PROPER FILM, LANS, CAMERA
TO USE
 Wildlife
photography; camera, lens and film recommendations. There
are many pitfalls technically which the enthusiast new to
this metier may well fall into. It is essential again that
good research is done before allowing some glib sales person
to talk you into an unsuitable package and mortgage to boot.
Camera Body. If you are serious
about wildlife it has to be an SLR, nothing else will do.
The versatility is critical. Really the only brands worth
looking at are Canon and Nikon. Exponents of both these major
brands will argue about which is superior and although Nikon
were a little slow out of their blocks concerning stabilised
lenses, there is little to choose between them. It is always
a mistake to purchase the cheapest model as the build quality
is always poor. Always buy the body and lens separately, as
the kit / package lenses that come with them are always poor
with virtually no resell value.
For digital users choose whether
you want the full frame models which are newer but very good
quality indeed or the 1.6 magnification variety. Whichever
you choose it is the pixel count which is crucial and for
really sharp images you should not be looking at anything
less than 8m mega pixels. Cameras now have hundreds of features,
but most photographers, even the top ones, only use a relatively
small percentage of these. The most important features are
the multi exposure, focusing point, depth of field preview
button, predictive following focus and exposure over-ride.
If your camera does not have any of these you should think
of switching to another model.
Finally One last point, and
an unpopular one -body doubles. Yes, one camera is never enough,
not so much because you can have different set ups in two
as the digital format has largely taken care of that, but
should one go wrong, and this is an area that digital is not
so robust, you will be finished.
Lenses. The most important item.
This is the tool which gives the sharpness, the clarity and
the colour. It is the piece of kit than can transform a well
composed photo into an award winner, so this is where to spend
your money. Generally every photographer wants more mm; a
300mm is seldom enough, but then again if it is birds you
are after neither is a 400mm.
Film. Film is still available
despite Agfa's decision to stop production. For some yet to
be explained reason Fuji have halted production of the fabled
Velvia 50 slide film, but brought out two replacements in
the last three years, and anyway they are still way ahead
of the competition in both slide and print. If you are still
taking in this format remember to check carefully the speed
rating on the film. It is no use having a great lens then
putting fast film through it when the bright conditions dictate
the opposite. Although not gospel a 100 film is four times
sharper than a 400, and more importantly unless it is something
very special indeed you must question why you are even photographing
in poorly lit conditions. Obviously a digital camera does
not have these problems.
Cleaning. Photography gear can
almost become part of your anatomy, when you think of Lanting,
Wolfe, Shah and Scott you automatically think of them with
cameras around their neck. Like parts of the anatomy, they
need to be looked after. The crucial tool for the outside
of the camera is an air blower brush, however they are not
suitable for the inside around the sensor or shutter curtain.
A small brush with hairs is the job here. A frequent exercise
like this is much more effective than a yearly spring clean.
Remember it is fun, it is satisfying
but it can be supremely frustrating, get out there.
TOP TIPS ON WHAT CAMERA
EQUIPMENT TO USE.
- If you have a zoom lens, with the possible
exception of elephant or giraffe, it is likely that you
will always be at the long end of it, so ask yourself ‘is
a straightforward telephoto with a better optical quality
from its quicker F stop a better option.’
- Always better to buy a better quality shorter
fast lens zoom or telephoto than a slower longer one.
- Second hand is fine, don't be proud. Most
shops offer warranties anyway and if looked after there
is not much that can go wrong with a lens.
- Both Canon and now Nikon have stabilised
lenses, the IS and VR respectively. Your images will improve
dramatically with one of these; if you cannot afford it
save up. The second hand market is virtually redundant for
these lenses which work on both film and digital cameras.
They are probably the biggest single advance in technology
in the last ten years.
- Support. Although a monopod and certainly
tripod is a fantastic way of ensuring stability often they
are completely unsuitable to photographing wildlife, especially
if used in a vehicle. Bean bags are the answer, carry it
empty and fill with rice, chick peas or whatever is available.
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