Bird photography

[PND]

Following on from my last thread, I recently bought a secondhand Canon EOS 500D off a work colleague.  I have since been out and about learning how to use it!  It is the first SLR I have ever owned so it's all new to me at the moment.

Here are some of my recent pics..















As you can see from the last photo of the kingfisher, I have quickly realised that I could do did with a bigger, better, longer lens! I knew when I bought it that the 75-300 kit lens was OK for starters, but wasn't great.  It is the non-IS version.  I have been looking at the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM.  Anyone got experience of it?  Any other recommendations?  Up to £800-£900 to spend on secondhand..  It's going to be for wildlife and bird photography as I am really enjoying it.

Cheers!

Paul.

[rich83]

EXCELLENT!!! I shamefully admit to loving photographing the odd bird too  

The 100-400mm is what I've got and its mega. Perfect on a crop sensor camera as you effectively end up with a 640mm lens   Its great for wildlife, great for Motorsport.... EPIC lens!

You were lucky to see a Kingfisher too, we also saw one today but too far to photgraph.

Sorry... ive just cost you 1000 pounds!  

Rich

[Saintsteve]

Brilliant shots!!!

some of the best wildlife I've seen on here 

[rich83]

I put up a thread on the mk4 forum, entitled  "Show us your bird" 

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/t/250842.aspx

Its got 24,000 views.... and I cannot think why!   

[PND]

EXCELLENT!!! I shamefully admit to loving photographing the odd bird too 

The 100-400mm is what I've got and its mega. Perfect on a crop sensor camera as you effectively end up with a 640mm lens  Its great for wildlife, great for Motorsport.... EPIC lens!

You were lucky to see a Kingfisher too, we also saw one today but too far to photgraph.

Sorry... ive just cost you 1000 pounds! 

Rich

Hi Rich

Oh no, that's bad news... another hit due on my bank balance!

Is there anything to look out for when buying secondhand, apart from the obvious of no scratches, etc?  Any recommended places to buy from, or places to avoid?

Thanks for the advice.

Paul.

Brilliant shots!!!

some of the best wildlife I've seen on here 

Thanks for that Steve.  I've surprised myself!  Just wish I'd started 20 years ago!

[rich83]

My advice is not to buy a secondhand on unless you know 100% of what life it has had. They are a very very complicated push pull lens and can go wrong if not looked after. (mine needs servicing because its had a lot of hammer)

Drop the extra on a new one... you will not regret it. If you do regret it ill give you the difference back 

[PND]

My advice is not to buy a secondhand on unless you know 100% of what life it has had. They are a very very complicated push pull lens and can go wrong if not looked after. (mine needs servicing because its had a lot of hammer)

Drop the extra on a new one... you will not regret it. If you do regret it ill give you the difference back 

I know what you mean.. it's the same as everything else, you get what you pay for. 

I'd better have a look in my garage and see what I can find to sell.. 

[rich83]

 

[Hedge]

I think I would be happy buying from a reputable dealer if it came with some form of warranty.

My understanding is that these lenses can suffer from dust ingress if you are wanting to watch out for something.

You could always factor a service into the price if you are haggling. 

[Top Cat]

I also visit a Lotus forum believe it or not, and in it's photography section, this guy started posting a couple of pics of a kingfisher which were superb, so i asked him for a link to his flickr album.
Well as uncle knobhead would say, " fook my tall hat"  check some of these out. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hairyduck/7545125940/in/photostream/lightbox/

[rich83]

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/used-lenses/

2 to choose from there. 

[rich83]

I also visit a Lotus forum believe it or not, and in it's photography section, this guy started posting a couple of pics of a kingfisher which were superb, so i asked him for a link to his flickr album.
Well as uncle knobhead would say, " fook my tall hat"  check some of these out. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hairyduck/7545125940/in/photostream/lightbox/

Stunning.....

[PND]

I think I would be happy buying from a reputable dealer if it came with some form of warranty.

My understanding is that these lenses can suffer from dust ingress if you are wanting to watch out for something.

You could always factor a service into the price if you are haggling. 

Thanks for the good advice. 

I also visit a Lotus forum believe it or not, and in it's photography section, this guy started posting a couple of pics of a kingfisher which were superb, so i asked him for a link to his flickr album.
Well as uncle knobhead would say, " fook my tall hat"  check some of these out. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hairyduck/7545125940/in/photostream/lightbox/

 

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/used-lenses/

2 to choose from there. 

Oooh, it's so tempting to click on the "Buy Now" button!!  Why can't I start a hobby that is cheap? 

[rich83]

I had forgotten about this.... 

[PND]

 

Not bought one yet, but it's only a matter of time..