Newbie - Wildlife Photography

I have a EOS 30D with the starter lens. I'm going to get the 100-400mm L IS USM lens. I'm thinking about getting the Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG. I will be going on half day to full day backcountry trips for my photo shoots.

So, what else do I NEED? Please help me get an understanding of the equipment that will be most useful for my new hobby. I did a search and didn't come across the info. If there are some answers on this forum or other Web sites, would give me the links?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Dave

Welcome to the forum Dave!

I have the 200EG backpack and i love it. While shooting birds, i like to shoot butterfly and dragonfly too. They always make beautiful pictures. To fill the frame with such critters, you can simply buy some extension tubes (Kenko 68mm extension tubes), and stack them on your 100-400mm to reduce the minimum focus distance. That way you can zoom in to 400mm and move closer to the subject to fill the frame. Or if money is not a problem, you can get some nice macro lens.

An external flash comes in handy when the subject is in a shade or shadow, or when the day is overcast.

Thanks! And thank you for the info. I'll put extensions tubes on my shopping list. At first, I had no idea what you were talking about. Did the Google thing and learned a lot. That's really neat. (Now you know I really am a newbie.)

Dave, you will definitely need a good quality, sturdy, and versatile tripod. I highly recommend the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro with their 488RC2 head. Here's the package at B&H: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

You would probably want either a long strap or a bag with a good shoulder strap to carry it in the field.

Thanks Skip. I figured I'd need something like that. Wasn't sure what would be best. I've been considering the TrekPod. Makes a good walking stick and tripod and may be handy in rattlesnake country. What do you think? http://www.trek-tech.com/products_hiki​ng/index.php

The tripod looks like an interesting idea. Given its small base, my question would be whether you will be able to level it and get good support on uneven ground.

EOS-30Dave wrote:
Thanks Skip. I figured I'd need something like that. Wasn't sure what would be best. I've been considering the TrekPod. Makes a good walking stick and tripod and may be handy in rattlesnake country. What do you think? http://www.trek-tech.com/products_hiki​ng/index.php

I would never put anything that I cared about on the TrekPod and leave it unattended.

An ordinary monopod such as my Bogen/Manfrotto 580B (with a 486RC2 ballhead on it) would do quite well as a portable support device and as a walking stick. However, a monopod is absolutely no substitute for a good solid tripod when you are using long telephoto lenses in less than brilliant lighting.

Thank you all for the great advice. This is the kind of knowledge I need from experienced photographers. Keep it coming.

Or, like us on limited budget but still lust for solid sturdy tripod, check out Amvona's Dynatran series. I started with their $30 aluminum Dynatran series. Don't be fooled by their low price. Unlike Wal-mart's $30 plastic tripod, Dynatran is solid, sturdy and gets the job done. Then within months i upgraded to their Carbon Fiber series because i hike alot. Couldn't be happier.

Here are some questions and comments other people have posted.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=161068

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=160367

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=157462

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=146593

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=158860

I just discovered an article that provided me with some good additional information. http://www.outdoorphot​ographer.com …/may/bareessent​ials.shtml