martin_feldman

Shun, with all due respect, digital cameras are not in their infancy. Adolescence would be closer to the truth. I have now had the opportunity to borrow and use the D1 in the field. The concept and design is fabulous and the images (on my monitor) extraordinary. Consumers love it. This will drive the market place to rapidly develop better and cheaper cameras. I agree, I think Canon will respond fairly soon.

I appreciate all of the above responses. One thing I find exciting about the D1 is that it is compatable with all of my current lenses. I am also told that there is a 1.3 x magnification through the "sweet" spot of the lens.

 

In part, I agree with Shun, but I think film is going to go the way of the 33 rpm record much sooner than he thinks. Right now, I look at it as another tool ($$$toy) and not a replacement.

 

Has anyone read Moose Peterson's review at the new nature photographers web site? What do you think?

Besides Moose Peterson, anyone have any hands on experience with the

new Nikon D1 for nature photography or know of any unbiased reviews in

this area. Thanks.

I know it's a little early, but has

anyone recently been by the Venice

Rookery? I hear there may be some

new county contruction in the

immediate vicinity. Please advise of

any changes. Thanks.

Arthur Morris has stated that "I rate

Fuji MS at 320, indicate El 400 when

I send it to the lab where it is

processed as a 2 << (not 2) stop

push." His reason for this formula is

that his lab does not use fuji

chemicals. I would really appreciate

imput from others who are familiar

with this film. Thanks.

Jim, let me add that Moose Peterson

uses a 1548 with his 600 mm and

swears by it.

The same goes for Nikon lenses - there are no threads. As with Canon, the front element is a flat, protective filter that can be replaced. I believe it is about $600 for the 600mm f4 and a long wait.

 

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The large shade on these lenses does offer some protection when moving about.

A & I is excellent. Just out of curiousity, where did you ship the film from and what was the turnaround time? Thanks.

Don is correct, in part. I did have a bad experience two years sending 40 slides to an underwater magazine. However, they were dupes - expensive ones. Out of inexperience and a blind faith in the U.S. Postal Service, I sent them regular mail, not registered. The editor, after numerous phone calls extending over four months, claims she never received them. I learned a valuable lesson and now use Federal Express for all submissions.

 

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Sean, sorry, I rarely look at photo.net.

 

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I found it interesting that John Shaw, one of my heroes, would come up with such a strong statement on the subject. With so much competition out there, I wonder if you should take the chance, submit originals and go for the slight edge?

John Shaw, in his excellent book "The Business of Nature Photography," says "Never, never, never send unsolicited, original photographs to a prospective client. . . . as far as the recipient is concerned . . . . they are the equivalent of junk mail and can be tossed in the trash with no liability."

 

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On the other hand, Arthur Morris, in his new book "The Art of Bird Photography," suggests that "If you're just starting out, it is best to send originals; you want to make a great first impression . . . . duplicates are never as sharp as the originals."

 

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What do you people think? (I know that many of us do in camera duping. But it always seems that with a dynamic subject, one frame is clearly better than the others.)

By mid April, some of those "little chicks" were as big as their parents and still in the nest begging for food. Sort of reminds me of things around my house. My best advice is for Rob to call the good folks at the Venice Audubon Society and ask what's usually going on in August. Then, let us all know.

Rob, let me just add a couple of suggestions. It's going to be incredibly hot and humid, so plan your shoot for the morning hours (7 to 10 a.m.). Fortunetly, the position of the sun at that time is over your shoulders. Watch out for the fire ants. Their nests are in little mounds around the area you will be standing. It's not difficult to find a clear spot. I hope the timing works out well for you.

Rob, I was at the Venice Rookery in March and April of this year. There are no special hours, rules or permits. The place is simply a small island in the middle of a pond. Parking is fairly close (about forty yards away). As far as photo opportunities in August, I suggest you contact the Venice Audubon Society for first hand information: http://www.audubon.org/chapter/fl/venice. I hope this helps.

John Shaw is an incredible photographer whose camera is a mere extension of his imagination. The book clearly demonstrates that he also has a total command of photography as a business. Considering the source, it is definetly worthwhile reading.

 

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I agree with Mark. The book is a reality check for the non-professional. I'm glad I have an excellent day job.

I live about 200 miles from the Salton Sea and would like to do some bird photography there. Any recommendations on where to go in the area? Thanks.

Dan, I don't know much about digital imaging. However, it seems to me that an outstanding photographer like yourself would rather spend the time in the field than in front of a computer screen. Happy Holidays.

I do agree with Dan, in part. When I bought my 600mm AF-S, I was faced with the same decision and went with the newer, more expensive lens. I have since had an opportunity to use a friends 600mm AF-I and cannot really appreciate a significant difference. Maybe it just me. On the other hand, the difference between the F4 and F5, in terms of how both lenses responded, was night and day. Certainly, if there is little difference in cost and availability, I would go with the AF-S for all the reasons Dan so eloquently stated.

If you can get the AF-I at a good price (you should), I don't think the significant difference in cost between the two lenses is really worth it. It would be better to spend the savings on mating the AF-I with an F5.

Thanks for the examples. Sigma will probably come out with some type of motor for the 400mm Nikon mount since it already has one for the Canon???

 

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BTW, I recently checked with the major New York and West Coast stores and found that the 400mm was uniformly back ordered. I think this reflects it's popularity. I have since decided to stick with my 300mm AF-S (with or without a 1.4x) and go with a shoulder mount. Maybe also do some hammer curls on the weekends.

Any lenses and/or techniques for shooting birds in flight? One pro highly recommended the Sigma 400 f/5.6 APO Macro because it is hand holdable and sharp.

I use a B 1 and Gitzo 340 with my 500 f/4 AF-I and have had no problems. I don't think the AF-S is much heavier. You can always call Bryan at RRS and get a clarification.

Any comments on the use of an Arca Swiss B-2 with a 600mm f/4? Any comments on the Gitzo 1548 (other than the price)?

Anyone out there familiar with Morro Bay for bird photography. Best time of year, where to go, who might I contact? Thank you.

Thank you-As always, you guys are great. One additional question (and I hope it's not too simplistic): With a 600mm lens, is there a minimum shutter speed at which you would say "I need to use MLU or a large percentage of my images are not going to be sharp."

What practical advice do you have for obtaining really sharp images with long lenses (500mm +)? I already use a Gitzo 410 tripod and an Arca-Swiss B-1G. Is mirror lock-up practical for wildlife photography? How about a cable release? Is there anything about the way you stand or place your hand on the lens that steadies the set-up?