Telephoto Lens

[Michael_2010]

I would also imagine that the "L" lenses hold their resale value much better than the consumer grade lenses, if you should decide to throw your hands up and find a new hobby.

[u8ky2]

I really appreciate all the help! Thank you all so much! I decided to go with the 55-250. Just to get my feet wet with tele. I'm not ready to start spending lots of money until I find a way to either make money from it, or it is something that I really enjoy. Also, since I am only 16, I figure that I can wait a little. Thanks again!

[Michael_2010]

Originally Posted by u8ky2

I really appreciate all the help! Thank you all so much! I decided to go with the 55-250. Just to get my feet wet with tele. I'm not ready to start spending lots of money until I find a way to either make money from it, or it is something that I really enjoy. Also, since I am only 16, I figure that I can wait a little. Thanks again!

Sounds like a wise decision! If you do get into birding, the limitations of the lens will encourage you to become more creative in finding ways to get within their comfort zones.

This is strictly a hobby for me and helps me escape from the ways that I do make money. If deadlines and clients were involved, I don't much think I would enjoy sitting alone on an isolated beach at dawn with a bunch of pelicans. However, for a young person like yourself there should be some opportunities out there in many disciplines once you have honed your skills. Good luck with those efforts.

[u8ky2]

Thanks Michael_2010 for the encouragement. I'll start with birds in our backyard. There are some ducks that hang around our pool that I've been wanting to take pictures of, but 55 doesn't even come close. I'm hoping 250mm will get it. I can get around 15ft from it.

If I can bother you guys one more time... will either the 18-55 or the 55-250 be good enough for macro shooting? I'm taken a few close up shots with the 55 and they turned out pretty good. That is my last question for now. Thanks!

[Michael_2010]

I have some very cheap extension tubes that I have stuck on the 55-250 and gotten some fairly good bee macros. Had to use manual focus though. I chose to use that lens over my nifty fifty, so I could keep a little distance between me and the bees. It is also a light enough lens not to cause problems. My particular extension tubes do not work well with my heavier, better lenses.

[Michael_2010]

Originally Posted by u8ky2

Thanks Michael_2010 for the encouragement. I'll start with birds in our backyard. There are some ducks that hang around our pool that I've been wanting to take pictures of, but 55 doesn't even come close. I'm hoping 250mm will get it. I can get around 15ft from it.

If I can bother you guys one more time... will either the 18-55 or the 55-250 be good enough for macro shooting? I'm taken a few close up shots with the 55 and they turned out pretty good. That is my last question for now. Thanks!

Check out YouTube on backyard bird photography. There are several very informative videos on the subject. They get into feeders, running water, lighting and even cheap, quick duck blinds. Just bringing the birds within close range could be a hobby all on its own. Capturing the moment for eternity would only make it better.