jdc562 Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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The strength of the advice in these replies is in combining the information across posts to fit your tastes, equipment, circumstances, panning abilities, acceptable loss-benefit trade-offs, etc. Put all this together, and it is very comprehensive information. Something I would add: if you are using a big, heavy, long lens, such as an f/4, 600mm, with added TC, any equipment jiggle will be more pronounced in the image. So, unless you are strong, a very sturdy tripod with a good quality gimbal mount will really increase the smoothness of your panning, ease of tracking, and steadiness of your gear, thus increasing your keeper rate. The trade-off is cost, portability, and agility. Consequently, this kind of heavy combo is best suited for locations where the birds have fairly predictable flight patterns so you don't have to be continually roaming. For steadiness in hand-held telephoto work, practice bracing your arms and elbows against your torso and your camera against your face, then holding your breath as you shoot. The gun-stock style mounts like SK66 describes also helps in hand-holding long lenses.
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