Originally posted by CraigR Wow Des, thank you so much for taking the time to write the above - it really helps me.As I wrote previously I have never used a lens like this before but your beautiful images just inspired me to want to have a go (even when I had the Canon 90D and the majority of what I used to see on their FB page was birds, I never felt it was something I was interested in).My only wish is that the yard bird population around here in Berlin looked like yours - it's all sparrows and crows where I live!And thanks for the encouragement regarding my photo of the ducks - I took two photos but honestly had no idea what I was doing apart from trying to make sure they (or bits of them) could actually be seen and get that eye in focus.I almost managed it
Very happy to help Craig. Wildlife photography can be challenging but very rewarding. Have a look at the 300mm+ thread and see what the masters there do.
Originally posted by ehrwien If it's anything in/around Berlin as here in the Ruhrgebiet, you could be a little too quick with that judgment! When I started to go out and really keep an eye out for birds, I found many more species than I had ever thought were around here.
With great photographic success too, I would add.
That's true in a lot of places. When I lived in Melbourne I didn't realise how many species there were. My eyes were opened when I moved to the country. Of course there are far more species here, but the difference was in how much attention I paid to them. I found it helpful to try to identify every new sound or sight (a good guide book/app helps - try the Merlin app) and make notes - the world around opens up to you when you start recognising birds by their song or their flight or their habits. When you know a species well, you can recognise it by what birders call the "jizz" - a general impression of size and shape. Getting to know your birds adds to the fun of trying to photograph them.
Originally posted by CBM Love your examples, not to mention the preceding tutorial - the Fairy-wren is truly superb. Guide books should be so well illustrated!
Many thanks Chris. Fairy-wrens are very small but they can get quite bold and come fairly close. The hardest part is that they move so quickly. This little guy (the blue breeding plumage is the clue) had been attacking his reflection in a window. He gave me an photo op when he took a breather in preparation for another assault!
Originally posted by csa Early morning over the lake. 55-300 PLM @55mm
You're making a good start with this lens Carol. With the landscape at 55mm, you could probably safely slow the shutter and narrow the aperture by a stop or so.