What's In my Camera Bag?

Canon EOS 50D
Canon EF 300mm 2.8L IS USM (Note 1)
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L
Canon EF 70-200 f/4
Canon 28-90
13mm extension tube
Speedlight 580EX II
Better Beamer Flash Concentrator
Kinesis Lens Pouches
Maxpedition Vulture II Backpack
Kwik Camo Blind
Manfrotto Monopod and Video Head

Note 1: I get asked a lot if I use a 2X teleconverter with this. The answer is generally no. I have tried the Canon 2X teleconverter as well as 3rd party TCs. My advice is to purchase a lens with enough reach to not require the use of TCs. When I try the 2X I lose a lot of sharpness. I am not happy with my photos unless I get the grain of every feather. I do use a 1.4X with this lens.

The second question I get asked a lot is about this lens and my comments about 2.8 glass in my training video "How to Photograph Birds". That video is intended to be an introduction video. If you are just starting out in bird photography expensive lenses will not provide as much benefit as you might expect. You have too much to learn first.

The third question I am often asked is if this is a good birding lens. The answer depends on what you are looking for. This is a good lens if you can get close. The 600mm prime has a minimum focusing distance of 18 feet (8 feet for the 300mm 2.8L). If you can get close using a car as a blind (or a kwik camo blind) this could be the lens for you. It is a lot lighter and $3000.00 cheaper then the 600mm.

With the 600mm lens you are twice as far but the increased magnification negates the extra distance. How good are you at getting close? My really sharp Eastern Phoebe photo was taken at Black Hill Regional Park during a week day. I spent an hour kneeling on concrete, behind a trash can. My lens was sitting on top of the trash receptacle. My knees hurt and the smell was not exactly heavenly.

With the 600mm lens perhaps I would not have had to kneel on cement. I have had the opportunity to try the EF800mm lens. Vibration is an issue due to the long barrel. Most photographers appear to rely on a release cable and mirror lock prior to a shot. I shoot about 3 frames per second refocusing every few seconds. Some people do very well with the 800mm lens. I prefer a lens I can hand hold. This lens is only 5 pounds. My sweet spot for photography is 8 - 20 feet. I rarely attempt a photo beyond that range (unless it is a big bird i.e. Egret, Great Blue Heron etc.). But I spend a lot of time sweating under a kwik camo blind. Let the birds come to you on their terms. Chasing them rarely works.