Birding Lens Recommendations for EOS Rebel T5

[CatchFitz22]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the site.  I've had my Canon for years and my strongest lens is 300mm.  I've been taking many photos of birds for the last couple of years and would appreciate a recommendation for a stronger lens.

I've been enjoying it, but I'd like a clearcut closeup when I'm out and about and need to grab my camera for a quick aerial shot or if the bird is up high.  The 300mm does ok, but it can only get so close.

Thank you for any responses!

[Danny]

Thanks for joining the conversation, CatchFitz22!

So that the Community can help you better, we need to know exactly which Canon camera model you're using. That, and any other details you'd like to give will help the Community better understand your issue!

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Thanks and have a great day!

[CatchFitz22]

My apologies, Danny!  I've got a Canon Rebel T5.

[deebatman316]

What lenses do you have currently and also how far away will you be taking the pictures. Please list the full name of the lenses you currently have. Some lenses have multiple revisions so this is very important that you give us the full name.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Few options exist above 300mm.  The 2 most popular options for the Rebel series (wildlife and birds) are the Tamron or Sigma EF 150-600 (G2, C or S).  

[Waddizzle]

Welcome to the forum.[

I agree with the replies by Rick and Demetrius.  Exactly which lens model are you using?  The observation that your options are limited above 300mm are limited.  I would further like to aak what budget do you have for a lens.  

The suggested lenses from Tamron and Sigma are in the $1000 USD neighborhood.  They are also very heavy.  I do not feel they are a good match for a camera body with a 100% polycarbonate chassis.  The camera is not robust enough to support the full weight of the lens, so you would need to carry the camera/lens combo by the tripod foot on the lens.  These heavy lenses pair much better with a camera body with an alloy chassis or some other metal material.

Tamron and Sigma make 100-400mm lenses that are much lighter in weight.  

A word of advice.  The purpose of a long focal length is not to allow you to capture photos of subject from great distance.  One problem with this shooting style is long distances create soft images, particularly when you are shooting across water.

The purpose of a long focal focal length is to allow you fill the frame with your subject for the best composition.  I used a 1D Mark IV and a Sigma 150-600mm “C” lens to capture this image.  I do not recall the focal length setting (150mm?), but I was only about 10 feet away.

[CatchFitz22]

Appreciate that, Rick!  I'll do some more research on those.

[CatchFitz22]

Hi Demetrius, below are the 2 lenses that I have:

- EFS 18-55mm Image Stabilizer Macro 0.25m/0.8ft

- Canon 750-300mm 1.5m/4.9ft

[CatchFitz22]

Thank you for that input!  I appreciate it and will continue to do my research before making such a big purchase.  This is something that I know I'm investing in long-term.

[ebiggs1]

" I do not feel they are a good match for a camera body with a 100% polycarbonate chassis.  The camera is not robust enough ...you would need to carry the camera/lens combo by the tripod foot on the lens."

I totally disagree with this recommendation. I have several, many in fact, friends that I have suggested they get one of the super zooms form Sigma and/or Tamron. They have no issues other than it is heavier than the lenses most folks are used to. The fact is big tele lenses are big! They are heavy! Surprise, surprise. So if this is a problem for you, you need to choose a different hobby. You do need to hold the camera/lens combo by holding onto the lens but that is a natural thing and will present no problems. Currently the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is the better lens but in general either it or the Sigma C model will do well for you.