Photo opportunities around Vero Beach, FL

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PS I would suggest longer glass such as 500-600. An 800 is likely too strong. I usually shoot my 600F4. Oh and handhold. You won't be using a tripod or monopod. You will be looking up in the air to find the bird, once you see them scrunch their wings you better be ready to pan straight down to the water rather quickly to catch the dive. If trying to use a tripod you will be to highto be able to see once the bird dives so take a lens you can handhold for hours. Anything less than 500MM you will be doing a lot of cropping. I crop with a 600.
 
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The morning it is the ranger station/camp ground side. You will see a long pier and likely a bunch of photographers. It is maybe a 20 yard walk from the parking lot. In the afternoon it is the opposite side of the inlet. There is also on the opposite side of the morning spot a small lagoon that at times gets action from Osprey. Often will find Pelicans and other birds back there as well. The wind dictates a lot. I downloaded a free app iWindsurf which will show you the wind and currents of locations. Looking at it right now today would be prime for getting face forward Osprey diving action. If the wind isn't in your face in the morning you will get the backside of the bird.
Thank you!
 
Thank you @DavidT
Marked for next visit.

Is it true that the only way to get Mark Smith shots is by playing for a workshop?

Another question, Which focal length is optimal there? Edit: you already answered the focal length. Is 800 overkill?

Thanks in advance
 
Where/what is Peaceful Waters?
Near Wellington, Florida. It is at the back of a large sports complex. It is right next to a water treatment facility. Just follow the signs after entering the sports complex. If you google Peaceful Waters Sanctuary it will come up. It is a man made wetlands created by the water treatment plant discharge Similar to Orlando Wetlands Park and Viera Wetlands.
 
Thank you @DavidT
Marked for next visit.

Is it true that the only way to get Mark Smith shots is by playing for a workshop?

Another question, Which focal length is optimal there? Edit: you already answered the focal length. Is 800 overkill?

Thanks in advance
Lol no you don’t need his workshop. I’ve actually shot out there when he has a workshop. Unless you need tips on how to do photography it’s doubtful you would need a workshop. That being said Mark is a wonderful and passionate photographer so it might be worth it just to meet him.

500-600 is the sweet spot. I do at times crop a bit with a 600 it just depends on where the osprey is in relation to you. I’ve seen people bring their 800mm lenses and not use them. It’s a heavy lens to try and track a bird that’s diving that fast. A 800PF would likely work better but it will be more power than you’ll likely need for half or more of the shots.
 
Lol no you don’t need his workshop. I’ve actually shot out there when he has a workshop. Unless you need tips on how to do photography it’s doubtful you would need a workshop. That being said Mark is a wonderful and passionate photographer so it might be worth it just to meet him.

500-600 is the sweet spot. I do at times crop a bit with a 600 it just depends on where the osprey is in relation to you. I’ve seen people bring their 800mm lenses and not use them. It’s a heavy lens to try and track a bird that’s diving that fast. A 800PF would likely work better but it will be more power than you’ll likely need for half or more of the shots.
I have a 500pf and 800pf
I don’t want to crop in past DX on the 500. I don’t have a 600, and even ranting a 600/4 is not feasible to handhold. Maybe I should rent the 400/4.5 and add my 1.4TC.

When you crop on 600, are you cropping past DX? Then I don’t see how 800pf is too much lens, unless its coming close enough at minimum focusing distance.
 
I have a 500pf and 800pf
I don’t want to crop in past DX on the 500. I don’t have a 600, and even ranting a 600/4 is not feasible to handhold. Maybe I should rent the 400/4.5 and add my 1.4TC.

When you crop on 600, are you cropping past DX? Then I don’t see how 800pf is too much lens, unless its coming close enough at minimum focusing distance.
I’d take both. It really all depends on where in the inlet they are fishing. Often a 600 clips wings, others you need to crop. Other birds flying around as well. The 800PF is light enough you can hand hold. The F Mount 800 isn’t. I would run the 500PF before I’d bother with a 400 and a TC
 
Thank you David.
Looks like this inlet needs a zoom.

What about lighting conditions? Ospreys needs at least 1/2000, you were handholding a 600/4 woof!! Are you x navy seal?!

Hope I’m not bothering with too much questions.

If you don’t mind, post some pictures.
 
Thank you David.
Looks like this inlet needs a zoom.

What about lighting conditions? Ospreys needs at least 1/2000, you were handholding a 600/4 woof!! Are you x navy seal?!

Hope I’m not bothering with too much questions.

If you don’t mind, post some pictures.
Anytime around water you have a lot of life. I was typically at 1/4000 plus an no issue with high iso. A 200-600 is handy but I always end up using a prime as it focuses faster.

Not x military lol and not in great shape but I shoot the lens weekly so very used to it.
 
Anytime around water you have a lot of life. I was typically at 1/4000 plus an no issue with high iso. A 200-600 is handy but I always end up using a prime as it focuses faster.

Not x military lol and not in great shape but I shoot the lens weekly so very used to it.
The new 600TC or the old F 600/4?

I Could use some tips on handholding 5+ pounds of lens.
 
Joel, hold the camera like you would a rifle. Left hand on the lens plate and elbow into your stomach as a brace. Place your right hand on the camera and arm, tight to the side. Latter this week I'll have Maureen take some pictures as examples. Also helps if you practice with two 8 pound weights. Not lighter and not heavier. I want to build performance, NO PAIN,NO GAIN, that's not my philosophy!
 
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Joel, hold the camera like you would a rifle. Left hand on the lens plate and elbow into your stomach as a brace. Place your right hand on the camera and arm, tight to the side. Latter this week Ill have Maureen take some pictures as examples. Also helps if you practice with two 8 pound weight. Not lighter and not heavier. I want to build performance, NO PAIN,NO GAIN, that not my philosophy!
A good pointer, but keep in mind that not everyone knows how to hold a rifle. It was good to explain further, as you did.
 
I was thinking to ask Zamlin to create some sort of a shoulder support and then maybe we can put an external monitor on top of the lens instead of looking into the viewfinder. I’ll keep my right hand back up at the shoulder to capture while looking at the screen, which would be mounted somewhere in the middle of the lens.
 
I was thinking to ask Zamlin to create some sort of a shoulder support and then maybe we can put an external monitor on top of the lens instead of looking into the viewfinder. I’ll keep my right hand back up at the shoulder to capture while looking at the screen, which would be mounted somewhere in the middle of the lens.
Maybe something like this?


CAMERA STOCK.png
 
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