APO VS NON APO LENSES

Woo.......I have a Canon 1100D. Would this be the lens you are interested in?

 

Just a thought Woo, but if you are using a tripod for birds in flight you don't really need IS and from what I've read on Canon literature one should turn off IS when using a tripod. BUT.. if you are working hand-held and panning to follow a bird IS is an advantage particularly at low light levels when you want to maintain a high shutter speed.
Now I've probably given you even more of a headache!!!

 

Sorry about the lengthy reply Woo, I wasn't giving a politicians answer, just a quote from another site to put APO vs Non APO into context, then the very short advice which I'll give again now for a third time.

Seek out online reviews with photographic evidence, judge for yourself if it is indeed what you want. But be aware that shots straight out of camera are different between manufacturers. Nikon shots for example SOOC are much richer than Canons.

But it looks like Sheal has one of the lens 's you favour.

Steve...

 

Yes that is my lens. I've not had any problems with it and stabilisation is good although it will baulk a little on close up shots if it's not within focusing range on automatic. I don't possess a tripod at this point so obviously all my shots are hand held. Unfortunately I don't have any wildlife pictures I can show you taken with this lens but the one below should give you an idea on range. Douglas Bay, approximately 1 mile across and I was on one side on high ground.



I am in the process of looking for a longer range lens, possibly 500mm as I don't find the 250mm has enough range for bird photography at a distance. Getting close enough for the lens to be in range is too close for the birds and they take fright and flight. You might find the following link helpful Woo.

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/canon-lenses.55218/

I haven't had the chance to try a 300mm lens so can't comment on that, sorry.

 

You are so right about the price of a 500mm being out of range Woo, even second hand, which is why hopefully, my son will do some lens shopping for me in America in the new year.

 

It's nice to dream Woo! That's a good looking lens and at that extortionate price you could buy a brand new car.

 

I dread to think!