Skomer / Lenses Rental / Nikon Super-Telephotos

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 34935
  • Start date Start date
D

Deleted member 34935

Guest
I'm off to Skomer in May for 4 days, I don't own any super telephotos but hope to be buying either the 500 or the 600 before the end of the year.

In the mean time, I want to try out either the 200-400 or the 500 as I'm taking the 600 to a trip to Iceland in the summer.

There are a few benefits I can see that the 200-400 has over the 500.

Closer focusing distance, lighter weight and its a zoom.

500 has longer reach and that is about all it does better!

For me its pretty clear cut, rent the 200-400 and use a 1.4x when needed.

Are we in agreement?
 
James Wright said:
I'm off to Skomer in May for 4 days, I don't own any super telephotos but hope to be buying either the 500 or the 600 before the end of the year.

In the mean time, I want to try out either the 200-400 or the 500 as I'm taking the 600 to a trip to Iceland in the summer.

There are a few benefits I can see that the 200-400 has over the 500.

Closer focusing distance, lighter weight and its a zoom.

500 has longer reach and that is about all it does better!

For me its pretty clear cut, rent the 200-400 and use a 1.4x when needed.

Are we in agreement?
Click to expand...

Are you going on the natures Images trip James?

your right about the 200-400 MFD is 1.8 metres and can quite easily be hand held. 500 is a little bit heavier i think.

Obviously the performance of the 500 and 1.4 or 1.7 TC will be better than with the 200-400

One thing to note with the 600MM you might struggle to get it to iceland, depending on the airline

I am planning on going to Skomer in May and will be taking 200-400 and 600 with both convertors, 200-400 will be ideal for some of the flight shots as i think they get pretty close, 600 will come in handy for the longer range work.

You will need a decent tripod and gimbal head too :)
 
I might be letting my 500 f4 go. I haven't made up my mind yet....it is the AF1, and on my D3 is fast enough to get the shot of motor racing and powerboats - but I just don't give it the use i did and the 300 with 2x will do for what I need now - not getting any younger!

I have it down at Nikon at the moment, with some of my other stuff. I have taken a week off and all my lenses are getting a full service while I won't need them. So if I do decide to sell it, it will have had a full Nikon service and probably not used since!
 
Hey James :D

The 200-400 is a superb lens and very good for travel. I used to take mine to Florida over the 600mm because initially it was so much lighter and easier to manage. Plus, on a crop body it makes a very good semi macro lens.

That said, I ALWAYS had a 1.4x on it whenever I took it there. You can just never have enough reach! The image quality with the 1.4 is very good, but the 500 will be even better. But, the 500 will require better support, compared to the 200-400.

If you don't think you'll need the extra reach then the 200-400 will serve you well. However, mine gets very little use these days (especially now I have a bag I can take the 600mm in as hand luggage!).

Both are great. Personally I'd always go with more reach though if I was specifically doing wildlife :)
 
Rovers_Andy said:
Are you going on the natures Images trip James?
Click to expand...

I'm not, I've organised this trip off my own bat. Which I'm rather proud about! :D

You will need a decent tripod and gimbal head too
Click to expand...

I'm going to be buying a Gizto and Wimberly head on Richard Peters recommendation and a monopod! Before I disappear off to Skomer and so before Iceland, I'm struggling to afford transport in Iceland so I might have to go Finland to see the bears. Just don't know!

Both are great. Personally I'd always go with more reach though if I was specifically doing wildlife
Click to expand...

Thanks Richard you haven't made my choice any easier :D
 
You may just be in time for the start of the Puffin run if you are there towards the end of May.

Photography on Skomer can need anything from 10-800mm. The only problem is having to carry everything onto the island. Have you thought about hiring a sherpa?

I love the place. It will be the first time in four years that I have not made the long trip.
 
You may just be in time for the start of the Puffin run if you are there towards the end of May.
Click to expand...

Puffins are on the Island from April till beginning of August. They peek on the 19-20th of May when they do the Puffin count! So my trip on the 10th till the 14th is around the right time. I'm aware that there is a rather large climb at the start and the rest I should be able to go at my own pace. I plan on going twice so if I don't make it all the way round the first time I'll do the rest the second! Got a few other walks I want to do when I'm not on the island.
 
James Wright said:
Puffins are on the Island from April till beginning of August.
Click to expand...

It's unlikely there'll be any puffins on the island at all at the beginning of August, then all tend to disappear by Mid-July.

I'm off the end of April for the first time in about 7 years - can't wait :)

Think whatever kit you bring - remember it's a real slog around the island, especially when hot and try not to overburden yourself :)

Matt
 
Last edited:
Another place that's now open to limited visitors is Skolkholm, Skomers' smaller sister island a stunning rugged place wilder that Skomer.

Oh and a top tip: join the West Wales Wildlife trust and get priority booking for accommodation on the island AND you don't have to pay landing fees!!

Matt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top