Question for the nature photographers:
Feb 27, 2020 06:45:07 #
I have a canon 70 - 300 lens which is the old one and not the newer one they came out with and I wasn't happy with the sharpness . I don't use it any more . Hopefully your lens does a better job then mine , but I am pretty picky
Feb 27, 2020 06:49:47 #
Feb 27, 2020 06:58:57 #
ggab
Loc: ?
jaymatt wrote:
Some thing new for me: this Saturday my photo club... (show quote)
You don't mention which Canon or Sony Camera you use.
When I go out on a walk, I always shoot 1/1000 or faster, Auto ISO and Manual, thus eliminating the need to worrying about light changes or for a tripod or monopod.
Besides, there is always a tree or post to use for support.
On your Canon, make sure you set AF for AI Servo, High speed continuous and finally zone AF.
If I am on my own and am going to post in the same spot for a long time, I will bring a tripod and Gimbal Head.
I would suggest you rent a EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens and a 1.4x extender if your camera will auto focus at f/8. The lens is amazing and the extender will give you more reach. While the 70-300II is a very fast to focus lens, it doesn't quite have the reach and you can't use an extender with it.
Enjoy and post some pictures.
Feb 27, 2020 09:03:37 #
jaymatt wrote:
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. 
For birds 300mm is often not enough reach, so I agree with you to take the SX60 too.
Feb 27, 2020 09:12:23 #
Sx 60 without a doubt. It will give you the reach and not heavy to cart around.
Feb 27, 2020 09:12:43 #
ggab
Loc: ?
nimbushopper wrote:
For birds 300mm is often not enough reach, so I agree with you to take the SX60 too.
I would suggest trying the SX60, zoomed out, tracking birds in flight before going on your trip.
If you haven't done it yet, you will find the exercise illuminating.
Feb 27, 2020 09:14:11 #
kubota king wrote:
I have a canon 70 - 300 lens which is the old one and not the newer one they came out with and I wasn't happy with the sharpness . I don't use it any more . Hopefully your lens does a better job then mine , but I am pretty picky
The newer one has been compared favorably with the L version - at least optically speaking.
Feb 27, 2020 09:18:22 #
Take the SX60 but do have a lightweight tripod with you. Effective zoom is 1365 mm which is very good but will magnify shake (hard to hand hold at that zoom). A big DSLR and lens plus a heavy tripod is a chore unless you are not hiking too far or you are up to the challenge - my wife usually volunteers to carry my tripod when I do take the big camera and lens on some hiking destinations.
Feb 27, 2020 09:20:21 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
If you’re looking for snapshots, take something that’s versatile and easy to use. Versatile is the key word here. If you’re going to look for planned compositions, take the gear that will give you the best photo for the extra effort. Sorry if this is no help.
Feb 27, 2020 09:21:29 #
When it comes to nature (especially birds) it is all about reach. Whatever mix you have to get the furthest out there the better. All the comments regarding the time to set up are spot on. Using a tripod will certainly be best, but a monopod is definitely quicker. Either way birds in flight will require free holding anyway in most situations. I would also definitely choose spot focus versus any type of area as I always liked to focus on the eye if possible. That is what peeps look at first when checking out birds. By the same token, make sure to “focus” (no pun intended) on having fun with others who care about accomplishing the same thing. It is always a pleasure to enjoy time with others who share the same interest.
Feb 27, 2020 09:30:02 #
PGHphoto
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
fergmark wrote:
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.
I agree with you - a shorter lens should also be included for the outing with just a single body. With nature, some of the best shots come from up close (like detail in a tree bark pattern) or a wide panorama shot that conveys the way the area looks. Personally I would take the 70-300 and a wider lens as well. I don't do much bird photography so when I do nature photography, its seldom with anything more than a 125mm and normally use my 24-70 for 90% of what I shoot.
Feb 27, 2020 09:30:19 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
If the "guided nature walk" is for photo... (show quote)
What Linda says is the better situation for you to consider.Feb 27, 2020 09:33:32 #
I'd take the 300 and the SX60. The 300 will likely be way too short and the SX60 has a wonderful zoom but iffy autofocus. Practice in your yard with the SX60 will help you with flying bird situations. Have fun!
Feb 27, 2020 09:41:33 #
First time I would seriously think of taking just the SX60, and enjoy the walk !
If image quality is a really big deal the (SX60 can be a little soft especially when zoomed longer) I'd opt for the 70 - 300 .
I do lots of hikes with the dog on local pathways, my normal walk around lens on my 7Dmk2 is the Tamron 18-400 takes a descent pic but can be a little soft after 300 or in low light. If I'm out for birds and animals I'll usually go with the 100-400 but that's a heavy pig to tote around
If image quality is a really big deal the (SX60 can be a little soft especially when zoomed longer) I'd opt for the 70 - 300 .
I do lots of hikes with the dog on local pathways, my normal walk around lens on my 7Dmk2 is the Tamron 18-400 takes a descent pic but can be a little soft after 300 or in low light. If I'm out for birds and animals I'll usually go with the 100-400 but that's a heavy pig to tote around
Feb 27, 2020 09:53:05 #
Tried a monopod for birds and it didn't have a ballhead, just fixed, That just didn't work. I got a ballhead and that worked. Tripod is best but some situations don't allow it's use.
I have a tripod that converts to a monopod and that's what I took into the woods.
Now I'm so shaky have to use a tripod and the remote trigger doohickey.
I have a tripod that converts to a monopod and that's what I took into the woods.
Now I'm so shaky have to use a tripod and the remote trigger doohickey.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.