Whatbird.com

I have a Canon 40D and a Canon 100-400mm lens with no teleconverter. It works great for general bird photography.

---

~cirrus

Thanks to all who responded.  I carefully considered everything and ordered the Nikon D300 w/ 18-200 VR lens to get things started.  Is there a suitable teleconverter that works well with this lens?  thanks again

---

Twin Lakes Ranch
Central Texas

Nikon makes and sells teleconverters, but, they are super expensive. I have the Nikon D200 and I bought a Kenko 1.4 Teleplus Pro 300 teleconverter for about $150. Teleconverters are designed to be used with lenses that are F4 or faster. That said, I use my teleconverter with my 70-300mm F4.5- 5.6 VR lens as long as I have bright sunlight. If there is not enough light, the autofocus will not work correctly and will keep searching. I just make sure to use the teleconverter in bright sunlight and have no problem with it. I have a friend who has a D300 and he really likes it. If you get a Nikon teleconverter make sure you get the one that works with autofocus and get ready to pay about $400 for it.

---

Southwestern New Mexico

Thanks for that info.  I decided that to reach out there I would try the new Sigma 150-500 zoom. I also ordered the Kenko 1.4X teleconverter (due to arrive today).  I've got 30 days to put them thru their paces, so we'll see.  Meantime, I'm climbing the fairly steep learning curve on the D300.  Let's just say for now that the camera's capabilities far outpace my own.  So, if this stuff all works out, I still have $1500 of my original $5000 budget for other goodies.  My wife did remind me that I don't HAVE to spend it all!

---

Twin Lakes Ranch
Central Texas

Lets just say that I have had my Nikon D200 for over 2 years, shot about 25,000 pic's with it and it still far outreaches my capabilities. I have never been one for computers or electronic gadgets and that is what these Digital SLRs are. The good thing is you can put it on auto and get some good shots. You will enjoy the Nikon and should be able to get way out there with your Sigma 150-500mm lens.

---

Southwestern New Mexico