Originally posted by joe.penn There is a lot more to it then just getting a lens and a good camera body - the second thread link you posted is a perfect example of this.
As for the need to get out to 500, most of the time this need can be countered by shooting from portable bird blinds and other creative ways, I have gotten shots of skittish birds that fill the entire frame at 150mm with my Sigma 70-200. For me, I am more about speed of the lens and optical qualities than I am of the reach - the Sigma 300 2.8 with the matched Sigma 1.4 TC is an extremely deadly combo, 420 at f/4 with blazing fast AF that locks as quick as without a TC and still resolves as high with the TC as the equivalent canon and nikon offerings - have you researched that lens?
Thanks Joe.
As a matter of fact, I have just taken a look at the Sigma 300/2.8 ... very interesting indeed.
Looks like quite a monster though!
It never donned on me that this lens would be just as capable (IQ-wise) on its own AND with a dedicated TC. So, I'd be looking at 420mm at F4with great IQ you say?
Do you carry it along on long walks ever?
It weighs 5.3 lbs! Quite a chunk. Mind you, the Sigma 500/4 is heavier at 6.8 lbs.
Yes, that is one serious consideration even if it doesn't give me the "wanted" 500mm reach but I suppose I have to decide once and for all.
What really bugs me is the fact that "maybe" Pentax will eventually come up with a SDM 1.4x TC that would be a perfect match for my DA*300/4 !!
Waiting for that to happen might just be wishful thinking though.
If you could point out some images of this lens + TC (we are talking about the Sigma 1.4X "dedicated" TC, right?) so I can check the IQ at 420mm, it would be much appreciated.
BTW, how about a 2X TC with that lens? What would be the inconveniences of that combo?
Cheers!
JP