SUCCINCT: Others would take many episodes to convey these tips for better bird photography. Your calm manner of presentation conveys important ideas and your sample photos subtly reinforce the expertise underlying your message. BRAVO for a well conceived, informative presentation!👍
I have been shooting for 60 years (about 10 professionally and another decade part-time) and frequently watch teaching videos. As of today, this has been the MOST informative video for me. After the first minute or so I was saying to myself, ok, ok, ok, I use those ideas. Whoa that's new, or that's a new way to do the same thing, Hey he really knows his business! What else can I learn? Answer, A LOT! Thanks your video was very useful!!!
Don’t forget if you like to drink a lot of coffee to wake you on those early morning shoots, too much coffee can also make you “jittery” and increase shake. Also just before taking the shot, breathe in and hold your breath. Good Luck and thanks so much, Simon you make terrific videos which are always so informative.
Nice teaching style without endless drone shots or life vlogging. Very knowledgeable without talking down to viewers and that is a very nice addition to TH-cam! Keep up the good work.
So glad I found your channel - not only amazing content with great advice but your presentation and communication is second to none! I’m in the process of watching every video on the channel and they’re all awesome! Thank you and please keep up the great work!!!
That’s ridiculously impressive that you’re able to manually shoot at 1/50th. Amazing video! Keep up the awesome work and thank you for providing this expert advice!
Only 4 minutes in and I have already learned more than I have on many other photography videos I've watched. I'm going to have to watch this a few times to take it all in
Hands down the best advice video I've come across especially for someone like me who's only just getting into photography. Not only technique but basics such as getting the camera set up to give the best chance of good results, several of which I had no idea of up until you brought them to light (also using a Canon so transferring them over was easy). Really appreciate the benefit of your insight & experience Simon, thank you for taking the time to do this
Really great tutorial, you pointed out lots of micro details that I believe many including me have missed, supplemented with the perfect example. Glad I bumped into this video before going to the field with my 150-600mm lens!
For slow shutter speed hand-held, I use a phrase we used for shooting weapons in the Army. "BRAS" Breath, Relax, Aim, and Squeeze. Breath control half way through a breath "stop" breathing not stop and HOLD your breath. Holding for too long will shake the camera. Relax, don't be in a hurry. As said, 100 photos and 1 is fantastic is a good shooting so don't worry about if you got the shot, just keep shooting. Aim, not simply towards the shot but preparing the focus, or zoom cropping. Squeeze, the 2nd most important other than Breath (stop not hold breath) because if you push the button down quick to get the shot, you will find you didn't get the shot. You should squeeze slowly so much that when the shutter goes off, you're surprised by it. P.S. Fantastic instructions Simon d'Entremont ! Thank You !
I would like you to thank you for sharing all your knowledge and experience with us! I like your style of explaining things. Easy to listen and understand.
You got one more follower. I am a hobby photographer since 30 years and made hundreds of thousands of photos already from which I also sold some to magazines, etc. Most of the tips I work with as well but some inspired me still to try slightly different than I do actually. You explained nice and slow and well understandable. It was joy to listen you. Many thanks for your efforts to produce so useful content.
I really appreciate you taking the time to teach us your "secrets". Your videos are very professional and the content is excellent. Looking forward to the next video in the series!
I stumbled (metaphorically) across your channel, specifically your auto ISO hack, then this video. I'm not a bird photographer, but you presented a plethora of great techniques that easily apply to any kind of photography. Clearly, you are a very good professional and your photos are far beyond being the standard cliché shots. The way you present is very organized, clear, and smooth. Unlike ever so many who make TH-cam videos, you don't do what I call "face dances," with eyebrows lips, and other facial parts flying all over, and you don't fidget and thrash, waving your arms maniacally like a madman/madperson, which is painfully amateurish and distracting. Your content and presentation earns an A+ from me, a university medical school professor. Your videos are content-rich, such that I have a lot of notes to take, along taking photos. I have subscribed. Thank you!
Hi Simon, Thanks for those awesome tips. One thing to add is the use of filters. For long lenses try not to use any filters, because those will act as distorted lenses due imperfect flatness, mechanical tension of the glass against the filter ring. Below 150mm this is not a big issue. Above that value the impact is a square dependency of the focal length!
79 yr. old hobby photographer. Fell in love with wildlife photography 1980's. Always something to learn from your well put together video's. Thank you for all your expertise & time.
Wow. I have the 100-400, and that aperture tip worked. I was shooting shutter priority, but switching to manual and setting the aperture to 6.3 is a little sharper, nice!
Birds are the most interesting and toughest subjects. They are small, quick, and timid, all at the same time. I think that is why they keep us on our toes and trying. A good image is so satisfying because it is a rare thing... at least for me! This video is the best tips and advise I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Thank you . I'm ready to give it another "shot".
Truly masterfully made photographs! The reflection in the eyes of your avian subjects is testimony to the quality of your work. From my limited study, you touch on so many folks I've read and whose works I've seen. There is a whole lot of wisdom and expertise in this well-edited video that, in my view, can be watched over and over again until it begins to become second nature. Thank you for sharing! Best wishes.
Simon, you are an exceptional wildlife photographer and your TH-cam videos are as impressive as any of the other highly-subscribed bird photographers. Please continue to share your images and your mastery through TH-cam. I know that your audience will grow quickly - your content is just that good. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Most appreciated! Can’t wait for new episodes.
Great tip on the panning practice using cars. I mainly shoot drift racing, and while shooting Formula Drift at the end of one of the practice/qualifying sessions a few of us had a little competition on who could shoot the slowest freehand and still sharply catch the cars. We had all worked down to around 1/10-1/20th sec, terrible hit rate regardless of the kit (I mention this because a lot of people get discouraged when they try themselves and fail after a few hundred blurry shots, don't give up people!), but the ones we managed to nab were just incredible. Highly recommend trying it for those of you out there looking to push yourselves (and not with just cars lol). I've also shot birds over the years, but nowhere near your level and never tried panning, but this video has definitely inspired to give it a go. Thanks for all the great tips and advice!
Simon Great channel, with excellent advice. Your ability to convey your thoughts and stay on point is absolutely perfect. Others drift and ramble at times, and become difficult to watch. I find myself coming back and viewing yours several times due to the shear amount of information. Never boring. Thx for taking the time to do these videos. Best I've seen Stephen
Thanks for this. I plan to use the tips this weekend. I tried bird photography for the first time last weekend and hard a hard time with moving subjects. This video is exactly what I needed.
Excellent presentation Simon. I am just starting out with nature photography and my primary interest is bird photography. It's been very helpful to have so much insight and advice from somebody who had been doing this for many years. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to educate others. I learned tons.
Thank you for taking the time to make this very helpful video!! The tips about holding the camera tightly were especially helpful!! Can't wait to try those techniques!!
This is an amazing video. I’m brand new to the photography world and mainly want to do this as a hobby, and there was so many points in here that I wouldn’t have thought of. Heat rising and the shimmer caused from it was something I knew about but without this video I wouldn’t have thought it affected photos, but makes perfect sense. I just wish I had someone as knowledgeable and clear and precise that I could go out in the field and shoot with. But for the time being I will take your tips and practice out in the field
thanks for the way you explain things. Calme and well explained for a non english native speaking. I was really nice to follow your videos while other i stop them because of the speed of speaking
First I have to thank Gavin for vertually introducing your channel to me, Simon I have learned more and improved more in the last three days of watching your videos than I have in years of fumbling around wondering why I could not get the resilts I wanted,, Shutter, F stop, ISO of course it just works!! Thanks Simon looking forward to more videos :)
Great Video, thank you 👍🏻 May I add another tipps? 1. Some Zoom lenses (such as one of mine) are getting significantly softer at the long end. Reducing the range e.g. from 600mm to 550mm can help to improve. 2. Control filters: One of my protection filters was obviously of minor optical quality. Shooting without brought better results. 3. Monopod as a stabilizer: Sometimes (if I got enough space to move) I use the monopod even to shoot moving birds: It's weight reduces my shaking Best regards 🤗
Im taking photo's for a hobby. And I will be finally upgrading my kit this year. I have been using a Nikon D5200 + Tamron 70-300 since 2016 now so I am hyped to finally upgrade this year. I am thinking about getting the Nikon D780 + a 200-500 Nikon Lens. I use that lens for Zoo Photografie and use the kit lens from my D5200 to take photo's from our farm and pets. Its funny to me that I discovered all those techniques while I was learning to shoot better photo's and it shows in my photos too. In 2 weeks I will shoot wild life for the first time while we go out on a horse car. So that will defiantly be an experience!
Great video, Simon. I'm glad you mentioned turning the heat off in your car in the winter. I also keep the windows open to really make sure there's no temperature differential between inside the car and the outside world. I sure do get some funny looks when folks see me drive past with the windows open in the middle of winter. :)
Thanks for these tips, there is some really useful information that I hadn’t personally seen before, even though I am an avid consumer of animal photography videos.
Simon, you are indeed a great teacher as people say in the comments, I saved few of your videos into my browser's favorites because I know I will need to remind to myself your precious wisdom again because I may forget some. Many thanks from Italy!
All great tips that I have been using for years. The Canon 100-400mm Mk II is one crazy sharp lens, even with the 1.4 extender. I have moved to micro 4/3 system as I can no longer carry the weight or hold for long. The Sigma 150-600mm lens was also a really good lens. I had the Canon 300mm f/2.8, had to give it up because of the weight and using a tripod was not an option. Never tire of the Wood Duck.
I *REALLY* appreciate your videos. I’ve been an amateur photographer for 45 years, and I always learn something, often multiple things. I knew about heat shimmer, but never considered the car heat / engine heat issues. Thank you.
Great video!! You're the first photographer I've seen who actually defines "sharpness". That was super helpful since if you don't quite know what it is, then it's much harder to actually achieve it in photos!!
Great video Simon, with good techniques for everyone! I'm not a bird or nature photographer - but I can see adapting some of these anti-vibration techniques in my landscape photography when I'm shooting hand-held. Keep up the great shots!
Thanks Simon, I thought I knew pretty much all I needed to know on this (overconfident arrogance). But I was mistaken. I never considered heat shimmer, or shooting above a hot engine cover. One (perhaps obvious) thing I didn't see was advice to avoid any cheap filters, like UV etc, whenever possible. Granted in dirty/dusty places or on a beach with wind (salt laden air or sand etc) it might still be prudent to protect the front element. Although with fast sports primes the front element is too big for a filter (often an internal rear filter).
both modes can work, but my favorite is actually manual with auto-iso. of the two, I’d prefer shutter priority, so that you ensure you have enough shutter speed for the movement if the birds, and can adjust it based on flying vs static birds, which needs different shutter speeds.
Great videos and great tips! I keep looking for your videos for bird photography. I used to have bad photos using a monopod. Now I know why. In calculating the minimal shutter speed, one should also know that the crop factor needs compensation as well. They say that, when using a tripod, one should not use Optical Stabilisation.
100,000 views! Thanks to all who watched and thanks for all your generous comments!
Great video and advice!
You deserve
soon there will be 200,000! ;)
Great video!
Happy New 2023 Year Simon!
Thank you very much! Great Tips!
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🎈🍾🎉👍📷 😊
SUCCINCT: Others would take many episodes to convey these tips for better bird photography. Your calm manner of presentation conveys important ideas and your sample photos subtly reinforce the expertise underlying your message. BRAVO for a well conceived, informative presentation!👍
thanks so much! appreciate the feedback.
Lumo, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont By all means! Feel free to use my comments if they help with your excellent work.
I have been shooting for 60 years (about 10 professionally and another decade part-time) and frequently watch teaching videos. As of today, this has been the MOST informative video for me. After the first minute or so I was saying to myself, ok, ok, ok, I use those ideas. Whoa that's new, or that's a new way to do the same thing, Hey he really knows his business! What else can I learn? Answer, A LOT! Thanks your video was very useful!!!
That was toooooo kind! Thanks!
Don’t forget if you like to drink a lot of coffee to wake you on those early morning shoots, too much coffee can also make you “jittery” and increase shake. Also just before taking the shot, breathe in and hold your breath. Good Luck and thanks so much, Simon you make terrific videos which are always so informative.
Nice teaching style without endless drone shots or life vlogging. Very knowledgeable without talking down to viewers and that is a very nice addition to TH-cam! Keep up the good work.
Glad you liked it!
The amount of useful info you pack into every video is a goldmine for the amateur.
The whole internet only needs you on these subjects. Thank you for making these videos. You're the best.
Wow, thank you!
Just starting out on my bird photography, your videos are incredibly helpful! Thank you!!
You are a master at teaching. Every point was spot on and easy to follow! Well done Simon I am very encouraged.
So glad I found your channel - not only amazing content with great advice but your presentation and communication is second to none! I’m in the process of watching every video on the channel and they’re all awesome! Thank you and please keep up the great work!!!
You talk so clearly and slowly, even I understood. Thank you it helped a lot
I don't care how long a person has been a photographer, you bring some great ideas to working with birds in the environment. Nice Video.
Thank you very much!
no fluff, all hits. What a great video. Thanks for your clear and helpful explanations!
Glad it was helpful!
All I can say is listen to Simon...........all his advise is good. Thanks Simon!!!
excellent!
That’s ridiculously impressive that you’re able to manually shoot at 1/50th. Amazing video! Keep up the awesome work and thank you for providing this expert advice!
Will do!
Only 4 minutes in and I have already learned more than I have on many other photography videos I've watched. I'm going to have to watch this a few times to take it all in
Thanks!
You are officially my new photography instructor. Thank you for the great tips, and also, impressive job on this channel!
Wow, thanks!
The best photography course on youtube! No nonsense or trendiness, just quality and calm. Love it!
Hands down the best advice video I've come across especially for someone like me who's only just getting into photography. Not only technique but basics such as getting the camera set up to give the best chance of good results, several of which I had no idea of up until you brought them to light (also using a Canon so transferring them over was easy). Really appreciate the benefit of your insight & experience Simon, thank you for taking the time to do this
Glad it was helpful!
Really great tutorial, you pointed out lots of micro details that I believe many including me have missed, supplemented with the perfect example. Glad I bumped into this video before going to the field with my 150-600mm lens!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Simon, that right there is a masterclass in bird photography! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
My pleasure!
The heat mirage effect blew my mind🤯 I’ve been shooting for 6 years and never thought about that until now. Thank you!!
For slow shutter speed hand-held, I use a phrase we used for shooting weapons in the Army. "BRAS" Breath, Relax, Aim, and Squeeze. Breath control half way through a breath "stop" breathing not stop and HOLD your breath. Holding for too long will shake the camera. Relax, don't be in a hurry. As said, 100 photos and 1 is fantastic is a good shooting so don't worry about if you got the shot, just keep shooting. Aim, not simply towards the shot but preparing the focus, or zoom cropping. Squeeze, the 2nd most important other than Breath (stop not hold breath) because if you push the button down quick to get the shot, you will find you didn't get the shot. You should squeeze slowly so much that when the shutter goes off, you're surprised by it. P.S. Fantastic instructions Simon d'Entremont ! Thank You !
Agree on all! Works in archery too! Thanks for sharing!
I would like you to thank you for sharing all your knowledge and experience with us! I like your style of explaining things. Easy to listen and understand.
You got one more follower. I am a hobby photographer since 30 years and made hundreds of thousands of photos already from which I also sold some to magazines, etc. Most of the tips I work with as well but some inspired me still to try slightly different than I do actually. You explained nice and slow and well understandable. It was joy to listen you. Many thanks for your efforts to produce so useful content.
Welcome aboard!
@@simon_dentremont thanks a lot 🤗
Simon you are the best. Thanks for your eloquent and informative videos.
I really appreciate you taking the time to teach us your "secrets". Your videos are very professional and the content is excellent. Looking forward to the next video in the series!
I appreciate that! thanks Hugh
Thanks Simon. Greatly appreciated. Take care
wow this video is pure gold. Simple explanations to a complicated topic, keep up the awesome content!
The bird with the berry in its mouth!! Gorgeous. Thank you for such a detailed and concise video. Excellent content!
So nice of you! thanks Jill!
Thank you Simon for great explanations and suggestions. Getting this level of free tuition is a gift to amateurs like me. Thanks again.
I stumbled (metaphorically) across your channel, specifically your auto ISO hack, then this video. I'm not a bird photographer, but you presented a plethora of great techniques that easily apply to any kind of photography. Clearly, you are a very good professional and your photos are far beyond being the standard cliché shots. The way you present is very organized, clear, and smooth. Unlike ever so many who make TH-cam videos, you don't do what I call "face dances," with eyebrows lips, and other facial parts flying all over, and you don't fidget and thrash, waving your arms maniacally like a madman/madperson, which is painfully amateurish and distracting. Your content and presentation earns an A+ from me, a university medical school professor. Your videos are content-rich, such that I have a lot of notes to take, along taking photos. I have subscribed. Thank you!
Soooo kind of you to take the time to say so. I really appreciate it!
Hi Simon, Thanks for those awesome tips. One thing to add is the use of filters. For long lenses try not to use any filters, because those will act as distorted lenses due imperfect flatness, mechanical tension of the glass against the filter ring. Below 150mm this is not a big issue. Above that value the impact is a square dependency of the focal length!
Great tip!
79 yr. old hobby photographer. Fell in love with wildlife photography 1980's. Always something to learn from your well put together video's. Thank you for all your expertise & time.
Absolutely gorgeous shots! Thanks for sharing your craft, it really helps.
Glad you enjoyed it!
EXCELLENT....EXCELLENT...EXCELLENT!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing these TREMENDOUS TUTORIAL .....
You're very welcome!
This is probably the best photography video I have seen. Very well done and highly informative.
Wow, thanks!
The best of the best tutorial for sharp bird photography! Thanks a lot Simon!
Wow. I have the 100-400, and that aperture tip worked. I was shooting shutter priority, but switching to manual and setting the aperture to 6.3 is a little sharper, nice!
Birds are the most interesting and toughest subjects. They are small, quick, and timid, all at the same time. I think that is why they keep us on our toes and trying. A good image is so satisfying because it is a rare thing... at least for me! This video is the best tips and advise I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Thank you . I'm ready to give it another "shot".
Thanks very much! good luck!
Truly masterfully made photographs! The reflection in the eyes of your avian subjects is testimony to the quality of your work. From my limited study, you touch on so many folks I've read and whose works I've seen. There is a whole lot of wisdom and expertise in this well-edited video that, in my view, can be watched over and over again until it begins to become second nature. Thank you for sharing! Best wishes.
Thanks very much!
@@simon_dentremont You're welcome. Now if I can just remember to do all you suggest! 🙂
Love how your videos are consice and without a bunch of video fluff. Always very informative info.
I appreciate that!
Simon, you are an exceptional wildlife photographer and your TH-cam videos are as impressive as any of the other highly-subscribed bird photographers. Please continue to share your images and your mastery through TH-cam. I know that your audience will grow quickly - your content is just that good. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Most appreciated! Can’t wait for new episodes.
that’s so kind Robert. thanks for taking the time to say so.
Great tip on the panning practice using cars. I mainly shoot drift racing, and while shooting Formula Drift at the end of one of the practice/qualifying sessions a few of us had a little competition on who could shoot the slowest freehand and still sharply catch the cars. We had all worked down to around 1/10-1/20th sec, terrible hit rate regardless of the kit (I mention this because a lot of people get discouraged when they try themselves and fail after a few hundred blurry shots, don't give up people!), but the ones we managed to nab were just incredible. Highly recommend trying it for those of you out there looking to push yourselves (and not with just cars lol). I've also shot birds over the years, but nowhere near your level and never tried panning, but this video has definitely inspired to give it a go. Thanks for all the great tips and advice!
Simon
Great channel, with excellent advice. Your ability to convey your thoughts and stay on point is absolutely perfect. Others drift and ramble at times, and become difficult to watch. I find myself coming back and viewing yours several times due to the shear amount of information. Never boring.
Thx for taking the time to do these videos.
Best I've seen
Stephen
shear amount?
Really great advice and well presented. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
very detailed, informative and helpful video, I love this! Thanks.
Wow! You have an excellent and straight to the point teaching approach. Excellent channel, Simon!
thank you for your brilliant techniques that you said.
❤❤❤ very useful
Really enjoyed that, thanks Simon. And some great photos to boot.
Super helpful, very concise, clear information. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Still on point 2 years later, fantastic tips, thanks Simon
Really informative - can't believe that's only your second TH-cam video. I'm inspired - but please keep them coming!
Thanks, will do!
Hello for the UK, thank you for such an incredible unselfish informative video.
Fantastic tips, outstanding video. Thank you for sharing your expertise! -Jody
My pleasure! thanks Jody!
I am a relatively new photographer, and I watch a lot of TH-cam videos. This is by far one of the most helpful videos I've come across. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this. I plan to use the tips this weekend. I tried bird photography for the first time last weekend and hard a hard time with moving subjects. This video is exactly what I needed.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent presentation Simon. I am just starting out with nature photography and my primary interest is bird photography. It's been very helpful to have so much insight and advice from somebody who had been doing this for many years. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to educate others. I learned tons.
Welcome!
This is one of the best videos on photography that I have seen on TH-cam.
Wow, thanks!
Tucking in my elbows is the one I haven’t really thought about. Thanks man. Super helpful.
Very nice, to the point explanations and pointers.
I'm a novice photographer and this is the best explanation about sharpness i have ever watched. Thank you from New Zealand.
Welcome!
Wow! so glad i came across your channel. I've only seen 2 of your videos....... and they have helped soooo much. Awesome job Simon!!!!
Youre welcome!
By far one of the best videos I’ve seen about bird photography. Great job! Thanks
Thank you for taking the time to make this very helpful video!! The tips about holding the camera tightly were especially helpful!! Can't wait to try those techniques!!
You are so welcome!
This is an amazing video. I’m brand new to the photography world and mainly want to do this as a hobby, and there was so many points in here that I wouldn’t have thought of. Heat rising and the shimmer caused from it was something I knew about but without this video I wouldn’t have thought it affected photos, but makes perfect sense. I just wish I had someone as knowledgeable and clear and precise that I could go out in the field and shoot with. But for the time being I will take your tips and practice out in the field
thanks for the way you explain things. Calme and well explained for a non english native speaking. I was really nice to follow your videos while other i stop them because of the speed of speaking
Thanks very much!
First I have to thank Gavin for vertually introducing your channel to me, Simon I have learned more and improved more in the last three days of watching your videos than I have in years of fumbling around wondering why I could not get the resilts I wanted,, Shutter, F stop, ISO of course it just works!!
Thanks Simon looking forward to more videos :)
Thanks Ian! Oh dear, more chocolate for Gavin.
Excellent video Simon. Lots of things that are easy to forget, especially when excited about a rare or new bird, of a particularly good photo op.
Thanks Richard!
Thank jou Richard. Very useful!
Excellent no-nonsense tips - thank you! Looking forward to the coming videos.
More to come! thanks!
Great Video, thank you 👍🏻
May I add another tipps?
1. Some Zoom lenses (such as one of mine) are getting significantly softer at the long end. Reducing the range e.g. from 600mm to 550mm can help to improve.
2. Control filters: One of my protection filters was obviously of minor optical quality. Shooting without brought better results.
3. Monopod as a stabilizer: Sometimes (if I got enough space to move) I use the monopod even to shoot moving birds: It's weight reduces my shaking
Best regards 🤗
Very nice teaching video. Not overly complicated, yet covers all the basics. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful photos. Very well explained. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Realy a great presentation. Love the way you explain everything. Your photos are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing with such generousity
Im taking photo's for a hobby. And I will be finally upgrading my kit this year. I have been using a Nikon D5200 + Tamron 70-300 since 2016 now so I am hyped to finally upgrade this year. I am thinking about getting the Nikon D780 + a 200-500 Nikon Lens. I use that lens for Zoo Photografie and use the kit lens from my D5200 to take photo's from our farm and pets.
Its funny to me that I discovered all those techniques while I was learning to shoot better photo's and it shows in my photos too. In 2 weeks I will shoot wild life for the first time while we go out on a horse car. So that will defiantly be an experience!
Go for the Nikon 500, it's the perfect one for the 200-500mm. I own them myself and they are great together.
You’re absolutely, brilliant and I greatly appreciate the tips!!
Great video, Simon. I'm glad you mentioned turning the heat off in your car in the winter. I also keep the windows open to really make sure there's no temperature differential between inside the car and the outside world. I sure do get some funny looks when folks see me drive past with the windows open in the middle of winter. :)
haha same here! dressed for winter in the car!
Extraordinary tutorial for birding.Thank you very much for the brilliant video.
So nice of you
Thanks for these tips, there is some really useful information that I hadn’t personally seen before, even though I am an avid consumer of animal photography videos.
Thanks! So glad you found it helpful.
Simon, you are indeed a great teacher as people say in the comments, I saved few of your videos into my browser's favorites because I know I will need to remind to myself your precious wisdom again because I may forget some. Many thanks from Italy!
Wow, thanks!
Welcome to my world Sir 😂
All great tips that I have been using for years. The Canon 100-400mm Mk II is one crazy sharp lens, even with the 1.4 extender. I have moved to micro 4/3 system as I can no longer carry the weight or hold for long. The Sigma 150-600mm lens was also a really good lens. I had the Canon 300mm f/2.8, had to give it up because of the weight and using a tripod was not an option. Never tire of the Wood Duck.
Weight is indeed an issue. I’m waiting for a lighter RF mount version of the 509mm f4 to show up!
Wow! Awesome number 2 video! “X&P” 🤯 mind blown. What an awesome tip! Looking forward to video number 3 👍🏻
Thanks!
Wow, that bird’s breath shot is amazing!
I’ve learnt so much from your videos, it’s like a crash course in photography.
This video was extremely helpful, excited to go out and try these techniques! Thanks!
Have fun!
Thank you. Great combination of information and examples.
You're very welcome!
These are some wonderful tips for beginning photographers like me. I'm looking forward to using some of these soon.
Great to hear!
I *REALLY* appreciate your videos. I’ve been an amateur photographer for 45 years, and I always learn something, often multiple things. I knew about heat shimmer, but never considered the car heat / engine heat issues. Thank you.
Simon I love your photos, thanks for inspiring my photography journey.
Glad you like them!
Great video!! You're the first photographer I've seen who actually defines "sharpness". That was super helpful since if you don't quite know what it is, then it's much harder to actually achieve it in photos!!
Glad it was helpful!
These are great tips. I never thought about the heat shimmer before.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video. All tips are explained in an understandable way with examples in a no-nonsense way.
Lots of knowledge. Thank you!
So nice of you
Great video Simon, with good techniques for everyone! I'm not a bird or nature photographer - but I can see adapting some of these anti-vibration techniques in my landscape photography when I'm shooting hand-held. Keep up the great shots!
They’ll work for sure!
Thanks Simon, I thought I knew pretty much all I needed to know on this (overconfident arrogance). But I was mistaken. I never considered heat shimmer, or shooting above a hot engine cover.
One (perhaps obvious) thing I didn't see was advice to avoid any cheap filters, like UV etc, whenever possible. Granted in dirty/dusty places or on a beach with wind (salt laden air or sand etc) it might still be prudent to protect the front element. Although with fast sports primes the front element is too big for a filter (often an internal rear filter).
I like the setting of your latest videos; it is much more direct and engaging. But, I am also digging the "Papa d'Entremont' vibes of this video :)
Your videos and advice are fantastic! I wish more people had your approach to sharing information. Keep up the good work!
Welcome!
You are a great teacher.
I've watched a lot of wildlife photography videos, but you presented some new material here. Thanks for the video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks very much ! Very clear explanation!.
Could you speak about advantages of aperture priority vs Shutter Priority in bird photography ?
both modes can work, but my favorite is actually manual with auto-iso. of the two, I’d prefer shutter priority, so that you ensure you have enough shutter speed for the movement if the birds, and can adjust it based on flying vs static birds, which needs different shutter speeds.
Great videos and great tips! I keep looking for your videos for bird photography. I used to have bad photos using a monopod. Now I know why. In calculating the minimal shutter speed, one should also know that the crop factor needs compensation as well. They say that, when using a tripod, one should not use Optical Stabilisation.