Wildlife Tips?

[GmwDarkroom]

One needs a lot of patience when shooting wildlife

Number one thing to remember. As jrista pointed out, be prepared to sit/stand/kneel/lie in the same spot for a while. Subjects get nervous with movement and fidgeting, but often will calm down and return to their activities if you stay put.

If you're going to head to a feeding spot or watering hole to capture wildlife, don't underestimate your comfort needs to stay still for long periods. Knee pads, elbow pads, a surface to lie on, maybe one of those golf seats, etc. You're hunting, so research their techniques and gear too.

 

[tiger82]

Don't get eaten or be part of the scenery.

 

[Marsu42]

You may want to consider using a flash. A flash can add a catch light in the eyes and it can add fill for backlit critters (e.g., birds).

Good idea, I use flash all the time for this. But you also have to add a flash bracket to prevent drop shadows, to prevent red/green eyes on animals (it's surprising how many have reflective eye backgrounds) and to get the eye reflection away from the center which looks horrible "p&s-like".

 

[Dylan777]

Get a long telephoto lens. 400mm or longer. I like 400mm f2.8 IS II + x1.4 & x2 TC III for extra reach for outdoor.

With 5D III, I'm very happy with AI servo, 4points expansion for tracking big subject. 8points expansion for tracking smaller subject. Case# 2.

Don't forgot to add fast CF. I have Lexar x1000.

 

[Mr Bean]

Get a long telephoto lens. 400mm or longer. I like 400mm f2.8 IS II + x1.4 & x2 TC III for extra reach for outdoor.

With 5D III, I'm very happy with AI servo, 4points expansion for tracking big subject. 8points expansion for tracking smaller subject. Case# 2.

Don't forgot to add fast CF. I have Lexar x1000.

+1.
I have the 300mm f4 with 1.4x TC, and that's a minimum IMHO. After reading the recent reviews, the 600mm f4 is starting to whisper in my shell like ear

On my 5D3 I have 2 of the custom settings C3 and C2, set up for wildlife pic's. Since I mainly do bird pic's, the difference between the 2 settings is the number of active focus points - C3 is just a central point, for birds in a tree or bush (where focus is tricky), C2 is an expansion set, for BIF or in the open. I use C3 / C2 rather than starting with C1 because I can simply turn the dial without looking and I know what the last position is set to (rather than C1, where I might have to look down at the dial).

 

[Mr Bean]

KNOWLEDGE
Last, I think someone already mentioned this....research the behavior of the animals you are interested in. Knowing at least some basic info about their behavior, the times of day they are out and about, their habitat, food, etc. will help you be in the right place at the right time to capture interesting shots.

+1.
Knowing how and when the wildlife work/act saves a lot of wasted time. For example, some of the smaller birds out the back of my place, come through in "feeding flocks". It might only take them 4-5min to do their thing, then move on. But if I get there as they finish, that's it, I've missed the chance. I've started to recognize this habit, so I can tell if its worth stopping for long.

P.S. It helps having a renowned bird specialist living just up the road, who's quite happy to point out these things

 

[ERHP]

+1 for the kneepad(s). Something I always forget to bring along on the shorter wanders so my coping strategy is to essentially turn my left foot 90 degrees right and use it for a resting spot for my right knee for short periods.

In some situations the silent shooting mode might be very beneficial if your camera supports it. I've had deer come within minimum focusing distance of me while shooting in Mode 2 on the 5D MK III.

Stated before but researching your intended subject rarely hurts. Also good is a quick ID book for potential plant life such as poison oak/ivy/stinging nettles/etc.

If you do go for the big whites, I would recommend a suitable Lenscoat or similar product to camouflage it. They still know it's there but it is far less likely to be startled when it starts to move. Plus you get a little shock/abrasion protection for your multi-thousand dollar toy.


Lots of good advice so far.

 

[Marsu42]

Knee pads, elbow pads, a surface to lie on

Another +1 ... I use this method when shooting in the snow lying or kneeling on the ground, and even in good weather for protection from hard surfaces (knees weren't built to hold your weight, floor tiler know that).