|
Thanks for suggestions, OldBoy. I considered the Sigma 50-500 OS before getting the 300mm f4 (via a short ownership of the slow and noisy Nikon 80-400) as the newer 50-500 seems to show better reviews and samples than the 150-500.
I don't actually find the lack of VR on the 300 all that much of a problem. Most of the time that I'm using it, it's for something that moves quite quickly, so that plus long lens technique means I'm usually going with something around 1/1000 second anyway. At that speed, I can usually do OK handheld and don't have to remember to switch off VR/OS when I do the proper thing and stick it on a tripod or monopod. It's sharp wide open, but even f4 (f5.6 with tc) often pushes the ISO up to keep a decent shutter speed up here in dimmest NE Scotland.
I've looked at Greenwing's formula and worked out a more graphic version of my own that seems to match his, so the V1's still in with a chance since it will do double duty as tele lens extender and 'stick in a big pocket' compact. I was also looking at M43 with a view to the new Olympus OMD EM5 as either a second lightweight compromise (instead of V1) or possibly even total replacement for all dSLR gear.
The Olympus/Panasonic 70 or 100 - 300 zooms would give me the equivalent of 600mm at the long end, but in a lighter package than dSLR and decent control over non-tele photography as well. The M43 route would also maintain C-AF (unlike the V1 and FT1 combo) which would be good for BIF and anything else with similar movement. However, I'm not sure how realistic it would be, hoping to track BIF and similar on an EVF rather than OVF and how good the Olympus AF would be at keeping up. It's also a more expensive route than the V1 since the OMD body only is nearly as much as the V1 twin lens kit, flash, SD card, FT1, etc package. On the other hand, if I found it was to my liking for birds and all other photography, I would probably flog all the Nikon gear and be quids in, as well as giving my back a rest from lugging heavy gear to places.
Anyway, I feel better informed on the V1 vs other options now.
Thanks.
|