If you read Passing By Photo you may have seen this bird before. I believe an article with similar shots has been published. We both came up on this bird around the same time.
I was pleased with these photographs since they were taken with my ‘walk around’ lens, Tamron 18-400. I’ve been traveling lighter lately.
These images were pushing the lens to the full 400 mm which is the far limit and a weak spot. Ellen will shoot these at 400 also, but she is using a much better Canon 100-400 L series lens. No comparison.
The Tamron will never compare with my usual Sigma 150-600, however maybe I’m getting better at using it.
Note; Ellen and I try to separate or not take the same shots when out together. Doesn’t always work though.
Great shots. Just curious what your thoughts are on the Sigma and whether you use a tripod? I also have the Canon 100-400 and the Sigma 150-600, but have recently just found the Sigma too heavy to handhold, and I find it cumbersome to take a monopod or tripod.
Sigma is heavy and cumbersome, maybe more so than the Tamron. I have worked this for years !!!
1. I do hand hold most of the time. And it hurts, I’m paying the price. When possible I use a monopod, but not for in flight. The monopod is for long distance, even at 600. My back and shoulders are now an issue and just today I had to change lens for a light weight option in the middle of a shoot.
2. The 100-400 is no real light weight either. My wife does use it most times since a Sigma was just too heavy. I want that extra 200 mm when out in the middle of nowhere. It’s hard to get there and I want to maximize my shots.
3. The only real light option is not that great. The Tamron 18-400. We did use various Tamron lens but found them to ‘not fit our needs’. The 18-400 is the only option on the market. I have it, use it, and it’s good enough to get by with… but just barely. Sigma is planning something similar which I will be interested in.
Last thought, extenders… I know I have some but they were so useless I put them in some box on the gear closet. Never to be seen again.
Ha, longest WordPress comment I’ve ever written LOL. Hope it helps.
Haha, thanks a lot! I find it very difficult to get good sharp photos hand-held with the Sigma 150-600, even though the reach is great. Too much camera shake. I just got the newer 100-400, and I’m so glad I did. Good advice on the extenders… I’ve heard that from others
The 100-400 is a good choice for most people. You hate to lose reach, but at least you get the shot.
Guess that’s why it’s so popular!