More help please

[rapidfire]

Thanks again Chris and 'Oldboy' ( it is wildlife I am wanting to photograph ).
I appreciate all your comments and agree that what I should be doing is learning to use what I have.
My lack of knowledge prompted me to buy the 18-270mm and 150-500mm on the recommendation of a magazine (which I do enjoy reading) but perhaps I should bundle myself off on a course or two first before committing that ammount of cash or as you say Chris rent one to try out.
I take your point Oldboy about the range of lenses I could get for the same money but I want to get as close as possible to the wildlife with the lense so need the distance of the 300mm at least which I was thinking of using with a 1.4x extender if necessary although I realise I would lose the 2.8 f stop.
John

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by rapidfire

Thanks again Chris and 'Oldboy' ( it is wildlife I am wanting to photograph ).
I appreciate all your comments and agree that what I should be doing is learning to use what I have.
My lack of knowledge prompted me to buy the 18-270mm and 150-500mm on the recommendation of a magazine (which I do enjoy reading) but perhaps I should bundle myself off on a course or two first before committing that ammount of cash or as you say Chris rent one to try out.
I take your point Oldboy about the range of lenses I could get for the same money but I want to get as close as possible to the wildlife with the lense so need the distance of the 300mm at least which I was thinking of using with a 1.4x extender if necessary although I realise I would lose the 2.8 f stop.
John

As you have a 7D, which is a semi-pro model, then you could use the Canon 300mm F4 with both a 1.4 and 2x converter. If you look in the Wildlife & Nature photography under Birds of Sandwell Valley, then you will see the results I got using the Nikon 300mm F4 plus 1.4 converter on a tripod. The reason I suggested the Canon 70-200mm F2.8 is that I use the Nikon version plus 1.4 converter as a carry round lens, as birds usually appear whilst you are walking around, and this combination allows you the quick response in getting the shot. The following shot was taken today in Sandwell Valley with the Nikon D3 plus 70-200mm F2.8 VR lens plus 1.4 converter.

[rapidfire]

That is a lovely shot sir !
I will do as you suggest and also have a look at the 300mm F4 shots you have taken.
The good thing about this forum is the advice is from people like yourself and Chris who have the experience but are not trying to sell me your product and is once again much appreciated.
I'm off to look at the other shots now!
John

[matt wilson]

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/a...djustment.html

this link explains how some lenses and bodies are not perfectly set up for pin sharp focussing .
Your &d has the ability to fine tune each lens .(af micro adjustment .)having just calibrated my 100 to 400 L zoom on a 50 d body things are pin sharp.

It may be worth doing on your existing lenses.

Also wonder if you had considered that lens .I love it although it is a slow lens so becomes harder to use in low light.

[OldBoy]

Thanks for the comment.

The biggest problem in buying lenses is working out what you want and need. Nothing wrong with the Canon 300mm F2.8 IS, which is a cracking lens and ideal for wildlife photos, but it weighs 2.5kg and together with the 7D at 820gm would weight 3.5kg, which is a bit heavy as a carry round lens. The 70-200mm F2.8 IS together with the 7D would save you 1kg in weight.
I have a Nikon 400mm F2.8 AIS which weighs 6kg, and although a cracking lens doesn't get used as often as it should, because of the weight.

[rapidfire]

Sorry,bit late on parade today!
Thanks Matt that is definately an option I had (and will again) considered but I am sure I was frightened off by a warning in the 7D manual regarding performing this adjustment but I will read the info on the link and re visit the 7D manual to make sure I am not making that up.
Terrific shots of the birds Old Boy as the Nuthatch is a favourite bird of mine that seems to be unwilling to visit my garden unfortunately. Also the male Chaffinch , though common , displays a wealth of colour all year in our gardens but more especially in spring of course.
I am liking everyones comments and their reasoning and I am now totally re thinking my approach.
With this in mind and taking your weight comments very seriously 'OB' I am now more drawn towards the
300mm F4 L IS USM perhaps together with the 1.4x extender but not necessarily.
I can probably guess what you're thinking but I dont think I will be happy until I have a prime 'L' series lens of some description in my kit bag and will also persevere with my two telephoto's as I hope my experience will grow to fill the knowledge gap I have at the moment because I also know that Chris was right in his comments regarding mastering the equipment I have.
John