First of all I want to compliment you guys on your tremendous images. I've been lurking for a few days and I'm amazed at just about everything I've seen so far. I'm also impressed at the criticism I've seen given. You seem like a very nice lot.
Now here's what I want from you guys. I am looking to do a series of black and white film prints on a few wildlife reserves on Maryland's eastern shore and Delaware (including but not limited to Blackwater NWR, Bombay Hook, NWR, and Eastern Neck NWR). I've been to these places more than a couple times and I know they are capable of incredible landscapes and scenery but I am also trying to get some bird photos this time. My current equipment is grossly inadequate for such a task--trust me, I've tried--but I know there are fantastic birds there that I would like to capture.
I am currently shooting Canon gear and my film body is a Rebel K2. This camera is pretty basic as far as controls go. It has poor autofocus, maybe it gets 2 frames per second, no mirror lock up or remote functionality. I also have a 70-200 f/4 L which is incredible but I've found it to be too short for birds even in my backyard many times. I might be able to rent a 400 5.6 L but I'm wondering whether that would be enough. Also is this lens going to be too big for my tripod (I think it's a pretty sturdy tripod but that may be just because it's really heavy)?
My big question (enough rambling) is "Do you think I'm crazy for thinking I can get some good photos the first time out?"
I will jump in and welcome you and be the first to agree about the talent here and the wonderful structured help offered up to improve.
I think the 400 would be a great lens as you can see it is used frequently here with fantastic results, and often shot wide open. You will have great versatility hand holding this lens too. You would be restricted on a tripod trying to shoot the flyers. Suggestion, get the lens ASAP, find a bunch of sea gulls and target practice. It might prove very helpful on honing up the pan and shoot technique and give you a good idea of what goes on with exposure in these situations too.
First time out and good pictures...........sure, you did good on the goose. Too bad you don't have some fps to work with. Maybe rent a Canon 40D, would make you a nice rig...............I think.
It will be tough on the birds in flight without a decent AF though so again the upgrade to a reasonably good body with good AF will help.
'Good' is all relative to your quality of expectation, heck you may even come away with 'great' if all goes well! I am hoping that for your outing.................
Of course if I was shooting digital I would just borrow my mom's 40d! Unfortunately this is for class and I haven't figured out how to put a CF card in the enlarger yet. If anyone knows where I can rent a 1v or eos 3 that would be awesome.
I would have to agree with Karl, I think he said enough from an equipment angle to get you started. You are here asking questions and that is a great thing. Keep looking and reading the comments and believe it or not you will learn a lot.
My big question (enough rambling) is "Do you think I'm crazy for thinking I can get some good photos the first time out?"
If we thought that was a crazy idea we all would not be doing this!
Of course if I was shooting digital I would just borrow my mom's 40d! Unfortunately this is for class and I haven't figured out how to put a CF card in the enlarger yet. If anyone knows where I can rent a 1v or eos 3 that would be awesome.
No no, other way around, we need to figure out how to get the CF card on to a negative! Then the rest is up to you!
Guess I should have slowed down a bit to see you need to shoot film, oooops.
