[miro]

I’m scooting quite similar subjects.

I have two bodies – canon 400d and 50d. One flash EX 430

Lenses Sigma 10-20/4.0-5,6 Tamron 17-50/without VC, canon 50/1,8MK1, Tokina 100Macro and Tamron 70-300.



While I consider myself experienced landscape photographer whit few weddings albums behind me, I could not say that I’m good in wildlife.

Few months ago I bought Tamron 70-300 mostly for compressed landscapes but easly becomes my favorite wildlife lens. If I really like wildlife and I make decent snapshots with Zooms I would go for fast primes.



PS.

1.Look at my last birds uploads. in PZ forum

2.Keep in mind that there are some rumors that Canon 400/5,6 will be discounted

[wim]

[quote name='jjalbs' timestamp='1302833931' post='7655']

Wim

Thanks for the thoughtfull reply, it was exactly what I was looking for. It gives me plenty to consider. I am strongly considering the 100-400 in addition to one of the shorter zooms or maybe even a good prime. Whats the best way to go about testing if I get a good copy.

[/quote]

Well, the best way is to shoot with it <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />.



Other than that, try to shoot a brick wall head on, and check if the sharpness is evenly distributed in th ephotograph at equal distances from the centre of the frame.



You do need to take into account that a long lens is not the easiest to work with, especially not when starting out: even F/8 at 400 mm gives one only very thin DoF, and the camera AF system does not work like the human mind. IOW, it is very important to learn to work with such a camera/lens combo, even more so than with shorter lenses.



HTH, kind regards, Wim