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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mikenott" data-source="post: 1569544" data-attributes="member: 71182">I had some time at Rutland Water yesterday. Weather was Ok, but overcast and no birds really in digiscoping range.I did take some pictures of a Goldfinch and I have attached one to show that I am getting better results. For teh benefit of other novices like me, I thought it worthwhile stating some hard lessons learnt:1. Distance to bird. 20 to 30 metres ideal.2. Amount of zoom on camera (see 1 above). On the P6000 up to half the optical zoom range seems to be OK, more difficult up to full optical zoom and pretty poor after that. Macro focus better than AF (for me).3. Quality of focus - I haven't yet fully evaluated the distance glasses on/off point mentioned by Max. Initially seems to be a tad better with them on. bUt critical to get it right. As Neil says, there is some flexibility in the camera, but the aim is to get it right before pressing teh button. 4. Depth of field - can be a real issue even within the above boundaries.5. Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, try changing small things, shoot some more. You can always ditch the poor ones. But every now and then you fins a gem. The skill is to be lucky and find gems regularly <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> (I should frame that phrase for posterity!)6. Use a good photo editing packages to help augmnet your pictures. I find teh "fill flash" option good to bring out dark area.7. Read Board's and Forums like this one. teh support provided is massively encouraging and makes you realise you are not alsone and that success is achievable.Thanks,Michael.</blockquote>

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