Prime lens and crop or telephoto?

jay_dean

Senior Member
When i had my sigma 120-400 i only had the normal camera strap and had to hold the outfit most of the time,i was put off by the price of the Black Rapid,when i got the 150-600 i knew i had to do something and very quickly :D
Worth every penny imo.
 

J-see

Senior Member
I use a wrist strap only and either carry the cam by the tripod collar or have it like a rifle on my left arm (with long lenses). Remnant of my army days I guess but I find it quite comfortable like that.
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
Good to see someone else on here from Utah.

To your question. Shooting any average sized bird with a 50 mm lens is going to be too far away on either a crop sensor or a full frame. And lets say you have good glass, light, and good technique to get the best shot ever taken by a camera. At 30 to 50 yards that you have mentioned, cropping down to that average sized bird will have no use other than just a smallish web image - not enough image left for a quality print.

There is no getting away from needing zoom for birds.

For landscape and night photography full frame is the way to go.

As I see it, what seems to rise to the surface is... First, a full frame camera. Second, a fifty or wider lens for your landscape photography. Third, a 70-300mm maybe with a small 1.4 Nikon teleconvertor and stealthy skills to sneak up on the birds.

From what you have described I see no other way around needing two lenses to accomplish your goals.

Welcome to the forum.
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
You're better off with a full frame and a 70-200mm.

What you're asking is a bit like asking advice which is best to win the races; putting the crappy jockey on the fast horse or the good jockey on the slow horse. Best is putting the good jockey on the fast horse.

Not that I want to imply that cam is crap.
Given only those choices, I would put a crappy jockey on a fast horse. The jockey may fall off, but the horse will keep going.;)
(apologies for the derailment)
 

farsidefan1

New member
I'm home now (thank goodness, it's after 1 am) and I see that the strap I have is called a CS-Pro mark II by Carry Speed. I'm not sure I like the design as it appears to need a base which might interfere with attaching it to the tripod - which would be a pain if I have to take it off the strap to put it on the tripod:frown-new: I have the Nikon 1V3 on my list but due to the small sensor it is at the bottom of my possibilities. If I go that route I will definitely get the 70-200 zoom. As you point out, with the cropping that gives me an effective birding lens at over 800 mm. Something to consider.

Clearly I need at least 2 lenses, sigh. I just hate to carry a big grab bag around my neck. I'm getting too old for that. Might have to move the 1V3 up the list. I have seen ample evidence that skill is as important as the latest and greatest.

I"ll look into that other strap as well. First I'll try my Carry Speed with the D750 and put on at least a 70-200 zoom and see if I can haul that around comfortably. If so then I'll stay large. If not then the mirrorless and smaller sensor cameras will have to be investigated more closely.

Moab man, Some great opportunities down that way. I got a bigger boat just so I could explore Lake Powell. Amazing scenery there and in Arches (and Canyon land and ... etc etc. etc.).
 

harleridr

Senior Member
Hi
Are you aware of Moose Peterson's books on wildlife photography? I really like "Moose Petersons Guide to Wildlife Photography". Reading this book is like having a conversation with the man! It will be a great help in making a choise of lenses! I use a 300mm f4 and an 80-200 2.8, both d lenses also a TC-14b manual focus, works great with both lenses! I use these on all of my bodies.
Harle
 
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