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I confess that I (still) own a 600 f4, which I am guessing many people would say is standard for this type of photography. But it's far from the new, lightweight TC version, it's the two generations old G VR lens that weighs over ten pounds. As someone getting up there in age, I now think twice before taking this lens out in the field in situations where I will have to tote it any distance. I probably should sell it and then get on the waiting list for the new lens.
Target parking lot birding.. I guess they like what they like
Great capture, and I'd agree, they don't belong w/ the Myrtle sub-species!
I have noticed that among the photographers who kind of specialize in warblers the 600mm f4 seems fairly standard. The Nikon 600 f4 TC would be perfect, but alas, I don't have that lens. Like I said, I do own the heavier 600 f4 G VR, and probably I should suck it up and bring that lens to Ohio, along with one or more TC's. If I still own it, I should use it, right?
I would. If you can take both you might as well. Do you know the environment you will be shooting in?
Congrats on the Prothonotary, David. Probably my favorite Warbler, if I had to choose
Their nickname "Swamp Candle" is well deserved, they absolutely glow in the dim surroundings. Where were you at that you got to see Prothos? I'm going on a solo-camping/birding trip next month, and the spot is supposed to have Prothos, so I'm really looking forward to seeing them again.
I shot these specific ones at Mineola Nature Preserve about an hour from my house in east TX.Congrats on the Prothonotary, David. Probably my favorite Warbler, if I had to choose
A 600 f/4 is probably ideal, but the weight gets to me after a while, and I don't do well trying to photograph warblers from a tripod since they're always on the go. Thus, I made the choice a few years ago to give up some ISO and put my trust in the f/5.6 (and now f/6.3) in exchange for less weight + more maneuverability. Yet, it's crazy that I'm even entertaining the idea of going back to the 600 f/4 (TC), but that versatility is worth the weight penalty again.
If I had a shot this nice, I wouldn't throw it away! LOL! I look forward to your keepers!!!!!
800mm is not too long for warblers, which are small birds, so the extra length is useful. However (and it’s a big however), warblers are very active, and flit about frequently, so your challenge with the 800 mm will be to find and keep them in your viewfinder. Even with a 500mm f5.6, I sometimes find it challenging to acquire and maintain focus on warblers. If I were in your shoes, I‘d be more inclined to rely upon the 200-500 focal length, but take the 800 as a backup lens. You may have better luck than me in targeting birds, but I’m not sure that I’d be able to use a 800mm effectively for quick moving warblers.
That's largely because the 800mm PF has such limited availability. The 600 f/4 was my preferred choice as well - with or without a TC. But it requires a tripod and gimbal which compromises mobility. The 800mm PF is awfully good as an alternative.
Not totally sure, but "woods" mostly. We were warned about mosquitoes and ticks. Some of these warblers are canopy feeders, so getting them down to where they can be photographed will be a challenge. I have previously photographed spring warblers at Magee and at Jim Stevenson's property in Galveston. These are very different situations, where the birds can be counted on to come in close. For Magee, a 500 pf is pretty ideal. In this upcoming situation, I just am not sure. I will add here that our leader is emphasizing using tripods, partly to counter the tendency for photographers to swing their lenses quickly in response to a perched bird. This spooks the bird, and the phenomenon is compounded when there are several photographers involved. My concern about toting a heavy 600 f4 relates to how much hiking we will have to do. I am not sure about this.
I would take it and if you don't use it no loss. A monopod can be a good balance vs using a tripod. A gimbal head would be rather handy as well and lighter.
As I understand it, most tour leaders locate the warblers and setup perches ahead of time then call the warblers if and as needed, so they should be able to recommend optimum equipment to suit the situations.
