Wildlife is one of the hardest subjects to capture. Wildlife is the most active exactly when light is the most
uncooperative ( dawn and dusk). making a long telephoto lens helpful, although not necessary at all times. There are some slower cost effective, telephoto lenses available which may be
employed to acquire decent wildlife photos.
Columbian Black Tail Deer in Amador County California - Sigma 18-200 Lens
Sigma 18-200mm lens @200mm and cropped 50%
- I was driving down a Northern California Foothills road when these three deer
crossed the road in front of me. Fortunately. I had my DSLR camera with an
attached 18-200 lens attached. I stopped the car and got of four shots of these
Black Tail Deer
500mm Telephoto Lens, with flash and monopod.
Used for when capturing wildlife photographs.
Requirements:
Some basic technical photography knowledge, like knowledge aperture and shutter modes to with the to choose the correct exposure.
More advanced photography gear. Although wildlife images can be shot using
rudimentary equipment, advanced gear makes it easier. As an example, a 600mm lens combined with one of the newer autofocus cameras are practically necessary for any kind of bird photography.
A less costly superzoom bridge cameras, as an alternative, (with 35mm equivalent focal lengths in excess of 500mm, 800mm+ combined with a
teleconverter will create satisfactory results, in spite of being more portable and far less costly than a DSLR with an attached super
telephoto lens. Because of their small image sensors these cameras ISO limited to 100 to attain maximum image quality. This can be a limitation attempting to capture animals on the run or in not so perfect lighting environments (dawn and dusk).
As an alternative, less expensive superzoom bridge cameras (with equivalent focal lengths exceeding 500mm, 800mm+ with a can produce excellent results, despite being far less expensive and more portable than a SLR body with a super
telephoto lens. Due to their small sensors these cameras are limited to ISO 100 to achieve optimum image quality which can be a hindrance with fast moving animals or in less than ideal lighting situations (dawn or dusk).
Good field photography knowledge
It is usually challenging to approach wildlife As a result animal behavior knowledge is necessary with the
ability to foresee their actions. Animal stalking skills is often also necessary. Blinds or hides to conceal the
photographer are helpful when attempting to photograph more skittish subjects
Jan 19, 2011
Jan 19, 2011