Hello! Thrush here, a birder living in Shanghai, China. I have been birding for four years and am now ready to step up to a semi-professional photography kit. I have been using an Olympus SP 560-UZ for the past six months. With 18x optical zoom, the camera can get me in close. It's also small and easy to carry. But I am missing too many shots because of two huge weaknesses: the SP 560-UZ takes forever to focus and it takes forever to process a string of high-res images. By the time the camera has found the little bird that I am looking for, too often the bird has flown away.
I am particularly interested in fast-moving, small birds. Of course these birds often lurk in the shadows. I need a camera that can lock in on these birds with lightning speed and blanket an opportunity with dozens of shots with the single push of the button.
I am interested in a DSLR camera. I am probably going to buy the Nikon D300. I expect to pay around US$1700 for that.
My question for you concerns lenses. I need at least as much zoom as I am getting with my little Olympus. But I need the lens to be of high quality and to be fully compatible with the Nikon D300. Is there one lens that I should buy or will I need to get two? I also am interested in taking pictures of soaring raptors and waterbirds from a long distance. Will I need another lens for that?
I also want tips on peripherals. What kind of tripod is suitable? Where can I get camouflage covers? What kind of a flash should I buy? Can you recommend a good carrying case? You may wish to note that I am living in Shanghai and go to Hong Kong regularly.
Pretend you're starting from scratch and going shopping. Your budget is US$4000 for the entire kit. With my specs in mind, what would you buy?
[quote=thrush;1192590]
I am particularly interested in fast-moving, small birds. Of course these birds often lurk in the shadows. I need a camera that can lock in on these birds with lightning speed and blanket an opportunity with dozens of shots with the single push of the button.
I need at least as much zoom as I am getting with my little Olympus.(18x)
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You would need a very fast (f/2.8 or so) 600mm telephoto for such use and I know of no such lens at any price available at this time.
The 600mm Canon is an f/4 and sells for over $7000 here in the states. It's a foot and a half long and weighs 12 pounds.
I think you should consider making your expectations a bit more realistic.
[QUOTE=Sout Fork;1193529]I think you should consider making your expectations a bit more realistic.[/QUOTE]
I'm not wishing for the moon so much as ignorant. Thanks for showing me the rules of the game.