Synopsis of 2014 MN Waterfowl Symposium

[Quack]

Wandering slightly off topic . . .

Bill . . . Do you have any thoughts on an "affordable" lense for waterfowl photography? I'm shooting a Canon Rebel body, which I realize isn't the greatest, but it's what I have. I started out with a 70-300 kit lens and I snagged some decent pics with it, but it's toast now.

Don't know if saving up for a Canon L is the right choice or if there are other good options for less money.

[h2ofwlr]

Just a quick comment/? on lenses, if 400mm is minimum, then what is the average sazed lense? Then would not a person want to get that sized lense?

And Furtman also mentioned, shooting ducks in flight, think of it like hunting, You need them within range, 50yds or less, and obviously closer the better. And thus this leads into to an instant photo VS any delay of any kind with the camera to capture in flight birds. A key thing to to think about if you want to cature action shots regardless of your target when photographing.

[h2ofwlr]

Here is the link to the video of the Symposium: http://www.mnwaterfowl.com/news_article ... _id=339127

[Waterfowlist]

Great thanks

[lumbertick]

Wandering slightly off topic . . .

Bill . . . Do you have any thoughts on an "affordable" lense for waterfowl photography? I'm shooting a Canon Rebel body, which I realize isn't the greatest, but it's what I have. I started out with a 70-300 kit lens and I snagged some decent pics with it, but it's toast now.

Don't know if saving up for a Canon L is the right choice or if there are other good options for less money.

"Affordable" is relative to the size of your wallet I spoke with Furtman a few years back and at that time his "go to" lens was a 100-400L. You can pick that lens up new for around 1200 bucks...800 used if you have some patience. The Sigma 100-500 is only a couple hundred bucks cheaper...and not near the lens. When I got serious about taking pictures I bought a new 70-200f4L ...there are a pile of pictures on my website that were taken with that lens. It lacks the reach of the 400mm that I have now....but it was a lot user friendly and you can pick one up for under 500 bucks used.

Al...in my limited experience I would say that most of the folks I know who are taking photos of "real" wildlife are shooting a 400mm as there go to lens...so I would say that 400mm would be close the "average". The great big glass is super cool....but it takes equipment to hold it steady and all that stuff is heavy and hard to hide!

lt

ps. here's the link to my pics.

http://www.bsteinphoto.smugmug.com/

[Bill Gilbertson]

Thanks lt. I started to respond a few days ago and then accidentally closed the window by mistake losing a whole page of typing. Where can you get a new 100-400L for $1200? B&H is $1699.

I think if you are going with a 400mm, you don't need a zoom.
Accumulating lenses is a disease almost as bad as a collection of guns.

[WALKER]

ps. here's the link to my pics.

http://www.bsteinphoto.smugmug.com/

Thanks for the link Lumbertick. A lot of amazing waterfowl photos on your website. It had been
awhile since I'd viewed your site.

Check it out guys it's well worth your time

[lumbertick]

Bill....you caught me being lazy....you are correct on the price of that lens. I just did a google search when I was writing that...the lens I saw was used I agree on the prime lens personally....most folks who have zooms use them 99% of the time at the end of the focal length...so why not a prime??? When I go out I carry two cameras...one with a 70-200 and one with the 400 prime. It's personal preference....like I said Furtman really likes that zoom and takes some fabulous pictures with it. But then again...glass is only a part of the equation...and with photography a lot of folks think that it is only a matter of using the right equipment. Talent and experience are a huge factor....it's not like I could get a hold of Leonardo da Vinci's brushes and paint the Mona Lisa.

Thanks Walker....I appreciate the compliment. I thought you only looked at waterfowl sites and porn on the internet


lt

[Bill Gilbertson]

Here you go Al. A lens for the serious birder.

"Used Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS Lens for Sale/Huge Price Reduction!

Monte Brown is offering his lightly used Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens in excellent condition for sale for $8,500. Purchase includes the lens case and hood, the 4th Generation Design Low Foot, the original foot, a LensCoat, the original invoice and the original Canon shipping carton. The lens was purchased new from B&H in April 2009 and was recently underwent a pre-sale clean and check by Canon. The buyer pays insured shipping via UPS Ground to US addresses only. The lens will be shipped only after your check clears.

The Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus lens sells new for $13,223.00 so you will save a bundle on a great lens. No need to ever use a 2X…

If interested you can contact Monte by phone at 1-765-744-1421 or via e-mail."