Great to see you out again Russ. I really feel your excitement at capturing your 1st owl shot and just seeing you change by being immersed in the wonders that this world really has. Leave the madmen and politicians behind, learn a bit more then plan a trip into the mountains or wilderness shooting landscapes, wildlife and maybe some astro-landscapes far from "civilisation" and discover the real planet. Lovely to see you enjoying this journey and you're correct the quality of the shots doesn't matter, it is a personal journey and the shots will naturally improve the more you understand about habitat and behaviours... Till the next one.. Cheers, Robert.
I just think you are showing all of us who aspire to try the whole nature photography thing how fun and exciting it can be. You are clearly a very accomplished photographer and I learn a lot from these videos
@@russandloz Don’t really want to tarnish this reverent moment with gear considerations, i hate the thought of shelling out even more pounds/dollars/euros, but maybe we all should be thinking about that new 600PF lens.
@@craigcarlson4022 I have been thinking that for a while. But for owls and foxes maybe I need an old f mount 400 2.8. It’s so really good taking off the TC to have a great 400 4.5 🤷♂️
Russel, you are getting better, maybe try summer coloured camo, be quiet and move slower. Birds have excellent vision and can see you. They will remain where they are until you become a threat or they just feel like moving. Good luck with your next shoot. 🤠
Muntjack stopped to look at you thinking "jeeeeze what's he come as? as bush"!. Now I have given you quite a bit of advice and it's good to see you developing, doing well. You have the long lens, you have the fancy dress bush outfit, you are getting closer and I think you are ready for the next level of wildlife photography tips. It is time. You need a mini tiny stove, a little pot, some water and coffee. Make coffee on the fly, absolute must. Seriously though the silent scream when you got some shots of the Owl should not be under estimated, the silent scream is unique to those who have wildlife photography in their blood, you just found it and I am very pleased for you.
Thanks so much, your advice has been handy. I have been taking a flask to the hide if thats any consolation lol. I'm going back regular to hope the owl comes out in more light, but otherwise might look at a big old 400 2.8E.. For perching and in flight
@@russandloz You need to get in on that coffee, backlight the steam, ASMR audio of the pour and the obligatory "aaahhhhh" when yo drink some like you haven't had coffee in days (as appose to minutes ago in your car). Don't waste your money on an old 400 f2.8. Fine if you already had one but you WILL miss more shots with a heavy f2.8 400 than with the f4.5 400 due to the cumbersome size/weight. Plus the Z 400 f4.5 is amazing glass and the Z8 can cope with that stop of higher ISO and the little extra depth of field will provide sometimes a lifesaver of a couple of inches more focus area. Get a Topaz Photo AI to deal with noise and sharpen anything that is slightly out. You don't need more kit. You now need patience and regular visits to the right spots that you can get close.
@@markr3926 I'll make sure I get the coffee shot in next time, though there is a flask in the frame but not the same mood is it lol. The 400 4.5 is a pleasure to use, maybe a small camouflage hide would be better once I know there is something in the area
@@russandloz You Could use the 2x Z tele on your 400 (for still, slow moving perched shots) I am sure the iq would be as good as the fl with the fl tele. Think it would be better actually. Your processing/editing is a factor not to be ignored. When I want to max out reach I use my 400 f4.5 with the 1.4 tc and DX crop. Focusing is better if the camera can discern the subject. I’m at f6.3 and that is pretty damn good for 840mm.
@@markr3926 I’ve used the 2x before but didn’t like it with the 400, the image quality was poor really. Like you say better to use 1.4 and crop or use dx mode to grab focus. Maybe next year I’ll trade for the 600 6.3 when it comes down in price
Russ as a former career soldier your cam needs some work 😀, shape, shine, silhouette and noise are your enemies, don’t get anything you need to open with Velcro and remember noise travels much further at night Great watch mate and will follow looking forward to you dragging Loz with you 😂
Hi Russ, I have just got a used mint 500pf. I’m not far away from you in Nottinghamshire. If you would like to get together for an hour sometime in the future I am more than happy for you to put it on your Z8 and see what you think.
Indeed, primes are great but for a single lens kit to lean with, a zoom is great. I have the 180 - 600 and it's absolutely fine at the price point. Sharp enough at all focal lengths, fast enough focusing, just a little heavy.
@@musiqueetmontagne I like the 400mm as a buy but I am hesitant because I might just want the 600mm. The price and 6.3 got me leaning towards 400 4.5 . When you are not using the 180-600 what lens are you using?
Great to see your excitement and joy
The black headed gull is a tern 😊
Yes thank you, still learning the many breeds
Great to see you out again Russ. I really feel your excitement at capturing your 1st owl shot and just seeing you change by being immersed in the wonders that this world really has. Leave the madmen and politicians behind, learn a bit more then plan a trip into the mountains or wilderness shooting landscapes, wildlife and maybe some astro-landscapes far from "civilisation" and discover the real planet. Lovely to see you enjoying this journey and you're correct the quality of the shots doesn't matter, it is a personal journey and the shots will naturally improve the more you understand about habitat and behaviours... Till the next one.. Cheers, Robert.
Thanks, good words of advise there, I would love to plan a trip once I get more natural at it all. 😊
I just think you are showing all of us who aspire to try the whole nature photography thing how fun and exciting it can be. You are clearly a very accomplished photographer and I learn a lot from these videos
Thanks so much. I’m learning from viewer support and like to share the experience.
Awesome to see you enjoying your photography
Congrats on your owl experience! They are so elusive.
Thanks. Next is getting a good photo!
@@russandloz Don’t really want to tarnish this reverent moment with gear considerations, i hate the thought of shelling out even more pounds/dollars/euros, but maybe we all should be thinking about that new 600PF lens.
@@craigcarlson4022 I have been thinking that for a while. But for owls and foxes maybe I need an old f mount 400 2.8. It’s so really good taking off the TC to have a great 400 4.5 🤷♂️
Russel, you are getting better, maybe try summer coloured camo, be quiet and move slower. Birds have excellent vision and can see you. They will remain where they are until you become a threat or they just feel like moving. Good luck with your next shoot. 🤠
Yes I absolutely need better outfit and less noisy!
Muntjack stopped to look at you thinking "jeeeeze what's he come as? as bush"!. Now I have given you quite a bit of advice and it's good to see you developing, doing well. You have the long lens, you have the fancy dress bush outfit, you are getting closer and I think you are ready for the next level of wildlife photography tips. It is time. You need a mini tiny stove, a little pot, some water and coffee. Make coffee on the fly, absolute must. Seriously though the silent scream when you got some shots of the Owl should not be under estimated, the silent scream is unique to those who have wildlife photography in their blood, you just found it and I am very pleased for you.
Thanks so much, your advice has been handy. I have been taking a flask to the hide if thats any consolation lol. I'm going back regular to hope the owl comes out in more light, but otherwise might look at a big old 400 2.8E.. For perching and in flight
@@russandloz You need to get in on that coffee, backlight the steam, ASMR audio of the pour and the obligatory "aaahhhhh" when yo drink some like you haven't had coffee in days (as appose to minutes ago in your car). Don't waste your money on an old 400 f2.8. Fine if you already had one but you WILL miss more shots with a heavy f2.8 400 than with the f4.5 400 due to the cumbersome size/weight. Plus the Z 400 f4.5 is amazing glass and the Z8 can cope with that stop of higher ISO and the little extra depth of field will provide sometimes a lifesaver of a couple of inches more focus area. Get a Topaz Photo AI to deal with noise and sharpen anything that is slightly out. You don't need more kit. You now need patience and regular visits to the right spots that you can get close.
@@markr3926 I'll make sure I get the coffee shot in next time, though there is a flask in the frame but not the same mood is it lol. The 400 4.5 is a pleasure to use, maybe a small camouflage hide would be better once I know there is something in the area
@@russandloz You Could use the 2x Z tele on your 400 (for still, slow moving perched shots) I am sure the iq would be as good as the fl with the fl tele. Think it would be better actually. Your processing/editing is a factor not to be ignored.
When I want to max out reach I use my 400 f4.5 with the 1.4 tc and DX crop.
Focusing is better if the camera can discern the subject. I’m at f6.3 and that is pretty damn good for 840mm.
@@markr3926 I’ve used the 2x before but didn’t like it with the 400, the image quality was poor really. Like you say better to use 1.4 and crop or use dx mode to grab focus. Maybe next year I’ll trade for the 600 6.3 when it comes down in price
Given the racket that camo poncho makes when you move it's any wonder your name is Russel🤪 Congrats on your Owl capture 👍
Yes! It’s terrible! Lol. I’ll invest in better outfit but will make a good cameo sheet
😂😂😂😂
Good effort Russ ... can't help thinking that your camo was about as convincing as costumes in 1970's Dr Who, but a good effort all the same.
It would work well in a spoof lol
Russ as a former career soldier your cam needs some work 😀, shape, shine, silhouette and noise are your enemies, don’t get anything you need to open with Velcro and remember noise travels much further at night Great watch mate and will follow looking forward to you dragging Loz with you 😂
Yes. Big time. It was so annoying. Maybe make a good blanket cover.
Hi Russ, I have just got a used mint 500pf. I’m not far away from you in Nottinghamshire. If you would like to get together for an hour sometime in the future I am more than happy for you to put it on your Z8 and see what you think.
Thanks that might be a good idea. Though with these owls and foxes I feel I need a lower light lens like a 400 2.8e
lol, but like (morten :)
I'll join him on a trip soon i'm sure, but maybe not with that outfit
You thinking about the 600 6.3 or the 180-600?
Indeed, primes are great but for a single lens kit to lean with, a zoom is great. I have the 180 - 600 and it's absolutely fine at the price point. Sharp enough at all focal lengths, fast enough focusing, just a little heavy.
@@musiqueetmontagne I like the 400mm as a buy but I am hesitant because I might just want the 600mm. The price and 6.3 got me leaning towards 400 4.5 . When you are not using the 180-600 what lens are you using?