ifti Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I tried to search in the forum my question but did not find the answer. Here is the issue: <P> I take, casual portrait that I don’t post as I don’t ask permission.. I like macros flowers but what really makes me happy are the bird pictures, Here is what I have <P>• Nikon Coolpix 5700 <P>• Nikon D200Lenses <P>• Sigma 135-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO <P>• Tamron SP 90mm/2.8 1:1 Macro<P>• nikkor 105mm f/2.8 AF-S VR <P>• nikkor 18-200mm 3.5-5.6 VR DX AF-S ED <P>• nikkor 50/1.8 AI <P>• nikkor AF-S 24-85mm 3.5-4.5G <P>• nikkor AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 G IF ED<P>• Nikon SB-600 <P> .(NoteCoolpix 5700 and sigma stay on the shelf I have not used them any more). <P> ,<P> With what I have I am pleased with my static bird pictures. My birds in flight however stink. They are rarely in focus.<P> I do not have budget for 500mm lens. My current upper limit is $3000.<P> Will I have better chance to get flying birds in focus with Nikon D300 with its 51 sensors?<P> Or should I just wait till I have money for a 500mm lens..<P> Best regards ifti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbie_robertson Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 This was taken last weekend with the Sigma 50-500 mm on a D90. This lens is a bit soft at 500 mm, but will set you back under $1000 USD. 500 mm really is the minimum acceptable for me, as I had previously tried 300 mm with TC, cropping etc, and wasn't really happy with the results.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobcossar Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I took this with a Canon 300D and the cheap 75-300....and it's quite good. It's more about attention, preparation, good technique, and .....LUCK, than it is about gear...regards, Bob<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sanford Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I think bird or any type of animal photography is low percentage endeavor when it comes to getting everything right. I wouldn't expect more than a few per hundred to be in perfect focus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ifti Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 Robbie, Bob and Sanford thanks for you input. I hope some one with D300 will share some experience. Robbie I have a 400mg Sigma that is not 500mm but it was soft and I have not been using it. Regards ifti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Javkin Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I used a D300 with a 70-300mm VR to try to photograph birds in flight, and I didn't find the 51 AF sensors, or the 15 AF cross sensors, any better than the single cross sensor in a humble D50. The attached photo was taken with the D50. As others said below, the equipment is secondary to technique and luck.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ifti Posted November 21, 2008 Author Share Posted November 21, 2008 Hector this is impressive with D50 and a single cross sensor.You did not say which lens you used but I will look in yout portfolio. Thanks for your help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Javkin Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I don't have a portfolio on photo.net. I used a Nikon 70-300mm VR, typically shooting at 300mm and f/5.6. It would be nice to have something longer. However, besides the cost, for flying hummers I don't see the alternative to hand-holding, and I have tendinitis in my wrists, so that it's hard to deal with heavier lenses. As I seem to be writing in all my posts this week, the tendinitis made me give up on the heavier D300, and I'll be picking up a D90 soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ifti Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 Hector your hummer is great. I found out you have not posted any, I hope your tendinitis gets better. Best regards ifti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah_fox Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 "I took this with a Canon 300D and the cheap 75-300....and it's quite good. It's more about attention, preparation, good technique, and .....LUCK, than it is about gear..." But Bob, a seagull is a more cooperative subject than most! ;-) (Nice shot, though.) I think it's about all of the above -- attention, preparation, good technique, AND the right gear -- perhaps VR, perhaps a tripod or monopod, probably a good 500mm. I personally don't do much bird photography, not that I have bad technique, and not because I can't stalk the creatures, but because of my 300mm upper limit with a not-too-stellar lens. Sure, I can get bird photos, but I don't consider them "good" bird photos, with infrequent exceptions (usually very large and cooperative birds). I just don't have the right gear, and bird photography isn't important enough to me that I would want to invest the money. Not my cup of tea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah_fox Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 Taken with a rather old p&s:<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sanford Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I don't think VR is necessarily the answer. I have the Nikkor 18-200 zoom and the VR seems to cause a delay while it's doing whatever it does. I usually leave it off. I think it's useless for moving subjects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanna_cowpe Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I shoot with a Canon XT and the 70-300 IS lens. The IS (Image stabilization) has two modes, 1 for subjects moving in any direction and one for subjects moving in one direction with the camera. I can't speak for Nikon on that. Mine is a fairly slow lens and having a background which provides good contrast for the bird, such as blue sky or water, helps in focusing. A longer lens would be too heavy for me and using a tripod is too restricting , but you may wish to try that. But IS is not recommended on a tripod. A monopod will provide some stability, or a Bushhawk, which rests on your shoulders and supports the camera. A 500mm lens would give you better reach for distant birds, but it can be a disadvantage when birds are closer and you can't zoom out. So there are pros and cons for short and long lenses. It takes alot of practice to get to know the birds' behaviour so you can second guess what they will do. On windy days the birds sometimes "hang" in the wind, particularly seabirds, which helps a little as it slows them down. If you are able to shoot by the sea, try sitting by the shore where the birds gather, and brace your elbows on your knees. That provides some stability and also puts you at eye level when the birds are near the water. The important thing to focus on is the eye. If that is sharp it's sometimes acceptable for other parts to be blurred by movement. It takes lots and lots of practice and patience but you will get better at it. Good luck and have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manuel barrera houston, Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I found the Sigma 100-300 f/4 to be very quick in focusing the following were captured using the 5D and Sigma<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manuel barrera houston, Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 here is another one,<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manuel barrera houston, Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I want to add that I bought the Sigma for its macro capabilities, here is a photo with the Sigma and the Canon 1D<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_gillette Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 300mm is pretty short under a lot of conditions for birding. The subject isn't going to fill a lot of the frame and it's going to be harder to keep focus points, however many you have, on the subject. If you can't afford longer lenses (not an uncommon situation) then if at all possible do as much as you can to get closer to the good shooting. Not an easy thing to do. OTOH, "too close" with fast moving subjects is also tough, they get away from you more easily. Sigh - another frustrated but eager seeker of the birds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry_ Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 You need a bit of luck. And many times, it depends on how close you are to the flying bird you are trying to photograph. Sometimes, a old AF 70-300mm G Nikkor lens does OK. And sometimes a AF 80-400mm VR Nikkor lens does well. Please check http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=679986 to see a variety of birds (some flying) with an assortment of Nikon lenses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ifti Posted November 22, 2008 Author Share Posted November 22, 2008 I am sorry I had to work this Saturday just came home and was surprised and glad to see so many responses. <P> Sara thanks for your input, Ostrich is attractive.<P> Hanna thanks for all the advice and practical tips.<P> Manuel thanks for your help. All three of your pictures are remarkable. <P> Craig I know what you mean, I positively am not going get Nikon 500mm lens. I am patient and can sit quitely to get reasonably close to birds with my 300mm. It is just that I cant get them in focus before they are gone. <P> Gerald I sure can afford 80-400 but most reviewer say it is slow. I will go on the link you recommended and try to learn. Thank you all of you for giving me your time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manuel barrera houston, Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 The 100-300 Sigma is almost as fast focusing as my 70-200 f/2.8 L and that is very fast, here is a link on the 100-300 Sigma for the Nikon http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/369-sigma-af-100-300mm-f4-nikon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ifti Posted November 23, 2008 Author Share Posted November 23, 2008 Manuel thanks for the link. I looked at it there are som impressive pictures. At present I do have a 70-300 Nikkor VR . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now