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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Wildlife photography gear
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10/05/2004 10:52:52 PM · #1
What kind of set up would I need to get really good wildlife photos at some distance like maybe 100 - 200 yards. Mainly I would be shooting deer and bear, but would take any opportunities to shoot. But right now it is just a dream and need to be pointed in the right direction.
10/05/2004 10:59:59 PM · #2
At those ranges, I would probably start out with a tripod and a 600mm lens. You may be able to get by with less, depending on how much you want to fill the frame with your subject. You will need a quiet camera as well. Wildlife can hear you at those ranges in most cases unless there is enough ambient noise to 'cover' you up.

I think you will need a digital SLR in order to get a 600mm telephoto lens. You may be able to get by with a 400mm lens on a digital since you get some crop factor working to your benefit.

10/05/2004 11:00:19 PM · #3
Most people use 400mm and 600mm lenses to get really really good wildlife shots. Those lenses are extremely expensive. It's possible with a 300mm and a teleconverter but that's more limiting. There is a 50-500mm bigma lens that is just under 1k USD but that's rather unwiedly and you need good light to get good results.
10/05/2004 11:03:38 PM · #4
Super telephoto zooms, perhaps an EF 100-400 for what you describe and a 600 mm, perhaps with a teleconverter, for birds. Of course, you need a DSLR to mount lenses on. You will also need a sturdy tripod with a head compatible with heavy lenses. In a pinch, a bean bag (or a bag of rice) will do for support. You need a remote as well. A good, large and comfortable backback and, perhaps, some sort of a dolly for your 600mm, lol.

Alright, so I type slower than u 2. Bite me. ;-)

Message edited by author 2004-10-05 23:05:04.
10/05/2004 11:03:43 PM · #5
Digital SLR, a good spotting scope (Celestron, Meade, etc.) and a T-adapter.

Message edited by author 2004-10-05 23:03:51.
10/05/2004 11:06:40 PM · #6
What do you need?

A sturdy backpack to haul about 5g's to the camera store.
10/05/2004 11:21:12 PM · #7
If you don't want to spend thousands or lug a ton of stuff, I'll sell you my 2 mp jalopy of a camera. It's got 38-380 zoom with IS and you should do just fine. ;) Of course, there are more modern digicams out there with equal or better zooms and produce better pics.
10/05/2004 11:29:56 PM · #8
I use the 50-500 Sigma with a tripod or some other kind of support and get pretty good results. Some say they hand hold it and I have done that a few times in an 'emergency', but it is heavy! I have not used it in a really low light situation.
10/09/2004 07:50:38 PM · #9
Thanks to all that posted, Like I said it is just a dream right now. It is just that everyt evening that I walk by the window and look into the field there is usually something out there ( 4 deer as I type this). so I would like to some day take good pics of them. thanks again
10/09/2004 08:53:21 PM · #10
I'm sorry to ask a bit off-topic question.
How does the 50-500mm Sigma perform when shooting sports, like maybe soccer (or football for that matter)?
10/09/2004 09:03:01 PM · #11
After walking around on a few small hikes with my 70-200mm/F4L, I have to say, I agree with Olyuzi: why not consider a superzoom nonDSLR camera. Meets all the requirements, especially quiet.

How about the Panasonic Lumix series? Leica lens,

ΓΆ€ΒΆ 35 - 420mm equiv. (12x optical zoom)
ΓΆ€ΒΆ F2.8 CONSTANT Aper.
Antishake

There are several models with this lens ranging from $360 to $600, different resolutions and features. They don't have a RAW mode, but they do support TIFF. That means you need a big memory card, but you won't need a big bag for your lenses and extra heavy tripod to support it!

I love the Rebel, but I kind of regret the size and weight of things, and I am going to pick up one of these as a secondary camera. BobsterLobster uses the older Panasonic FZ10 and has done very nice work with it (including winning the masters challenge).

Good luck whatever you decide.

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