Great Tips And Products That Make Your Life Easier & More Enjoyable In The Field.
Making Great Images
When photographing wildlife or just about anything, you must always keep your background in mind. A simple step to the left or right can remove a distracting white birch or an ugly telephone pole. I had to fit this Barred Owl between two dark tree trunks. As you can imagine, having it run up through the owl would not make for a nice image.
BLACKRAPID Sling Camera Strap
I was photographing a midsize bull mooose last fall when it turned and walked right down to my group, it proceeded to drink from the stream not more than 20 feet in front of us. All I had with me was a 200-400mm zoom. Way too much lens for an animal that close.
I would have given my right arm for my 70-200mm lens. When I got home that night I called a guy who had joined me last spring on a loon trip. He had shown me a handy sling strap that allows you to carry a second camera and lens hands free. He used it when the loon got to close to use his 500 f4. All he had to do was reach around and grab his second camera that had a smaller lens. Very slick! The company is called Blackrapid, they have lots of models and options to choose from, I ordered the RS Sport. What I like about this one is that I can lock the camera behind me, and the under arm strap prevents the camera from sliding back around in front and getting in your way. I also like to have the camera behind me when I'm walking in thick brush, this way branches can't get to my expensive camera and lens and scratch it them.
Manfrotto Tripod Bags
Did you know that manfrotto makes a fantastic selection of tripod bags. Different sizes for different tripods. Great way to protect your expensive tripod. They are incredibly well built to withstand anything. Designed to last a lifetime.
Shutter Speed For Moose
My bare minimum shutter speed for when moose are browsing is 1/160 sec, but I feel more confident at 1/200 sec. If the moose is on the move 1/250 sec is the minimum needed.
Arctic Butterfly 788 With Light
I finally got my act together and picked up the new Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly 788 with Light, this handy little devise removes dust from your sensor. The cool little light illuminates the sensor reducing the possibility of fibers being dragged accidentally against the surrounding cavity thus reducing the chance of a smear usually caused by contaminated fibers. The light also makes dust locating an easier task. The battery run rotary motor has been modified to meet a certain RPM. It generates an optimal centrifugal force that enables speedy dust rejection from the brush while increasing the charge enhancement of the fibers to offer maximum dust lifting capabilities.
To Zoom Or Not To Zoom
I can only afford one telephoto lens for wildlife, what should I get ? People ask me this question all the time. If you only have one camera body and can only afford one long lens for wildlife, then a zoom lens that goes to 400mm or 500mm is your best choice. Canon's 100-400 f5.6 or the super sharp Nikon 200-400 f4 would be my recommendation.
Jobu Gimbal Heads
My Jobu Pro easily supports my 600mm f4. It works flawlessly in all conditions, from the brutal cold in Algonquin Park to the unbearable heat in the tropics. Full ball bearing support in tilt and panning axis with no friction. 100% smooth movement. Soft-touch rubberized knobs for better use with bare or gloved hands, especially when wet. Newly designed low-profile lockout switch. Powdercoat paint on both field green and black versions for better scratch resistance. SAVE 15% on your purchase at the Jobu store just by using the coupon code " MOOSE "
Manfrotto Tripods & Monopods
I'm not exaggerating when I say Manfrotto makes the finest tripods and monopods for nature photographers. The most frustrating part on a tripod or monopod are the collar locks. The Manfrotto collar locks work in mud and snow. (Two things I know lots about). I highly recommend the 055CX3 or the 055CXPRO3 series of carbon fiber tripods. They are very light, at a mere 1.78kgs, yet incredibly strong and sturdy. Maximum height with center column down is 136 cm or 54 in. Maximum load is 8 kg . The Manfrotto 055 easily supports a 500 f4 lens and camera body. This makes them ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
Manfrotto Monopods
My support of choice on the boat and in the deep snow is the Manfrotto monopod. Using a heavy lens like a 500 f4 with a ball head can be very cumbersome. I prefer to rig it with just a simple quick release style clamp. Think about it, if you need to shoot down or up you just tilt the monopod!
Getting Sharp Images With A Long Lens
Proper technique while on a tripod or monopod is very important. First off, make sure the lens collar is snugged down. Then rest your hand on the lens (not on the focus ring).If you are hand holding, you can place your hand on the bottom of the lenses barrel. This will dampen vibrations caused by the mirror flipping out of the way and the shutter being released. Now press your eye or cheekbone against the camera body. This again is another way to minimize or eliminate any vibration. Practice this technique in your back yard so that when the time comes, you will not have to think, it will come naturally.
Blown Highlights
When the loon stretches its wings and exposes it's bright white belly you will most likely have blown high lights. This is less likely to happen if you are already stopped down a third more than you normally need.
Storm Jacket
You will need a garbage bag to protect your camera bag and its contents from rain. To protect your camera from the rain you should bring several bags. Branches or running 30mph in my boat can tear the bags apart. A better solution is a Storm Jacket. It will protect your camera from scratches and weather.
Bushnell Outdoor Products
Bushnell makes high quality binoculars & spotting scopes. A pair of binoculars can be handy for identifiying birds or locating moose. I have the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42. Anyone who has looked through mine could not beleive the clarity and brightness.
Bass Pro Shops
The store closest to me is in Vaughn Ontario. Next to the 400 Hwy just south of Canada's Wonderland. They have a huge selection & great prices for rugged outdoor clothing, footwear, binoculars and portable blinds.
Red Head Enigma Pop Up Blind. Very affordable $80.00 to $100.00
This is my favourite blind. I have successfully used it for photographing Wolves, Kingfishers and Beavers to name just a few. Spring-loaded frame for super easy set up in seconds! Completely collapsable for easy transport. Brushed 150 denier polyester walls and ceiling are coated dull black on the inside. Large zippered windows & small zippered windows perfect size for a telephoto lens. Light and packable. Comes with a back-strapped carrying bag. Color: Realtree APG™. Weight: approx. 14 lbs. Dimensions: 65" x 65" x 62".
Red Head Wheeled Duffel Bag Perfect for long-distance photo adventures. Cost around $100.00
The RedHead Wheeled Duffel Bag gives you big capacity in an easy to transport design. Its U-top opening with roomy drop-bottom storage makes packing tripods, clothes, big boots etc... easy. Bag features convenient front pockets, tough side grab handles, and carrying straps. Built tough with all-metal hardware, heavy-duty YKK zippers, and reinforced corners. Pull-up locking handle makes bag easy to transport. Strong 22-oz. canvas construction, Size: 36'' x 16'' x 16''. Color: Brown and black. Carry weight: 13 lbs. Approximately 9,216 cubic inches.
Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier GORE-TEX Rain Jackets and Pants.
If you want the best rain suit available, Bass Pro Shops has it. Battle any stormy weather with the Pro Qualifier Jacket & bib pants.Exclusive double-layer GORE-TEX Performance Shell forms a 100% waterproof/windproof/breathable barrier against soaking rain and whipping winds, keeping you dry and comfortable no matter how bad it gets. Waist-length Jacket features a double storm-flap-covered front two-way zipper with rain gutter; roomy three-way adjustable hood; Inner floating, watertight, comfort-fit cuffs for absolute water holdout; two fleece-lined chest pockets with waterproof zippers to keep contents dry.