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Costa Rica Birding Trip (camera and lens purchase recommendation)
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Aug 24, 2021 14:43:25   #
ronichas Loc: Long Island
 
joecichjr wrote:
These are astonishingly beautiful and among the best I've ever seen
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆


Thank you very much. I have about 350 more sharp amazing images. Thanks so much to my friend who lives there and knows exactly where to go and what to do.

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Aug 24, 2021 15:04:58   #
LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773
 
clint f. wrote:
Be sure whatever car you rent that you get the insurance they offer. Our friends in Costa Rica rented a 4x4 because theirs was in tWhe shop. I was in the car every minute it was driven. When returned the rental company said the undercarriage was damaged and wanted big bucks right then to repair it. There was never anything done that could have damaged the car while we had it. It was interesting to see his attitude change when my friend showed he had purchased the insurance. I pity the next renter who was likely blamed for undercarriage damage and had to pay up on the spot when it was returned. I loved Costa Rico but there is a reason there are bars on all the windows. Keep you stuff secure. Read the state department travel advice and be safe in your travels.
Be sure whatever car you rent that you get the ins... (show quote)


We drove through Costa Rica for 10 days .. Our SUV and a 1/2 inch plate welded underneath. The roads were horrendous. This was 10 years ago. Get the insurance.

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Aug 24, 2021 15:51:03   #
stevefrankel
 
I've gone through Canon and Sony full-frame systems with 3-4 lenses and gave them up for being to heavy and awkward in the field. Now I'm delighted with the Sony RX10-IV with its weatherproof body and 24-600mm lens that's tack-sharp. I have a 16x20 inch enlargement of an eagle's head on my wall and I can even make out the specs in the eagles eye. I think I could have gone 20x30" with this image if I wanted to. Sure it's a 1" Sony sensor but in 60 years of photography I've never had quality like this. The camera only weighs slightly over two pounds and costs $1700. It shoots 24 fps with autoexposure and auto tracking. It also has eye focus which worked perfectly in this photo.



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Aug 24, 2021 16:00:25   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
stevefrankel wrote:
I've gone through Canon and Sony full-frame systems with 3-4 lenses and gave them up for being to heavy and awkward in the field. Now I'm delighted with the Sony RX10-IV with its weatherproof body and 24-600mm lens that's tack-sharp. I have a 16x20 inch enlargement of an eagle's head on my wall and I can even make out the specs in the eagles eye. I think I could have gone 20x30" with this image if I wanted to. Sure it's a 1" Sony sensor but in 60 years of photography I've never had quality like this. The camera only weighs slightly over two pounds and costs $1700. It shoots 24 fps with autoexposure and auto tracking. It also has eye focus which worked perfectly in this photo.
I've gone through Canon and Sony full-frame system... (show quote)


Great camera and a magnificent shot
🌀💞🏆💞🌀

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Aug 24, 2021 16:12:16   #
BushDog Loc: San Antonio, TX
 
Camera Sony a1 $6,498 Back ordered
Lens Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM $1,998
Lens Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM $1,398
Extra battery NP-FZ100 $78
Memory cards (2) Sony 256GB SF-M Tough Series UHS-II $230 Back ordered
TOTAL $10,202
Notes:
1) I have all of these
2) If you buy from B&H using their PayBoo card, you wind up paying these amounts - saving the sales tax
3) Camera and memory cards are currently out of stock.
4) This is just my opinion. But, in the past 16 years, I’ve had about 25 camera bodies and about 55 lenses. These include Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji
5) Since you’re starting basically from scratch, I’d go mirrorless over DSLR. Lots of advantages.


(Download)

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Aug 24, 2021 16:16:36   #
M1911 Loc: DFW Metromess
 
I like RoniChas' comment about a guide. Maybe he would give you contact info for
his. I also am a big believer in tripods. So I would save part of my budget for a good light tripod at least 60 Inches tall. 72 would be better.

A flash is also a good idea. Godox has a 200 watt second flash that fits in blue jeans front pocket.

Make sure you have chargers for everything and that they work in Cost Rica.

Don't forget plenty of film...er memory cards. It will probably be the cheapest thing in your kit.

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Aug 24, 2021 17:06:34   #
RPaul3rd Loc: Arlington VA and Sarasota FL
 
I am also not a birder. When my wife and I were in Costa Rica a couple of years ago, I had my Canon SL2 (lightweight) and a Tamron 18-400 mm lens and it was a good pairing. Total for that was about $1000. You might try the Canon mirrorless M50 (also lightweight) and a newly released telephoto for it (up to 500mm). Before y'all tear me apart, I agree these are not the best but they are photos of birds with the equipment I mentioned. AND ONE NOTE OF CAUTION. The humidity can be a camera killer, particularly in the rain forests. Take a bag full of dessecant which will keep your equipment nice and dry.







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Aug 24, 2021 18:53:38   #
LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773
 
BushDog wrote:
Camera Sony a1 $6,498 Back ordered
Lens Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM $1,998
Lens Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM $1,398
Extra battery NP-FZ100 $78
Memory cards (2) Sony 256GB SF-M Tough Series UHS-II $230 Back ordered
TOTAL $10,202
Notes:
1) I have all of these
2) If you buy from B&H using their PayBoo card, you wind up paying these amounts - saving the sales tax
3) Camera and memory cards are currently out of stock.
4) This is just my opinion. But, in the past 16 years, I’ve had about 25 camera bodies and about 55 lenses. These include Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji
5) Since you’re starting basically from scratch, I’d go mirrorless over DSLR. Lots of advantages.
Camera Sony a1 $6,498 Back ordered br Lens Sony FE... (show quote)


Used 7D mk ll --100-400 ll lens (Canon) Probably not as good but $7500 cheaper . Save your money


(Download)

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Aug 24, 2021 19:21:11   #
BushDog Loc: San Antonio, TX
 
LEWHITE7747 wrote:
Used 7D mk ll --100-400 ll lens (Canon) Probably not as good but $7500 cheaper . Save your money


You are correct. You can save a whole lot of money with other choices. The 7DII is an excellent crop sensor camera in a super solid body. I recently sold mine to a photographer friend whose camera finally quit on him. $10k can buy a whole lot of gear. My suggestion was based on the criteria in the original post and the enjoyment I get out of the gear I suggested. Your viewpoint is most definitely something to consider.

Your owl image is fantastic! 👍🏽

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Aug 24, 2021 19:24:06   #
LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773
 
BushDog wrote:
You are correct. You can save a whole lot of money with other choices. The 7DII is an excellent crop sensor camera in a super solid body. I recently sold mine to a photographer friend whose camera finally quit on him. $10k can buy a whole lot of gear. My suggestion was based on the criteria in the original post and the enjoyment I get out of the gear I suggested. Your viewpoint is most definitely something to consider.

Your owl image is fantastic! 👍🏽


I just post on facebook and instagram. With your equipment you can take things to a a new other level. You are right if the the budget is that high then the equipment you suggested is right on.

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Aug 24, 2021 19:33:29   #
stevefrankel
 
joecichjr wrote:
Great camera and a magnificent shot
🌀💞🏆💞🌀


Thank you for the good words. Your owl shot is terrific. My eagle was a grab shot of a live tethered eagle in a museum surround by about a dozen kids. I shot from about 35 feet away.

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Aug 24, 2021 22:56:12   #
Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV
 
stevefrankel wrote:
I've gone through Canon and Sony full-frame systems with 3-4 lenses and gave them up for being to heavy and awkward in the field. Now I'm delighted with the Sony RX10-IV with its weatherproof body and 24-600mm lens that's tack-sharp. I have a 16x20 inch enlargement of an eagle's head on my wall and I can even make out the specs in the eagles eye. I think I could have gone 20x30" with this image if I wanted to. Sure it's a 1" Sony sensor but in 60 years of photography I've never had quality like this. The camera only weighs slightly over two pounds and costs $1700. It shoots 24 fps with autoexposure and auto tracking. It also has eye focus which worked perfectly in this photo.
I've gone through Canon and Sony full-frame system... (show quote)


This is a stationary pic; have you yeied it on BIF? if so, how dod it do?

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Aug 24, 2021 22:57:58   #
SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY
 
gary8803 wrote:
I'm going to Costa Rica in March of next year for 14 days. I like to photograph birds I live in Florida where I go there is lots of good light. I been using a Fuji XT3 camera but it is slow to change setting and more for every day stuff.

My budget is 10000.00 I do not shoot video it not important to me. I want a camera and lens combination that is under 10 pounds because I like to hand hold and it needs to be able to fit carry on baggage of international flights.

It can be used equipment if in great condition. I do not want to rent because I'll be going on more birding trips in the future.

I'am ok with just a prime lens
I'm going to Costa Rica in March of next year for ... (show quote)


https://youtu.be/Ssd-gzMrBA8

…Gary…I looked at some of your older photos with the Nikon D3 and 500mm lens…some of these are beautiful…you had it good once…I can see you wanting to duplicate that combo for this trip with some lighter gear…I have attached a link from Steve Perry in which he talks about his gear for Costa Rica…he states that he uses his 600mm prime lens for about 80% of the time…Sony’s new a1 and the FE 200-600 (or FE 100-400 GM if you are not looking to use a tripod) kind of looks like an interesting combination…this, along with the Sony a7rIV and a9II have everybody at Canon and Nikon scratching their heads and trying to keep up as pro photographers and prosumers start to jump ship and switch over to Sony…have fun deciding what to get and on your trip and make sure to post some of your results…

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Aug 25, 2021 16:12:33   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
LEWHITE7747 wrote:
Used 7D mk ll --100-400 ll lens (Canon) Probably not as good but $7500 cheaper . Save your money


A superb capture 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

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Aug 25, 2021 16:22:01   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
RPaul3rd wrote:
I am also not a birder. When my wife and I were in Costa Rica a couple of years ago, I had my Canon SL2 (lightweight) and a Tamron 18-400 mm lens and it was a good pairing. Total for that was about $1000. You might try the Canon mirrorless M50 (also lightweight) and a newly released telephoto for it (up to 500mm). Before y'all tear me apart, I agree these are not the best but they are photos of birds with the equipment I mentioned. AND ONE NOTE OF CAUTION. The humidity can be a camera killer, particularly in the rain forests. Take a bag full of dessecant which will keep your equipment nice and dry.
I am also not a birder. When my wife and I were i... (show quote)


Awesome subjects ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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