is it ever big enough (seriously, no pun intended)!, alligators, clothes

[Vicky2]

I posted in the wrong forum (thanks vkalia I was there because I did a search for "wildlife lens" and didn't pay attention to what forum it put me in).

Anyway, I looked through all the wildlife posts in THIS forum and don't think this question was answered but there are so many posts I may have missed it...

Here is what I have (I am a beginner but really good at getting close to wildlife- I have been an outdoors person a long time)

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens
Bogen 718SHB Compact Digi Tripod with 3-Way Head
Canon Digital Rebel XT BLACK EOS SLR Camera Kit with 18-55 Lens
Circular Polarizer Filter 58mm (HAVE NO IDEA if I should use this)

Well, I found out really fast that a 300mm lens isn't enough for the wildlife photos I want to take (I live in little everglades on a 5 acre island surrounded by wetlands). I am not crazy about wading into the swamp especially with the alligators going into mating season next month!!

There is an incredible amount of wildlife right outside my door so I don't have to carry anything far (not too worried about weight). Last week an endangered Wood Stork was walking down my dirt driveway! We have an alligator at our front gate land bridge. Lots and lots of birds though and some are too small to get a good picture with a 300mm.

All my really cool pictures are just too far away and a little fuzzy. YES, I USED THE TRIPOD AND IT WAS REALLY STEADY. I know I have a lot to learn regarding lighting and stuff but first I need the right equiptment.
I posted some of the fuzzy shots here on a friends website:
http://www.cflhorseclub.com/VICKSPICS.htm

Anyway, I think I need to get a 500mm lens and I see a lot of people suggested the Sigma 50-500mm. (I can't afford the Canon one). YIKES!!!

So my question is will 500 mm be enough? It is about $900 so I won't be getting another one for a REALLY long time if I get it.

Also, two more questions:
1. If I get the 500 and also a 1.4X teleconverter would that be a good option? Does getting a teleconverter mean I will need two tripods or a different one then what I have? Is there one that would work well with my Canon and the Sigma 50-500?

2. Does anyone have good suggestions for camoflauging oneself? Like a web site with clothes and gear for that?

I am going to have a lot of questions in the near future so thank you for this site and the help everyone is giving to eachother.

[Steve Parr]

Couple of things:

Stay out of the water.

I, too, am looking at the Bigma as my long lens. I've got a 1.4X converter that would make it, effectively, a 70-700mm. I don't know that I would need anything longer than that, and I certainly think such a range would be sufficient for shooting wildlife.

There'd be no need for a second tripod. The converter will fit in the palm of your hand, and it doesn't weigh a lot.

Your photos look like they have a degree of camera shake. Did you use a remote release for the camera? At 300mm, even the slightest (and I mean slightest) movement will cause blur, even if the camera's mounted on a tripod. If you don't have one, that would be the first thing I'd try. The wired remote is pretty inexpensive, and it can yield some great benefits.

Good luck...

[Choderboy]

Just my opinion:

Sounds like you need reach , reach , reach..

As a rule of thumb , primes (fixed focal length) are sharper than zooms. This becomes more noticeable if you use a TC (teleconverter), which I'm sure you will.

So if you could afford a prime, that's what I would do. Canon 400 5.6 cost a bit more than a Bigma , but I think for your application would be better. Sigma 400 5.6 also available. Then add a 1.4 TC for very little degradation in image quality or a 2X TC for extreme reach , with a bit more degradation.

[Choderboy]

Oh yeah , hate to say but...
That digi tripod just won't cut it. (IMHO)
As Steve said , "even the slightest" movement with long lenses is a problem.
Solid tripod and a cable release almost mandatory.
Get a really solid tripod , and you will still notice how much the camera moves with a bit of wind :(

And the circular polariser is probably best left in the bag. They reduce amount of light, therefore reducing shutter speed , and you want as fast as possible shutter speed for what you are doing.

[In2Photos]

Just my opinion:

Sounds like you need reach , reach , reach..

As a rule of thumb , primes (fixed focal length) are sharper than zooms. This becomes more noticeable if you use a TC (teleconverter), which I'm sure you will.

So if you could afford a prime, that's what I would do. Canon 400 5.6 cost a bit more than a Bigma , but I think for your application would be better. Sigma 400 5.6 also available. Then add a 1.4 TC for very little degradation in image quality or a 2X TC for extreme reach , with a bit more degradation.

Only Problem I see with the 400 5.6 is that with any TC the OP will lose AF on her XT.

[Choderboy]

Only Problem I see with the 400 5.6 is that with any TC the OP will lose AF on her XT.

I don't see how that is a problem?
The Bigma is F6.3 at the long end and that's where it's going to be used.

[In2Photos]

I don't see how that is a problem?
The Bigma is F6.3 at the long end and that's where it's going to be used.

So then Bigma also loses AF at the long end but reatins AF at the short end? I haven't heard anyone mention this before. Perhaps somene can explain.

[cfcRebel]

Hi Vicky, welcome to the forum! :D

I'm envious you have such nice environment, surrounded by all sort of wildlife. You definitely deserve a better telephoto lens.:)
First, as Dave said, take off the circular polarizer from your lens. It is not for daily use, especially shooting wildlife.;)
I have a Sigma 50-500 and love it. It does require a good monopod or tripod though. My Bigma hardly leaves my tripod when i'm out shooting in the woods and I don't normally use cable release when shooting with Bigma but i have one just in case. So far bumping ISO to 400 gives me enough shutter speed in normal daylight.

As for 1.4TC, i have one from sigma as well. I hardly use it unless the light is really good and the animal/bird is at the right angle.

The Bogen 718SHB that you have might not support Bigma + camera because its specs say it supports only up to 5.5lb(2.5Kg). And it's a pan tilt head which is fine, but IMHO ballhead gives you more flexibility. I use Dynatran Carbon Fiber tripod legs (http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-CARBON-FIBER-MAGNESIUM-ALLOY-CAMERA-TRIPOD-LEGS-94_W0QQitemZ7591788463QQcategoryZ30095QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem) and their magnesium alloy ballhead (http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-CAMERA-TRIPOD-ACTION-MAGNESIUM-ALLOY-BALL-HEAD-H96_W0QQitemZ7591873559QQcategoryZ30095QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem). One of our members here (Mitcon) from Australia uses similar setup with his Bigma too.

Hope you find what you are looking for. Don't hesitate to post your questions. :)

[blacksmurf]

I just bought a Manfrotto 728B tripod. Trying this morning at home, pointing far out of the window, using the remote switch RS-60E3, I noticed a sensible camera movement when I half-pressed the button, because IS turned on.
I tried again after a better positioning of the tripod, but part of the unwanted movement was still happening.
I know, it isn't a very solid tripod, but I needed a lightweight.
Any suggestion on how to avoid that movement due to IS start?
:confused:

[cfcRebel]

I just bought a Manfrotto 728B tripod. Trying this morning at home, pointing far out of the window, using the remote switch RS-60E3, I noticed a sensible camera movement when I half-pressed the button, because IS turned on.
I tried again after a better positioning of the tripod, but part of the unwanted movement was still happening.
I know, it isn't a very solid tripod, but I needed a lightweight.
Any suggestion on how to avoid that movement due to IS start?
:confused:I thought you are not supposed to use IS when using tripod. The latest generation of IS can tell when a tripod is used but that's only in 70-200 f2.8 IS and newer products IIRC.

[cfcRebel]

2. Does anyone have good suggestions for camoflauging oneself? Like a web site with clothes and gear for that?

I just bought a set of camo wear last week after seeing what Mitcon wore in this picture (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=42828&stc=1&d=1133939960). :lol:

I found some on eBay, similar to these Camo jacket and pants (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7218363579&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)lot. Oh, and this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7220362475&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT) too. Can't beat that price.

[blacksmurf]

I thought you are not supposed to use IS when using tripod. The latest generation of IS can tell when a tripod is used but that's only in 70-200 f2.8 IS and newer products IIRC.

:oops:

Thank you very much, it's crystal clear.

[RichardtheSane]

I don't see how that is a problem?
The Bigma is F6.3 at the long end and that's where it's going to be used.
Difference is the Bigma doesn't tell the camers it is a 6.3 and so retains AF

[Vicky2]

WOW, you guys know a lot!
I can almost understand some of the abbreviations now. lol

First, I LOVE the picture of Mitcon in cameo, second everyone needs one of those camo du rags on the ebay link! That was great. :D

OK, so I am going to get a better tripod and a remote (thank you for that ebay link, it really helps because there are so many out there it would take me forever to figure out what will work).

I think I will go with the Sigma 50-500 because I need the versatility right now of being able to zoom in and out. The other day a racoon family walked 10 feet in front of me while I was zooming at a a bird 200 feet away). Sometimes opportunity strikes and I am not fast enough to change a lens yet.

I will definetely have a 400mm fixed lens on my list though for when I get good at this.

I can see how you can get addicted to this, it is really fun.

Off subject, I horseback ride out here and I noticed the critters don't fly or run away when I am on my horse like they do if I am on foot. If only I can get a tripod mounted to him...................;)

Thanks for the help (and the nice welcome) and I will be back soon no doubt!

[Vicky2]

PS
Yes, I will definetely stay out of the water, alligators creep me out. I do hope to get some good pictures of them next month though!
Oh and yes there is a good chance the tripod was shaky - I had it standing in muck on the edge of the water and it kept sinking!

[cfcRebel]

Off subject, I horseback ride out here and I noticed the critters don't fly or run away when I am on my horse like they do if I am on foot. If only I can get a tripod mounted to him...................;)
I suspect animals/birds are "programmed" naturally to be sensitive to human shape. :) I can approach most bird closer if shooting from my car than when shooting on my feet.

[davidfig]

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens
YES, I USED THE TRIPOD AND IT WAS REALLY STEADY.

I was wondering. Camera on tripod with IS turned on for the lens. Probably a problem. Try it on the tripod without IS, and in your hand with IS on.

[Tee Why]

Bigma is a great lens. I've one myself. It has very good optics at the short end and good optics at the long end. Another option is the Tamron 200-500. Accroding to photozone.de it's sharper than the Bigma. If you don't need the 50-200mm range, then this maybe a better and cheaper option. I think both can take a 1.4xTC if needed as well. Remember, with a cropped sensor the 500mm is more like a 800mm and that maybe enough with a small amount of cropping.
As for camo's, maybe a camo outfit for yourself and for the camera, I'd get a cheap camo hankie or two and drape the lens/camera and call it done.
Good luck

[Vicky2]

thanks! davidfig, I tried it with IS both off and on, didn't seem to matter.
Oh oh TeeWhy, you just gave me another decision to make. When I am ready to buy the zoom I am going to take a poll on that because I don't really need the lower range too often. thanks!

[condyk]

Sounds like you need reach , reach , reach..


... and a damn fine pair of running shoes with all those woman eating critters out there. Your place sounds like a great area to live. I am jealous. The only alligator we see here are on ladies feet. The Bigma is superb. The photo of Mitcon makes him look a bit pervy I think, but don't let that put you off. I had a Bigma and have had a number of the big boys (100-400 IS L, 300mm IS L, Sigma 100-300 4.0) and Bigma holds his own and gives you that vital extra reach. As mentioned a good lightweight tripod will be a boon. Put the lens on the end and sling it over your shoulder and go adventure ;) I recommend the Feisol carbon fibre with a Manfrotto 488 RC2 ballhead. Great bang per buck.

[superdiver]

Just ordered my Bigma off of ebay, two months old and only $580 with shipping...in fact i have bought all my lenses off of ebay and have yet to be dissapointed....just do due dillegence...

[Vicky2]

... and a damn fine pair of running shoes with all those woman eating critters out there. Your place sounds like a great area to live.

;) I recommend the Feisol carbon fibre with a Manfrotto 488 RC2 ballhead. Great bang per buck.

You are funny!:D
Yes it is really nice here but I wish someone could show me how to take a picture. I am missing so many cool birds and critters!
I haven't had a chance to try the suggestions I have been given but will give them a try tomorrow.

I still need to order the better tripod and stuff. That one you recommended is a little more expensive then the Dynatran but I will check ebay.

Oh, I took a picture of a little thrush - she was only 12 feet away (I walked out my door and there she was on my bench). She actually stayed there while I went back in for the camera. Anyway, of course it came out crappy! I had it zoomed all the way to 300mm and I had IS and AF on (no tripod).

I guess I was shaky. I also took a picture of my horse mowing my front lawn if anyone wants to see it I put them in the animal bird photo forum and it is called Vicks Blurry Pics. LOL