I just picked up a new Canon 70-200 ƒ4 L five days ago for my Rebel XT. It's my first "L" and I'm blown away by the IQ. This my the longest lens yet, and although it is a short lens for birding it has increased my ability to actually photograph those little feathered chaps. I like the fact that, with one lens, I can shoot up close birds, medium range flights, and surrounding landscapes, which makes for a good documentary lens.
Just yesterday I hit one of our local "Rails to Trails" spots as soon as breakfast was consumed. This first outting with the lens was also my first time shooting birds away from the back yard. It was a pleasant experience. On the down side, it was 38º F with occasionally forceful gusts. My girls (4 and 8) were real sports to hang with me for over an hour on the local trail. Eventually I had to wrap each of their faces with a scarf. That was when I knew it was time to go home. Thus the torture that began at 8:45 ended around 10:00 after covering roughly two miles.
The birds must have known I was coming, because wildlife was moderately sparse. I suppose, though, that I'm still learning the basic seasonal patterns of the various local birds. So this could be normal for mid winter CT. Frankly, before this year, I never payed much attention to anything other than the casual visitors in my back yard.
The positive part of the morning was that, after catching a few strained images of a perched Redwinged Blackbird, I managed a couple succesful shots of Hooded Mergansers in flight. This is my virgin viewing of these small, fast flying water fowl.
I need to get out again. As the Spring time gets ever closer I imagine the activity should increase. Can't wait.
Oh yeah, I'm pretty sure I now need a 400 5.6 L to match.
Just yesterday I hit one of our local "Rails to Trails" spots as soon as breakfast was consumed. This first outting with the lens was also my first time shooting birds away from the back yard. It was a pleasant experience. On the down side, it was 38º F with occasionally forceful gusts. My girls (4 and 8) were real sports to hang with me for over an hour on the local trail. Eventually I had to wrap each of their faces with a scarf. That was when I knew it was time to go home. Thus the torture that began at 8:45 ended around 10:00 after covering roughly two miles.
The birds must have known I was coming, because wildlife was moderately sparse. I suppose, though, that I'm still learning the basic seasonal patterns of the various local birds. So this could be normal for mid winter CT. Frankly, before this year, I never payed much attention to anything other than the casual visitors in my back yard.
The positive part of the morning was that, after catching a few strained images of a perched Redwinged Blackbird, I managed a couple succesful shots of Hooded Mergansers in flight. This is my virgin viewing of these small, fast flying water fowl.
I need to get out again. As the Spring time gets ever closer I imagine the activity should increase. Can't wait.
Oh yeah, I'm pretty sure I now need a 400 5.6 L to match.
