This article features some basic handheld telephoto tips that can be used to help avoid arm fatigue when using larger, heavier lenses. Now that I’m in my 70s I still use the same basic technique that I’ve utilized for many years. There are a few things that I’ve added to help me shoot with the M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS zoom lens for extended periods of time.
Category Archives: Bird Photography
Slow Shutter Speeds at Bird Kingdom
During a recent visit to Bird Kingdom I decided to experiment with slow shutter speeds when photographing various birds, and a few reptiles.
Heron Catching a Snake
This article features a selection of images documenting a heron catching a snake at one of the ponds at Hendrie Valley. These photographs were captured in a 24 minute time frame… counted from when the heron first attacked the snake until it flew off with its catch.
These images are graphic and may not be appropriate for folks who are squeamish about some of the brutality found in nature.
Bird Kingdom Outtakes
This article features a selection of Bird Kingdom outtakes that were captured during an earlier visit when I was creating images for my 1200mm EFOV Test article. Photographing birds at an indoor facility with a equivalent field-of-view of 1200mm has some limitations, not the least of which is finding subject birds at suitable distances.
1200mm EFOV Test
This article shares some 1200mm EFOV test images that were captured handheld at Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls Canada. In an earlier article, Jigsaws or Drills, we discussed that prime lenses and zoom lenses are different types of tools.
Neither type is ‘better’ than the other, but simply more suited to specific photographic approaches. My preference has always been to own and use predominantly zoom lenses as they better suit my shooting style.
Jigsaws or Drills
Sometimes we get drawn into heated discussions, like deciding whether jigsaws or drills are the best woodworking tools. 🙂 I appreciate that some of you may be thinking that the comparison posed is ludicrous… perhaps even bordering on asinine. And yet as photographers… we sometimes get drawn into these types of pointless comparisons on a regular basis… especially in online chatrooms.
New Zealand Birds
This article shares a selection of photographs of New Zealand birds captured handheld with M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II and M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS zoom lenses. As regular readers know, I spent some time deciding on which lenses to bring on our recent photography tour of New Zealand… especially when it came to a birding lens.
Dry Run
Doing a dry run with the camera equipment planned to be used for an extended photography tour, is always a prudent thing to do. Our initial gear assessments can have us lean in a certain direction. It’s not until we get out in the field and spend some time doing a dry run, that we can put our thought process to the test.
Small Subject Test at 2400 efov
Recently I decided to do a small subject test at 2400 mm efov with my M.Zuiko 150-600 super zoom and MC-20 teleconverter. In my experience the M.Zuiko 150-600 has proven to be a wonderful lens that provides a tremendous range of in-field capability.
Best Lens Realities
Online discussions about what the best lens is for various photographic genres, or for specific focal lengths, or sensor sizes, are endless. The reality is that everyone has their own best lens opinion based on their individual needs and preferences. Those needs and preferences are really only relevant for the person that holds them.