ken_c1

Been using the Canon 400/2.8 for the last two years. Shoot all types of wildlife and decided on the 400mm because the 600m was too much glass for most of my needs. Can put a 1.4x/2x converter with the 1.6/1.3 on my 20D/Mark IIN and have all the extra magnification needed. In my opinion the 2x does not provide as sharp of pics as the 1.4x. You do need sherpas to help carry the lens afield but to me it is well worth it.

 

www.kencongerphotography.com

I'm usually a lurker and don't usually comment, but Frank's analogy is absurd. To compare hunted pen released quail to photographers capturing images of wild eagles coming in to acquire some supplemental food is ridiculous. I believe in the integrity of a wildlife photograph and only shoot wild critters, nothing caged, in a rehab center or game farm. Jean saw a food need for the eagle population in Alaska during a stressful period of the year and had a ready food source. She insists that photographers remain in their vehicles so as not to disturb the eagles when they arrive. Frank we better not see you photographing from the bus at Denali, or from a vehicle at any National Wildlife Refuge loop or any National Park!

Chris,

I went to Homer the first week of March last year. The later you go, the more daylight you will have. My understanding is the eagles begin to leave in April. Incredible experience, you won't be disappointed if you are looking for wild eagle shots with beautiful mountain backgrounds. Typical wildlife shooting using early morning and evening for best light. We had snow several days. My suggestion would be to bring appropriate clothing (some days started as low as -14) and hand warmers for keeping your batteries charged. If you want further details contact me by email.

Ken

www.kencongerphotography.com

CNWR is usually good for waterfowl this time of year. Virginia's waterfowl population is dependent on the weather occurring up north. We have had a mild winter thus far and although some waterfowl have arrived, not in the numbers normal for this time of year. I haven't had the opportunity to visit this year, my best trips have been in January. Hope this helps.

Ken

wwww.kencongerphotography.com

Thanks all for being so kind enough to take the time to provide such great advise. Sounds like Point Adolphus is the place to go.

Going to the brain trust. Did a site search and did not see any specific info

on this subject. Planning a trip to SE Alaska next year. Will be flying into

Juneau and maybe head to Glacier Bay NP. Target species would be to photograph

whales (preferably orcas), sea otters and puffins. We are campers and willing to

stay in tents or USFS cabins. Need advice for anyone who has had experience

with below questions.

1) Has anyone rented a boat and stayed at one of the cabins or campgrounds? My

preference would be to have a motor boat (any good rental places to suggest), so

we can work during best light and scout critters w/out beholden to a tour group.

Is this the wrong philosophy and maybe I should consider going for kayaks and

get dropped off?

2) Are there any areas better than others to stay? Large area and want to use

the best place for a base camp.

3) Which time of year would be prime time for the orcas?

4) Any other suggestions or place close by that we did not ask about that we

should take advantage of as a wildlife photographer?

Thanks all for being so kind enough to take the time to provide such great resources/information.

Going to the Big Island and Kauai for my 20th anniverary in February.

Of course bringing along the camera and was wondering if anyone knew

of any good wildlife, especially bird photo locations.

Pete,

 

Have been using a Better Beamer on both my 420 & 550 fine for years. Started with a 420 moved up to a 550 and the same BB unit works great on both. Velcro does wonders and you can cut the enclosed pieces that come with the unit so that it adheres well. You could also purchase some additonal velcro and wrap one long piece around the whole unit for a tight secure fit. Sorry, not sure what size I purchased.

Thx everyone for taking the time to respond. Using a EOS 3 & IV until the 20d purchase, assumed the 20d would be the same. My mistake, should have read the manual.

Interesting problem which I hope there is an easy fix. The autofocus

does not activate w/my new 20D only when I use the 1.4X converter with

my 400 5.6. It does work w/my 400 2.8 and other lenses. I have a 2nd

1.4x and it does the same no activation autofocus with that converter

too. The 20D works fine w/just the 400 5.6 by itself. Have cleaned

the contacts and wiggled the lens/comverter and tried just about

everything. Hope someone has an idea of what to do.

Appreciate everyone's advise and I'll pass on this one. -K

I do not own PS CS 8 and currently using PS Elements. Someone told me

about this web site for cheap software: http://www.allsoftmarket.com/

Does anyone know if this works? It appears legit. Certainly a savings

if it indeed does work.

Howdy all. We have made reservations for Machais Island in Maine for

mid-July. Wondering if anyone in the forum has any ideas about other

great avian/wildlife photo locations in Maine or into Canada close by.

We are campers and don't mind going remote.

Frank, worthy post. I was in Yellowstone/Tetons three weeks ago for my first fall elk rut/yellow aspens. We had a great time. What was disappointing was seeing the number of distrurbing actions and park violations by photogs w/big glass. In one incident near Oxbow in the Tetons there was a bedding bull moose that was not in especially good light or position but several photogs and tourists broke the distance rule for the shot. Some foreign tourist adjacent to where we were standing were shocked and commented about the groups actions. This was not the only incident we observed. It's a shame that the pitty selvish desires for a picture go to the extreme of disrupting nature (from both a respect and safety aspect). The worst part about the whole scenario was that some of the folks probably didn't even have a clue. In a previous post about this same subject even had a person w/in this forum complain about the ranger warning him and others about distance from critters. Sure wish more rangers were around more with what we observed.

Scott & Will,

Yes, now that you mention this, it may have happened. I remember taking my camera while still attached to the tripod, out of the back of the truck and seeing that the camera back was not all the way closed. Snapped it closed immediately. Thought that I had probably grabbed the camera back opening button by accident. Forgot about this incident. Must have done this for two rolls of film though. Anyway best explanation thus far. Appreciate you taking the time to respond.

I recently got back 2 of 9 rolls of Provia 400 developed from A&I that

had problems. In the middle of the 2, in approximate exposure numbers

13-20 they were totally clear (3-4) and a yellowing in the top and

bottom of some of the extraneous exposures. Lost some good pics which

is disappointing. Not sure what may have happened. Anyone have any

ideas? Wondering if it is A&I, film problem or something else. Thx.

Just got back today from a week trip to Yellowstone & Tetons. Been to the park 6 times, but never in the fall. Sorry things didn't work out for you Mike. We had a wonderful trip-good light most days, the aspens were peak and wildlife plentiful. Doing the auto touring thing during prime times just about every morning/evening we found a different elk herd and other wildlife to photograph. Some of the fellow photographers/regulars we spoke with mentioned that the elk herds were concentrated in Mammouth and Canyon (due to the fact that the wolves were less likely to come into that area for human contact). We found most the elk on the Madison to West entrance roads.

 

One BIG disappointment was the number of photographers with big glass that broke the park rule about approaching wildlife. Saw one group that walked right up to a bedding bull mouse and cow to get that close-up shot. Tourist commented to us about the poor behavior of the fellow photographers! Don't get me wrong, there were also several tourists that were dong the same thing, but sure wished our fellow photograhers would have respected the wildlife, set the example and obeyed the park rules.

We did the Major Marine tour two weeks ago. The Phillips tour was booked full when we arrived in Whittier. We enjoyed the Major tour (saw otters, sea lions, kittiwake rockery and several glaciers that were not calving). The salmon and rib buffet was a deal @ $12. Others we spoke with later in the evening that had taken the Phillips tour saw much more. It travels at a much faster speed, so you see more for your money. Hope you enjoy your AK trip as much as we did.

Len-Just got back today from my first Alaska trip. We completed the same loop that you are considering and also included Katmai in the middle. We camped and spent a 2 nights @ Sanctuary and Wonder Lake Campground in Denali NP. We also considered the DSP but the NP fully consumed our 5 days, 4 nights. We were overwhelmed with the photo opportunities. We had good weather in Denali and Katmai but rain/fog during the Homer & Seward portion of the trip. Hope things work better for you south of town. Can't advise which direction you should go first but if you want specific suggestions about photo opportunities just send me an e-mail.

Thx for the advise, Tom. I've got a head net from a previous Canada trip and loaded w/bug juice. -K

Wow, thx for that info Ron. -K

Howdy All. Any of you that have been to Katmai before, can you advise

if a Better Beamer is effective from the viewing platform? Thanks-K

I, like Hugh, was in Toulomne Meadows last week. Never being there before we were overwhelmed with the beauty and diversity of wild flowers in Yosemite. Usually a herd of deer browsing in the meadows every morning/evening. Mosquitoes were consistent every evening an hour before sunset. We had frost on several evenings and day temps in the 70s. If convienient, take in sunrise/sunset from the large rock mountain at the edge of the Toulomne Meadows on the right side going west from the campground. You can see the whole meadow from this rock face as well as a good view of Cathederal Point. Enjoy your trip!

Tom, bummer post. Planning on my first trip to Katmai & Denali (staying in Wonder Lake) in late July. If the weather changes by then, will the impact of the June heat still reduce the wildlife viewing? Been saving for this trip for years sure hope things change.