Hey Mark, this video was the reason to buy me the Nikon 200-500mm. I shot my first birds today with this lens and the Nikon D500. Some pics looked really great and I want to thank you for all the information and the great pictures you take. I hope I will get such beautiful shots, too, someday.
After watching several of your videos on the D500, D850 and 200-500 mm lens, I went out and bought the D500 and the long lens. (I felt that I wasn't ready for the D850 just yet.) I also bought a gimbal mount just for the 200-500. At 82, I am an advanced novice :-), and to be honest, I really didn't know what I was doing. Moreover, I didn't have time to practice in my backyard before my photo club went on a Sandhill Crane shoot in southern Indiana. The temperature was a little nippy (40 F), but sun was bright and sky was clear all day. The birds (about 100,000 of them) were flying from east to west all day, from "back lit" to "harsh lit," so I decided to set the D500 on auto ISO. I set the mode on shutter priority, to keep the speed at 2500. This made the aperture go from f/12 to f/20. I just guessed at everything. Finally, after about an hour of shooting, I began to learn how to follow the birds, but somehow, I had set the focus to follow the subject, but with so many birds flying, the camera couldn't decide where to focus. Most of these shots were way out of focus. I narrowed the focus and I finally began to get an occasion bird in focus. I had no idea until I saw this video that the auto ISO should be set on high and low limits. My question is: you didn't say if you set the mode on manual or shutter or aperture priority. Or does the Auto ISO automatically control the aperture and shutter? Love your videos! Very helpful. I subscribed a couple of months ago and I always hit the thumbs up icon.
Great job Mark! Love it that you often tell the story of the animals rather than just showing us a slideshow. I'll have my D500 by the end of the week! Can't wait to pair it with my 200-500! Keep up the good work!
It's good to see it's possible to take photos with a big lens and without a tripod. I had discarded the 200-500mm as too big but it seems it is not too crazy to handle finally. Your videos are entertaining and give excellent info on photography and wildlife.
Man, what a great video! Very well presented and loaded with beautiful shots! Thanks for going over your D500 settings, especially the group auto focus etc. Coming from shooting Pentax (which unfortunately didn't have much of a continuous focus system at all) and changing to the Nikon focusing system has been a real challenge, so all your helpful hints are greatly appreciated. Once again, beautiful video! Oh, and I may not have the colorful birds to photograph here in Illinois farm country, but I can go swimming without fear of loss of limbs or worse!!
Thank you and I am glad you are getting some good info from the video. The D500 is a great camera once you know which settings work best for you! You are right on the swimming part and that gator is nothing. I sat at the beach the other day and in a hour's time saw about 10 sharks jumping out in the surf. Now that would be a good shot. I might have to see if I can catch them jumping. I think everything in Florida wants to take a bite out of you!
Great video. And even more impressive are you images. They are amazingly stunning. Looks like a great place to take photos. That combo of the D500 and the 200-500 is amazing. I have the 200-500. I have a D600. But I am dreaming of a D500 as it is more suited to birds and wildlife. It is going to be a long time until I get one if I ever do. But the D600 gives me great images as well. Just I miss the reach of the crop camera and the frames per second and huge buffer. Maybe someday. But I am blessed with what I have. Keep the great videos coming.
Great Video as usual! The narration , in addition to great photography, sets you apart from many You Tube Videos. This last Thursday I visited TM Waterfowl management and Broadmore marsh. Lots of Limkins and empty snail shells right at boat ramp. I'm planning a trip( to try out my 810) out there this Thursday, 25th .I get there about 8:30 as they open at 9am. Last week there was a dead 5 ft. gator at edge of road and the Vultures were chowing down! If you are out that way, I'm in a white Nissan truck. By the way, I love your shots at the inlet with Mullet everywhere. Old timers would tell me the Mullet used to be so thick you could walk across the inlet on them. Ted
Hi Mark, I just wanted to say I found your channel because I just purchased the D500 and 200-500 lens. I really enjoy your videos, the commentary, how share tips and settings, very cool! Can't wait to watch more videos and try out some bird photography in Southern California
+cohazard Awesome. I'm glad you enjoy the videos. You've got a great camera and southern Cali should provide plenty of great photo opportunities. I went to Monterey bay a few years ago. Got some great shots with my d810. California is loaded with awesome wildlife too.
Mark Smith I will definitely try Monterey Bay some day. I will be planning a road trip down to La Jolla cove soon to shoot the sea birds and sea lions there.
Limkin party. LOVE IT! Spoonbills over there - amazing Magenta colours and great footage. All these are really well put together with superb info. and once again amazing inspirational photos. Thanks Mark. (I think you need to do another book featuring your latest lovely shots - I'm sure it would sell really well).
Thanks! I have some even better Spoonbills images from this summer that I haven't gotten to just yet! I ma in the planning phases for a book exactly like the one you are talking about.
mark your alligators look big but we have bigger salt water crocodiles here in Australia some 20 feet long. loving your hints and tips about your setup and settings on the D500 thank you .
You are welcome! I've only seen the salties from Steve Irwin's show back in the day. We have some big gators and I have seen some huge ones, but they don't compare to your crocs. I remember Steve Irwin saying, "Alligators are like frogs with teeth." lol
All the years I worked with these Snowy Egrets never heard them called Golden Slippers. Was at the Stick Marsh nearly March on a boat One of the places to go back to. I appreciate your showing settings and focusing, That is one of hard things about this lens and camera combo. I teach Wildlife Photography and love getting the different ideas.
I guess Golden Slippers is more of a slang name for them. I heard it recently and thought it fit the bill perfectly or fit the feet perfectly, lol. I love photography and will take pictures of just about anything. It drives my family nuts!
I get to FL for 2 weeks each year (Live in CO) and never heard that slang. It's the only Egret that is common in CO. Several years ago I got a shot of a Tricolor at a Res. near Denver and the "Birders" went nuts. Only one ever seen there. Last year I got into one of the Snowy's feeding frenzies at Viera. Crazy, 300 shots with the D7200/200mm -500mm combo (before the D500 was released). This year used the D500 great improvement. Are you still using the Tamron? I love your videos because I have been to most of the places. Where is the "Water Treatment" plant you mentioned in one of your earlier videos?
I just got back from a three year "trip" to Colorado. We lived on the Western Slope in Montrose. I managed to land a magazine cover there of a waterfall image I shot. www.msmithphotos.com/img/s7/v165/p1186868699-4.jpg What an awesome place! I loved the hummingbirds and eagles over there and owls too! The Sandhill Crane migration is awesome as well! I haven't used the Tamron since I got the Nikon. I have it for backup now! The "Water Treatment" plant is in west Vero Beach. Google "West Regional WWTP" for the address. They temporarily closed it until the 7th. I'm really eager to get back there. I haven't been since I got the new Nikon lens.
www.flickr.com/photos/chaos-images/ #8-11 Taken at Viera. The 2 Snowy Egrets were just part of the feed frenzy. #10 was Coral Cove FL, The Balloons are ABQ Fiesta and Steamboat Springs CO. #1 and 2 are Venice Rookery. #6 Sand Arch- Arches NP. The Pelican, Sebastian FL The rest CO. I really need to take the time to post more and edit. I have been very busy speaking, teaching and judging. I spoke at the Vero Beach Photo club in Feb. You didn't answer my Tamron question.
Love it. What a great job and really enjoy the story that comes with it. Hope you keep posting! Amazing to me that you do not have a 100K subscribers. This whole vlog type of photo tour is so much fun to watch. Jim
Hi Mark, nice video from Florida, hope you didn't suffer too much from the last hurricane that struck a few days back. I'm French and I just bought a 200-500mm lens a few days ago. Paired with my D7000 it's great, but after all the videos and reviews I read on the D500, I just ordered one, and it's on its way to my place right now. I can't wait to get my hands on this baby, that'll be a nice upgrade for the D7000! I wish I lived in a place with so many oportunities for wildlife photography! In the south of France, we got some too, I plan to take shot of flamingoes on the coast. Keep it up! CU.
Great video Mark! I found your channel as I also have a D500, and it was paired with the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary up until last week when the focusing and VR started failing! I'm now in 2 minds whether to pay to get it fixed or invest in the Nikon 200-500 instead! You get some brilliant photos with that combo, your videos are making me lean further to the Nikon 200-500.. Keep up the good work, love your style!
+BKaufman011 Thank you very much! I am proud of my videos but I really enjoy sharing these with others and letting people see what is happening in my little area of the world.
WOW !! Absolutely beautiful shots Mark. Your videos convinced me to go get a D500 and 200-500mm yesterday. Thanks for the settings you use as well (another video). I'll definitely set mine up that way. Now to learn how to run a Nikon. Do you use back button focus when you shoot ?
Brilliant video Ive been thinking about purchasing this lens as I have the D500 and wish to take shots of Golden eagles in Scotland this summer. After watching your vid I am almost certain I wont be able to eat for the next month. I will take some footage and post my images on here so wish me luck. Many thanks dude
Exposure compensation for Auto ISO: there is Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot and Highlight-weighted (the symbol like Spot but with the asterisk). I never tried yet myself, but the D500 is very sensitive on highlights, so, this would be probably a good idea to test it. Will try with white swans 😉. Do you have already tested this?
I have tried all of the metering modes and they were never consistent in my use. Using exposure compensation has always given me consistent results with both the D500 and the D850. Watched the Living Desert last night. Great stuff and comparing my video to that is a great honor. Thanks. Apparently this a park in California under the same name.
Hello Mark , your videos are very good . I am a live concert, wedding photographer, and recently started wildlife photography. I have the Nikon b850 Nikon 200-500. I set my camera like your video showed for back button. Camera in manuel mode ? and lens manuel or auto. please need some help.
Enjoyed very much seeing your work, Mark. Where is Stickmarsh in FL? Have you been to Wakodahatchee Wetlands near Boynton Beach, FL? It is a wonderful place to see many wading birds, especially during the winter and spring seasons.
I am glad you enjoyed the video. The Stick Marsh is located in Fellsmere Florida. If you use Google Maps and search for, "fellsmere grade recreation area" you should be able to get directions. I think all the Spoonbills might be gone from that location by now but I am not sure. I have been to Wakodahatchee. It is an incredible place. I made a video on one of my visits. ruclips.net/video/f6kJKXI9V5k/видео.html
Thanks very much, Mark. Perhaps I will visit Stick Marsh one day. BTW, do you recommend the combination of Nikon D500 and Nikkor 200 - 500mm lens? It seems working perfectly for BIF photography.
You are very welcome. The Stick Marsh in an interesting place lots of good stuff there. I highly recommend the D500 and the Nikkor 200-500mm. It is an excellent combo for birds. I have even gotten some really good macro shots with this combo too. I shot a bunch of water lilies that were too far out in the lake to get close to. As I zoomed in on the flower, a bee flew in. I got quite a few great shots of the bee in flight over the lily. I was very impressed. I hope to make a video of that. I have a lot of videos in the works. I will get to that one eventually!
Really awesome video and I love your conversational style with it. I am really hoping to purchase this lens soon to pair with my D750. Sadly, I will have to deal with less reach than you but I still have high hopes for some wildlife, some aviation photography, and some moon shots. Cheers.
It does! However, I am hesitant to use the crop mode. It doesn't appear to change anything from post process cropping... does it help with AF performance?
+Isaac Teal It won't help with the AF but will simulate the extended reach you would get from the crop sensor on the d500. I thought that was what you were referring to by not having as much reach. Not sure on the d750 but on the d810 you can custom assign buttons and dials to quickly switch back and forth between crop and full frame mode.
I'll have to look into that! The only benefit to keeping it in full frame mode would be to have a wider field if I were to suddenly need it, but if there is a way to switch between them swiftly it would be a good way to make it work.
+Isaac Teal On the d500 there is a crop mode. I have mine setup so I press a button and move the front dial to change from 1.3 crop back to the original crop sensor. I would imagine the d750 has something similar in the custom settings menu.
As always great video. I have a 150-200m lens on my Nikon D7200 - what is the best distance from the birds to get these great shots. Often I am too far away thinking my zoom will capture the image and the shot is no good - yet your shots are so clear and detailed. Thx.
Hey Mark... do you think the D7200 is good enough for getting bird shots including birds in flight? Is the D500 just way better or would better Nikon glass on the D7200 work? I have Sigma 150-500mm. Thanks.
I am planning on making several shorter videos to highlight exactly how I have my D500 setup. This first will address how I setup and use the auto focus system.
Great videos on how to set the D500 i got a better understanding also it will help me in the future when shooting sports. I have two questions for you on Adobe Lightroom after you tweak the photos and you want to save the ones you tweak how or if you want to take only those photos to print somewhere? If you can do a video on that will help. Again thank you for taking of your time to help others.
I believe a good portion of it is open 24/7. I don't remember seeing any gates and I have been there at sunset. Just be very careful out there at night. There are tons of really big gators and lots of snakes. Here is a link to the area on google maps. www.google.com/maps/place/Fellsmere+Grade+Recreation+Area/@27.8018925,-80.7768889,12z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x88de70c7998f396d:0x511c9461774f82b3!2sFellsmere+Grade+Recreation+Area!8m2!3d27.8232533!4d-80.7081505!3m4!1s0x88de70c7998f396d:0x511c9461774f82b3!8m2!3d27.8232533!4d-80.7081505
Great video. Was the "gimbal head" you were using the Manfrotto 393 heavy lens support? If so, any impressions of it? I am soon purchasing a D500 and the 200-500 and am considering getting Manfrotto support as well.
Thanks very much for the info, I will have to add the Manfrotto support to my shopping list. All of your D500/200-500mm videos have been great. I have been saving up for some time to afford that combo and your videos have helped assure me it's the right choice.
I'm not too sure on the tripod. It is an older Manfrotto carbon fiber I believe. Not the greatest and I'm in serious need of an upgrade. No, I don't always use F5.6 but I do use it often. On this day, the sun was just rising and I believe I needed F5.6 to get a good exposure on most of the shots early in the morning. F5.6 is very sharp on this lens. I've had others tell me that it is not, but I disagree.
+Patrick O'Sullivan I'm mostly using group and single point. I made a playlist showing how and why I set everything up. You can view it here, Nikon D500 Bird In Flight Setup: ruclips.net/p/PLwmt8qwjXqIficY71Q3jdyxqzTaZlryG8
Mark Smith I do not know about summer Eagles in the area? But I have heard of this. www.skagiteagles.com/skagit-river-eagle-viewing/skagit-bald-eagle-photo.html With my work schedule at nights I find it difficult finding time to do things I would like to. For a couple of years now I've been wanting to do this River float for eagles.
Is just weird feeling it sounded like a loud Pop. I can walk but rather drive. I been to Viera Wetland already. I just purchased a nikon d7200 and nikon 200-500mm cant wait to test it
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
Just came back from that location. Very nice place for photography. Used same setup, D500 and the 200-500mm.
Most beautiful set of birds in flight Mark. You've really outdone yourself. Excellent work!
Thank you!
Hey Mark, this video was the reason to buy me the Nikon 200-500mm. I shot my first birds today with this lens and the Nikon D500. Some pics looked really great and I want to thank you for all the information and the great pictures you take. I hope I will get such beautiful shots, too, someday.
Glad to hear you got out and got some good shots. Keep shooting!
After watching several of your videos on the D500, D850 and 200-500 mm lens, I went out and bought the D500 and the long lens. (I felt that I wasn't ready for the D850 just yet.) I also bought a gimbal mount just for the 200-500. At 82, I am an advanced novice :-), and to be honest, I really didn't know what I was doing. Moreover, I didn't have time to practice in my backyard before my photo club went on a Sandhill Crane shoot in southern Indiana. The temperature was a little nippy (40 F), but sun was bright and sky was clear all day. The birds (about 100,000 of them) were flying from east to west all day, from "back lit" to "harsh lit," so I decided to set the D500 on auto ISO. I set the mode on shutter priority, to keep the speed at 2500. This made the aperture go from f/12 to f/20. I just guessed at everything. Finally, after about an hour of shooting, I began to learn how to follow the birds, but somehow, I had set the focus to follow the subject, but with so many birds flying, the camera couldn't decide where to focus. Most of these shots were way out of focus. I narrowed the focus and I finally began to get an occasion bird in focus. I had no idea until I saw this video that the auto ISO should be set on high and low limits. My question is: you didn't say if you set the mode on manual or shutter or aperture priority. Or does the Auto ISO automatically control the aperture and shutter? Love your videos! Very helpful. I subscribed a couple of months ago and I always hit the thumbs up icon.
I shoot in manual mode with auto iso and use exposure compensation to control overall exposure which really only changes iso values.
Great job Mark! Love it that you often tell the story of the animals rather than just showing us a slideshow. I'll have my D500 by the end of the week! Can't wait to pair it with my 200-500! Keep up the good work!
Thanks! You are going to love that combo. I can't say enough good things about the two together!
Enjoying your series of d500 videos. I am definitely getting this camera and lens combo this summer. Thanks for the video Mark.
+slowfinger2 You are welcome. This combo is really incredible. I've more videos on the way.
mark you are amazing... great that you showed us the set up of your lovley camera...... take care
Thanks
It's good to see it's possible to take photos with a big lens and without a tripod. I had discarded the 200-500mm as too big but it seems it is not too crazy to handle finally. Your videos are entertaining and give excellent info on photography and wildlife.
Thanks! The 200-500 can be handheld but it does get heavy. I kind prefer to handhold with wildlife because the subjects are always so unpredictable!
Very very impressive pictures !!! Just amazing and wonderful !!! Thank you for sharing them !
Thanks for watching!
Man, what a great video! Very well presented and loaded with beautiful shots! Thanks for going over your D500 settings, especially the group auto focus etc. Coming from shooting Pentax (which unfortunately didn't have much of a continuous focus system at all) and changing to the Nikon focusing system has been a real challenge, so all your helpful hints are greatly appreciated. Once again, beautiful video! Oh, and I may not have the colorful birds to photograph here in Illinois farm country, but I can go swimming without fear of loss of limbs or worse!!
Thank you and I am glad you are getting some good info from the video. The D500 is a great camera once you know which settings work best for you! You are right on the swimming part and that gator is nothing. I sat at the beach the other day and in a hour's time saw about 10 sharks jumping out in the surf. Now that would be a good shot. I might have to see if I can catch them jumping. I think everything in Florida wants to take a bite out of you!
Great video. And even more impressive are you images. They are amazingly stunning. Looks like a great place to take photos. That combo of the D500 and the 200-500 is amazing. I have the 200-500. I have a D600. But I am dreaming of a D500 as it is more suited to birds and wildlife. It is going to be a long time until I get one if I ever do. But the D600 gives me great images as well. Just I miss the reach of the crop camera and the frames per second and huge buffer. Maybe someday. But I am blessed with what I have. Keep the great videos coming.
Great Video as usual! The narration , in addition to great photography, sets you apart from many You Tube Videos.
This last Thursday I visited TM Waterfowl management and Broadmore marsh. Lots of Limkins and empty snail shells right at boat ramp. I'm planning a trip( to try out my 810) out there this Thursday, 25th .I get there about 8:30 as they open at 9am. Last week there was a dead 5 ft. gator at edge of road and the Vultures were chowing down! If you are out that way, I'm in a white Nissan truck. By the way, I love your shots at the inlet with Mullet everywhere. Old timers would tell me the Mullet used to be so thick you could walk across the inlet on them.
Ted
I try and go there often. I drive a white Toyota 4-runner. Say hi if you see me. Thanks for the compliments.
Mark, excellent shot. I really like all the great info you provide, matching the D500 with the 200-500. Superior combo for wild life. Thanks
Thanks so much. The D500 and the 200-500 is a great wildlife combo.
Another cool vid Mark, keep them coming bud!
Thanks! I have plenty more on the way!
Helped me quite a bit with your advice on this lens.
Wow, Excellent shots! Love the image at 4:43 - crisp colors and perfect focus. Nice work.
Thank you, thank you!
Hi Mark, I just wanted to say I found your channel because I just purchased the D500 and 200-500 lens. I really enjoy your videos, the commentary, how share tips and settings, very cool! Can't wait to watch more videos and try out some bird photography in Southern California
+cohazard Awesome. I'm glad you enjoy the videos. You've got a great camera and southern Cali should provide plenty of great photo opportunities. I went to Monterey bay a few years ago. Got some great shots with my d810. California is loaded with awesome wildlife too.
Mark Smith I will definitely try Monterey Bay some day. I will be planning a road trip down to La Jolla cove soon to shoot the sea birds and sea lions there.
+cohazard If you try Monterey bay, go on a whale watch boat. I had a great time and got some great whale shots.
Limkin party. LOVE IT! Spoonbills over there - amazing Magenta colours and great footage. All these are really well put together with superb info. and once again amazing inspirational photos. Thanks Mark. (I think you need to do another book featuring your latest lovely shots - I'm sure it would sell really well).
Thanks! I have some even better Spoonbills images from this summer that I haven't gotten to just yet! I ma in the planning phases for a book exactly like the one you are talking about.
Great presenting style, very engaging. Yor videos have made me want to visit Florida again someday.
Thanks! Florida can be loads of fun if you can avoid the traffic!
I love your videos! I recently bought this lens and love it! The little tips now and again make the videos engaging!
Awesome. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. I have no doubt you are enjoying that lens too. It is an incredible piece of work.
mark your alligators look big but we have bigger salt water crocodiles here in Australia some 20 feet long. loving your hints and tips about your setup and settings on the D500 thank you .
You are welcome! I've only seen the salties from Steve Irwin's show back in the day. We have some big gators and I have seen some huge ones, but they don't compare to your crocs. I remember Steve Irwin saying, "Alligators are like frogs with teeth." lol
All the years I worked with these Snowy Egrets never heard them called Golden Slippers. Was at the Stick Marsh nearly March on a boat One of the places to go back to. I appreciate your showing settings and focusing, That is one of hard things about this lens and camera combo. I teach Wildlife Photography and love getting the different ideas.
I guess Golden Slippers is more of a slang name for them. I heard it recently and thought it fit the bill perfectly or fit the feet perfectly, lol. I love photography and will take pictures of just about anything. It drives my family nuts!
I get to FL for 2 weeks each year (Live in CO) and never heard that slang. It's the only Egret that is common in CO. Several years ago I got a shot of a Tricolor at a Res. near Denver and the "Birders" went nuts. Only one ever seen there. Last year I got into one of the Snowy's feeding frenzies at Viera. Crazy, 300 shots with the D7200/200mm -500mm combo (before the D500 was released). This year used the D500 great improvement. Are you still using the Tamron? I love your videos because I have been to most of the places. Where is the "Water Treatment" plant you mentioned in one of your earlier videos?
I just got back from a three year "trip" to Colorado. We lived on the Western Slope in Montrose. I managed to land a magazine cover there of a waterfall image I shot. www.msmithphotos.com/img/s7/v165/p1186868699-4.jpg
What an awesome place! I loved the hummingbirds and eagles over there and owls too! The Sandhill Crane migration is awesome as well! I haven't used the Tamron since I got the Nikon. I have it for backup now! The "Water Treatment" plant is in west Vero Beach. Google "West Regional WWTP" for the address. They temporarily closed it until the 7th. I'm really eager to get back there. I haven't been since I got the new Nikon lens.
I would love to see some of your shots of the feeding frenzy. I bet that was awesome.
www.flickr.com/photos/chaos-images/
#8-11 Taken at Viera. The 2 Snowy Egrets were just part of the feed frenzy. #10 was Coral Cove FL, The Balloons are ABQ Fiesta and Steamboat Springs CO. #1 and 2 are Venice Rookery. #6 Sand Arch- Arches NP. The Pelican, Sebastian FL The rest CO. I really need to take the time to post more and edit. I have been very busy speaking, teaching and judging. I spoke at the Vero Beach Photo club in Feb. You didn't answer my Tamron question.
I truly enjoy your videos Mark, keep it up!
Awesome and I have lots more coming!
Love it. What a great job and really enjoy the story that comes with it. Hope you keep posting! Amazing to me that you do not have a 100K subscribers. This whole vlog type of photo tour is so much fun to watch.
Jim
Thanks! I have lots more planned! Some day I'll get those 100k, some day!
Not a criticism by the way! Doing a great job.
Thanks and I didn't take it that way at all.
Hi Mark, nice video from Florida, hope you didn't suffer too much from the last hurricane that struck a few days back. I'm French and I just bought a 200-500mm lens a few days ago. Paired with my D7000 it's great, but after all the videos and reviews I read on the D500, I just ordered one, and it's on its way to my place right now. I can't wait to get my hands on this baby, that'll be a nice upgrade for the D7000! I wish I lived in a place with so many oportunities for wildlife photography! In the south of France, we got some too, I plan to take shot of flamingoes on the coast. Keep it up! CU.
We did fine during the storm. Lost a lot of trees though. The D500 is a great camera. I am sure you will really enjoy using it!
Coming across the long lens problem you describe in this video, heat distortion seriously robs the lens of its usual sharpness & clarity.
Image quality of the Nikon lens definitely seems better than the Tamron videos that preceded this one.
Really enjoying your video! You have excitement about what your doing and make it interesting! Thanks!
Thanks. I really enjoy doing it.
Great video Mark!
I found your channel as I also have a D500, and it was paired with the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary up until last week when the focusing and VR started failing!
I'm now in 2 minds whether to pay to get it fixed or invest in the Nikon 200-500 instead!
You get some brilliant photos with that combo, your videos are making me lean further to the Nikon 200-500..
Keep up the good work, love your style!
Wonderful technique - super sharp and great color rendition. Nice job ! Just bought a 200-500 today. Get it next week. Are these all with the 200-500?
What a magnificent vidio and commintary. You should be very proud of the videos that you make. Bill K
+BKaufman011 Thank you very much! I am proud of my videos but I really enjoy sharing these with others and letting people see what is happening in my little area of the world.
Nice work Mark. The D500 plus the 200-500mm f5.6 looks a great combo for wildlife photography & video :-)
+Steve Ferneyhough It is a great combo for both and thanks.
Do you have a video on your video setup on the D500? I shoot the same equipment.
My bad. I just found it on your channel.
When i saw the picture of the limpkin i got so giddy cause im gonna rent this lense and eventually own it!
WOW !! Absolutely beautiful shots Mark. Your videos convinced me to go get a D500 and 200-500mm yesterday. Thanks for the settings you use as well (another video). I'll definitely set mine up that way. Now to learn how to run a Nikon. Do you use back button focus when you shoot ?
You’re a good bird photographer my friend. I just found you yesterday and subscribed to your channel👌
Thanks so much!
That gator! Wow. Hey, I really enjoyed this video. And yes, I'd love to go shoot pictures with you next time I am in FL.
Yes. That was a big one! Always ready to go out and shoot. Let me know when you will be here!
Hello Mark I just purchased your book. I am looking forward to read it
Thanks so much. Enjoy!
Ok I will keep you post it
Great videos Mark. Keep up the good work!!!!! Would like to pick your brain on how to set up the D500 using video. Thanks!!!
Thanks! I got you covered on video.
OK I'm heading to the Stick Marsh from Orlando. Have the D500 but I use the 80-400mm lens.
Awesome. Have a great time!
Very cool Mark.
Thanks!
Wow beautiful pinkies
Thanks!
This is Mary Jane. Beautiful job ;)
Thanks Mary Jane!
Lots of Gators around Wilmington too. You have some great shots. I wonder how spot metering would do on these birds instead of using exposure comp?
Thanks. I have tried spot metering and it was always very inconsistent. Exposure compensation has always been very consistent at all times.
You took some incredible shots for this video. Do you crop for tighter shots in post photography editing, or leave the photos as is?
Yes! I like to crop after the shot especially for birds
Brilliant video
Ive been thinking about purchasing this lens as I have the D500 and wish to take shots of Golden eagles in Scotland this summer.
After watching your vid I am almost certain I wont be able to eat for the next month.
I will take some footage and post my images on here so wish me luck.
Many thanks dude
+Gaia images Thanks for the compliments. The 200-500 lens is worth missing a few meals. Golden Eagles? Now that sounds like good photography.
Cheers Mark
I will drop you a link if I have any success
I'm looking forward to it!
How did you get on?
Awesome!.... Thank You for sharing!
Thank you and you are welcome.
Great Job!
Thank you!
It is a very good video indeed.
Thanks!
Who was the 5000th subscriber Mark? BTW - you are awesome!! See you at Green Cay Wetlands one of these days.
Alan - Lake worth Florida
I'm not sure who was 5000. Thanks for the compliments. If you do see me, please say hi!
Exposure compensation for Auto ISO: there is Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot and Highlight-weighted (the symbol like Spot but with the asterisk). I never tried yet myself, but the D500 is very sensitive on highlights, so, this would be probably a good idea to test it. Will try with white swans 😉. Do you have already tested this?
I have tried all of the metering modes and they were never consistent in my use. Using exposure compensation has always given me consistent results with both the D500 and the D850. Watched the Living Desert last night. Great stuff and comparing my video to that is a great honor. Thanks. Apparently this a park in California under the same name.
so nice pictures!, gj!. and lenss performance wow!. im ordering mine today!;) hope mine d7200 whill fall in love with lenss also :D
Thank! I'm sure you and your camera will love the 200-500. It is a fantastic lens!
Hello Mark , your videos are very good . I am a live concert, wedding photographer, and recently started wildlife photography. I have the Nikon b850 Nikon 200-500. I set my camera like your video showed for back button. Camera in manuel mode ? and lens manuel or auto. please need some help.
Thank you! I shoot in manual with auto iso. The lens should also be in autofocus.
Enjoyed very much seeing your work, Mark. Where is Stickmarsh in FL? Have you been to Wakodahatchee Wetlands near Boynton Beach, FL? It is a wonderful place to see many wading birds, especially during the winter and spring seasons.
I am glad you enjoyed the video. The Stick Marsh is located in Fellsmere Florida. If you use Google Maps and search for, "fellsmere grade recreation area" you should be able to get directions. I think all the Spoonbills might be gone from that location by now but I am not sure.
I have been to Wakodahatchee. It is an incredible place. I made a video on one of my visits.
ruclips.net/video/f6kJKXI9V5k/видео.html
Thanks very much, Mark. Perhaps I will visit Stick Marsh one day. BTW, do you recommend the combination of Nikon D500 and Nikkor 200 - 500mm lens? It seems working perfectly for BIF photography.
You are very welcome. The Stick Marsh in an interesting place lots of good stuff there. I highly recommend the D500 and the Nikkor 200-500mm. It is an excellent combo for birds. I have even gotten some really good macro shots with this combo too. I shot a bunch of water lilies that were too far out in the lake to get close to. As I zoomed in on the flower, a bee flew in. I got quite a few great shots of the bee in flight over the lily. I was very impressed. I hope to make a video of that. I have a lot of videos in the works. I will get to that one eventually!
Thanks very much, Mark, and I look forward to seeing many more of your very impressive videos. You made my day!
You are very welcome!
Really awesome video and I love your conversational style with it. I am really hoping to purchase this lens soon to pair with my D750. Sadly, I will have to deal with less reach than you but I still have high hopes for some wildlife, some aviation photography, and some moon shots. Cheers.
+Isaac Teal Thanks so much for the compliments. The 200 500 is a fantastic lens and should work well on the d750. Does the d750 have a crop mode?
It does! However, I am hesitant to use the crop mode. It doesn't appear to change anything from post process cropping... does it help with AF performance?
+Isaac Teal It won't help with the AF but will simulate the extended reach you would get from the crop sensor on the d500. I thought that was what you were referring to by not having as much reach. Not sure on the d750 but on the d810 you can custom assign buttons and dials to quickly switch back and forth between crop and full frame mode.
I'll have to look into that! The only benefit to keeping it in full frame mode would be to have a wider field if I were to suddenly need it, but if there is a way to switch between them swiftly it would be a good way to make it work.
+Isaac Teal On the d500 there is a crop mode. I have mine setup so I press a button and move the front dial to change from 1.3 crop back to the original crop sensor. I would imagine the d750 has something similar in the custom settings menu.
Awesome Clicks .sir can you suggest me which lens can more perfect for wildlife photography Nikon 200-500mm or tamron 150-600 mm?
I prefer the NIKON!
Mark Smith thank you sir
great work sir.sir u use auto iso. i have a Question that what your min and max iso in auto iso set up?
On the D500 I don't like to shoot over 2000 ISO with the 200-500.
As always great video. I have a 150-200m lens on my Nikon D7200 - what is the best distance from the birds to get these great shots. Often I am too far away thinking my zoom will capture the image and the shot is no good - yet your shots are so clear and detailed. Thx.
Thanks! I always get as close as I can. The closer the better!
Hey Mark... do you think the D7200 is good enough for getting bird shots including birds in flight? Is the D500 just way better or would better Nikon glass on the D7200 work? I have Sigma 150-500mm. Thanks.
Great job :)
Thanks
great video and thanks for all the info it helps a lot.
You are welcome and thanks for watching!
Maybe when you get a chance you can make a video with how you have set up your Nikon D500 if possible. Thanks
I am planning on making several shorter videos to highlight exactly how I have my D500 setup. This first will address how I setup and use the auto focus system.
I just uploaded the first of four videos showing how I setup my D500 for birds in flight. ruclips.net/video/MCI1tL-aHcE/видео.html
Great videos on how to set the D500 i got a better understanding also it will help me in the future when shooting sports. I have two questions for you on Adobe Lightroom after you tweak the photos and you want to save the ones you tweak how or if you want to take only those photos to print somewhere? If you can do a video on that will help. Again thank you for taking of your time to help others.
Which tripod is that? By the way, amazing shots¡
Thanks. I can't remember which tripod I was using then. I've upgrade since.
Mark Smith and which one are you using now?
I now use a Sirui with no center column and I love it.
Nice video, I wonder how you use exposure compensation in manual mode as I thought it works only in half-automatic mode. (A,S,P)
I have AUTO ISO on so it makes the adjustment there.
I am new to birding and like your channel very much. I'd like to know how to get to the dirt road near the Stick Marsh. Is it open 24/7?
I believe a good portion of it is open 24/7. I don't remember seeing any gates and I have been there at sunset. Just be very careful out there at night. There are tons of really big gators and lots of snakes. Here is a link to the area on google maps. www.google.com/maps/place/Fellsmere+Grade+Recreation+Area/@27.8018925,-80.7768889,12z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x88de70c7998f396d:0x511c9461774f82b3!2sFellsmere+Grade+Recreation+Area!8m2!3d27.8232533!4d-80.7081505!3m4!1s0x88de70c7998f396d:0x511c9461774f82b3!8m2!3d27.8232533!4d-80.7081505
Great video. Was the "gimbal head" you were using the Manfrotto 393 heavy lens support? If so, any impressions of it? I am soon purchasing a D500 and the 200-500 and am considering getting Manfrotto support as well.
+Matthew M. Thanks and yes it is the manfrotto support. I love it. It works great. It is a little large and a little heavy though.
Thanks very much for the info, I will have to add the Manfrotto support to my shopping list. All of your D500/200-500mm videos have been great. I have been saving up for some time to afford that combo and your videos have helped assure me it's the right choice.
Glad to be of help. The D500 and the 200-500 is an outstanding combo. You'll love it!
Great, just saw the gumbo thing. Now I have to buy one. LOL. Which tripod do you use?
Also, do you always use f5.6 with the 200-500 lens?
I'm not too sure on the tripod. It is an older Manfrotto carbon fiber I believe. Not the greatest and I'm in serious need of an upgrade.
No, I don't always use F5.6 but I do use it often. On this day, the sun was just rising and I believe I needed F5.6 to get a good exposure on most of the shots early in the morning. F5.6 is very sharp on this lens. I've had others tell me that it is not, but I disagree.
Mark Smith see email I just sent you.
Is this Stickmarsh location listed in your Florida birding ebook?
Yes it is!
Limkpin Park!
Ha ha! I see what you did there and I thought the same thing when I saw all of those Limpkins. I just didn't think anyone would get the reference!
Hi Mark. What focusing mode are you uysing? Group or how many focus points? Do you ever use 3D?
Thank you
+Patrick O'Sullivan I'm mostly using group and single point. I made a playlist showing how and why I set everything up. You can view it here, Nikon D500 Bird In Flight Setup: ruclips.net/p/PLwmt8qwjXqIficY71Q3jdyxqzTaZlryG8
hay mark would u suggest using a nikon F4 film camera for wild life photography if so what lens
I'm not too sure on either of those questions!
all good brother Ill speak to some wholesalers thanks anyway
love this video! why I'm not subscribing to you yet?
just subb'ed
Lol, you got me with all the blank space. Well done.
I wish it was easier for me to pull off a photo tour with you. I am all the way across the us. in Tacoma Wa.
I am coming out that way this summer looking for eagles!
Mark Smith I do not know about summer Eagles in the area? But I have heard of this.
www.skagiteagles.com/skagit-river-eagle-viewing/skagit-bald-eagle-photo.html
With my work schedule at nights I find it difficult finding time to do things I would like to.
For a couple of years now I've been wanting to do this River float for eagles.
Do you want to share the location? Thanks.
What type of metering do you use?
Depends, but 75% matrix, then spot or center weighted.
Mark Smith Thank you.
I am here in Florida for another month because just ruptured my achilles tendon
Oh no! That sounds painful. Can you still walk? If not, there are some locations in my book where you can drive.
Is just weird feeling it sounded like a loud Pop. I can walk but rather drive. I been to Viera Wetland already. I just purchased a nikon d7200 and nikon 200-500mm cant wait to test it
Wow! That sounds strange indeed! Good luck with your d7200 and the 200-500!