Originally posted by CheepShot First shots with a few lenses
Good work CS!
For long distances with long lenses I find using a steady tripod is needed.
To get focus spot on a loupe helps a lot, otherwise using 4x magnification of the display helps some.
The Q image will start to be impacted by diffraction after 5.6, so when I use my Sigma OS 50-500 I expect that details will start to get a little smeared since the lens starts at f6.3 and the lens itself improves at f8.
(The best 500mm shots on the Q I have seen so far have been with the Sigma 500mm 4.5 prime, usually shot at f5.6)
The best performer for me so far is the DA*300 F4 which I typically shoot at f5.6.
A couple of other things to note:
Use of timer delay or IR Remote helps to reduce vibration in long shots.
Ambient conditions such as heat or haze will be much more apparent on long shots of this type. (I have a lot of trouble trying to get clean shots of shore birds where there is a patch of sand between me and the bird on the ground as the heatwaves from the sand really impact the shot.)
To find the bird quickly, consider a red dot scope since it is very difficult to acquire the target on long shots otherwise.