What lens to shoot birds/wildlife with my Canon EOS 50D?

[Saluki]

I have a Canon 50D and 2 lenses - 18-135 and a 70-300. I'm thinking of adding a telephoto prime lens in the  500-600mm range. Is there anything out there that I might find on the used market in the $500 - $750 range that would be a significant increase in photo quality?  Would the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM work with my EOS 50D?

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Best for birding in this case.  Either a Sigma or Tamron 150~600mm.  You can find used or refurb at or under the $1k price point.

An EF 500mm f4 prime is $8900, 600mm prime is $12,999 just to put things in perspective.  

[rs-eos]

In terms of the RF 600mm f/11, no, that cannot be used on your camera.  It would require an camera with an RF mount.   There are no adapters that would allow an RF lens to be attached to your camera.

[Saluki]

Ah, thanks for that. Is there a tele in the 500-600mm range that would work with my 30D?

[rs-eos]

See Rick's earlier reply to you regarding recommendations.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

"Is there anything out there that I might find on the used market in the $500 - $750 range that would be a significant increase in photo quality? "

Are you still talking "prime" lens here? If you are than, no, there is not. One of the 150-600mm super zooms is your answer. Otherwise the best prime tele is the EF 400mm f5.6L which is only available used since it has been discontinued. There is 500mm and 600mm primes but they are very expensive even used.

[prentz]

The other lens which is becoming less expensive now is the 100-400mm L, not a prime but a great, sharp lens. And I say less expensive now as a used lens as photographers move to R bodies and lenses. 

[ebiggs1]

"...the 100-400mm L, not a prime but a great, sharp lens."

I guess you are talking the first version of the 100-400mm? I found it to be wanting in IQ and I wouldn't recommend it. I sold mine off because of that. The ef 400mm f5.6L prime lens is so much sharper and people generally use a tele zoom at the long end way more than the short end so the 400 prime makes more sense. The ef 400mm f5.6L is light so it is easy to carry all day long. It is easy to hand hold for those quick BIF shots, too.

[Saluki]

Thanks will be on the lookout for an ef400.

[prentz]

I'd agree with that, the ef400L seems to be a hidden gem! The 300mm is great too and has image stabilization, not as long a reach but...