Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/06/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Gerry Walden wrote: > Yesterday I had the opportunity to shoot at the bird sanctuary of the > Wildlife and Wetlands Trust about 40 miles down the coast from us, so I > decided to have a go. I had borrowed an APO tele-extender from my local > store to try out with my 350mm f4.8 and my R8. I must point out that the > birds are free to leave but never do, so they are sitting ducks (forgive me!) > <SNIP> > I think I got some reasonable shots but was surprised how close I needed to > get to the birds even with the 350mm lens, and although the extender was > good for getting closer it knocked the light back so much as to make it > virtually useless. The other think which I found incredibly difficult was > keeping up with the seemingly slow-moving ducks. As soon as I had them in > focus (and I think I am pretty quick) they were off out of the frame. I had > the camera on a tripod which I had tightened enough to hold it steady but > still movable. I must confess to missing my EOS1 with autofocus although I > know the results will be razor sharp when they are in focus. Gerry, IMHO the 350, while optically a wonderful lens, isn't the best for active subjects because of the long "throw" of the focussing helical. There are well-known photographers who disagree with me, but I've found that getting closer is far more effective than using the longest possible lens. A shorter lens minimizes the effects of camera motion, generally has a faster maximum aperture, and the shorter working distances mean there's less chance for brush or atmospheric crud to get in the way. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com