Keith Reeder said:
I know you like IS, but if you can live without it this is a great buy...
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=60579
-
Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.
Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
How do you take your bird photos? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Kevin
- Start date
I know you like IS, but if you can live without it this is a great buy...
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=60579
Keith Reeder
Watch the birdie...
Steve!
Noooo!!!!
I was joking about lens recommendations - don't go there!
Actually Pete, I had noticed the Sigma a day or so back, and if I had the 30D now I might be tempted - it's a bit hefty to wander around with it slung round my neck for 8 hours though, and I don't fancy my chances using it hand-held...
Noooo!!!!
I was joking about lens recommendations - don't go there!
Actually Pete, I had noticed the Sigma a day or so back, and if I had the 30D now I might be tempted - it's a bit hefty to wander around with it slung round my neck for 8 hours though, and I don't fancy my chances using it hand-held...
Last edited:
Keith Reeder said:Actually Pete, I had noticed the Sigma a day or so back, and if I had the 30D now I might be tempted - it's a bit hefty to wander around with it slung round my neck for 8 hours though, and I don't fancy my chances using it hand-held...
I'd agree, it's not really a walk about lens...
glad you've managed to get the refund on the D200 sorted.
Kevin
Registered User (not drugs)
It would seem that having a long lens is not the bird-photographer's panacea - you have to get close to birds to get some of the really good shots.
This being the case, who here uses a hide ( or "blind" if you live in America), who wraps themselves in camouflague and crawls in the mud?
Anyone?
This being the case, who here uses a hide ( or "blind" if you live in America), who wraps themselves in camouflague and crawls in the mud?
Anyone?
Keith Reeder
Watch the birdie...
Long lenses and getting close would be the ideal, I guess!
I've noticed that a lot of Nigel Blake's pictures on the gallery involve (say) a 600mm lens and extension tubes, which I assume is to allow the lens to be used on subjects that are closer than the minimum focussing distance of the lens.
His results speak for themselves.
I think that simple basic fieldcraft can make a big difference though: drab clothing, moving quietly, sitting still for long periods - I've had a great tit perch on the toe of my boot by doing that, while I was sitting against a tree trunk.
I've noticed that a lot of Nigel Blake's pictures on the gallery involve (say) a 600mm lens and extension tubes, which I assume is to allow the lens to be used on subjects that are closer than the minimum focussing distance of the lens.
His results speak for themselves.
I think that simple basic fieldcraft can make a big difference though: drab clothing, moving quietly, sitting still for long periods - I've had a great tit perch on the toe of my boot by doing that, while I was sitting against a tree trunk.
Kevin said:
I got a hide for my birthday last week but haven't really had the chance to use it much yet... I'll let you know how I get on with it in a few weeks.
gmax
Sontium Dweller
Keith Reeder said:
I agree with you, Keith: the shorter the lenses the closer the birder (your site is excellent proof of this. PS I failed to see some images: blank white page, any advice?)
Keith Reeder said:
Wow, that's an atmospheric shot I would like to have taken! |;|
Last edited:
DOC
Well-known member
I would say that patience is the rule - and a LOT of patience.
And to those who asked ( postcardcv) - i sometimes crawl in the mud and lie low for ages between some weeds etc - you'll be surprised how close the birds can come after they are used to your silhoutte on the ground... ( but the acking neck ... ouch... )
And there's no need for a special blind -when i sit on a small chair - i use a greenish thin blanket with flowers sketched on it - i drape it over me + tripod - just the lense edge is exposed - very cheap & easy hide.
But- Most of my pictures are shot from the car window - and i've had birds come closer than the lense can focus ....
And to those who asked ( postcardcv) - i sometimes crawl in the mud and lie low for ages between some weeds etc - you'll be surprised how close the birds can come after they are used to your silhoutte on the ground... ( but the acking neck ... ouch... )
And there's no need for a special blind -when i sit on a small chair - i use a greenish thin blanket with flowers sketched on it - i drape it over me + tripod - just the lense edge is exposed - very cheap & easy hide.
But- Most of my pictures are shot from the car window - and i've had birds come closer than the lense can focus ....
bpw
Well-known member
In a fit of impulse purchasing, I bought two hides – a dome hide and a bag hide – both from Wildlife Watching Supplies. The dome hide cost me over £200 and has only ever been up in my living room! It’s big and I’m not sure how landowners/the public would react to it. I’ll probably use it at some point?
I’ve used the bag hide a number of times, however, lately to get my most recent Black-necked Grebe pictures. It’s actually designed to accommodate a 500 to 600mm lens, so there’s a lot of material between my head and the camera, which is a bit awkward. It’s also quite heavy and thick (very hot in summer), and tricky to get used to. It’s effective though, and rolls up small enough to strap to the top of my rucksack.
I’ve used the bag hide a number of times, however, lately to get my most recent Black-necked Grebe pictures. It’s actually designed to accommodate a 500 to 600mm lens, so there’s a lot of material between my head and the camera, which is a bit awkward. It’s also quite heavy and thick (very hot in summer), and tricky to get used to. It’s effective though, and rolls up small enough to strap to the top of my rucksack.
Similar threads
