Choice for long distance bird photography. Which would you choose?

[3Hotdogs]

Nikon D800 camera ---

Nikon 800 mm lens

or

Swarovski spotting scope with digiscope adapter?

[flamin lib]

1. If the subject will stand still for ya' and $17,000

Isn't an impediment the 800 5.6 is the only way to go. Particularly if you have a Sherpa to carry it for you.

[elleng]

2. Right, but wildlife NEVER stands still!

[3Hotdogs]

3. The weight of the 800 is primarily the problem.

My friend bought a Sigma 150-600 when they were introduced. He took it out once. It has been in his closet since..... too heavy.

It is for Canon or I would buy it from him.

[flamin lib]

4. Okay, this should start a whole new thread. Think I'll do that. Nt

[ManiacJoe]

5. I would probably go with the 800mm

on the assumption that the f-stop of the spotting scope is going to be miserable.

I would also assume that at 800mm, at a minimum you are using a monopod, which would help with carrying it.

[3Hotdogs]

6. What I began thinking about today, next solar eclipse is 2024.

I used the 150-500 and got some pretty good stuff. Would the 800 work well for that on a tripod?