Best camera & lens for wildlife
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Guest
I really want a good camera to take pictures of my martins, blue birds, dogs, horses, wildlife etc. Unfortunately, I just haven't been able to afford one yet. The camera on my smart phone just doesn't do it. What, in your opinion, is the best camera and lens combination to capture wildlife with? What have you had your your best results with?
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Guest
Phil,
I use a Nikon D60 with a Nikkor 70-300mm lens. I really like it and have taken some pretty good shots with it. I've finally got off the A setting and started experimenting. I regularly photograph my Bald Eagles and grand babies. Animals , sports, etc. Really like my Nikon. Gonna look at some different lenses for night time sports. My son also uses a Nikon for his C.S.I. duties. He also is sold on them.
I use a Nikon D60 with a Nikkor 70-300mm lens. I really like it and have taken some pretty good shots with it. I've finally got off the A setting and started experimenting. I regularly photograph my Bald Eagles and grand babies. Animals , sports, etc. Really like my Nikon. Gonna look at some different lenses for night time sports. My son also uses a Nikon for his C.S.I. duties. He also is sold on them.
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flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3788
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
What price range are you looking at? It is not always about the camera and the photographer has a lot to do with it. That said you still need decent equipment. To get decent pictures of wildlife you really need a DSLR camera and a good lense. Like Harley mentioned the 70-300 lens is a decent lense for Nikon or Canon. Photography is like everthing else, you can get a lense for $300 or you can get one for $10,000 it all comes down to budget. But again a professional photographer can take better pictures with a cheap camera then what a beginner can take with a $10,000 set up. In my opinion it would be better to get a cheaper entry level camera and get a better lense.
2026 HOSP 26
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
The obvious top two are Canon & Nikon. Harley mentioned his 70-300mm and that is an excellent zoomer that will not break the bank. Spend what you can on the lens and get as close as you can to the subject as possible. My 500 plus TCs are no match for getting as close to the subject as possible. Start small and did I mention to get as close to the subject as possible?
CMF
CMF
In my many years I have come to a conclusion that
one useless man is a shame,
two is a law firm and
three or more is a congress.-- John Adams
one useless man is a shame,
two is a law firm and
three or more is a congress.-- John Adams
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Don Strickland
- Posts: 430
- Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:38 pm
- Location: Oklahoma/Shady Point
I looked at several cameras/lenses. Wow. Expensive. I settled for a Canon SX30IS. I thought it would be ok for a beginner.
About 40 feet away and not fully zoomed.
About 40 feet away and not fully zoomed.
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Guest
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Right now I am leaning toward a Nikon D90 and get a Nikkor 70-300mm lens. But, good grief, are they expensive.
IAfter comparing many cameras in the under $500 range, I finally settled on a Canon SX30IS. It has a 35X zoom, that can be extended to 140X, it is a 14.1 mega pixel, and best of all it cost $369. I had a opportunity to shoot next to a neighbor with an SLR camera, that with the lens, cost $1500. He coundn't get the closeups that I could, and my pictures were as good, if not better. If (Don Strickland) someone will tell me how to add pictures without reducing them, I'll post some pictures here taken at 140X, at distances of 150 feet, set on AUTO.
Pappy
Rxpurple,
We have the D-90 as well. It is an awesome camera and yes it is not a cheap one. Ours came with the standard lens and I bought a Nikkor 70-300 lens and It takes great pics. Unfortunately it is not the VR lens. That one is about double what I spend. Little bites is all you can do with this "OTHER" hobby.
We are now looking into getting an extension? Hubby was googling it few days ago. Anywho, you can't go wrong with this camera. We love it!!
We have the D-90 as well. It is an awesome camera and yes it is not a cheap one. Ours came with the standard lens and I bought a Nikkor 70-300 lens and It takes great pics. Unfortunately it is not the VR lens. That one is about double what I spend. Little bites is all you can do with this "OTHER" hobby.
We are now looking into getting an extension? Hubby was googling it few days ago. Anywho, you can't go wrong with this camera. We love it!!
D'Nese in Tennessee
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
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flyin-lowe
- Posts: 3788
- Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 8:49 am
- Location: Indiana/Henry Co.
Don't get hung up on mega pixels. It is a marketing ploy much like people advertising how many mosquitos a martin will eat to sell you a bird house. They do play there part in professional photography, however unless you are wanting poster size pictures don't buy one camera over another just because it has a few more mega pixels.
2026 HOSP 26
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
2025 62 pair HOSP 20
2024 60 pair, HOSP 44
2023 60+ pair, HOSP 8
2022 60 nests with 262 eggs, HOSP 14
2021 62 pair, HOSP 9
2020 42 nest, HOSP 8
2019- 31 pair
2018- 15 pair 49 fledged
2017 3 SY pair, 12 eggs , fledged 10. 4 additional lone SY's
2016 1 pair fledged 4
2015 Visitors
2014 Visitors
2013 Moved 6 miles, 1 pair fledged 2.
2012 30 pair fledged 100.
2011 12 pair 43 fledged.
2010 5 pair 14 fledged.
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Don Strickland
- Posts: 430
- Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:38 pm
- Location: Oklahoma/Shady Point
Pappy,
I'll have to try to post a picture tomorrow and will try to write down what I did. I hunt and peck on the computer and if it works, OK. I don't remember exactly what I did to get the picture to post. Maybe, in the mean time, some expert will help you out.....
I'd like to see your pictures.
Don Strickland
I'll have to try to post a picture tomorrow and will try to write down what I did. I hunt and peck on the computer and if it works, OK. I don't remember exactly what I did to get the picture to post. Maybe, in the mean time, some expert will help you out.....
I'd like to see your pictures.
Don Strickland
Pappy,
My wife's camera is a Canon SX10is with 10.0 mega pixels and she loves it. The zoom in 35mm talk is equiv. to 2.8mm to 560mm. She takes great photos of close-ups of insects and flowers. Do you know what the focal length means 5.0mm to 100.0.
I got my old tri-pod out and oiled it up for her to photo our new arrivals when the get here.
Paul
My wife's camera is a Canon SX10is with 10.0 mega pixels and she loves it. The zoom in 35mm talk is equiv. to 2.8mm to 560mm. She takes great photos of close-ups of insects and flowers. Do you know what the focal length means 5.0mm to 100.0.
I got my old tri-pod out and oiled it up for her to photo our new arrivals when the get here.
Paul
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Don Strickland
- Posts: 430
- Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:38 pm
- Location: Oklahoma/Shady Point
Pappy,
I was unable to post another picture, so I'm sorry, I don't know how I did it.
Geeeezzzz, There it is now. Anyway, I took the picture, copied and pasted to Microsoft Word, reduced the size, used snipping tool on it and saved it. Then followed the instructions on posting a picture. And, I probably can't do it again.
I was unable to post another picture, so I'm sorry, I don't know how I did it.
Geeeezzzz, There it is now. Anyway, I took the picture, copied and pasted to Microsoft Word, reduced the size, used snipping tool on it and saved it. Then followed the instructions on posting a picture. And, I probably can't do it again.
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Guest
D'Nese,
My 70-300mm has the VR feature. I love it. No vibration at all.
Let me know what you find out about the extension. I too need to reach out a bit further.
Harley
My 70-300mm has the VR feature. I love it. No vibration at all.
Let me know what you find out about the extension. I too need to reach out a bit further.
Harley
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Guest
D'Nese-
I'm not exactly sure what an extension is, but would like to hear more about it.
Harley-
At my age I would definately need the VR feature to cut down on a blurry image. Just not as steady as I once was. I was also glad that you mentioned your son. I hope all is well with him. I know you worry about him in his line of work. He remains in our prayers.
CMF-
Thanks for the tip on where to buy.
Thanks to everyone who has posted here. You have all been a great help to me.
I'm not exactly sure what an extension is, but would like to hear more about it.
Harley-
At my age I would definately need the VR feature to cut down on a blurry image. Just not as steady as I once was. I was also glad that you mentioned your son. I hope all is well with him. I know you worry about him in his line of work. He remains in our prayers.
CMF-
Thanks for the tip on where to buy.
Thanks to everyone who has posted here. You have all been a great help to me.
Don't know much about this photography stuff so here goes. My husband says it a teleconverter. It doubles the distance of the lens that it is attached to? Teleconverter goes on camera first then the lens is attached to teleconverter. You will have to do more research as I'm just a point and shoot kinda girl. He is still in the investigative mode and I will post more as we learn.
Good luck and let me know what you find out......
Good luck and let me know what you find out......
D'Nese in Tennessee
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
CMF,
We unfortunately don't have the VR
The smaller lens that came with the camera is VR.
We do have the 70-300 lens and I think it will accept the teleconverter. Couldn't take that big of a hit for the VR when I purchased the lens, but I wanted to get something that would be good long distance. But soon we will hopefully. Too busy buying poles, lumber, pulleys and such for new house, LOL.
One hobby at a time.
We unfortunately don't have the VR
The smaller lens that came with the camera is VR. We do have the 70-300 lens and I think it will accept the teleconverter. Couldn't take that big of a hit for the VR when I purchased the lens, but I wanted to get something that would be good long distance. But soon we will hopefully. Too busy buying poles, lumber, pulleys and such for new house, LOL.
One hobby at a time.
D'Nese in Tennessee
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
2009-new house up, many visitors no one stayed
2010-3 pairs, 14 eggs, 9 babies 9 fledged
2011 20 pairs, 106 eggs, 79 fledged
2012 37 pair, 120 fledged
2013 37 pair, 173 fledged
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Guest
See if they will let you rent a couple TC,s for the weekend.They work better with some cameras and lens.I also don't get near as good a pic from a 2 TC but a 1 1/2 TC is acceptable.It takes a bit of experimenting to find the "sweet spot" on the lend TC combination so take lots of pics and compare writing down you settings.
If you leave a good deposit some shops will just let you try them but you need to promise to buy one or the other or lose you deposit, ugggg big business,now if you know the guys in the shop then thats a different story.
dick
If you leave a good deposit some shops will just let you try them but you need to promise to buy one or the other or lose you deposit, ugggg big business,now if you know the guys in the shop then thats a different story.
dick
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Guest
I can relate! One hobby at a time. Thanks for the info D'Nese, CMF & Dick.
Phil my son is doing well. He turned down the Deputy US Marshal position when they finally offered it to him. Just didn't want to move. We were elated! They had their baby and she's back to work (pediatric nurse practitioner). He is an investigator and once his PD found out he was staying they sent him to the Body Farm school at Univ. Tenn (forensics on bodies)and then to month long CSI school. He is really doing well and is well liked by his (my old department for 20yrs) department. Thanks again for asking and thanks for your prayers. He sees allot and needs our prayers. He is a Godly man and appreciates your intercession. Sorry Louise, should have sent this in a personal message.
Harley
Phil my son is doing well. He turned down the Deputy US Marshal position when they finally offered it to him. Just didn't want to move. We were elated! They had their baby and she's back to work (pediatric nurse practitioner). He is an investigator and once his PD found out he was staying they sent him to the Body Farm school at Univ. Tenn (forensics on bodies)and then to month long CSI school. He is really doing well and is well liked by his (my old department for 20yrs) department. Thanks again for asking and thanks for your prayers. He sees allot and needs our prayers. He is a Godly man and appreciates your intercession. Sorry Louise, should have sent this in a personal message.
Harley
the guide showsPaul P wrote:Pappy,
My wife's camera is a Canon SX10is with 10.0 mega pixels and she loves it. The zoom in 35mm talk is equiv. to 2.8mm to 560mm. She takes great photos of close-ups of insects and flowers. Do you know what the focal length means 5.0mm to 100.0.
I got my old tri-pod out and oiled it up for her to photo our new arrivals when the get here.
Paul
"The focal length when using the optical zoom and digital zoom together is 24-3360 mm and 24-840 mm when using the optical zoom alone"
I don't know if this answers your question or not, because I don't know what that means..........
Pappy