[charliezap]

My humming birds love to pose. I took these shots with my k20d with the 18-250 lens at different mm settings. I'm toying with the notion of getting the 55-300mm pentax lens for sports and nature shots.My question is would i gain a more quality picture with a lens that is skewed to the telephoto aspect?ps these pics were taken at iso 800 1/125sec @f/11-vivitar 285hv flash--yellow mode--Charliezap

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Last edited by charliezap; 09-18-2010 at 12:40 PM.

[Marc Langille]

Charlie, a lot of lenses can do the job. What matters is your technique, patience and the birds' acceptance of your presence. If you are not using cabled remote and focus trap it requires a bit more patience. I cheaper/slower lens can do the job, but it's harder to focus quickly in dimmer light. I have included a link to the EXIF below each image.

Sample DA 50-200 "kit lens" shot, at only 1/125 sec.:

EXIF

Now with a much more expensive lens - the FA* 300/2.8 @ 1/500 sec.:

EXIF

The above images are a personal preference I have to photograph hummers: tack sharp on the eye, but motion blur on the wing to demonstrate activity/motion in the subject. I also posted 4 images in 2 posts on how to shoot hummingbirds in low light and a low shutter speed. I would encourage you to look at the images to see "how low can you go" with successful results...

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/58528-reflections-their-...rd-images.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/58779-more-reflections-s...s-part-ii.html

In the above posts, long lens technique is critical. I'd be more than happy to cover some of it if needed. However, I am using a much, much heavier lens than you are considering - it's 5.5 pounds, just for the lens! you can do a good job with your choices, but knowing your lighting options (how bright is it when you can photograph, etc.). I have to contend with trees filtering the light if I shoot at the end of the day.

Regards,
Marc

[farfisa]

Wow. It's like getting the answer right from God!

(no heresy or offense intended)

[charliezap]

Hi Marc-- Very nice shots--I'm impressed.I kinda shoot from the hip--I go stand by the feeder and shoot from about 3ft.I let the auto focus key on the perch at max mm setting and then back off a bit and wait.My preference of pictures is what my wife says is "very eclectic".Whatever looks good at the moment is what i shoot. It doesn't matter what the subject is.She puts my photos in the "Heinz 57 VARIETY" catagory.-Charliezap

[Marc Langille]

Wow. It's like getting the answer right from God!

(no heresy or offense intended)

Personally, it's my hope that it proves once again that you don't need the a specific camera (make) or lens for achieving successful results. Better lenses just make it easier. There will never be a substitute for knowledge, proper technique and/or skill. <off soap box>

BTW, I sincerely appreciate the props/kudos... Thank you for clarifying the post... I was worried for a second there!!

Regards,
Marc

[Marc Langille]

Hi Marc-- Very nice shots--I'm impressed.I kinda shoot from the hip--I go stand by the feeder and shoot from about 3ft.I let the auto focus key on the perch at max mm setting and then back off a bit and wait.My preference of pictures is what my wife says is "very eclectic".Whatever looks good at the moment is what i shoot. It doesn't matter what the subject is.She puts my photos in the "Heinz 57 VARIETY" catagory.-Charliezap

Thanks Charlie - those two images are 7-12 feet away. All of the images in the links are at MFD of 6 feet with 420mm. Lots of reach!

I just go out and setup too - within 30-60 seconds it's "game on" once more! Perhaps the 55-300 might do the trick, but a lot depends on your lens brightness at the long end and how bright the lighting is too. Did you wish to continue to use a flash?

Regards,
Marc

[hinman]

I prefer Marc's use of natural light on the hummers. Marc has the best hummer shot that I have seen. I have to look up the links from Marc! Marc, thank you so much for sharing the shots and information! There is also another member in dpreview by the name of "Retired Ron" and he has wonderful hummer shots that I always admire and learn from.

#1
Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 + Tamron 1.4x Pz-AF TC on K10D
1/1600 sec, f/6.3, 420mm, iso 400, 0 Ev




#2
with Photosniper Tair-3 PhS 300mm f/4.5 and K20D
under shadow, my shutter is too slow to freeze the wing
1/100 sec, f/4.5, 300mm, iso 250, +0.3 Ev




#3
Pentax F* 300mm f/4.5 and K20D
1/1000 sec, f/6.3, 300mm, iso 500, 0 Ev




#4
Pentax F* 300mm f/4.5 and K20D
1/1000 sec, f/6.3, 300mm, iso 500, 0 Ev

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Last edited by hinman; 05-19-2009 at 07:21 PM.

[charliezap]

My time constraints dictate when i shoot the hummers.Most of the time it's at dusk so i do use the flash.I'm a hack and slash type of shooter but I'm having fun doing it and sometimes i do catch a keeper--charliezap

[Marc Langille]

Sorry, one OT post - this is my favorite crop from the last round of images taken a few weeks ago:


Hinman, thank you for honoring me good sir! Ron's where I learned the ropes (brandx is the user name on DPR) on hummingbird photography and then I kept on going from there...

Regards,
Marc

[ivoire]

Those are some beauties! These were shot on a tripod with the pentax smc f50mm f1.7 lens and on-board flash via remote. I set the focal point and then waited for the hummers to fly in.

[wildman]

would i gain a more quality picture with a lens that is skewed to the telephoto aspect?ps these pics were taken at iso 800 1/125sec @f/11-vivitar 285hv flash--yellow mode--Charliezap

You might be asking the wrong question -

1. Taken with a FA 35. Hand held snapshot with a camera in one hand and a gin and tonic in the other while sitting in my lounge chair out on the deck. Distance 2-3 feet?

2. Taken with 1000mm long lens mounted on a heavy tripod with a gimbal fork mount. Total weight about 30 pounds. Distance over 60 feet.