of the above, what combination of lenses would you recommend for him? Why?
#3: Which intermediate telephoto lens would you recommend? Why?
#4: Would you recommend that he consider the 200-400II f/4L IS II with Internal TC? Why?
#5: Which of the super-telephotos on his list would you suggest that he definitely not buy? Why?
#6: Would you recommend an additional camera body? Why?
7: What other advice would you give SB?
I will share my answers to the above with y’all here soon. artie
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In 2015, we are offering a 3-DAY IPT before Thanksgiving and a 4-DAY IPT after the holiday. You can attend either and spend Thanksgiving Day with your family. Sign up for both and we will be glad to apply a $100 discount to your balance. We know that there are lots of less costly workshops being offered these days. Many of them are downright cheap. Please remember that you get exactly what you pay for. With us you will have two full time pros there for you every minute we are in the field. Together they have more than 28 seasons of experience at the refuge. If you want the finest in photographic instruction and want to be assured of being in the right spot at exactly the right time every day, do join us. |
Bosque del Apache 2015 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). 3-FULL DAY IPT: NOV 22-24, 2015. $1149. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Meet and greet and introductory slide program after dinner on your own at 7:00pm on SAT NOV 21.
Tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, ducks, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and blast-offs. Live, eat, and breathe photography with two of the world’s premier photographic educators at one of their very favorite photography locations on the planet. Top-notch in-the-field and Photoshop instruction. This will make 21 consecutive Novembers at Bosque for artie. This will be denise’s 7th workshop at the refuge. Nobody knows the place better than artie does. Join us to learn to think like a pro, to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather, especially the sky conditions, the light, and the wind direction. Every time we make a move we will let you know why. When you head home being able to apply what you’ve learned on your home turf will prove to be invaluable.
This workshop includes 3 morning and 3 afternoon photography sessions, an inspirational introductory slide program after dinner on your own on Saturday, 11/21, all lunches, and after-lunch digital workflow, Photoshop, and image critiquing sessions.
There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque IPT as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and to the weather. We are totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day leaving the hotel by 5:30 am to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 10:30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch and then a classroom session with the group most days. We head back to the refuge at about 3:30pm each day and photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity.
A $449 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 7/25/2015. If you cancel and the trip fills, we will be glad to apply a credit applicable to a future IPT for the full amount less a $100 processing fee. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check (made out to “Arthur Morris.”) You can also leave your deposit with a credit card by calling the office at 863-692-0906. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
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In 2015, we are offering a 3-DAY IPT before Thanksgiving and a 4-DAY IPT after the holiday. You can attend either and spend Thanksgiving Day with your family. Sign up for both and we will be glad to apply a $100 discount to your balance. We know that there are lots of less costly workshops being offered these days. Please remember that you get exactly what you pay for. If you want the finest in photographic instruction and want to be assured of being in the right spot at exactly the right time, do join us. |
Bosque del Apache 2015 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). 4-DAY IPT: (three full and two 1/2 DAYS) NOV 28-DEC 2, 2015. $1499. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Meet and greet at 3pm on SAT NOV 28 followed by an afternoon photo session at the crane pools and the introductory slide program after dinner on your own.
Tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, ducks, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and blast-offs. Live, eat, and breathe photography with two of the world’s premier photographic educators at one of their very favorite photography locations on the planet. Top-notch in-the-field and Photoshop instruction. This will make 21 consecutive Novembers at Bosque for artie. This will be denise’s 7th workshop at the refuge. Nobody knows the place better than artie does. Join us to learn to think like a pro, to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather, especially the sky conditions, the light, and the wind direction. Every time we make a move we will let you know why. When you head home being able to apply what you’ve learned on your home turf will prove to be invaluable.
This workshop includes 4 afternoon (11/28through 12/1), 4 morning (11/29 to 12/2) photography sessions, an inspirational introductory slide program after dinner on your own on Saturday, 11/28, all lunches, and after-lunch digital workflow, Photoshop, and image critiquing sessions.
There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque IPT as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and to the weather. We are totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day leaving the hotel by 5:30 am to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 10:30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch and then a classroom session with the group most days. We head back to the refuge at about 3:30pm each day and photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity.
A $599 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 7/25/2015. If you cancel and the trip fills, we will be glad to apply a credit applicable to a future IPT for the full amount less a $100 processing fee. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check (made out to “Arthur Morris.”) You can also leave your deposit with a credit card by calling the office at 863-692-0906. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
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Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
I love this post and the discussion in the comments, even if it’s mostly because it sparks some great daydreaming about buying some of the gear being discussed. Personally though…
#1: None of the above. Certainly no combination that included both the 600 & 500 f/4s or the 400 & 300 f/2.8s. In fact, not the 400mm f/2.8 at all.
#2: With that budget (and ignoring the “don’t spend it all at once” voices in my head) I’d get:
600mm f/4 (my dream lens for bird photography; super-sharp, excellent reach, great with 1.4x, and ok with 2x).
300mm f/2.8 (mind-bending lay sharp, “light-weight” for BIF).
1DX (I own the 5D3 and have used the 7D2 for birds; the 1DX seems like the best of both worlds with great image quality & AF, plus high fps).
#3: 300mm f/2.8 … Unsurpassed sharpness.
#4: With no travel in mind and no great interest in mammals or larger birds, I wouldn’t recommend the 200-400. For me though, with high interest in all those things, I consider it the best lens on the market by any manufacturer, bar none.
#5: Don’t buy the 400mm f/2.8. Too heavy for long periods of BIF. Specifically for birds, I also wouldn’t consider the 500; the 600 is the must-have.
#6: 1DX … the image quality of the 5D3 with (better than) the frame rate of the 7D2.
#7: SB, given you live on the same continent as Artie, I’d definitely be joining in as many IPTs as possible. Artie, any plans for an Australian IPT sometime? Lake Eyre next time it floods perhaps? Queensland shorebirds?
It seems to me that SB has more money than sense.
If he is that keen a bird photographer and doesn’t know what equipment would be most useful to him, then something does not stack up.
Throwing this much cash at a bunch of lenses in one go is a recipe for making a huge and expensive mistake (or mistakes). I would advise ditching the 300 F4 and 70-200mm F2.8 in favour of the 300mm F2.8 with 1.4x and 2x converters and see how you get on. Some folks cannot hand hold a long lens to save their lives and it would be better to find out early with this excellent combination and only then decide which of the really long heavy glass would best fit the bill.
Ben, Though tact has never been my strong points, your comments might be a bit on the harsh side for some…. IAC, you do make some good points. But I do not see any reason for someone who wants to get in the game properly not to purchase the right super-telephoto lens right off the bat…. artie
I am sure everyone would love to get in the game properly right off the bat, but unfortunately life is never that simple.
The fact is we are all different. The requirement for someone shooting skittish passerines in difficult foreign locations is quite different to those of someone shooting larger, virtually tame birds in a local nature reserve.
I doubt that any of us has ever got it right straightaway – getting it wrong sometimes is part of the learning curve we all go have to go through and the fact that there have been as many different pieces of advice as there are contributors to this discussion makes my point exactly.
In a way, there is no right or wrong because whatever SB gets it will be right for some situations and wrong for others and even if he buys the entire Canon lens arsenal he won’t be able to carry the whole lot around for every trip. For me the important thing is to take an educated guess, buy a lens and start using it. A good photographer always seems to get good shots while the artistically and/or technically challenged go around blaming their tools.
Ben, not sure what you do for a living but I can tell you, I work hard for every penny I make and have plenty of sense that helps me make it as well.
I believe in asking experts for recommendations before I invest in something like a $10k dollar lens. Therefore this blog of Artie’s seemed to satisfy my needs to obtain some good feedback from the so called enthusiasts that consider themselves as friends and students of Arthur Morris. I am not looking for or have asked for negative critique on this subject so I think you may have mis-read the opening blog from Artie!
If you would like to offer up some positive thoughts, I will be more than happy to take your ideas into consideration, and wish you all the very best in whatever en-devour you are pursuing yourself.
As Artie would say ‘Thanks for Sharing’
SB
Oops, sorry to have stepped on your corns SB.
I too worked hard for my living, so hard in fact, that now I no longer have to.
There was no negative critique, just a straightforward opinion which you are free to take or leave as you wish. And no negativity or critique at all, just an observation on life’s little learning curve which you seem determined to avoid. Admirable but also quite futile. Like the rest of us, you will make mistakes and hopefully, learn from them.
If you would care to actually read what I said, you will see I suggested the 300mm F2.8 with the 1.4x and 2x extenders as a starting point. It is an exceedingly fine lens, works well with extenders and the combination would provide you with plenty of flexibility without too much bulk or weight. The 200-400 would also work but is relatively big, slow and heavy in comparison. Otherwise you could pick more or less anything from of the other assorted and conflicting opinions with a blind fold and a pin because without knowing what you want to shoot and where you intend to shoot it, any advice on choice of lens/camera body is shooting in the dark. (Note the clever pun)
Well Guy’s what can I say, thank you so very much for your comments and recommendations, it’s exactly what I was looking for. There is nothing like feedback from the experts.
So just to give you a little more info, because a number of you have asked. I use a RRS Tripod 33 Series and the BH55 head as my main rig but also own the compact travel RRS 1 series that goes in my suitcase when I am travelling for work. I suspect I will purchase the RRS Gimble head once I make up my mind on this latest question. I absolutely love the RRS range of equipment and expect to stay loyal with them for a very long time.
I find myself asking you guys these lens questions because it seems that the range of options are moving way too quickly and I do not seem to convince myself to pull the trigger to go in a specific direction.
I don’t want to be a lens collector for the sake of it, but I do want a nice spread of lenses to cover a broad range of subjects etc. I asked about the various options with Artie to provoke as much comment as possible to help me choose.
I agree with you guy’s about Education, I expect to be on future IPT’s, maybe with some of you perhaps? But I do feel I need some additional equipment before I sign up for these serious IPT field trips.
You guys have given me some great ideas and insight and I feel i am real close to choosing.
Thanks again for your valued input, I really do appreciate and hope to see some of you in the field on future IPT’s with the master himself!
Thanks to Artie for asking all you guys for feedback, he must be training you guys well because you are all on a similar path to what Artie outlined to me directly.
Hope to see you guys in the future!
Best regards
SB
SB…Art says you’re in Ohio? Where at? I’m in Cleveland.
Doug
Doug,
See my email to you directly though you website.
Thanks
SB
#1: If I have to recommend one of the options it would be Option 1. Reason is that the 600mm lens has to be included for reach and the 300mm as a great handholding lens for flight photography. The 400mm lens included in all other options is primarily for sport photography. Also, the 500mm lens in Option 1 would be easier to hand hold than the 600mm if the 300mm is too short.
#2: However, the need for the 500mm is very limited when having a 600mm. Therefore, I would suggest to include the new 100-400 ii instead. The 100-400 is a great lens and very versatile and easy to handhold for flight photography.
#3: I would recommend the 300mm F/2.8 ii as the intermediate telephoto lens. It is fast and probably the sharpest lens in the World and at only 2.35 kg it is easy to handhold. With TCs it even covers 300-960mm with the two camera bodies of SB.
#4: No, I would not recommend considering the 200-400mm as SB is not travelling. Otherwise, it would have been great for versatility.
#5: I would definetely not recommend buying the 400mm f/2.8 as it is mainly a lens for sport photography.
#6: Yes, I would recommend an additional camera body as the 1DX due to the faster frame rate and initial focusing capability especially with the TCs.
#7: My overall advice would be to buy: 600mm f/4 + 300mm f/2.8 + 100-400mm ii and a 1DX camera body. This totals USD 25,096 at B&H. Then I would recommend spending some money on a good Gitzo tripod and a Mongoose or Wimberley head if SB not already has it. Also, I recommend buying an extra 1.4Xiii and 2.0Xiii TC. Furthermore, he may also need some more photo bags for all the new equipment … ; – )
Regards Steen
My thoughts…
#1. Don’t buy everything at once.
#2. No way on the 800. I’m in Ohio and I’ve never, ever wished for the 800.
That’s what the 1.4x and 2x are for if you know how to use them.
#3. I would start out with two lenses…the 600 and 300 2.8 and sell the 300
F4. the 300 with a 1.4 and the 7d2 crop factor will cover 300-500. Not
to mention its a nice ‘in the middle’ lens if your not sure what to bring.
Then after trying that, decide if your shooting requires something wider and/or
faster. I’ve seen my share of postings where people have bought to many lenses,
only to find out they’re not needed. So start slow.
Basically, Option #1, minus the 500. Then work your way up.
Doug
The only option of the original 4 that makes any sense to me is #1. Although even that option is a little excessive especially when one has never used anything larger than a 300 f/4. Personally, I shoot with 600II, 200-400 and 300II as my big glass and I have had times where I’d have liked to have the 500II so that is why option #1 makes a little sense to me.
However, I would advise taking things slow and maybe starting with the 500II or 600II depending on how much reach he needs. I would look at the 100-400II as an addition but not the 200-400. The 200-400 is good for big animals, Antarctica, Galapagos, Africa but not necessarily for general birding at home. I mainly use mine on trips and only have one situation at home (eagle nest) where I find use for it on a regular basis.
If he does a lot of walk around birding then I would advise the 300II or 400DOII with TCs as a very good option. Or that could go to the 100-400II instead.
I would probably hold off on any body purchase as we are so close to the updates on 5D and 1DX that if you have the money why buy old technology now when new will be out in less than a year (most likely anyways).
Geoff,
Thanks for your feedback, great info regarding the 200-400mm, I am eliminating that idea.
I like the idea of 600mm & 300mm F2.8 combo. Hadn’t really considered the 100-400 ii so I am looking deeper into that lens.
Thanks for your input I really appreciate.
Steve
I would rent a 400, 500, 600 and another camera body before I purchased to see which one/s I preferred and would fit my photographic needs and budget. A 100-400, upgraded tripod and head, extra tcs, would be my first purchase. Spend the additional monies on IPTs and education. Too much equipment can be a hinderance when in the field. By renting first you can make an informed choice as to your type of photography. With the newer cameras the ability to “crank” up the ISO I would not purchase the 200-400. Good luck
Thanks James IPT’s are definately on the hit list.
Hope to see you out there one day! Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate.
SB
So you’re fit and 50 . Like Bif. Have 24-105, 70-200 is ll and 300 f4.
Mostly you shoot locally so assume no travel restrictions and easy transport to location by car.
I would recommend the new 500. The new 1-4 and a 1Dx.
Spend the rest on a educational experience like an IPT. Better gear matters less than becoming a better photographer..
The 1-4 will go nice with or without a 1.4 TC on the 1Dx for up to 540 fl at f8. Focuses fast and beautifully sharp.
On the 7D2 it gives about 800 fl at f8
The 500 can be used on either body with either TC and will give you up to1600 at F8, relatively handhold able and sharp as can be.
Keep the 300 f4 .
You would have a kit that can do everything you need to do, without going overboard, and would be the envy of most of the rest of us.
Don’t spend the money just for the sake of it .
Just get a few pieces and get to work with them and see how you go.
Invest in your education and have more experiences to broaden your skills.
Maybe look at a really good tripod and mongoose head.
Then go out and have fun.
Kind regards
David Peake.
Thanks David, I appreciate.
IPT’s sound a great idea to me, I hope to see you out there in the future.
Thanks
SB
Very fortunate to have that sort of $ to spend, nice! I wouldn’t recommend any of the listed options. Instead I’d recommend to buy a Canon 600mm f/4L IS II, suitable gitzo tripod and wimberley/mongoose head, and 1DX, to use for distant birds. Buy an extra 1.4x III and 2X III for redundancy. Put existing 70-200 f/2.8L IS II on 5DIII for low light/close subjects. Buy a 400mm f/4L DO II and put on the 7DII for BIF. Consider a 100mm f/2.8L IS macro lens and a wide angle lens if he has interest in filling in time when birds are not co-operating. Then ensure he has enough extras like suitable bags/trolley/raincovers/lenscoats/spare batteries/cards/processing software/site guides to round out the kit if required. A lot of this can be purchased from BAA online store, the rest from B&H, and any leftover $ towards travel and IPTs.
Thanks Kylie, we are on a similar wavelength 600mm is probably the way I will go. At the moment I favor the 300 F2.8 as it’s side kick over the 400mm DO. Everything else you mention is already in place per your thoughts, excellent!
Thanks for your input I really appreciate.
Steve
600mm f4/II
400mm Do f/4II.
1DX.
I hope the 400 DOII, lives up to it’s potential, It could be a game changer. A big yes to the 1Dx. It truly belongs in the line up with this budget.
No mention of tripod and head already being owned. Given the glass currently owned and what is being looked at I’d bet a tripod/head upgrade should be on the list. I’m thinking my dream setup is the 600 for reach, 200-400 for flexibility, and 400 DO II for hand held.
Several thoughts instantly spring to mind, but ultimately, each to their own…!
First up, 600mm f/4 – this to me is an absolute no brainer. You rarely find yourself with too much reach when shooting birds, especially smaller passerines. I’d then pair this with the new 100-400mm adding the versatility of a hand holdable zoom. This leaves one key lens question – what’s the best hand-hold flight option. You may well find the 100-400mm is good enough, and I’d recommend taking your time before buying too many lenses, and really take note of where you feel your compromising on focal length (go into you favoured image management software and take a look at what focal length you’ve been shooting at). I’m yet to form a solid opinion on flight – you want FAST across the board, so that suggests gravitating to perhaps the 300mm f/2.8. Some like the 500mm for hand holding, but with a 600mm very little to be gained by adding a focal length so close. Finally, I’d definitely save some money for the 1DX replacement. Checking Artie’s questions, I’d say “no” to the 200-400mm. Absolute must for mammals and safari, but of less value for birds. And I’d say “no” to the 800mm. If you need that much reach, 600mm with tcs I think is a better option.
Two closing thoughts – consider how much gear you want to travel around with and what you enjoy photographing most.
Martin
That’s exactly my opinion, Martin. This and the advice to spent the rest of the money for IPTs 🙂
Bernhard
Martin,
This is great, I like your thinking. 600mm & 300mm might be my winning combination I feel.
Thanks very much for your input, I really appreciate!
SB
I think that having one supert-telephoto for almost every 100mm might be a bit overkill. I would have bought the 600/4, 400/2.8 and waited for the new 1Dx II or the 5D IV when it will be released sometime in the near future. With a 1.4x on the 600/4, he would get 840/5.6 with a slight advantage in IQ compared to the 800/5.6.
What is he gonna do with the 400 f/2.8L IS II? a
Perhaps low light action photography/birds in flight during the late/early hours? A 400/2.8 would also be great to isolate the subject from the backround with a tiny DOF 🙂
I’d rather stay away from “perhaps” when it comes to spending $10K…. Plus, the thing weighs 8 1/2 pounds; it is much too heavy for more folks to hand hold. a
I agree, but I got the impression that he wanted more than one super telephoto lens. If I could only choose one I would go for the 600/4 🙂
Hi again, Artie. A couple more thoughts. SB seems to be wanting to buy lenses for the sake of buying lenses, which is great for your commission and for Canon and B+H. But my preference is to buy what you think you need. I have a 7D2 and my longet lenses are 400mm f/5.6. The lens I find myself wishing for most is the 600 f/4 ISII, and that’s what i’d buy if I had $12K or $120K. So I think SB should probably start with that lens and the ZD2 based on what he said, and then after a while see where he feels he needs something else.
Hi David,
We are on a similar wave length, I am not wanting to buy for the sake of it however, I am simply wanting to try to get it right IF POSSIBLE first time? This might be asking too much I suspect!
Thanks for your input however, I really appreciate.
SB
Hi again, SB. Thanks for taking the time to respond to everyone and for taking everyone’s advice seriously. Good for you. Again, go slow! Each new lens will require some learning. The new 100-400 is a gem, by the way. Also, if I might respond to your question about whether to buy the 1DX or wait for a possible successor, I think it’s generally unwise to wait for a camera that hasn’t even been announced if you want a camera now. If you want/need a camera now, choose among cameras that are available or just about to become available for whatever best fits your wants and needs. The 1DX Mark 2 might be a long time coming, if it comes at all. My own view is that current cameras are so good that I need to get better before I buy another one, unless someone comes out with a much smaller, lighter camera that’s as good as what I have.
I guess the first question I would ask SB is if he is comfortable using the 1.4x and 2.0x.
They offer amazing reach but if you aren’t successfully using them for crisp, sharp pictures .. I would include an 800mm
In the mix. Definatley a 100m-400mm II, 500mm and a 70mm-200mm II. I love to shoot waterfowl, shorebirds and Sandhills (especially large flocks during migration) so I would add a wide angle in the mix. I have a 28-300mm, old but great range flexibility. May not be applicable for SB ..
Love the 1DX with all these lenses but shutter is loud if working with tame/close birds. Just my opinion…
Hi Cheri, thanks for your input.
Yes I am comfortable with my extenders. I am now seriously looking at the 100-400mm that I wasn’t considering to be honest. I am in two thoughts about the 1DX, should I wait for the new one or what? More thought is needed on that issue.
Thanks again
SB
Where is the 800? He can’t get close and loves flight; if that was the case for me I would seriously consider it. I think I would make the following list:
1. 800/5.6
2. 600/4 or 500/4 (depends on how strong I am lol)
3. 100-400 II
4. 1DX
Hope he has a good tripod and gimbal head too. An absolute must if you ask me.
The 400/2.8 is way too heavy for my liking and the 300 is awesome but if he can’t get close then it is far less useful.
Thanks Mike, I appreciate your input.
SB
All of the listed options have too much redundancy. My selection is 600 f/4 II, 300 2.8 II, and 1D-X. Use the rest of the money for travel to Florida, Bosque, South Texas, etc.
Seconded.
Thirded.
I agree in principle as well. Also, why buy all those lenses at once? Certainly the 600 f/4 IS II. If he sells his 300 f/4 and gets the f/2.8 version he’s got low light and versatility. Then i’d get the 100-400 II. Reach limited? Get the 7D2 to go with the 5D3. Wow, what fun!
I love it Alan, I think this could prove to be the winner.
Thanks very much for your input, I really appreciate.
Steve
I would go for the following:
500mm f/4 IS II (lighter than 600mm and with 1.4 and 2x enough reach)
400mm f/4 IS DO II (would not do f/2,8 as is more heavy, with 1.4x still at 560mm)
100-400 L IS II (tested it myself from yours truly (-; , light and very good handholdable)
With this set I do not see much added value for 200-400II f/4L IS II, as this reach is covered by the above and already existing lenses.
Would add 1DX over 5D Mark III, is best in class, faster, superb quality files.
Wilfred
Thanks Wildred.
SB
600mm f/4 II
400mm DO f/4 II
One extra 1.4TC III
1DX
the 70-200mm II covers 70-280mm with a 1.4TC (upto 400mm with the 2TC)
the 400mm DO is light and can be extended to 560mm with a 1.4 TC
the 600mm takes you to 1200mm.
I would seriously consider a 1DX (instead of a 500mm) because it is simply amazing in tough conditions.
I personally would not consider the 200-400mm. If you would want a zoom for BIF, take the 100-400mm II.
Thanks Peter, I like your ideas, just not sure about the 400mm DO compared to the 300mm F2.8?
I just need to think about it a little more.
Appreciate your feedback
Steve
Heck, this one is easy!
600mm f/4 IS II (the one consistent item)
400mm f/4 IS DO II
100-400 L IS II
upgrade that 24-105 to the miraculous 24-70 f/2.8 II
Maybe the 300 f/2.8 L IS II if local conditions warrant for low light shooting over reach
drop in polarizer and maybe a 100 L IS Macro for fun
I just don’t see owning both the 500 and 600, especially not if you get a 400 DO II
Mr Lloyd,
You have me looking seriously at the 100-400mm that I had not really considered.
Many thanks
SB