What equipment are you using?

[sundset]

Hi,

I am seeing some great pictures posted. I was wondering what cameras and lenses are being used? I am using a Canon Rebel XT with the 70-300mm but am looking to upgrade any suggestions.

Sue

[Gord]

Sue, a good camera body and the lens is good (I've used one for years) but a little slow unless you have a good cooperative subject in good light.

The lens is the important part. You might want to look at a f/4 or even f/2.8 in 200 - 300mm length if looking to get more out of a day taking pictures. Image stabilization is really nice to have for when a tripod is not handy or feasible.

I use a 200mm f/2.8 on a Nikon body for some of my shots and a Rebel with probably the same lens (f/5.6) as your lens as well.

I think you could upgrade lens first and still be able to upgrade the body in the future and still use the lens. Not sure what your budget is but there's ways to make it work out even though these lenses will start at around $1500.

[kastern]

I've been waiting before responding to see what equipment everyone else is using. I use two different cameras. Most of my pictures are taken on an Olympus SP-550UZ camera with 7.1 megapixels, 18 x optical zoom and image stabilization. I like it because it is small enough that I can manage it, a pair of binoculars and a dog lead. I usually always have this camera with me.

For the times when I can seriously take pictures (translation - husband takes the dog)...I have a Pentex SLR that I have just recently bought a 75 - 300 mm lens for F 4.5 - 5.8. Haven't had much chance to use it yet but am pleased with what I have taken. Prior to this lens I was using a 80 - 320 mm Lens that I used with my old Pentex film SLR....the only problem with it was that I could only use it on manual...which is good in a lot of situations but I found I really had trouble figuring out if things were actually in focus with it, especially when subjects got too close....this is why I went for a lens I could use on either manual or automatic focus. I am considering going to something like a 500 mm lens but I also don't like using a tripod....find them too restrictive so haven't decided exactly what to do there yet.

Kathy

[onejay]

Hi Sue,

Like Kathy I too own a Pentax camera, (I have the K10D), and I use different lenses depending on what I'm shooting.

My favorite lens for bird shots is a 300mm prime lens. It is sharp and fast and not so heavy that I can not handhold it although I prefer using a tripod.

There are a lot of really good cameras around but what I really like about mine is that it is weather sealed.

The picture I am including in this post is taken through a window with the 300mm lens.
Happy shopping!

[Gord]

Beautiful!!!!

[sundset]

Thanks to everyone for your info. What a nice picture of the black headed grosbeak, I have had one at our feeder the last few days. I live out at Eagle Point.
;D
Sue

[ziff]

do 'birders' use cameras inplace of binos these days?