Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
via the lens wrote:
So, lots of opinions on this, obviously. I am showing you some examples of birds shot using a tripod and a long lens to let you know that it can work out for you if you choose to go this way. It does take practice, as does everything in photography. This is not to say that anyone is wrong or that someone cannot hand-hold, which I do sometimes, but instead to show you that using a tripod can work when shooting some birds. I don't normally shoot the little birds zipping past me at warp speed, but instead the larger birds like herons and egrets. The samples below came from both Florida and New Mexico, both great places to find larger birds. All shot with a tripod and either a Nikon 200-500 or Nikon 80-400 (ballhead and sidekick). Please excuse me for posting photos but when I read comments that say it cannot be done I know otherwise and only showing that will tell the story. I cannot imagine accomplishing this type of shot with a monopod! And, my arms would get very tired holding a long lens for hours on end. So, I use a tripod and it has worked fine for me. And, it could work fine for you, too. (NOTE: Whatever is clipped off in the example photo is due to spacing in the collage program, the photo actually contains all of the bird in each photo along with space in front as needed for "moving forward.")
So, lots of opinions on this, obviously. I am sho... (
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Not an argument from me. Great shots!
However, as you noted, they are all of fairly large and slow moving birds.For about 9 years I used a 500, and later a 600mm F4 lens on a tripod to shoot similar birds - eagles, osprey, hawks, herons, egrets, etc and was quite happy with the results.
Try shooting small, twitchy birds, or dragonflies with a big lens on a tripod. Now that I use a more "portable" lens (150-600 Sigma Sport), I can do just that. My prior efforts at shooting small flying things was disappointing at best.
The past year I have used the Sigma 150-600, hand-held for all of my bird and wildlife images (oh, and some airshow stuff, too). You can see them here.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums
Gene51 wrote:
Not an argument from me. Great shots!
However, as you noted, they are all of fairly large and slow moving birds.For about 9 years I used a 500, and later a 600mm F4 lens on a tripod to shoot similar birds - eagles, osprey, hawks, herons, egrets, etc and was quite happy with the results.
Try shooting small, twitchy birds, or dragonflies with a big lens on a tripod. Now that I use a more "portable" lens (150-600 Sigma Sport), I can do just that. My prior efforts at shooting small flying things was disappointing at best.
The past year I have used the Sigma 150-600, hand-held for all of my bird and wildlife images (oh, and some airshow stuff, too). You can see them here.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albumsNot an argument from me. Great shots! br br Howev... (
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Yes, I understand. I got a great shot of a dragonfly and a hummingbird moth, too, at one point, both hand-held, with the Nikon 80-400. I've only used the Tamron hand-held once, to run through the forest to keep up with a moose and her calf and was able to get the shot. So, it all depends on what your goal is when you head out to get the shot. I do have some smaller birds as well, but I tend to like subjects that fill my image frame. The end conclusion might be "head out prepared" and and luck favors those who are prepared!
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