BEST LENS FOR BIRDS

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alan h

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alan
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Hi all

My camera is a pentax k-x I would like to know which lens would be best for taking photos of birds. I have an 18-55 lens at the moment but am very limited with it
 
Do you have a budget ?
Would it be a walkabout lens or for use in a bird hide or maybe a compromise ?
 
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In simple terms the longer the better. 300mm is really the bare mnimum, and even then far from ideal. 400mm would be better still, and that's before considering crop factor. I use a 100-400 on a 7D. It is hard work to fill the frame with a single bird. I don't often manage it. The more you crop the more IQ you throw away. The cheap solution is to get closer. The expensive, and sometimes only solution possible, is to get more glass.

In the Canon world the highest rated birding lens for those on a budget (and at around £1,000 that's a pretty relative term) is probably the 400/5.6L, regardless of body. Beyond that you're looking at 300/2.8 with a teleconverter, 500/4L (quite possibly with a teleconverter as well) and maybe going even further beyond that. Given the importance of long glass, and the prospect of having to crop, lens IQ is an important consideration too. There's not much point in long and soft, as my girlfriend reminded me the other day.
 
Not the sexiest or longest lens in the world but I used to use the Sigma 100-300 f4 on a Pentax K10D with excellent results. Not a stunning amount of cash and a quality little lens. 300 mm MAY not be enough for you but this lens is definitely woth consideration.

Best of luck with your selection.
 
If you act quickly, there is a real bargain to be had on the 150-500 which I use on my K20 with good results. Clicky
 
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