Thread: Bird photos without a kit lens

Originally Posted by dullbird

wonderful pics....

The more I see of these pictures the more I want to take bird photo's more than anything.

I wish I could buy half decent lenses

Get the 300mm f/4 which is very good with a 1.4 converter.
You can get them used in USA for U$A 700 up or new as well Nikon | Telephoto AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D ED-IF Autofocus | 1909 is the info

HERE is a very good review with photos.
Even if you cannot afford it now keep it in mind and do not go for a zoom lens.
Only the 200-400 come close at $ 7000 +

wow that is very reasonably priced....thanks for pointing that out chucaro

Originally Posted by dullbird

wow that is very reasonably priced....thanks for pointing that out chucaro

You are lucky, you are in NSW!
If you like camping and photograhy and specially like to get involved into bird photography plan a trip to the Capertee Valley an awesome place with heaps of options for camping and photography from birds to flowers
Here is some information about the place

I use to be a founder member of an Australia bird forum where there are very talented people and many of them know the valley and where to stay.

Gerard Satherley is one of them, he used to have a D200 and a 300 f/4 and he know his gear
Now I belive that he have a D300 and also a 500mm f/4 lens as well
He can help you regarding bird photography and also talk with you about Nikon gear and how to start.
His site is HERE

Bird photography is very addictive and soon after you get involved in a forum and know what it is "expected" in an image you will be full on with the Puma exploring places

Send me a Pm any time if I can help in any way

Cheers

I had a 300mm F4 for a few months on loan,

Amazingly sharp lens.

Flickr: Search Matthew Bordignon's photostream

Flickr: Search Matthew Bordignon's photostream

Matt.

Good shots

The 300 f/4 is very good for close up shots like semi macro. Try it and you will be very pleased.
Can you get a x1.4 converter? you will see that the images @ 420mm are excellent as well.
Cheers

I'll vouch for the 300mm f4 being a good lens. Usually dont see many of them for sale second hand here in Aus...

Sold mine in good condition a few months ago for $900 after upgrading to a 400.

Oh yeah, nice photo's!

Originally Posted by Chucaro

Good shots

The 300 f/4 is very good for close up shots like semi macro. Try it and you will be very pleased.
Can you get a x1.4 converter? you will see that the images @ 420mm are excellent as well.
Cheers

Thx.

Yeah didn't get a chance to use the tele-converter, the lens has since gone back , he said he might upgrade to the f2.8 or the 200-400 f2.8 just depends. So might get it then.

Matt.

18-200 VR, a tame hornbill that's not wary of people, at a bird park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.