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Posted by jnrosenthal on 16:54:59 09/22/07
In Reply to: Cameras: posted by Chorle:
Wil's advice is excellent. Some additional thoughts: Plan to spend between 3 and 5 thousand dollars for equipment if you want photos like the ones that usually get posted here. (A 500 or 600 mm lens alone from Canon or Nikon will cost that much -and more-by itself. ) The canon xti is an example of an excellent camera-I am shooting with a canon 30D and a new 40D- somewhat more sophisticated and feature laden relatives of the xti--and I am a long way from fully exploiting the potentials of either of my cameras. For birds, my primary lens is the image stabilized 100-400 lens Wil referred to.I shoot mostly handheld-and the lens is so heavy that without image stabilization I'd never have a good shot.Over 400 mm you'll need a tripod or monopod (or Sherpa bearer)to handle large heavy lenses. Flash is extremely useful-I use the Canon 430 ex with an attachment called the better beamer which projects the flash further, and compensates for backlighting of birds and animals in trees and other poorly lit locations.Nikon has recently come out with new cameras that offer more features than some of the Canons, but have higher prices as well.In the Canon line, the 30d can be had fairly inexpensively now that the 40D replaces it.Other companies make decent digital SLRs, but I think the vast majority of professional and serious amateur wildlife photographers use Canon and Nikon bodies and lenses for their dslr work.
Most importantly-before you buy anything get your hands on the gear you're considering and be sure the camera and lens combination is right for you.Ergonomics and individul shooting preferences vary widely. You can play with my cameras on Sunday(tomorrow) if you'll be at the Matheson bird walk,(altho the 100-400 is at Canon to repair a loose lens mount) or if you have any further questions I'd be glad to give you my 2 cents' worth in greater detail-email me by clicking on my name at the start of this post.
Meanwhile, the moderator of this board has agreed to let me post one picture of an Ecuadorian bird from my trip (which ended Sunday) to illustrate what 's possible when you're in the right place with a good camera . As in all wildlife photography, you have to find yourself in the right location , often by chance, to photograph the subjects you want-You can't buy patience, but you'll need it.
Anyone interested in seeing other Ecuadorian bird photos will need to mail me--eventually I'll find one place on the web to post all my shots--for now, just ask...
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