BIF lens choice, Venice Rookery

[Randy Stout]

Good day all:

I will be at the Venice Rookery for the 1st time soon. I understand that there are a lot of good opportunities for bird in flight pictures. I am curious about the layout and flight patterns in relation to the grassy shooting area. I realise the wind will play a role of course on the particular days I am there.

I have a limited set of options for my BIF lens, and would appreciate any thoughts on which might work best for the Rookery.

I have the following lenses available to go, but won't be able to take them all.

Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 (not AFS)
Nikon 80-400
Nikon 300 f/4 (not AFS)
Nikon 180 f/2.8 ( short but really sharp)

I will be using a D300.

Thanks in advance for any input. I actually have done OK with the 80-400 at the areas I often shoot, because I know where the flight paths are, and can preset everything, so the AF speed isn't a major issue. I do appreciate the zoom for framing options.

Randy

[Doug West]

When Shadle took me, the best place for the flight shots were on
the "right" side of the island.

Now this is last year and things could've changed, but on that right
side are the Anhingas and Egrets. Because they occupy that area,
they were always flying in and taking off.

I know bunk about Nikon, but I would think the 80-400 and/or the
300 would be a good choice for the flight shots.

This was back in April, btw.

Doug

[Rocky Sharwell]

I am not familiar with Nikon lenses--but pick something that focuses fast...

[allanrube]

I would second what Doug said. When I was there all I had was the 500 on my D300. Too much lens for most shots. I had to back up, much farther than other photographers who were there.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks for the input everyone. I am planning on having a 200-400 for main shots, and guess I will use the 80-400 for flight shots. Despite its limitations, I can usually make it work, esp. if I can figure out a flight pattern for the birds.

Cheers

Randy

[Fabs Forns]

200-400/4 is all you'll need. Much faster for flights than 80-400!!!!!

[Randy Stout]

But Fabs:

I am not sure my arms will hold up for 2 hours of BIF shots with the 200-400!

Thanks for correcting the heading as well, somehow Venice came out as Venus when typing the original, even though the text itself was correct!

Randy

[James Prudente]

Randy,

The 80-400 is terribly slow to AF due to its design. The 200-400 will do a great job for BIF. Look up Jim Neiger's posts on hand holding his 500 for BIF. His technique will allow you to use the 200-400 without having to hold it for extended periods.

Another thought is to check out the BushHawk 320D Shoulder Mount for the lens. I find it to be very good for BIF and allows you to support the weight with both hands and your shoulder.

Jim