When I was looking for a walkabout lens around the range of 80-400mm with image stabilizer, I had several choices. It was either the Sigma 120-400 OS, 150-500 OS or the Nikkor 80-400vr. After initial testing of the three lenses, I narrowed down to either the 150-500 OS or the Nikkor 80-400vr. There were two factors that I deem as priorities for choosing the lens. First, sharpness wide open. Second, focus speed for flight/action. In the store, I compared the two lenses with the ... Read More

Just a simple test to compare the sharpness and the functionality of the IS Another test to show the sharpness after adding a 2x TC   Equipment and settings 1dmk2N , EF300 F2.8L IS , EF300 F2.8L Non IS , kenko2x both camera body and lens rested firmly on flat surface with another weight put on top to minimise shake F2.8 - 1/160, iso200 F5.6 - 1/40, iso200 F8 - 1/20, iso200 raw files convert to jpg without any alteration, 100% cropped slightly off center observations 1.sharpness seems to be best when IS ... Read More

Introduction My personal opinion of having a hide or camo net is to get ‘away’ from the subject rather than ‘get close’. This is because: 1.Somehow the subjects do know u are around. Just that they do not feel threatened. 2.Getting close to use a shorter lens will alarm them. This may cause young birds to ‘jump nest’ or the birds to fly away. 3.Hence defeat the purpose of seeing them doing their activities of eating, bathing, courtship, fighting, flying etc 4.More over, ... Read More

Introduction This DIY wireless remote control is able to control from a distance up to 50 feets - Up to 50 feets - Auto Focus - Single Shots or multiple shots - When it is not used as a wireless remote, it can be a wire release ( 2 in 1 ) Total cost is about RM200 Main - The remote control, receiver and Battery ( + Canon 40D ) Connect to Camera This is similar to previous photo but showing the parts connecting to the camera  Car Receiver You can buy this ... Read More

Introduction When I was looking for a zoom lens, I wanted a lens between the range of 70-300 or 80-400. I also wanted optical stabilization and to handhold the lens. I was left with three choices, the Sigma 80-400 OS, the Nikkor 80-400VR and the Nikkor 70-300VR. The 70-300VR was the cheapest alternative amongst the three choices. Its street price is S$800. Both the Sigma and Nikkor 80-400mm are around $2500. When I tested out the lens in the shop, I was pleasantly surprised ... Read More

Introduction There are two kinds of GPS related products A) Real GPS - buttons to mark and find places B) GPS ASSISTED MAPS - Garmin Nuvi, PDA GPS maps   Principal considerations Serious birders walk around in the forest with a GPS to take note of locations. If you fit that profile you need a water proof GPS. If you just depart from the car and go walking around yourself then any GPS or GPS assisted map would do. Serious Adventurer 1) The GPS should have a Quick Pickup of satellites and ... Read More

Introduction An often asked question when one starts to venture into bird photography is the appropriate focal length lens to use. While most people will recommended using the longest focal length that one can bring or afford, the truth is, there are a variety of lens which are appropriate for different subjects and environments. Birds are generally lively and challenging subjects. They are especially active in the early morning and late evening, when light is usually lower. Things are not helped by the fact ... Read More

A Guide for Newbies Author & Editor Author: Arthur Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of Arthur Introduction Ultra zoom cameras have gained much popularity over the recent years because of their long focus reach, a hot cake especially among those who are keen to try out bird photography. Unlike typical P&S cameras, Ultra zoom cameras offer much more functions and users have control over the camera settings. Some models even offer a hot shoe where one ... Read More

Just want to share my Point and Shoot camera set-up to those interested in the bird photography but not capable of investing in expensive equipment like prime lens and DSLR camera ... The following is my Point and Shoot camera set-up. Camera Panasonic FZ18 Important feature: 18x optical zoom equal to 504mm in 8M pixel, suitable for shooting wildlife. Add 2x telecovertor will equal to 1008mm in 8M pixel Cost: Below RM1700 Tripod For 'usual' camera and video use JENOVA brand Cost: below RM50 Teleconvertor Canon model TC-DC58C 2x with DIY adapter. Cost: Less ... Read More

Tamron SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di LD (IF) Review by Arthur Author & Editor Author: Arthur Editor: <Please add your name here if you have edit this article> Photographs and article are copyright of Arthur Introduction Bird/Nature Photography is never a cheap hobby; the price tags of long telephoto prime lenses alone already cost a bomb. So as a new newbie with a tight budget constraint, how can he/she enjoy this wonderful hobby? The direct answer is to opt for third parties lenses. One of this third party lenses is ... Read More

Review by Starrynight Handling Physical size and price comparing with canon 400 mm 5.6 and Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED   This is how it looked like in the field zoom in at 400mm (above) The unique physical feature is that the zoom is a push n pull mechanism instead of the usual ‘turning’ ones. This will require some practice to get used to. This matters when it comes to flight shots. Also if one pushed in and out to frame the birds in flight ... Read More

Handling I feel that the Nikon 500mm F4 is a well-balanced lens. Although it doesn't have the reach of a 600mm, it is easy to handle because of its small size and light weight (about 3.45kg). My current setup for forest tracking trips consists of a Flash Bracket, Jobu Jr II Gimbal, Nikon D300 and a Feisol CT-3342, weighing about 6kg in total. However, when shooting from a car, it is quite difficult to handle if the lens hood is mounted. The lens hood ... Read More

Introduction As a sports and nature shooter, I like my lens compact, lightweight and versatile. Not forgetting, cheap too. Good long lenses from Nikon or Canon can be costly. Good thing is that we have 3rd part brands with the likes of Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. Latest check I made on the prices of a Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED II VR is about SGD$7200 while a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM is going for about SGD$7,488. A Sigma APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX ... Read More

Author By Arthur Chng Contribute by starrynight Images of books are for the recommendation purpose. Title: The Art of Bird Photography Book image from amazon.com Type: Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques Author: Arthur Morris Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications Price: S$42.80 Where to buy: 1. Riceball Photography Bookstore (Singapore) Address: The Adelphi, #B1-38, The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street, Singapore 179803 Tel/Fax: 65 63367076 Operation hours: Mon - Sat 11am - 7pm 2. http://www.amazon.com/Art-Bird-Photography-Professional-Techniques/dp/0817433031 Remarks: Topics covered include making correct exposures, capturing bird behaviour and action, instruction on how to best approach wild birds without causing them undue ... Read More