Birding with Four Thirds.

[dorts]

Hello,

I'm very interested in shooting birds and my shots come out ok only. I'm wondering if there is anybody doing birding with the Four Thirds System.

I have the E-3, 70-300mm and FL-50R. No problems with the first two, but having some problems with the flash.

I'm not sure how to I go about using flash for birds. How do I go about controlling the light intensity? I usually get shots too dark, and it seems like the light doesn't travel far enough. I probably need to learn how to use the flash, but I'll be grateful if anyone can share tips. Would an extender help? (Better Beamer?)

[Oly5050]

Unless u are shooting quite close, I do not think people typically use flash when the shoot birds. Also, I need to say that 70-300 is not exactly a fast lens. If it is very well lit bird, maybe it is OK. But if it is in the shadows, then I think 70-300 will be too slow. BTW, u know that birding is not cheap. Those birders buy the best camera bodies (Canon 1DIIIS) and the most expensive L lenses to get their shots, plus solid tripods. I will leave further comments to those that actually bird with the 4/3s. And there are very nice shots of birds by some 4/3 forummers here.

[drakon09]

For birding in the wild, there are a few areas you need to consider:

1. Equipment:

• Long lenses; the longer the better. Unfortunately long lenses don't come cheap.
• Sturdy tripod with Gimbal; allows stable traversing when you need to track them birds.
• Flash extender

2. Person:

• Understand the behaviour of birds in the wild; particularly the species you're interested to capture, you need to be at the right place at the right time.
• A ton and a half of patience and endurance; most of the time you're just waiting and waiting
• for the shot.

3. Cost:

• Birding is expensive! From the lenses and tripod to the transport needed to get to the places for good birding.

[Hitman]

I don't do birds (no pun intended)... but I was thinking with wireless flash control, maybe one can ambush the bird? - - Meaning you can setup your wireless flash (assuming you're using the FL-36R or FL-50R) where you would expect the bird to land, then fire the shot at the 'perfect' moment to get the shot you want... Obviously, there are a lot of assumptions behind this thought, it's just a wild idea that came up on a boring Sunday morning...

Have fun and enjoy the weekend!

[dorts]

Thanks. I frequently see people using 400mm on Canon with flash and extender. From what I read, using flash will bring out the feather details and put a little catchlight in the bird's eye.

What mode should I use? Super-FP? I also remember reading that I should set flash intensity to -1...

Patience is definitely a must. Probably wouldn't do some really serious birding, but I'm just little bored of shots of Olive-Backed Sunbirds and Yellow-Vented Bulbuls.

[drakon09]

Originally Posted by dorts Thanks. I frequently see people using 400mm on Canon with flash and extender. From what I read, using flash will bring out the feather details and put a little catchlight in the bird's eye. What mode should I use? Super-FP? I also remember reading that I should set flash intensity to -1... Patience is definitely a must. Probably wouldn't do some really serious birding, but I'm just little bored of shots of Olive-Backed Sunbirds and Yellow-Vented Bulbuls.

There's always the Birdpark - but try to go on weekdays.

Heh, don't laugh, the walk in aviary allows you to shoot "wild" birds at minimal budget and patience required.

[dorts]

Originally Posted by drakon09 There's always the Birdpark - but try to go on weekdays. Heh, don't laugh, the walk in aviary allows you to shoot "wild" birds at minimal budget and patience required.

Maybe for a start, I should.

[drakon09]

Originally Posted by dorts Maybe for a start, I should.

It's pretty good shooting actually (considering I'm hell of a lazy bum myself); 200mm is long enough, but I haven't actually used a flash there, so I can't say if an extender is absolutely necessary, or not.

[Newguy69]

Yes, you need a flash extender for your flash coz most of the time, you will be shooting from a distance. Flash extender is to 'enhance' the catchlight and acts as a fill in flash to brighten up the details of your subjects. The 70-300mm may not have enough reach for skittish birds and the lens is not suitable to stack with TC. For perching shots, your lens should be ok but will not be fast enough for action/flight shots.

For bird photography, a solid/steady support is a must. Get a good tripod without the centre column coz you will be carrying your setup on your shoulder most of the time and also a good ball head. I can't recommend the sidekick to you coz the 70-300mm doesn't comes with a collar.

I have a birding friend who is also using 4/3 system for bird photography but he is using the Zuiko ED300mm f2.8 lens with TC.

Happy birding

[dorts]

Originally Posted by Newguy69 Yes, you need a flash external for your flash to coz most of the time, you will be shooting from a distance. The 70-300mm may not have enough reach for skittish birds and the lens is not suitable to stack with TC. For perching shots, your lens should be ok but will not be fast enough for action/flight shots. For bird photography, a solid/steady support is a must. Get a good tripod without the centre column coz you will be carrying your setup on your shoulder most of the time and also a good ball head. I have a birding friend who is also using 4/3 system for bird photography but he is using the Zuiko ED300mm f2.8 lens with TC.

300mm f/2.8

How does he set up his flash, or he doesn't use one? Where can I get an extender for 4/3s? Can't seem to find one.

[drakon09]

Originally Posted by dorts 300mm f/2.8 How does he set up his flash, or he doesn't use one? Where can I get an extender for 4/3s? Can't seem to find one.

Flash extenders are not specific to 4/3 what... any of them should fit the FL-50.

[dorts]

Originally Posted by drakon09 Flash extenders are not specific to 4/3 what... any of them should fit the FL-50.

Looks like there are different sizes?

http://www.birdsasart.com/accs.html#BEAMER

[Newguy69]

Originally Posted by dorts 300mm f/2.8 How does he set up his flash, or he doesn't use one? Where can I get an extender for 4/3s? Can't seem to find one.

I believe he does use an extender. Will try to check with him tonite. As long as the extender can fit onto your flash, then there shouldn't be any issue. You can bring along your flash to try out when buying the extender. CP and TCW are selling. I got mine from TCW.

[Kirika]

I guess it depends on whether you're shooting birds sitting pretty, or birds in flight. If they're just sitting there, deploy the tripod and your super long lens camera, take your timing aiming and shooting. If they're about to take off, do the same and pre-focus, then hope there's enough light that they don't blur when you want them sharp. Of course, don't forget the iso800 in a pinch. Budgeteer's birding. heh. Positioning can make the most of lighting conditions so flash is largely unnecessary. I mean, most of the time people won't be shooting a backlit bird in flight unless it's a silhouette they want.

[varanus]

Hi Dorts.

I'm doing birding with Oly. For various reasons, I believe Oly is the best for this application.

At the budget level,70-300 is best. You do not seem to mind the AF, so the main weakness of this lens is not a problem to you. For that kind of money, you wont get anything comparable from the others.

However, Canikon will give you better results if move up the price range centering on the Canon 400 f5.6 and the Nikon 300mm f4(latter not as popular though). Yo may also want to consider mounting the Nikkor 300mm f4 on your E-3 and get 600mm f4. I can personally vouch that this rig is handholdable and gives excellent results.

If you're prepared to pay more, Oly's Little Tuna with IS will see them off

At the bazooka level, Canikon's 600mm f4s give them a reach advantage shooting on APS-C. But my personal assessment is that their IQ beyond 1400mm may not satisfy everyone.

Above all, Oly is truly more portable and you will run a significantly smaller risk of hernia and slipped discs with Oly

[terencek888]

Originally Posted by varanus Hi Dorts. I'm doing birding with Oly. For various reasons, I believe Oly is the best for this application. At the budget level,70-300 is best. You do not seem to mind the AF, so the main weakness of this lens is not a problem to you. For that kind of money, you wont get anything comparable from the others. However, Canikon will give you better results if move up the price range centering on the Canon 400 f5.6 and the Nikon 300mm f4(latter not as popular though). Yo may also want to consider mounting the Nikkor 300mm f4 on your E-3 and get 600mm f4. I can personally vouch that this rig is handholdable and gives excellent results. If you're prepared to pay more, Oly's Little Tuna with IS will see them off At the bazooka level, Canikon's 600mm f4s give them a reach advantage shooting on APS-C. But my personal assessment is that their IQ beyond 1400mm may not satisfy everyone. Above all, Oly is truly more portable and you will run a significantly smaller risk of hernia and slipped discs with Oly

Hi varanus,

I am also keen to do birding with my Oly rig. My long focal length lens is a 50-200mm SWD, is this a good lens to start off with? Thanks!

[harper]

do check out this thread.

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352769

There's a few four third people doing birding.

I'm also doing birding. But metal birds that is, which is relatively easier then those small ones that are so agile.

[gssoh]

Hello Dorts, welcome to the birding world!

I received a PM from Newguy69 today and was wondering why he asked me about flash and flash extender. I now understand. Authur is my good friend and a helpful guy.

I've been birding with the Olympus system for 2.5 years and till today, I've only met with one other Oly birder who's using the 150mm f/2 with 2x TC. Oly system is not a popular choice for birding but I still stick to it for several reasons.

1) Reach - with the 2x crop, you have additional advantage compared to the C (1.3/1.6) and N (1.5).
2) Weight - you have almost the same reach compared to the big 500mm and 600mm lenses but you carry less weight.
3) The 300mm f2.8 by itself is good for flight and action shots. Add in the TC for additional reach when required for static shots. It's a dual purpose lense.
4) Quality and sharpness of Zuiko lenses.
5) Beautiful colours.

As to your question on flash, I rarely use it as I prefer natural lighting and colours. Certain birds gives different colours probably due to the reflection from its shiny feathers. However, in extreme cases, you many need to use it. The flash extender (Better Beamer) suitable for Oly flash is FX-3 (about $70).

Due to the long reach, you will definately need a good tripod and tripod head. Here's my current setup :

E-3, ZD 300mm f/2.8, 2x/1.4x TC, FL-50, Gitzo 3540LS tripod, Wimberley Head v2.

Terencek888,

I started with 40-150, then 50-200, add 1.4TC, next Sigma 50-500mm, then 300f/2.8, then add 2x TC. My advise to you, if you are serious into this, get the best. Here's some of my photos taken recently with my Oly setup.

[dorts]

Wow. Thanks for all the contributions. I'm impressed by how much money and equipment is needed just to get shots of those nice little birds.

Definitely will not go so serious into bird photography. The ZD 300mm f/2.8 is already what, $10,000++?

I'm suprised that flash isn't needed in most shots. I bought it, thinking I could use it for some birding. I guess I have to find other uses for it...

I've always loved those kingfisher shots.

[terencek888]

Originally Posted by gssoh Terencek888, I started with 40-150, then 50-200, add 1.4TC, next Sigma 50-500mm, then 300f/2.8, then add 2x TC. My advise to you, if you are serious into this, get the best. Here's some of my photos taken recently with my Oly setup.

"Ouch!"... that's my wallet screaming..
But I believe your advice is true. I did learn my lessons many times buying various upgrades which I probably pay a lot lesser if I have go straight for the best.
Thanks for the advice... your shots are amazing!