Ok you hummer experts, I'm just starting adding hummers to my humble portfolio. Can you add your shooting details to save me a bit of time experimenting. I'm shooting with a 40D (for now), Canon 500mm f4 IS and the 1.4x. I'm assuming most of you are stopping down as much as possible. What else should I know - please add info on the use of extension tubes and any other hints/tips you have. THANK YOU!
Imagemaster wrote:
You shouldn't need a TC on a 500mm lens for Hummers. Extension tubes will let you shoot up closer, but they also decrease your depth-of-field.
100-400mm, at 400mm, probably with 12mm extension tube:
Alright, good to know re the extension tubes. Thanks. I've found the 1.4x necessary so far since I've been shooting in the wild so to speak (i.e. cannot control where these little buggers land). But perhaps I should try to get closer in one area and just wait...ahhhh, patience...
I agree with not needing a teleconverter unless you need the extra reach, I have just started as well and am using a 300mm lens without one and no extention tubes as well, I may try an extention tube to get a little closer but don't really need it.
I have been using F8 but would like to try F11 if I can maintain a good shutter speed, I also found manual focus the best for myself by pre-focusing and fine tuning when they arrive. I have found them to be very curious little birds and will get quite close to you after a while. I also realized the direction of light is very important to maximize the iridescence in their feathers. I don't have them at flowers yet as they have not come up here yet and am using a feeder at the moment, when I want to photograph them I restrict where they can feed from so I can be ready when they do arrive.
I'll try ditching the 1.4x - it did make things more challenging. Thank you, Jim. As yes, you're absolutely right about both the direction of the light and pre-focussing.
