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If I may ask, what is your primary camera?

My SLR camera, lens and accessories are mostly from Nikon. Years ago I stared buying Nikon and not been unable to justify the cost of switching to a new system. The make and model of the equipment is not as important as your ability visualize and execute the final result. Look at the list below and note the lens lengths, shutter speeds, and tri-pod use.

My preferred equipment list for birds and wildlife contains the following Nikon Products:

1. A Nikon D7000 Digital SLR
2. High Resolution sensor 16.2 MP
3. ISO (file speed): 100 to 6400 expandable to 25,600 (Hi2)
4. White Balance: Auto or Set for specific lighting conditions
5. Compact Flash Memory: 8GB and 4GB (Dual memory card slots
6. Resolution: RAW
7. Manual program: Focus, Shutter speed, Aperture
8. Nikon Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
9. Nikon 70-200 Zoom Lens
10. Nikon 300 F/4 ED Fixed Length Lens
11. Nikon 1.4 Teleconverter
12. Nikon SB80-DX Flash with Fresnel flash concentrator
13. Cokin Filters: Circular and Linear Polarization, 121S Grey, Orange
14. Manfroto (Bogen) Tripod with a quick release tripod head mount and a Telephoto lens support
15. Wimberley Tri-pod Head II

The digital setup allows me to process the new images on the computer for immediate use on the web site or for printing.

Digital Advantage:

The digital sensor provides an apparent multiplication factor of about 1.4 times the lens length. For example, my 300mm telephoto is roughly equivalent to a telephoto lens of 410mm.

Camera settings allow for very slow shutter speeds to very high speed 1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3

Digital Disadvantage:

One of the minor draw backs to digital is limited print size. The acceptable print size for my taste is 11" by 16" without additional manipulation. Very large poster size prints are possible with additional image manipulation.

If you go out on a guide trip, do you recommend any set minimum lens length?

When I take clients out for a guided photographic session, I will work with them with whatever camera they happen to bring along. I do send a list of recommendations and suggestions when they confirm their reservation.

I try to think of our photo safari as fun, learning experience for the client. So even if they do not have the ideal equipment, they can get some really good photos and a better understanding of how to translate that great photo idea into reality.

However, to really capture great close-up bird portraits you will need at least a 300mm telephoto lens on an SLR. Your 300mm lens with the 2X Teleconverter will work fine with a fast camera speed setting.

I no longer shoot film or slides!

I no longer shoot slides for agency "stock" photos. Most "stock" photo houses will now accept high quality digital images.

If the photos are exclusively for the website, I will use ISO 200 RAW format and process with Photoshop for the final image size.

For pictures of live animals/birds that I may wish to enlarge to a maximum size of 11"x14", I will use ISO 200. It has the capability for limited stop action with the long lens, and the noise is manageable.

For landscapes or stationary objects/large birds, that I want to enlarge to 16"x20" or larger, I use an ISO of 100. I rarely use any of my larger format cameras such as the Mamyia 645, RB67 or my Linhoff 4"x5" view camera. I must admit, it has been years since I lugged the view camera around anymore.

P.S. What is the information on your guided events?

Our photography tour is limited to one or two participants. Our rates are competitive for a full day sessions. We offer personal instruction and/or suggestions. You are invited to take advantage of our 20 years of birding and wildlife experience in central Florida to help maximize the clients photo experience.

Questions, requests or comments, just email us: