what lens to photograph birds?

[manaheim]

Nice shots, Buckster. You also have some beautiful birds where you are.

 

[baturn]

One more thought... go to nature preserves,parks, bird sanctuaries,etc. the birds in these places are used to humans close to them and even feeding them. much easier to approach.

 

[Radical]

Just awsome Buckster, how many of you bird folks use a trypod?

 

[Buckster]

Just awsome Buckster, how many of you bird folks use a trypod?

Raises hand.

 

[Overread40]

Just awsome Buckster, how many of you bird folks use a trypod?

If you're walking around for the day then a monopod generally does what you'll need, giving you something light and compact which can also be quickly deployed to carry the weight of the lens. If you're going for a hide or more static shooting day then a tripod is the ideal tool since it can hold the whole setup static without fatiguing the photographer.

 

[SCraig]

Just awsome Buckster, how many of you bird folks use a trypod?

Raises hand.

Same here. Occasionally a monopod.

 

[matthewo]

work on getting close, and or buy the fastest longest lens you can afford

i use monopod, or just handhold if i can keep shutterspeeds fast enough. i handhold my 500mm f4 a lot and like to because it gives me more movement and ability to lay on the ground. i usually just prop it on something or use something to steady it. usually the bird/wildlife is gone, or I get the picture im looking for before I get tired of hand holding it. then I can take a little break. as you can see, im using the plam of my left hand to hold the weight where the tripod collar is, then my fingers to steady and focus. my big old nose just gets in the way though

here are a few i took with this lens hand holding, manual focusing, the heron had a 1.4 teleconverter on it for 700mm i was leaning on a tree with the lens to steady

 

[SCraig]

Ah, but look closer ....

His left finger tips are almost against the sunshade so that they can't slip any further forward. Left hand nice and relaxed with the tripod collar on the palm of the hand, and left elbow resting on the soft part of the left knee (not the bone where the vibration is the worst). A nice solid triangle where nothing can move unless he wants it to. I've shot many a rifle from a position very much like that

 

[usayit]

600mm something or another... with a super duper camera...

You need the most expensive longest fastest stuff you can get your hands on... or do you?

 

[matthewo]

nice, things I didn't really even notice haha. the 500p is about 1.5 lbs lighter then the current version of the 500mm f4 I think. but regardless there are a few good ways to hand hold it, or use your body to help steady it. I kinda sat down laid back a little and twisted on my side a bit and use my leg to steady it once, if that makes any sense. really problem im having is shooting portrait, that's a challenge without a grip and a big lens.

 

[matthewo]

600mm something or another... with a super duper camera...

You need the most expensive longest fastest stuff you can get your hands on... or do you?

Nope you sure don't, if you are lucky or skillful enough to get close to your subject. me not so much LOL

 

[BigknockHawk]

Here is another example. I took this while sitting in a chaise at a resort in Mexico. Just sat there quietly, early in the morning before all the hustle and bustle started. These were taken with a Canon 7D and a 55-250mm kit lens.

1.
Bird-7 by Speaking of Now, on Flickr

2.
Bird-6 by Speaking of Now, on Flickr

3.
Bird-8 by Speaking of Now, on Flickr

4.
Bird-9 by Speaking of Now, on Flickr

 

[skieur]

The other approach is to set up a bird feeder and perch close to your house and shoot from inside.

skieur

 

[matthewo]

i used 300mm lenses on birds and it just takes a lot of planing and luck. if you like to go hiking or out to location where you have limited access to blinds or setting a single location to spend hours at, then a longer lens is about your only option. unless the birds are fed and or let you get close to them. one thing is though, the longest lens still usually are never long enough to fill a frame, and still require planning