Techniques for finding subjects using long telephotos?
May 11, 2019 17:09:49 #
SeaBrat
Loc: St Petersburg, FL
In the last few months started shooting my D850 with a 200-500mm lens. In some cases where the subject is in cluttered surroundings, which could be in the woods or trees, I find it hard to find my subject. Sometimes I start with 200mm to find the subject then go to 500mm but on this lens it is a big twist of the lens. Sometimes I memorize the background then look through the lens and search, or aim over the lens barrel. I would love to learn about techniques others use. I attached a few examples at 500mm where the bears were a little difficult to find at 500mm. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be finding birds in trees.
All pics were taken at 500mm and only the last pic is cropped. Thanks!
All pics were taken at 500mm and only the last pic is cropped. Thanks!
May 11, 2019 17:15:13 #
Like your pictures. Recommend an inexpensive red dot gunsight (about $35.00). After adjusting for parallex(sight sits in hot shoe)this takes your face from behind the camera whereby you do not lose sight of your object/critter. Works great for BIF and will fix your problem.
May 11, 2019 17:23:50 #
Your middle shot is a winner if you crop it down.
As you suggested it is extremely difficult to sight small objects in your field of view with a 500mm or longer lens. I shoot little birds in trees with a 500mm and have always struggled with it.
One quick solution that I have used is a red dot sight which works for me. Now I am weaning off it a little and gaining more and more experience without it and it is a bit easier.
But I would say, look into a red dot sight.
As you suggested it is extremely difficult to sight small objects in your field of view with a 500mm or longer lens. I shoot little birds in trees with a 500mm and have always struggled with it.
One quick solution that I have used is a red dot sight which works for me. Now I am weaning off it a little and gaining more and more experience without it and it is a bit easier.
But I would say, look into a red dot sight.
May 11, 2019 17:29:34 #
can you see them with the naked eye? ie look first and then bring up the camera.
or put the camera on a tripod...as you zoom in you should have more control especially if you use 'live view'. Obviously you need to be at that distance!
stay safe
or put the camera on a tripod...as you zoom in you should have more control especially if you use 'live view'. Obviously you need to be at that distance!
stay safe
May 11, 2019 17:52:00 #
SeaBrat wrote:
In the last few months started shooting my D850 wi... (show quote)
Easiest thing to do if you use a hood is to mount it so the tightning screw is straight up. Now you have a rifle type sight using your camera's hot-shoe.
May 11, 2019 18:03:10 #
I will back up the Red Dot sight, I have two and a couple of hot shoe splitters so I can mount the Red dot and flash at the same time.
A few years ago I was at a Canon demo event and I showed up with a Red Dot on my 7DII with a 100-400L lens. Everyone had to try it out, including the Canon Rep. Then last year I attended a class taught by that Canon rep. He told me he now has Red Dots more or less permanently mounted on his 7DII and his 1DxII.
The advantage is you can use both eyes to maintain "situational awareness" while following the subject with the dot. A lot of Astronomical Photographers also use them to find stars in the sky.
They were originally designed for trap and skeet shooters and now some version is on just about every personal combat weapon in the military.
A few years ago I was at a Canon demo event and I showed up with a Red Dot on my 7DII with a 100-400L lens. Everyone had to try it out, including the Canon Rep. Then last year I attended a class taught by that Canon rep. He told me he now has Red Dots more or less permanently mounted on his 7DII and his 1DxII.
The advantage is you can use both eyes to maintain "situational awareness" while following the subject with the dot. A lot of Astronomical Photographers also use them to find stars in the sky.
They were originally designed for trap and skeet shooters and now some version is on just about every personal combat weapon in the military.
May 11, 2019 18:10:38 #
Bonnie Halsell
Loc: Ocala, Florida USA
Learned this tip from a pro wildlife and bird spotter: keep your eyes on the subject and bring your camera up to your eye. Took a little practice not to cheat and look for the camera.
May 11, 2019 20:25:33 #
Ditto on the red dot sight. I have one almost permanently mounted on the hot shoe of my D7100 with the 200mm-500mm Nikon. It takes a little practice and a little tweaking to get it lined up correctly but works great. You just have to remember to double check that the lens cap is removed before starting since you won't be looking through the lens. It also helps to keep a BIF centered in the viewfinder with that bright red dot on the bird.
May 11, 2019 20:48:34 #
SeaBrat
Loc: St Petersburg, FL
Many good ideas here. I will be reviewing my options for my next excursion in the woods with my 200-500. Many like the red dot sight so I am seriously looking at. Thanks so much for your ideas!!
May 11, 2019 21:30:29 #
Nice shots, but I hope you are fully aware of the danger of getting near a mother bear and her cubs. They are notoriously unpredictable and violent if they sense a threat. You can't outrun one so don't be tempted to get closer for a better shot.
May 12, 2019 06:21:41 #
May 12, 2019 07:14:35 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
SeaBrat wrote:
In the last few months started shooting my D850 wi... (show quote)
This is what you have to have, and it's made by Nikon
https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/nikon-nikkor-500mm-phase-fresnel-dot-sight-laser/
and here is where you can buy it
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1431882-REG/nikon_25953_df_m1_dot_sight.html
May 12, 2019 07:21:47 #
robertjerl wrote:
I will back up the Red Dot sight, I have two and a... (show quote)
Wow, a scenario just popped into my head. Out in a field shooting BIF using a laser. A low flying plane or helicopter goes overhead, I go home to find the FBI or other authorities waiting on my doorstep. Hmmm.
May 12, 2019 07:40:18 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Gatorcoach wrote:
Wow, a scenario just popped into my head. Out in a field shooting BIF using a laser. A low flying plane or helicopter goes overhead, I go home to find the FBI or other authorities waiting on my doorstep. Hmmm.
The Nikon dot system is not your typical laser pointer, it is more of a pointer than a laser. If you used it I doubt the FBI would show up.
May 12, 2019 08:13:13 #
Donkas1946
Loc: Southern NH
davidrb wrote:
Easiest thing to do if you use a hood is to mount it so the tightning screw is straight up. Now you have a rifle type sight using your camera's hot-shoe.
I also use this method on my cannon 300 and 500mm it works just like a rifle!
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