Over in the bird photography forum I asked about using a slow-focusing 80-200/2.8 vs. a faster-focusing 70-300/4.5-5.6 VR on an upcoming eagle tour in Homer. I will primarily be shooting from small(ish) boats. I think I'll go with the faster-focusing but "slower!" lens.
I have another thing to consider. I could bring a 500/4 lens, but it is manual focus. I tend to think this would find limited use and is not worth the trouble.
Any thoughts from folks who have been there?
I am using a "DX" camera if that matters.
Thanks in advance. I'm already measuring luggage and trying to figure out how to bring a decent tripod...
Pete D.
Posted by Dan Roberts on January 30, 2012 at 2:41 AM
I replied to your other post but in an effort to show support for the AK forum here I'll expound further.
Don't know what the specifics are regarding your situation in Homer. But I have done a LOT of eagle shooting from a small boat on Prince William Sound. I started out with a Nikon D200 and an old mechanical AF 80-400. The slow focus was very frustrating. Not a problem if the bird is moving laterally but coming and going it was pretty much blind luck whether you were in focus. I then switched to a Sigma 100-300 f/4 HSM which was very good. Also most times it was long enough with the DX format. I the upgraded to a Nikkor 200-400 f/4 VR. Other than the weight I love that lens. I would have missed many of my best shots without the zoom capability.
Another thing that factors in is what body you are shooting. I've shot BIFs with D200, D300, and last season tried a D7000. The focus on D200 and 300 is far better for fast action than the D7000. Again on lateral shots the D7k is fine. Not so great on targets coming toward the camera at high speed.
Of the two lenses you listed I'll repeat my prior comment that I'd go with the 70-300. Hopefully you're shooting a body that does OK with higher ISO. You'll need 1/1000 ss to avoid blurry wing tips and f/5.6 minimum to reliably keep wingtips within DOF on lateral shots. Some of the pros may get away with lower apertures and get good results but that's about the best I've been able to do.
Discussion
1 repliesI have another thing to consider. I could bring a 500/4 lens, but it is manual focus. I tend to think this would find limited use and is not worth the trouble.
Any thoughts from folks who have been there?
I am using a "DX" camera if that matters.
Thanks in advance. I'm already measuring luggage and trying to figure out how to bring a decent tripod...
Pete D.
Don't know what the specifics are regarding your situation in Homer. But I have done a LOT of eagle shooting from a small boat on Prince William Sound. I started out with a Nikon D200 and an old mechanical AF 80-400. The slow focus was very frustrating. Not a problem if the bird is moving laterally but coming and going it was pretty much blind luck whether you were in focus. I then switched to a Sigma 100-300 f/4 HSM which was very good. Also most times it was long enough with the DX format. I the upgraded to a Nikkor 200-400 f/4 VR. Other than the weight I love that lens. I would have missed many of my best shots without the zoom capability.
Another thing that factors in is what body you are shooting. I've shot BIFs with D200, D300, and last season tried a D7000. The focus on D200 and 300 is far better for fast action than the D7000. Again on lateral shots the D7k is fine. Not so great on targets coming toward the camera at high speed.
Of the two lenses you listed I'll repeat my prior comment that I'd go with the 70-300. Hopefully you're shooting a body that does OK with higher ISO. You'll need 1/1000 ss to avoid blurry wing tips and f/5.6 minimum to reliably keep wingtips within DOF on lateral shots. Some of the pros may get away with lower apertures and get good results but that's about the best I've been able to do.
Hope this helped more than confused the issue.