I'm a novice bird watcher, Would the camera with 18-55mm alone be sufficient for birds at 30 to 40 ft for extreme close ups, vs the 55-250mm combo?
195300
No. I would go with the 55-250mm lens. I got the 18-55mm and I wish I could do close-ups with birds, but it just isn't possible!
195301
If you want close ups from a distance you need the furthest zoom possible. The 18-55mm is great for getting a closer shot of someone from across the room but if you are looking at a zoom for 30 to 40 ft you need a much bigger zoom like the 55-250mm.
672479
It all depends on what you do. We find it versatile and will probably pack this one for all trips as it can take the whole range from 18mm to 300mm. It is a heavier lens so plan on a monopod or tripod. We have been using a monopod as better for packing on trips and lighter but get a sturdy one. This is mainly when shooting wildlife at 300mm zoom range. We would have preferred to get a lens all the way to 400mm for wildlife but it is much more pricey....So, there is no simple answer - we looked at the Nikon site when selecting as they show a lot of technical data and pictures as well. Then you may want to look at reviews or get on some forums where people ask questions and get extra answers. It all depends on what you do. We find it versatile and will probably pack this one for all trips as it can take the whole range from 18mm to 300mm. It is a heavier lens so plan on a monopod or tripod. We have been using a monopod as better for packing on trips and lighter but get a sturdy one. This is mainly when shooting wildlife at 300mm zoom range. We would have preferred to get a lens all the way to 400mm for wildlife but it is much more pricey....So, there is no simple answer - we looked at the Nikon site when selecting as they show a lot of technical data and pictures as well. Then... » Read More It all depends on what you do. We find it versatile and will probably pack this one for all trips as it can take the whole range from 18mm to 300mm. It is a heavier lens so plan on a monopod or tripod. We have been using a monopod as better for packing on trips and lighter but get a sturdy one. This is mainly when shooting wildlife at 300mm zoom range. We would have preferred to get a lens all the way to 400mm for wildlife but it is much more pricey....So, there is no simple answer - we looked at the Nikon site when selecting as they show a lot of technical data and pictures as well. Then you may want to look at reviews or get on some forums where people ask questions and get extra answers. « Show Less
2187921
In my opinion the best lens for birding and another wild life is Lumix 100-300mm.I used that in Nebraska crane's migration and was absolutely satisfied. This lens in not light and compact, but best choise for tele diapason.
641010
Typical binocular sizes for birding are around 8x40, 8x25, 7x35, and 8x30. Bigger 2nd number = more light but heavierer. Models up from this that rare really great but still not to expensive would be the Nikon Acculon 7x35 (wide view), LL.Bean/Bushnell "Discovery" 8x25(small but sharp), and the Leupold Yosemite 8x30(very sharp and clear). This 8x21 is OK but it needs a bright target and it's not super sharp. Still, 8x21 is easy to carry around in pocket or purse. I use the Discovery a lot...it's a compromise size and super-sharp.
518863
I have this lens, I used it for several months before upgrading to the 75-300 IS USM. If you don't want blurry pictures then you will have to spend the money on better tools. I take a lot of bird pictures and was able to track them using the non IS lens but it was very difficult and unless the pools where the competitions are held are in bright light you won't get sharp pictures. I did try using this one at our dance hall, (poor light for pictures) I eventually had to go to a 50 mm 1.4 that does great in low light. You wanting telephoto though, for the money the 75-300 IS at about $450 was the way that I decided to go and I really like what I get now. I have had my t2i for nearly two and a half years. Hope this helps you a little bit. If you want to see a few of my shots with the IS lens. My flickr page is lightninrod49.
1584201
The current model is upgraded to HD 720 pixel. It could identify the bird at 20 feet away. You can also choose the model NC-336PW HD 1080p with 6mm focus length lens (5-10 meters) or 12mm focus length lens ( 20-50 meters)
948044
I use the 100mm for shore birds. It has a long reach to see far off birds. It's great to use when you have a car. If you're hiking, it'll be too cumbersome for any long distance. It's great when you're driving though a nature preserve or a park. It's quick to set up and you will see things no one else could think of seeing. I've had people ask me what are you looking at? I'm looking at that bird in the tree just past the lake. I can't even see the lake. That's why I have the 100mm, I can see the lake, the tree and the painted bunting in the tree.
298677
We both use these routinely for general birdwatching around the yard and marshfront, in forested areas and shoreline. Obviously when you're looking for distance optics the 7x35 isn't appropriate but we're quite happy with the clear images. We've used them for years
2184216
I am looking for a camera of this range. My short list is like this Panasonic FZ 100, FZ40, Fuji Film HS10, Kodak Easyshare Z 981 and Olympus SP 800 UZ. Basically I am looking for a camera useful for birdwatching - distant shots, high optical zoom, faster speed etc. can you pl help me in selection. e mail haridas53@gmail.com
24766
I own both lenses and while the 18-300 is the best walk around lens, the 50-500 is my favorite lens for wildlife and particularly birds. It obviously has 200 more mm reach which results in around 40% more magnification and it is tack sharp throughout it's range. The Sigma 50-500 stays on my camera 90% of the time.
963497
It all depends...the two stock zoom lens that come in the package are fine for birds within a large backyard area on trees and feeders...if your looking to take pics of eagles etc. at great distance an upgrade to longer zoom or focal length will be needed..but the camera itself is fast enough to handle good outdoor/wildlife pics. for an entry level.
1536950
They are only 3 mega pixel but they are very sensitive. They will take pictures of every bird that flies into the viewing area. Pictures aren't very good quality but certainly good enough to identify bluejays, crows etc at 30 feet. Very easy to operate--a good starter camera--he will have fun with it.
919086
18-300 mm photos are pretty good. With this you do not have to be changing lenses (55 - 300mm). The stabiliser work fine, light is good. Wide angle do not work fine.
364833
This is a cropped sensor camera, so a 18-55mm is approximately 27- 82mm which is an ideal range for wide and portraits. If you prefer close ups, than the 18-135mm is more suitable
1910214
Everything depends on what you plan to use them for. If you are a bird watcher you will find the 7 X 26 much easier to use. The 8 X 42 would be better for a fixed item (like the moon) especially if you had a tripod to hold them steady. I don't know this for sure but strongly suspect that you can focus in closer, important on looking at up close subjects, like a butterfly that is only a short distance away, with the lower power (7 X 36) glasses. That is generally the case with other glasses, the higher the power the further away the minimum focus distance. I recommend looking here for more info: http://archive.audubonmagazine.org/features0911/betterBirding.html Everything depends on what you plan to use them for. If you are a bird watcher you will find the 7 X 26 much easier to use. The 8 X 42 would be better for a fixed item (like the moon) especially if you had a tripod to hold them steady. I don't know this for sure but strongly suspect that you can focus in closer, important on looking at up close subjects, like a butterfly that is only a short distance away, with the lower power (7 X 36) glasses. That is generally the case with other glasses, the higher the power the further away the minimum focus distance. I recommend looking here for more... » Read More Everything depends on what you plan to use them for. If you are a bird watcher you will find the 7 X 26 much easier to use. The 8 X 42 would be better for a fixed item (like the moon) especially if you had a tripod to hold them steady. I don't know this for sure but strongly suspect that you can focus in closer, important on looking at up close subjects, like a butterfly that is only a short distance away, with the lower power (7 X 36) glasses. That is generally the case with other glasses, the higher the power the further away the minimum focus distance. I recommend looking here for more info: http://archive.audubonmagazine.org/features0911/betterBirding.html « Show Less
488663
I am very pleased with the clarity. I had a 8x35 Bushnell for birding but the extra power with Nikon is much better. I keep the Bushnells in my car.
1380191
I use this lens with my Canon 3Ti. I had been using the 70-300 mm but wanted to capture more detail on birds. If you can get close, the detail on the 300 mm L lens is much sharper than on the zoom. You lose versatility when you go to the fixed focal length, but your photos will be much sharper. I do love my 300 mm L lens even though it's heavier.