Question for the nature photographers:
Feb 26, 2020 12:12:24 #
Some thing new for me: this Saturday my photo club will be taking a guided nature walk at Summit Lake State Park in Indiana (flat and mostly open) to photograph, hopefully, migratory birds. I am not a nature photographer other than the chance shot. My primary cameras, the ones I am considering taking, are a Canon with a 70-300 zoom, a Canon SX60 that zooms to long, and a Sony with a 55-200 zoom.
Here’s my question: Of that equipment, which should work the best for me?
I have suspicions, but, as I said, nature photography is a new arena for me. Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Here’s my question: Of that equipment, which should work the best for me?
I have suspicions, but, as I said, nature photography is a new arena for me. Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Feb 26, 2020 12:22:30 #
jaymatt wrote:
Some thing new for me: this Saturday my photo club... (show quote)
My first Choice would be the Canon with 70-300 and plan to use a tripod or a Monopod. I would leave everything else home. My 2 cents to get quality images.
Feb 26, 2020 12:27:14 #
I would say the Canon with the 70-300 lens. You won't get too near any birds or animals without disturbing them. If you have a tripod or a monopod take it, too.
Feb 26, 2020 12:32:49 #
Feb 26, 2020 12:38:03 #
Feb 26, 2020 12:51:12 #
I would carry a weatherproof backpack or sling pack just for protection from the elements and the added advantage of that is the ability to carry more than one camera and monopod/tripod comfortably. Having said that, I would take both the Canons. The DSLR will give you the best image quality if it will reach your subject. The Powershot superzoom will reach your subject especially if this is a large lake. It will help you see off-colored waves or splashes that are no waves at all, but rather birds you can't see with the naked eye. A little lower quality shot is better than no shot at all. Check out a search on Flickr for that particular camera and you will see some decent quality captures there. It will require good conditions so that you can achieve a high shutter speed and low ISO, but if the sun is out you should have that on a lake. Superzooms are also slower to focus, so plan on that as well. Good luck and enjoy the trip!
Dave A
Dave A
Feb 26, 2020 12:53:12 #
If the "guided nature walk" is for photographers only and will allow long stops for set-up, then a tripod and Canon dslr makes the most sense. If the group will include those just out for the experience or birders who use binoculars and make entries to their life-sightings book, I'd take the sx60 or plan on being left behind 
"Patience" and watching for the perfect moment are not compatible with group shooting IMO.
"Patience" and watching for the perfect moment are not compatible with group shooting IMO.
Feb 26, 2020 12:55:50 #
When I think landscapes, I think in terms of something more like a 24-70. The 70-300 will do fairly well if you see some wildlife but could be a little short to get any detailed shots to crop.
Feb 26, 2020 13:00:41 #
jaymatt wrote:
Some thing new for me: this Saturday my photo club... (show quote)
What camera body? I believe you will probably be shooting raptors this time of year. If you are shooting an APS-C then the 70-300 might be OK depending on which 70-300 you are talking about. If body you would put the 70-300 on is full frame, I would opt for the SX60 for the reach. The SX60 is stabilized and you do not have to go all the way to its 65x magnification, but you can get closer to a 400-500 equivalent.
Feb 26, 2020 14:33:27 #
You didn't say what camera bodies. If it is the Sony a7iii, a7Riii, a7Riv, or a9 , a9ii. then these will have the fastest focus and digital zoom. You could even put them in APS-c mode and equal the reach of the 300mm canon. I shoot birds mostly with my 150-600. Sometimes I shoot with my Sony HX400v... the sony equivalent to you SX60. The SX60 will do a really good job. I use to own a SX50 and it did great until it died. It is almost impossible to have too much zoom when shooting animals. As for tripod... go with a mono-pod of nothing. Keep that shutter speed 1/800 or faster. You will have hand shake, bird movement and they will both be magnified by the long zoom.
Feb 26, 2020 16:40:09 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
If the "guided nature walk" is for photo... (show quote)
It can be with like minded people (good photographers).
Feb 26, 2020 16:57:14 #
Thanks, all. We are all, supposedly, photographers on the walk, and you have confirmed my suspicions. I’m going with the 70-300 and a monopod, and taking the SX60 in case the 300 isn’t long enough once in a while. I’m guessing that Ill be the novice nature person in the group, so wish me luck. 
Feb 26, 2020 22:56:08 #
jaymatt wrote:
Some thing new for me: this Saturday my photo club... (show quote)
The Sony - and maximize your IQ and use the Clear Image Zoom with the 55-200 .
.
Feb 27, 2020 06:19:18 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
jaymatt wrote:
Some thing new for me: this Saturday my photo club... (show quote)
70-300 would be the minimum. Usually up North wild life is a little more spooked by folks than here in the wetlands of Florida. Longer lenses are required to get close. I use a minimum of a 600 mm when I come back North for the summer. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
Feb 27, 2020 06:33:04 #
jaymatt wrote:
Some thing new for me: this Saturday my photo club... (show quote)
If it's a clear, bright day, use the Canon with the 70-300 and leave the tripod/monopod home. Shooting at 1/500 or shorter will help ensure little to no blur, other than subject movement (wings flapping, pecking at food, etc), which a tripod won't help you with anyway. Using auto ISO, will help you concentrate on your apeture and shutter speed. You will be far more flexible to shoot anything you want, and not have to trip over tripod legs.
Monopods can be helpful in situations where you will be holding the lens and camera up for extended periods of time, but this doesn't sound like one of those.
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