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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...
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...
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.
Long lenses and getting close would be the ideal, I guess! I think that simple basic fieldcraft can make a big difference though: drab clothing, moving quietly, sitting still for long periods
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:
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 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 ....
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.