Camera choice for bird migration shots

AnotherVoice · 02-21-2022, 12:08 PM

HI! I'm going to be spending a couple days next month trying to get some good shots of a Sandhill Crane migration in Colorado. The lens I plan to use is my 560mm, maybe with a 1.4x TC depending on how close I can get.

Here's my (happy) problem. I have a K-3iii and a recently acquired K-1ii. I don't want to schlep along both. I know that the K-1ii is really optimized for landscape photography. The K-3iii has the better buffer, UHS-II card, and 12 FPS capability.

If it was you, which camera would you take?

Sidney Porter · 02-21-2022, 12:19 PM

I have neither. But I would take the k3iii. Better auto focus and fps

**K-Three** · 02-21-2022, 12:27 PM

What's your limit on having two bodies along?
I'd put the 560 on the K3-III, and have a shorter lens on the K1 for other coverage,
To get anything decent, you'll need to have the 560 on a tripod, (with or without the TC)
A medium to long zoom on the K1 could be hand held to get other opportunities,
What other lenses do you have?

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-21-2022, 12:38 PM

Given that unless you are really close or the subject is really big, you will always be shooting with the 560 inside the APSC crop on the K1. Therefore why shoot with 16 MP when you can shoot with 25?

I am looking to get a K3 MK3 for just that reason. While the 560 performs really well even hand held on the K1 a bit of extra resolution can’t hurt..

You can always pack something in the 300-400 mm range for the other body if you do elect to shoot with a tripod (I don’t with the 560 but not every one has the arms of a gorilla)

AnotherVoice · 02-21-2022, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by K-Three

What's your limit on having two bodies along?
I'd put the 560 on the K3-III, and have a shorter lens on the K1 for other coverage,
To get anything decent, you'll need to have the 560 on a tripod, (with or without the TC)
A medium to long zoom on the K1 could be hand held to get other opportunities,
What other lenses do you have?

I've got the 300mm f4, a 60-250mm, the Rokinon 135 and the new Pentax 85mm. Everything else is shorter...

**aslyfox** · 02-21-2022, 01:15 PM

Originally posted by AnotherVoice

. . . The lens I plan to use is my 560mm, maybe with a 1.4x TC depending on how close I can get.. . .

I think the confusion is from your first post

and then you say this:

Originally posted by AnotherVoice

I've got the 300mm f4, a 60-250mm, the Rokinon 135 and the new Pentax 85mm. Everything else is shorter...

I would urge the K 3 III if that is the only camera body you can take

if you do have the big lens, I agree that you will need a tripod for either camera body

not sure the autofocus speed of the 60-250mm would be good

you might want to consider renting the 150-450mm which could be used handheld

Quote:

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 3 - PentaxForums.com

boblivious · 02-21-2022, 01:39 PM - **7 Likes**

If it were me, I'd bring 'em both. Not sure what crane migration is like in Colorado, but here in Nebraska it's a world-class wildlife spectacle – a very spiritual experience for many who experience it. Here are a few with DA* 300, on K1M2 and K5M2:

Paul the Sunman · 02-21-2022, 01:53 PM - **1 Like**

K3iii for sure. For the added reach, AF, FPS, ...

Generally, I don't see much point in a tripod for birds in flight. You will have to use a high shutter speed anyway to freeze the motion, so hand-held isn't an issue. However, if you are setting up in one location for a long time waiting for opportunities, it can be convenient to use one to take the load off your arms and shoulders. If you are constantly moving around though, tripods are anything but convenient in the field.

**UncleVanya** · 02-21-2022, 02:00 PM - **3 Likes**

560+tc on k3iii and 60-250 on k1.

AnotherVoice · 02-21-2022, 02:18 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

I think the confusion is from your first post

and then you say this:

I would urge the K 3 III if that is the only camera body you can take

if you do have the big lens, I agree that you will need a tripod for either camera body

not sure the autofocus speed of the 60-250mm would be good

you might want to consider renting the 150-450mm which could be used handheld

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 3 - PentaxForums.com

Sorry, I've also got the 560.

**aslyfox** · 02-21-2022, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by AnotherVoice

Sorry, I've also got the 560.

this article on how to handhold lenses might be of interest

Quote:

Making the Most of Long Exposure Handhelds
Introduction

In this attempt to understand concepts second nature to all veterans of a militarized basic training, we explore the four fundamentals of marksmanship and how they apply to improving one's photographic technique. . . .

**K-Three** · 02-21-2022, 03:59 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by AnotherVoice

Everything else is shorter...

This is my point,
If you have one body dedicated to your long prime, there are also going to be opportunities to get other things with a shorter lens.
Having both bodies along will allow you to get those other shots without switching lenses.
I've never shot sandhill's before, but used to live along the Missouri River and get Canada's and snow geese (huge flocks), long lens was OK for picking individuals out, but the flock needed wider lenses to capture the scope. I'd not want to be locked into one focal length for much of my time there, you've got the gear, go prepared.

C_Jones · 02-21-2022, 04:12 PM

If it was me, I would most likely use the K-3 III along with the 560, with no TC. The APS-C (K-3 III) original distance range would accommodate the lens. The K-1 II (Full Frame) would give you very nice images, but the origin of the images would appear distanced, whereas K-3 III origin of images would appear closer. The K-1 II would provide excellent crops, but if you used the K-3 III originally, you would not have to deal with very much cropping.

Please note that I have the K-1 II, it is amazing, and the crop image quality is excellent.

**boriscleto** · 02-21-2022, 04:35 PM

The Sandhill crane flock in upstate NY isn't anything like you'll see out west, 256 in 2021, but the first didn't arrive here until 1999 and the first nesting pair observed in 2003...

Search: sandhill crane | Flickr

These are with the K-3 & Sigma 150-500, hopefully I'll get a chance with the K-3 III & 150-450 this year...

**ramseybuckeye** · 02-21-2022, 04:56 PM

I have neither, but the K3-III is the obvious choice if you only take one camera. I don't know where you live and how you are getting there, if it's via air options are limited. If you are driving a little extra gear shouldn't be so bad to pack, even if you end up not using it, which would give you the flexibility you may need. Whatever way you go, good luck and hope you get a lot of great photos.

02-21-2022, 12:08 PM	#1
AnotherVoice Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 86	Camera choice for bird migration shots HI! I'm going to be spending a couple days next month trying to get some good shots of a Sandhill Crane migration in Colorado. The lens I plan to use is my 560mm, maybe with a 1.4x TC depending on how close I can get. Here's my (happy) problem. I have a K-3iii and a recently acquired K-1ii. I don't want to schlep along both. I know that the K-1ii is really optimized for landscape photography. The K-3iii has the better buffer, UHS-II card, and 12 FPS capability. If it was you, which camera would you take?

02-21-2022, 01:15 PM	#6
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	Originally posted by AnotherVoice . . . The lens I plan to use is my 560mm, maybe with a 1.4x TC depending on how close I can get.. . . I think the confusion is from your first post and then you say this: Originally posted by AnotherVoice I've got the 300mm f4, a 60-250mm, the Rokinon 135 and the new Pentax 85mm. Everything else is shorter... I would urge the K 3 III if that is the only camera body you can take if you do have the big lens, I agree that you will need a tripod for either camera body not sure the autofocus speed of the 60-250mm would be good you might want to consider renting the 150-450mm which could be used handheld Quote: Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 3 - PentaxForums.com Last edited by aslyfox; 02-21-2022 at 01:21 PM.

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02-21-2022, 12:19 PM	#2
Sidney Porter Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Columbus Ohio USA Posts: 353	I have neither. But I would take the k3iii. Better auto focus and fps

02-21-2022, 12:27 PM	#3
K-Three Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pugetopolis, WA Photos: Gallery Posts: 938	What's your limit on having two bodies along? I'd put the 560 on the K3-III, and have a shorter lens on the K1 for other coverage, To get anything decent, you'll need to have the 560 on a tripod, (with or without the TC) A medium to long zoom on the K1 could be hand held to get other opportunities, What other lenses do you have?

02-21-2022, 12:38 PM	#4
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	Given that unless you are really close or the subject is really big, you will always be shooting with the 560 inside the APSC crop on the K1. Therefore why shoot with 16 MP when you can shoot with 25? I am looking to get a K3 MK3 for just that reason. While the 560 performs really well even hand held on the K1 a bit of extra resolution can’t hurt.. You can always pack something in the 300-400 mm range for the other body if you do elect to shoot with a tripod (I don’t with the 560 but not every one has the arms of a gorilla)

02-21-2022, 12:53 PM	#5
AnotherVoice Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 86 Original Poster	Originally posted by K-Three What's your limit on having two bodies along? I'd put the 560 on the K3-III, and have a shorter lens on the K1 for other coverage, To get anything decent, you'll need to have the 560 on a tripod, (with or without the TC) A medium to long zoom on the K1 could be hand held to get other opportunities, What other lenses do you have? I've got the 300mm f4, a 60-250mm, the Rokinon 135 and the new Pentax 85mm. Everything else is shorter...

02-21-2022, 01:39 PM - 7 Likes	#7
boblivious Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Photos: Gallery Posts: 107	If it were me, I'd bring 'em both. Not sure what crane migration is like in Colorado, but here in Nebraska it's a world-class wildlife spectacle – a very spiritual experience for many who experience it. Here are a few with DA* 300, on K1M2 and K5M2:

02-21-2022, 01:53 PM - 1 Like	#8
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	K3iii for sure. For the added reach, AF, FPS, ... Generally, I don't see much point in a tripod for birds in flight. You will have to use a high shutter speed anyway to freeze the motion, so hand-held isn't an issue. However, if you are setting up in one location for a long time waiting for opportunities, it can be convenient to use one to take the load off your arms and shoulders. If you are constantly moving around though, tripods are anything but convenient in the field.

02-21-2022, 02:00 PM - 3 Likes	#9
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	560+tc on k3iii and 60-250 on k1.

02-21-2022, 02:18 PM	#10
AnotherVoice Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 86 Original Poster	Originally posted by aslyfox I think the confusion is from your first post and then you say this: I would urge the K 3 III if that is the only camera body you can take if you do have the big lens, I agree that you will need a tripod for either camera body not sure the autofocus speed of the 60-250mm would be good you might want to consider renting the 150-450mm which could be used handheld Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 3 - PentaxForums.com Sorry, I've also got the 560.

02-21-2022, 02:27 PM	#11
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	Originally posted by AnotherVoice Sorry, I've also got the 560. this article on how to handhold lenses might be of interest Quote: Making the Most of Long Exposure Handhelds Introduction In this attempt to understand concepts second nature to all veterans of a militarized basic training, we explore the four fundamentals of marksmanship and how they apply to improving one's photographic technique. . . .

02-21-2022, 03:59 PM - 2 Likes	#12
K-Three Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pugetopolis, WA Photos: Gallery Posts: 938	Originally posted by AnotherVoice Everything else is shorter... This is my point, If you have one body dedicated to your long prime, there are also going to be opportunities to get other things with a shorter lens. Having both bodies along will allow you to get those other shots without switching lenses. I've never shot sandhill's before, but used to live along the Missouri River and get Canada's and snow geese (huge flocks), long lens was OK for picking individuals out, but the flock needed wider lenses to capture the scope. I'd not want to be locked into one focal length for much of my time there, you've got the gear, go prepared.

02-21-2022, 04:12 PM	#13
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,074	If it was me, I would most likely use the K-3 III along with the 560, with no TC. The APS-C (K-3 III) original distance range would accommodate the lens. The K-1 II (Full Frame) would give you very nice images, but the origin of the images would appear distanced, whereas K-3 III origin of images would appear closer. The K-1 II would provide excellent crops, but if you used the K-3 III originally, you would not have to deal with very much cropping. Please note that I have the K-1 II, it is amazing, and the crop image quality is excellent.

02-21-2022, 04:35 PM	#14
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	The Sandhill crane flock in upstate NY isn't anything like you'll see out west, 256 in 2021, but the first didn't arrive here until 1999 and the first nesting pair observed in 2003... Search: sandhill crane \| Flickr These are with the K-3 & Sigma 150-500, hopefully I'll get a chance with the K-3 III & 150-450 this year...

02-21-2022, 04:56 PM	#15
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,294	I have neither, but the K3-III is the obvious choice if you only take one camera. I don't know where you live and how you are getting there, if it's via air options are limited. If you are driving a little extra gear shouldn't be so bad to pack, even if you end up not using it, which would give you the flexibility you may need. Whatever way you go, good luck and hope you get a lot of great photos.