----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Cassino" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> In regards to 300mm lenses - on a 35mm body 300mm is getting a little short > for smaller birds, unless you have a way to get close. Even then, you have > to watch the minimum focusing distance. I have the A* 300 f4 - probably one > of my least used lenses. One drawback for birds is that without an > extension tube, this lens is really to short for smaller birds. > > Of course on an APS sized digital the crop factor makes a 300mm more viable. > I don't know anything about the third party 300mm's out there though. Just wanted to add what Mr. Cassino has posted here. I also find that 300mm is too short for birds. I'm honing my stalking skills and trying to use a blind to get closer to the subjects. However, WRT focusing distance, I loved my Sigma AF 300/4 APO Macro. It could focus to ~4ft which rendered song birds full frame (if you could get close enough). I chose this lens over the Pentax offerings for this reason. Coupled with a Sigma 1.4x EX TC you have a sharp 420/5.6 which is getting better for birds, plus you retain the close focusing ability. Add the digital AOV crop and you get the "equivelent" of a 630mm f5.6 lens that focuses to ~4ft. Not too bad. All that being said, I currently use a 300mm f4 lens with 1.4x TC that focuses to just under 5ft for all my birding as at the time of purchase it seemed the best bang for the buck. One day I'll have a 600/4 <sigh>. HTH Christian
