Post by kenpossum on Feb 2, 2011 9:42:00 GMT -8
As Brian and I photographed the Harris' Sparrow from our car, I couldn't help notice how much at ease all the birds present felt with us as long as we were in our car. Often, I couldn't shoot because they were too close for my telephoto.
There was good light, so I was able to shoot at 1/4000 sec at a reasonable IS0 400. It goes without saying - IS (Image stabilization / VR vibration reduction is a given. I tried some test shots without it at 1/2000 sec and the shots were not crystal sharp. All the IS/VR shots came out very sharp, and with acceptable noise. Example - the Song Sparrow below.
Talking with Len as well, it became apparent that the first shots of a hawk etc. are often best attempted first from within the car, then after that first successful capture or record shot the car doors open and tripods are set up.
I do have a Busnell window clamp that I may experiment with, but there are two drawbacks. It doesn't have a quick release which means some missed shots, and resting the lens on a glove or sweater seems to dampen most camera shake.
The shots I experimented with at 1/4000 sec came out very sharp, as did those taken at 1/2000 sec. Should I be trying 1/1000 sec? Well .... maybe if the light is poor. I would like to keep this tech for sunny days only, but I am becoming aware that bird photography does not allow for inflexibility. The goal will always be - high shutter speed, low ISO and reasonable f/stop.
Car Blind? I like the results. Ken Pugh (Chilliwack)
There was good light, so I was able to shoot at 1/4000 sec at a reasonable IS0 400. It goes without saying - IS (Image stabilization / VR vibration reduction is a given. I tried some test shots without it at 1/2000 sec and the shots were not crystal sharp. All the IS/VR shots came out very sharp, and with acceptable noise. Example - the Song Sparrow below.
Talking with Len as well, it became apparent that the first shots of a hawk etc. are often best attempted first from within the car, then after that first successful capture or record shot the car doors open and tripods are set up.
I do have a Busnell window clamp that I may experiment with, but there are two drawbacks. It doesn't have a quick release which means some missed shots, and resting the lens on a glove or sweater seems to dampen most camera shake.
The shots I experimented with at 1/4000 sec came out very sharp, as did those taken at 1/2000 sec. Should I be trying 1/1000 sec? Well .... maybe if the light is poor. I would like to keep this tech for sunny days only, but I am becoming aware that bird photography does not allow for inflexibility. The goal will always be - high shutter speed, low ISO and reasonable f/stop.
Car Blind? I like the results. Ken Pugh (Chilliwack)