Equipment/Technique Advice for a Newbie

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Fradge08

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Neil
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Hi all,

I am new on this forum, and I hope it is ok to ask for equipment advice here, as my main interest is in Motorsport, Wildlife and Aviation.

I currently use a Canon EOS 450d with Canon 18-55 and 55-250 lenses. I have recently been thinking quite hard about getting a longer lens, with particular interest in the Sigma 120-400, or possibly 150-500 (though I don't know if I need to go that long). I am unsure if I can justify the jump in price to the Canon equivalent hence the Sigma's being top of the list.

My main question is whether either of these lenses are fully compatible with my 450d, and to get some opinions about these equipment combinations for the kind of subjects I am interested in. If there are any alternatives, I would love to hear about them too - I have never used a TC so there is a bit of apprehension there if I am honest (probably unfounded!)

My only other thought (and apologies for the long post) is whether it would be money better spent to put the money towards an upgraded camera body and similar lens length to what I have? I know that it is more to do with the photographer than the equipment but it's always good to get opinions from people such as your good selves!

Thanks for any advice!
 
Neil,
First off, you have posted in exactly the right area for your query, and welcome to the forum!!
It sounds like you have a great start with the equipment you already possess. I understand that the 55-250 is one of the best lenses around for reach on a budget. Your 450d is a more than capable camera, and with a bit of practice and some understanding of your gear, you should be able to get very good results with the kit you already have.
As you dont mention your current level in terms of proficiency, it is hard to suggest what kit may be the most suitable for you in terms of upgrading. As a general rule, the more money you spend, the more capable your kit should be. However, it is important to know your way around a camera, and how to work the settings to get the shots you are after. No matter how much kit you have, or how much money you have spent. If you don't understand how to use it in the best way, you will not get the results you desire.
My advice would be to start posting some of your images in the Motorsport/Transport/Nature forums, and other members with more knowledge than me will be able to see if you have reached the maximum potential of your current kit and be able to suggest lenses/cameras to look at for the future.

Or just buy a 1DS3 and a 400mm f2.8 and go for it!

Cheers
 
I know that this isn't a helpful answer, but for the lens I was working on £800 - I'm lucky that I could go a little higher but it is justifying the cost to myself really.

I'm acutely aware that I am a recreational photographer, but on the flipside there are plenty of times at a circuit or an airshow that I would kill for more 'reach'
 
Matty2 said:
Neil,
First off, you have posted in exactly the right area for your query, and welcome to the forum!!
It sounds like you have a great start with the equipment you already possess. I understand that the 55-250 is one of the best lenses around for reach on a budget. Your 450d is a more than capable camera, and with a bit of practice and some understanding of your gear, you should be able to get very good results with the kit you already have.
As you dont mention your current level in terms of proficiency, it is hard to suggest what kit may be the most suitable for you in terms of upgrading. As a general rule, the more money you spend, the more capable your kit should be. However, it is important to know your way around a camera, and how to work the settings to get the shots you are after. No matter how much kit you have, or how much money you have spent. If you don't understand how to use it in the best way, you will not get the results you desire.
My advice would be to start posting some of your images in the Motorsport/Transport/Nature forums, and other members with more knowledge than me will be able to see if you have reached the maximum potential of your current kit and be able to suggest lenses/cameras to look at for the future.

Or just buy a 1DS3 and a 400mm f2.8 and go for it!

Cheers
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, and I will definitely put some pics up for critique when I have a little more time (and courage!).

I would say that I am fairly proficient with settings, and I like to experiment gradually. Whilst I feel I have some good ideas of what I want to achieve, I still think I get lucky a good portion of the time. I haven't yet gone to a full manual set up as yet either...
 
Fradge08 said:
Thanks for the advice, and I will definitely put some pics up for critique when I have a little more time (and courage!).

I would say that I am fairly proficient with settings, and I like to experiment gradually. Whilst I feel I have some good ideas of what I want to achieve, I still think I get lucky a good portion of the time. I haven't yet gone to a full manual set up as yet either...
Click to expand...

No worries, and in response to the above, by using the manual settings more on your camera, you will understand better what any upgrade to a lens or body will mean in real terms, which will help you to make a decision.
I ALWAYS think I need more reach, with a max of 200mm on full frame, but it's surprising what you can produce with a bit of imagination and a good understanding of your gear.
 
When i first started I ended up with a Sigma 170-500 on a Canon body. Lens even then was OK - a little grinding on the zoom ring but a good starting point. Back then you had to be wary of chipping issues between body and lenses but reckon today that should be resolved. Best ask Sigma themselves for definitive.
Dont forget you've the crop factor of the sensor to add to those lens sizes - anymore than a 500mm lens will not only cost the earth but also become very clumsy.
I've seen togs trackside using the 150-500 Sigma's and seeing their stuff they cant be all that bad.
Don't forget Sigma and Canon do their own 1.4/2.0X converters so you may be able to get an older 70-200 2.8 lens plus a converter all within you budget. Ive used both Sigma and Canon equivalents but Canon is by far the best in focussing speed and optical clarity.

My personal belief is that quality glass is more important than changing the body at this stage.
 
The sigma 100-300 f4 is a spectacular lens and can be had for less than 500 used, the canon 100-400 is another mainstay for around 800... I can't recommend the sigma enough though. Depending on where you shoot as well, 300 should be adequate but Silverstone and donington may warrant longer. Nature and air shows may well have different requirements but I can't comment on that aspect, I imagine the longer the better.

TCs slow your focus and degrade IQ - this has a less pronounced effect in top bodies and fast glass but you should be mindful of this when operating with sub £1000 (Arbitrary figure) levels of gear, that is not to say results are poor but it requires more ability and technique.

I found the tc virtually unusable for AF on an f4 lens on my 40D but works well on my 5D iii with a 5.6 lens for example.

All that said, talent, technique and an eye for a photograph will be the most important factors in this and no amount of gear will make any of us better in that respect.

If you can test, hire or borrow any equipment you are intending to upgrade to prior to spending cash, is well advised. All the reviews in the world can't tell you how it will work for you. I recently wasted 6 months with a 7D that proved to be a completely miserable unsatisfactory experience based on many reviews :) (never again haha)
 
Thanks all for the advice - i'm still considering my options at the mo!
 
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