A Few images with new Lens: Well, I finally purchased a new lens. After much research, reading reviews, and asking advice here, I decided on the Tamron 150-600mm G2. I was considering...

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

Well, I finally purchased a new lens. After much research, reading reviews, and asking advice here, I decided on the Tamron 150-600mm G2. I was considering a Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED prime which weighs 26.63 oz compared to 74.7 for the Tamron, but a few years ago I had rented a Nikon 70-300mm and shot some small birds in my yard, so I knew 300mm was not going to be long enough for the distances that I would be shooting at. The Tamron was also less weight than the other two lens I was considering.

All I know is that I am going to need a lot of practice hand holding this lens when its at 600mm. I'm 69 and didn't think it was going to be that bad, but unfortunately my hands are not the steadiest anymore and most of the shots I have taken are not worthy of posting here or anywhere else.

The bird and squirrel images were handheld, and the moon shot was on a tripod. If any of you that do bird photography have some tips and hints for shooting birds handheld, I'm all ears for suggestions.

(Download)

Vaun's photography Loc: Bonney Lake, WA

Very nice set! Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your new lens as often as you can!

deanfl Loc: Georgia

Vince68 wrote:

Well, I finally purchased a new lens. After much r... (show quote)

Congrats on your new lens. Regarding tips, are you using the Nikon D800? If so, and weight is an issue, I would suggest trying a Nikon D7500 or even a D5500. I use both with a Sigma 150-600C. I shoot handheld and will soon be 74.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

That's pretty darn good for handholding a beast like that!

CO

Camera shake is amplified a lot when shooting at long focal lengths. You might want to get a lightweight gimbal head for your tripod. I use a Jobu Jr.3 gimbal head. It weighs only 1.5 pounds but can support up to 12 pounds. The weight of your camera and lens is well within that capacity.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

Vince68 wrote:

Well, I finally purchased a new lens. After much r... (show quote)

Since you are invested in Nikon glass, you might consider getting a Z6 or Z7 which has IBIS. I have had excellent success using mine handheld.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Good set Vince..

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

Vince68 wrote:

Well, I finally purchased a new lens. After much r... (show quote)

Thanks, Vince! All you can do is your best. If your camera has optical stabilization, use it. If not, and the lens doesn't, either, you'll just have to get used to tripods or practice handholding 10 lbs of gear!

ELNikkor

A monopod can be handy to support the weight while you concentrate on shooting. I've seen much sharper images others have done here with that lens, so keep at it, you will know when you've got the right equipment.

Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

At 69 I have given up on hand-held unless there is an abundance of light so that I can use a fast shutter speed. A tripod can be a pain but sometimes I have no choice.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

deanfl wrote:

Congrats on your new lens. Regarding tips, are you using the Nikon D800? If so, and weight is an issue, I would suggest trying a Nikon D7500 or even a D5500. I use both with a Sigma 150-600C. I shoot handheld and will soon be 74.

Thanks Dean. Yes, I am using the D800. I did take the grip off the camera to lighten it up a bit.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

CO wrote:

Camera shake is amplified a lot when shooting at long focal lengths. You might want to get a lightweight gimbal head for your tripod. I use a Jobu Jr.3 gimbal head. It weighs only 1.5 pounds but can support up to 12 pounds. The weight of your camera and lens is well within that capacity.

I am considering that. For birds at feeders or on tree limbs, that would work pretty well I suppose while they are stationary. Does using a gimbal restrict you at all when shooting BIF?

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

whfowle wrote:

Since you are invested in Nikon glass, you might consider getting a Z6 or Z7 which has IBIS. I have had excellent success using mine handheld.

I have been considering one of those cameras also because of the IBIS... leaning more towards the Z6 right now, but I have been looking on KEH and MPB for used ones too.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

phlash46 wrote:

That's pretty darn good for handholding a beast like that!

Thank you Bruce. Those were the best I was able to get. I definitely need to work on better handholding technique with that lens.