Beginner wildlife shooter start-up gear

**BarryE** · 01-01-2018, 06:43 AM - **1 Like**

I've an old F 80-200 f4.7-5.6 that I'll donate to him, to win him off a trail cam ...

BrianR · 01-01-2018, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

i can recommend the D FA 100mm F2.8 macro
...
it works well for macro or just a short telephoto lens

Absolutely! They're great multi-purpose lenses. It's my standard 'nature' lens, insects, mushrooms, amphibians, wildflowers, trees, tame or large birds or mammals, etc.

Originally posted by BarryE

I've an old F 80-200 f4.7-5.6 that I'll donate to him, to win him off a trail cam ...

This tele will make low-light photos an exercise in frustration without external lights, but it's a fine thing to begin with

.

With an electronics savvy neighbor, a diy trap seems feasible for a motivated 11 year old. Or, since you've got a start for a telephoto, a trail cam and a used Pentax body + 18-55 kit lens would be a nice start

.

Depends on budget and the kid as always

**BarryE** · 01-01-2018, 07:30 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BrianR

This tele will make low-light photos an exercise in frustration without external lights, but it's a fine thing to begin with

.

I know, but I wasn't inclined to donate my f2.8 and faster lenses

The F 80-200 is a surprisingly good lens. It was the first Pentax lens I bought a few moons ago. I won a Pentax DSLR in a competition early 1990s and sold my Canon gear. Been with 'em ever since ...

ccc_ · 01-01-2018, 07:58 AM

I have donated/gifted sets as well
works the way you want sometimes...still worth the effort

one last idea...
I have a very old (digital tape) sony camcorder that really can see in the dark and has a fair amount of zoom
my wife's modern one is not great at night but has a long zoom and takes great video
I tend to get over-focused on still photography when there are alternatives available

happy new year and good luck with your part of the adventure

01-01-2018, 07:04 AM	#47
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	Originally posted by Aslyfox i can recommend the D FA 100mm F2.8 macro ... it works well for macro or just a short telephoto lens Absolutely! They're great multi-purpose lenses. It's my standard 'nature' lens, insects, mushrooms, amphibians, wildflowers, trees, tame or large birds or mammals, etc. Originally posted by BarryE I've an old F 80-200 f4.7-5.6 that I'll donate to him, to win him off a trail cam ... This tele will make low-light photos an exercise in frustration without external lights, but it's a fine thing to begin with. With an electronics savvy neighbor, a diy trap seems feasible for a motivated 11 year old. Or, since you've got a start for a telephoto, a trail cam and a used Pentax body + 18-55 kit lens would be a nice start. Depends on budget and the kid as always

01-01-2018, 07:30 AM - 1 Like	#48
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,653 Original Poster	Originally posted by BrianR This tele will make low-light photos an exercise in frustration without external lights, but it's a fine thing to begin with. I know, but I wasn't inclined to donate my f2.8 and faster lenses The F 80-200 is a surprisingly good lens. It was the first Pentax lens I bought a few moons ago. I won a Pentax DSLR in a competition early 1990s and sold my Canon gear. Been with 'em ever since ...

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01-01-2018, 06:43 AM - 1 Like	#46
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,653 Original Poster	I've an old F 80-200 f4.7-5.6 that I'll donate to him, to win him off a trail cam ...

01-01-2018, 07:58 AM	#49
ccc_ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,400	I have donated/gifted sets as well works the way you want sometimes...still worth the effort one last idea... I have a very old (digital tape) sony camcorder that really can see in the dark and has a fair amount of zoom my wife's modern one is not great at night but has a long zoom and takes great video I tend to get over-focused on still photography when there are alternatives available happy new year and good luck with your part of the adventure

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