Good Starting Birding Lens?

[Bill W]

Welcome back Nate (Sinh Nhut Nguyen)....its been a long time. You still hand holding the 500?

Franco, when I was writing my opinion, Nate's bird photos w/his 400 f5.6 were a big influence on how I would modify/complete my lens quiver.

His pix, both static and BIF are excellent and put to rest any concerns I had about a lens w/out IS.

First let me say, I also agree w/HDN & Neuro's opinions (boy, I hate saying I agree w/Neuro), but unlike HDN's concern for his shaking, I believe my technique for hand holding a camera/lens is solid and allows me to drop to some lower shutter speeds w/out assistance of IS.

So, as the IS issue has been discussed by both sides of the fence....it comes down to a personal preference. Myself....I don't believe I'll need IS w/a 400 f5.6 and yes, I've used the 400 f5.6.

100-400 Dust issue....I agree w/HDN and Neuro...like Rick, I've had the 100-400 for 3+ years (on camera 90% of the time before 500) and I believe the dust issue is an "old wives' tale", but unlike Neuro, mine hasn't had a UV filter on it. So, as to Neuro's point about dust....it probably adds protection from dust, positively from scratches, but is it necessary for dust protection....???

Push/pull; again another personal preference. Myself, I really enjoy it...its quick and easy. Yes, I still have the 100-400, but it doesn't get much use now that I have the 500. It will be going up for sale soon to purchase a 70-200 IS 2.8 and the 400 f5.6 to complete (?) my lens quiver.

Suggestion Franco; do you have a camera shop in the area that rents lenses (or maybe on-line LensRentals)? Try them for a wkend and form your own opinion.

Good luck and have fun making your decision.
Bill