It's easy to shoot birds with a 200-- if they're dead. Otherwise you're
going to want something longer. Of course a prime is best. Fast, long
primes are very expensive. One of the best bargains is the A400/5.6. It
focuses close enough to shoot a bird full frame. With a Pentax digital
it is long enough to get some decent shots. Combining it with an
A1.4X-S converter should make it just about perfect. I sometimes use it
with the A2X-S, but that makes it a bit too slow.
Paul
On Apr 17, 2006, at 7:23 PM, Russell Kerstetter wrote:
What is a decent lens (or a decent length) for shooting birds? I read
a book about this topic, and author prefers to shoot at 200, but I
have noticed that many of the shots posted here are much longer than
that, and often with a TC. This also brings to mind Tim from Norway
and having problems even with a 500. So is 200 (or 135 for angle of
view) unrealistic until I have mastered stalking? What I have right
now is the 18-55 kit, A24/2.8 and a Super-Tak 50/1.4. So the only way
I can get close enough for a decent picture is if I also bring my
Ruger, and I don't think that would be a good idea.
And further more....... if 200 (135) is an appropriate length, the
lens' that I have been considering are:
DA50-200/4-5.6
FA80-320/4.5-5.6
A70-210/4
any comments on these lens' would be great, or should I instead be
looking at primes? (I do have a very limited budget.) I believe that
they can each be had for around $200 US or less, and of course I would
go for an older MF over a newer AF if it is better.
My point is that I would like to know what I need to start
looking/saving for.
Thanks.
Russell
