Farnes trip - kit advice wanted

[skydiver]

Hi Guys,

first visit to Farnes tomorrow & first real shot at bird photography - (only Inner Farne open) so would like some general tips on technique / camera settings etc & what kit to take from the following:

1.
Canon 5D MKII or 7D?

2.
300
400
70-200
24-70
16-35

(all Canon 2.8's)

1.4 & 2.0 TC's


3.
monopod?

4.
anything I've missed?

Obviously don't want to be lugging it all around

The only bit of kit I've decided on is a hat

 

[Jonathan Shl]

The longer the lens the better IMO, and you'll probably need the TCs on the longer lenses unless you can get really close. Remember that birds only generally cover small angles (as it is hard to get close) and have highly detailed feathers. My advice would have been to start local first to get a feel for it (that's what I did).

 

[Blythman]

Dunno how much you want to pack. I did the Farnes with a Sigma 150-500 and a 50-200, my 16-45 stayed in the bag. No monopod, no tripod. It was absolutely fine.

So if I was you I'd take the 70-200 and either the 300 or the 400. Crops from your 300 will still be better than I was able to get from the 150-500.

If you check out my flickr, I have a Farnes set. All with exif data

I don't know what birds will still be in residence, as its a bit late. At least your local .. ish

EDIT: That was with the Pentax K-5 which has a 1.5x crop sensor

 

[skydiver]

My advice would have been to start local first to get a feel for it (that's what I did).

Last minute decision, so will be practice on the day unfortunately

Dunno how much you want to pack. I did the Farnes with a Sigma 150-500 and a 50-200, my 16-45 stayed in the bag. No monopod, no tripod. It was absolutely fine.

So if I was you I'd take the 70-200 and either the 300 or the 400. Crops from your 300 will still be better than I was able to get from the 150-500.

If you check out my flickr, I have a Farnes set. All with exif data

Thanks Alan - unable to find your Flickr set.

So which would be your camera preference - 5d or the crop factor / frame rate etc of the 7d?

 

[Blythman]

Last minute decision, so will be practice on the day unfortunately



Thanks Alan - unable to find your Flickr set.

So which would be your camera preference - 5d or the crop factor / frame rate etc of the 7d?

Sorry, I thought it was in my Siggy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54050400@N05/sets/72157626891970599/

Don't know much about Canon, which is why I only made reference to lenses. The 7d seems to be the Canon of choice amongst birders I know and a decent frame rate would be useful for Puffins, especially if they are still bringing food back

Links from this site of my trip too

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=330869

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=330632