FAQ's
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that I received over the years:
What equipment do I need to get started in wildlife photography?
There a few obvious basics (Camera and Zoom Lens) but beyond that the list is very much a personal choice. It depends on so many factors, what are you photographing, where are you photographing, how long will you be out, and consider things like your personal capabilities, time constraints, physical limitations, and accessability. Its a huge subject, and there is a lot of information contained within the pages of this site to help you decide on your own list of requirements.
To start you will need a reasonable quality camera, DSLR or mirrorless, (this is very broad statement I know) but for most people the choice for which Camera and Lens to buy will be based primarily on available budget, at least initially, when you are getting started in photography. I will say... dont be afraid to look at secondhand equipment too. You dont necessarily need the latest modern equipment, (as least not initially), as your skills progress and you learn more about photography in general, you will naturally know when it is time to upgrade your equipment. But dont be mindset on having the latest and greatest... unless you have the available budget to allow that. Invest in good lenses, and upgrade camera bodies as your budget allows.
You will need a good zoom lens (at least 300mm) to capture distant subjects, but the longer lens you can afford the better. (within reason)... as there are many other factors to the choice of a suitable lens for wildlife. Aperture, Focal length, physical size, Bokeh etc.
A tripod is crucial for stability, especially in low light. A light tripod is easy to carry, but wont be as sturdy as a heavy one, So again id say invest in the best you can afford.
You will also, consider waterproof clothing for unpredictable conditions, camouflage pattern clothing can help you blend into the background and be less visible to wildlife.
I will outline the equipment that I currently have and use. Though I will say that this list changes periodically, as i constantly develop and progress my own equipment.
When I started in Photography I used (and still own) a Pentacon FM, 35mm Film Fully Manual SLR Camera. When I started in the Digital World in 2004 my First DSLR was a Fuji Finepix S2 Pro, which used Nikon fit Lenses and after some years I sold that body and converted fully to Nikon. Some years later I sold everything and converted fully to Canon cameras and Canon Lenses. A few years ago, I made the move to a Mirrorless and did full circle back to a Fuji with the Mirrorless X-Series System, and while I have upgraded within the system, I still utilise Fuji Lenses.
The Equipment I use:
I love the colours and clarify that are produced from a Fuji camera, they outclass that of any other system out there. Its speed of focussing and tracking can pretty much match that of any top end DSLR or mirrorless camera on the market. Its 40fps and in-body stabilisation are superb.
This Lens has an amazing reach, with its effective focal length of 900mm on my X-H2s Body. However, it isnt the fastest lens out there, and a f8, it restricts you in lower light conditions.
I find this a much faster lens, with regards focus speed but also tracking, its slight downside is the focal length is slightly shorter, tho at effective 600mm it is still exceptional with the Fuji body.
I recently purchased a secondhand Canon 500mm f4 lens for use with my Fuji X-H2s body, and have produced exceptional results from it. It does require an adapter converter, I utilise the Fringer Pro II Converter, and while its focussing speed (expectedly) doesnt match that of a native Fuji Lens, when it achieves focus, the results are blisteringly sharp.
How can I take sharp photos of moving animals?
To Photograph moving animals, you will need to Increase your shutter speed to at least 1/500th of a second for most subjects and even higher (over 1/1000th) for fast-moving subjects.
You need to use Continuous autofocus (Typcially known as AF-C or AI Servo AF modes) to keep moving animals in focus so your camera tracks the focus.
Practice panning your camera to match their movement, (though admittedly, this can be difficult with flying birds) PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.. !!
Id suggest you go somewhere where you will expect to see a lot of birds, perhaps your local nature reserve or sea cliffs and simply practice focussing, tracking and panning.
