I don’t think the importance of good light and distance can be overstated, for birds. This is probably the best 16 minutes of advice for bird photography on RUclips. Well done. :)
I’ve watched a lot of photography RUclips videos over the years but this channel is probably the most down to earth, honest, and informative I’ve yet to watch. Great stuff!
In my experience nothing beats distance (that is getting closer to your subject) even with long glass 600mm being closer is the best. Two main reasons: atmospheric conditions are reduced and you keep more pixels on the subject. I have now made a conscious decision to only go for photo-safaris in places where the wildlife is closer or just shoot more environmental portraits if the wildlife is far.
Dimitris, totally agree and that is always the challenge with birding, getting the bird big enough in the frame if you are not doing habitat shots. Cheers, Duade
I actually love overcast days, the light is even and I don’t get harsh shadows. Post processing plays an huge roll when dealing with pictures taken on those days.
Great point Frank, yes, light clouds make a lovely diffuser in the sky and I agree for certain species clouds work much better. You also have the benefit that you can shoot all day. Cheers, Duade
I can totally relate. The Canon 400 mm F5.6 is just a wonderful lens. I had the same sharpness issue with my old 70-300 and the change to the 400 was massive. You can still take great pictures with a cheap lens if the conditions are right, but they’ll never be as sharp, they won’t have that definition and that soft and out of focus background. The feeling you get when you finally see that quality in your own images... Great video, as always!
One of the terrific things you do is display your less than sharp photos.... I've gotten similar shot and then in better light gotten sharper quality. But a lot of folks starting off don't understand that - so you are doing a great service to show how the quality was when you started with a certain lens and how things improved greatly with the better lens!!!!!! Thanks!!!!
Duade, you said it all in one caption- A bad image cannot made good, but a good image can be made better. Fabulous. Enjoyed the video. Love your teacher skills. Thank you very much. JP, India.
Excellent tutorial for newcomers to bird photography. So many people keep dreaming about expensive gear, with out realising that they can get brilliant results with affordable gear .
Duade, you really stepped up your game with this video. Reading between the lines - with a 13yr old camera and 20yr old lens plus your Picture Taking Techniques we too should be able to take stunning pictures. Thanks
I have seen so many videos online about bird photography, but I must say this one is the best . Simple steps which are ignored and also being honest when it comes to lens requirement. I have just drifted to bird photography and you have answered all my questions.Thank you
Excellent, straight to the point film, typical of Australian/Kiwi's! Well done!! For what it's worth, have gone to the dark side, from Canon to MF3's - Panasonic G85, then GH5 - and am loving this system!! The 2 X crop factor for reaching wildlife, image stabilisation, the compact size,, and reduced cost of camera and lenses. Plus the image quality is right up there, or I wouldn't use them! However as you say most cameras these days produce great results. Keep up the great work!!
Baz, thanks for the feedback, great to hear you are enjoying the MF3's, I would love to get hold of a system to test for myself. The weight of mirrorless is incredible and when I was walking around with the R6 RF100-500 combo it really was enjoyable. Cheers, Duade
Agree 100%. I shoot birds with a G9ii (excellent autofocus) and the 50-200mm (very sharp!) and 100-400mm (huge reach) G Vario lenses and get really good results. Everyone complains about M4/3 and noise, but with the new noise reduction tools available it's a total non-issue now. If you can afford the big Canon/Nikon/Sony glass (which I certainly can't) then an Micro 4/3 system is a worthy alternative.
Ironically, I made the same mistake with the exact same 70-200mm and teleconverter and came to the conclusion my images were just too soft. Ended up reselling them and basically getting what I paid for them back and invested in the Sigma 60-600mm. Only used it a couple of times so far as it's still super new to me but I've loved every second! I've been watching a bunch of your videos lately and they've been so incredibly helpful!
What was very valuable to me in this presentation was your comparing an ISO ceiling of a 7D (at 1600, but preferably 800) to today's cameras. (Also, being able to shoot as slow as 1/60 if circumstances allow). I'm new at photography, and purchased a 7D as my entry level camera. I was quite confused why my image quality was often poor following advise offered that was geared to more modern higher performing cameras. Your video bridged that gap for me. Thank you kindly.
It is my pleasure Dennis, when I had the 7D I rarely went pas ISO800 and ISO1600 if I had too. I am unsure if you have tried DXO Pure RAW to reduce noise but it is worth trying on your files first. You can get at trial via this link, Cheers, Duade tidd.ly/3hH0Kta
I actually have a really nice camera, the Canon R5 and a good budget lens, the Sigma 150-600, yet still, everything you mentioned just makes all the difference in the world, with IQ ! Great video as usual 🙂 👍
Mate, I discovered your channel yesterday & Im so glad that RUclips suggested you to me! The way you approach your audience is just brilliant.... Im off to watch my 6th video of yours! Great Stuff!
Beautifully orchestrated calm teaching, Serendipity to find you, thank you for your brightness Duade. .I'm staying. [ps. the need for advancing my visual instruments as ecologist got me here]~ Cape-SA
That was the most accurate description of actually getting good wildlife photos that I've ever heard. You communicate your ideas very well. I truly appriciate your RUclips channel. I wish you much success.
Duade you and Simon d’Entremont from eastern Canada are two of the best photography RUclipsrs out there. So much easy to understand content. I got much from this video. Thank you.
I just got myself a very low shutter count Nikon D300s. I have since watched countless videos where ppl were showing yo how to get sharper images. The prblem with that is, they ALL HAD either L series lenses, or Nikon equivelant pro lenses. Sir, you are the first to say just how important good lenses are when it comes to bird and wildlife photography. And Im sure this applies to any photography. I thank you for the informative video sir.
As always, a very good video I always say that a good lens is an investment,, a camera body is only a consumable. What a wonderful country we live in to have such beautiful birds.
I have to say I'm really glad that finaly I could hear that using photoshop is not as much of a sin. (I also use Lightroom) But I always just had this itch that I should just make the good photo not 'fix' it in photoshop and this really helped. Along with other advices. Thank you.
Another ripper video Duade, well done, strewth mate, where were you 5 years ago! All jokes aside anybody new to bird photography could do no better than spend a couple of entertaining hours on your youtube channel and go out there and make stunning images putting your tips and advice into practice. I bow my hat to you for doing these, highly recommended, you have a fabulous presentation to your clips to that i am sure people will be able to follow.and enjoy. Great work
Black-browed Albatross I think. The Sony 100-400mm works for birds as well and still does good IQ with a 1.4xTC. In the Nikon world, the 500mm PF is great with a crop sensor, is light and sharp and price-wise sits between the 200-500 and big primes. Re IQ, I would add composition and moment. Both help make a photo that's engaging. Reference the yawn on your Pacific Black Duck or your Kookaburra with bug.
Greetings from the US. As a novice wildlife photographer I very much enjoy your channel and find your tutorials comprehensive and easy to understand. Thanks!
Excellent pointers Duade. For someone like me who is a amateur hobbyist, equipment beyond a certain point would no longer add to what I have the skills or time to accomplish. Better to put the $ towards travel and photography excursions. If you are just a few years in like me, I also highly recommend investing in a few excisions with professional groups. Your output IQ will thank you.
A lot of work must have gone into this video Duade which you should be congratulated on. Lots of helpful content which I really appreciate. Looks like I need to buy a hide as I am just not getting closer enough to get the quality I want even with a 500mm Prime with a 1.4x. Keep up the videos as they are some of the best photograph videos on RUclips. All the best, Steven
Hi,I recently bought 40d ,2886 actuations ,100 euros, like new .With this camera I can get fantastic bird photos with ef 400mm Do ll in good light.You have always to go near and have recently light. That is a problem in Finlands dark winters with 5 hours sunshine -you have to photograph always in the middle of the day.On the other hand I have got fantastic photos with my R6 and RF 600mm f11 in ambient light.
I love watching your video.For me if I can buy this camera is amazing to have this kind of camere I know this is very expensive .All I have to do now is still watching you.Thank you for sharing I really inspired.
I live in the UK where the l8ght is very hit and miss. I am a newbie to bird photography with a limited budget but I am prepared to hire a lens for special occasions. I stumbled on your youtube channel and i think it is fab and just right for me. Thank you.
When I started out I thought it was because my gear was too cheap and causing the problems with my images, then I learnt it was me. Thankfully before I spent a fortune. Great video.
I used the Sigma 150-600C and Tamron 100-400 Di VC (both EF mounts) and was quite happy with my bird photos. But I recently sold them to buy the RF 100-500, and the difference is striking. No issues with AF pulsing, exquisitely responsive dual focus motors, and breathtaking image qualty.
You are so right about the 6 facts for good quality images. My belief is that other than the wildlife shooting technique, understand the camera gears are equally important. I often used the fastest shuttle speed to take wildlife shots on 5D4 without over ISO 3200, maximum 6400. However, this rule can become 6400-12800 on R5. Thanks for the excellent tutorial video on light vs ISO and Tv. I also have more success BIF on x1.4 III than x2.0 tele-converter with EF 100-400 II.
I echo some of the comments below. While (I thought) I knew some of the concepts here, this is a brilliant video of what really affects image quality. 2 really standout for me: 1. The part about using hides, perches etc to get close and not randomly walking through the area for chance opportunities. I have done this too much and haven't gotten anywhere! 2. The one on Post-processing struck home - I never thought of it that way, since I disliked photographers changing the photo too much, but didn't realize that you *can* show your vision of the photo with some help from technology. Subscribing to your channel without any hesitation. Thanks again for the extremely valuable information!
I just came across this video. Thanks for sharing your information. I am on a limited budget, love photography, and you hammer home a reminder of how to get better photos. I am guilty of looking at my photos and they are sometimes poor quality. Most of the time it is due to me not getting enough light, taking a photo of a small object a great distance away, and wondering what I am doing wrong. Simple answers and reminders., Thank you.
Paul, thanks for the feedback, it is great that you can reflect on your own images and understand what is happening, this is the best way to learn and grow. Good luck, Cheers, Duade
Very good explanation of image quality and easy to understand. It's information that I already know but sometimes forget about when in the field. Thanks for reminding me to take my time and use my equipment to it's best advantage. Also great lighting is a must have for a great image.
Thanks Duade great video as usual. Another free important part of getting better image with the gear you have is to figure out what image makes you happy- i think your Red-capped Robin is the perfect example- my priority is behaviour and surrounding, so to me the first image would be my highlight- i remember the first time you featured these and it was a major break into my venture into bird photo, once i understood what I was trying to accomplish.
Jean-françois, a fantastic point and I should have mentioned it. You are completely right, the process and enjoyment is very important and you can take wonderful images and have a very rewarding experience even if the image quality isn't amazing. Cheers, Duade
Another super clear instructive vlog there Duade as well as taking on board your tips would love to have the finance to afford the gear that gives you those stunning shots, till then though will just keep plugging away with the " economy kit" ! 👍
Another excellent instructional video -- well-organized and straightforward. I especially like when you show the RAW file and then it transitions to the finished product -- a powerful technique!
Brilliant video with clear instructions and real-life examples. Am an enthusiastic FujiFilm X-E2s shooter with a Fuji XF 55-200 mm lens as my main lens for bird photography. I practice by shooting those birds which are commonly seen at the backyard. Every point you had emphasised in this video is so relevant to me. Thanks very much for spreading the knowledge. Subscribed 👍
I shoot with a Sony a6400 and Sigma 150-600 lens. Sometimes you have to take the shot, even if settings aren't ideal, and hope you can pull it out in post. For instance, I've been chasing a red-headed woodpecker for years (not any one in particular, just ANY of them!). They are becoming more rare, so when I saw one hanging off a slash pine, in shade, and very far away, I didn't hesitate. I took pictures at 600mm, and then I threw in Sony's digital zoom (which is as good as they say), and hoped for the best. Even though it's heavily cropped, I managed to get amazing detail and color in post with the help of PS, Topaz DeNoise, and Luminar. It's still a favorite photo months later. :) The upshot? Buy the best equipment you can afford, keep shooting, and don't give up! The resulting photos can sometimes astound you.
UAU! This is the best content that I saw in the last 10 years! In only 16 minutes I learn more than the last 1 month of research. I have no doubt about subscribing to your channel. Thank you a ton!
@@Duade once again thank you because I not study photography yet but you are my teacher in birds photography, I am from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 just in case you need anything from us
New to channel and photography as well. I love seeing the birds in back yard but most coming thru in spring and fall, I have no idea what they are. What better time to learn both. Much appreciation for your willingness to share your knowledge and experience with us. I appreciate how you show comparisons. For me, it allows my old brain to comprehend a bit at a time, what you are explaining. TY from New England 🇺🇸
Great video Duade. I would just add as part or getting closer, to study the behaviour of the birds. For example Grey fantails often return to the same perch after chasing insects. A rose robin I observed one time cycled through his territory 3 times, returning through the same area so I could wait for him. Everything else is great, especially the advice about good lenses.
@@Duade also don’t pack the gear away until you get to your car. The bird you did not find in the bush might be next to your car in the car park. How do I know this ? 🙂
Great video thank you. The availability of light is so underrated. I’m guilty of wasting clicks on things I should know will turn out poor. The desire to shoot outweighs my sensibility about light often. In those moments I feel I should be examining and planning my surroundings rather than actively shooting. Waiting for good light and visualizing what I’m after before it arrives... that’s the key. Great video.
Thanks Garnett, yes, the light is very important for sure however I think the process of birding and taking photos is very enjoyable also even if the end result is not quite what we want. Cheers, Duade
To be honest this video motivate me that I am doing good with my rf 100-400 usm f5.6 to 8, earlier i was really upset with small birds photo details, but now i can understand my photos are not really so bad. Thank you so much for this video, Now I will practice more happily 😊
Great advice as usual. I have an old 60D and the 400f5.6 lens. Great images when i get the right light and a good exposure..yes, i would love a 500mm, but i still make do with the 400, just need to get a bit closer if the bird lets me. Live your work duade.😀
My favourite thing about your channel is its accessibility to people with cheaper budgets and cameras. Thanks for the tips!
Danny, my pleasure, have fun with your birding, Cheers, Duade
@@Duade glad I found your channel. Once this GT3/4 car racing season starts back up in April going to put what I’ve learned to use
I don’t think the importance of good light and distance can be overstated, for birds.
This is probably the best 16 minutes of advice for bird photography on RUclips. Well done. :)
Thanks Tom, I appreciate the feedback and I am glad you found it helpful, Cheers, Duade
I’ve watched a lot of photography RUclips videos over the years but this channel is probably the most down to earth, honest, and informative I’ve yet to watch. Great stuff!
Thanks Sean, such lovely feedback and I really appreciate it, welcome to the channel. Cheers, Duade
100%
I am so glad that somebody is talking about image quality in terms other than mega pixels
It's good to hear a photograph talking about photography instead of reviewers talking about gear they haven't used properly.
Thanks Jesse, one of the reasons I wanted to make this video was to highlight the camera is only one part of the puzzle. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Rodrigo, I am happy to share my experiences. Cheers, Duade
One of the best bird photography channels on you tube ! thankyou Duade !
Glenn, you are too kind, Cheers, Duade
True!
Yep this video is what all new wildlife photographers need to see, I don't need to add anymore comment because you nailed it all.
and thank you, I hope people find it helpful. Cheers, Duade
In my experience nothing beats distance (that is getting closer to your subject) even with long glass 600mm being closer is the best. Two main reasons: atmospheric conditions are reduced and you keep more pixels on the subject. I have now made a conscious decision to only go for photo-safaris in places where the wildlife is closer or just shoot more environmental portraits if the wildlife is far.
Dimitris, totally agree and that is always the challenge with birding, getting the bird big enough in the frame if you are not doing habitat shots. Cheers, Duade
I actually love overcast days, the light is even and I don’t get harsh shadows. Post processing plays an huge roll when dealing with pictures taken on those days.
Great point Frank, yes, light clouds make a lovely diffuser in the sky and I agree for certain species clouds work much better. You also have the benefit that you can shoot all day. Cheers, Duade
As a fairly new wildlife photographer, I really appreciated this video Duade, you have a nice friendly accessible teaching style.
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade
I can totally relate. The Canon 400 mm F5.6 is just a wonderful lens. I had the same sharpness issue with my old 70-300 and the change to the 400 was massive. You can still take great pictures with a cheap lens if the conditions are right, but they’ll never be as sharp, they won’t have that definition and that soft and out of focus background. The feeling you get when you finally see that quality in your own images...
Great video, as always!
Thanks Fernando, sounds like we had similar experiences, great to hear the lens is performing well for you. Cheers, Duade 👍
One of the terrific things you do is display your less than sharp photos.... I've gotten similar shot and then in better light gotten sharper quality. But a lot of folks starting off don't understand that - so you are doing a great service to show how the quality was when you started with a certain lens and how things improved greatly with the better lens!!!!!! Thanks!!!!
Thanks Burt, it is my pleasure, the quality of light is very important. Cheers, Duade
Duade, you said it all in one caption- A bad image cannot made good, but a good image can be made better. Fabulous. Enjoyed the video. Love your teacher skills. Thank you very much. JP, India.
Thanks Jai, very true, Cheers, Duade
Excellent tutorial for newcomers to bird photography. So many people keep dreaming about expensive gear, with out realising that they can get brilliant results with affordable gear .
I totally agree and thanks for the comment. Cheers, Duade
Duade, you really stepped up your game with this video. Reading between the lines - with a 13yr old camera and 20yr old lens plus your Picture Taking Techniques we too should be able to take stunning pictures. Thanks
JH, thank you, yes, its possible, just a little more difficult. Cheers, Duade
I have seen so many videos online about bird photography, but I must say this one is the best . Simple steps which are ignored and also being honest when it comes to lens requirement. I have just drifted to bird photography and you have answered all my questions.Thank you
Harish, thank you for your feedback and I am glad you found the videos helpful. Good luck with your birding, Cheers, Duade
Excellent, straight to the point film, typical of Australian/Kiwi's! Well done!! For what it's worth, have gone to the dark side, from Canon to MF3's - Panasonic G85, then GH5 - and am loving this system!! The 2 X crop factor for reaching wildlife, image stabilisation, the compact size,, and reduced cost of camera and lenses. Plus the image quality is right up there, or I wouldn't use them! However as you say most cameras these days produce great results. Keep up the great work!!
Baz, thanks for the feedback, great to hear you are enjoying the MF3's, I would love to get hold of a system to test for myself. The weight of mirrorless is incredible and when I was walking around with the R6 RF100-500 combo it really was enjoyable. Cheers, Duade
Agree 100%. I shoot birds with a G9ii (excellent autofocus) and the 50-200mm (very sharp!) and 100-400mm (huge reach) G Vario lenses and get really good results.
Everyone complains about M4/3 and noise, but with the new noise reduction tools available it's a total non-issue now.
If you can afford the big Canon/Nikon/Sony glass (which I certainly can't) then an Micro 4/3 system is a worthy alternative.
For a budding shutter bug this is by far one of the best videos I’ve seen yet. Thanks so much.
Thanks Gene, I'm glad it was helpful, Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade. i have watched this video twice and heard more as I watched more. Everything makes great photo fun sense to me.
That is great to hear Ian, glad to hear the video has been helpful, Cheers, Duade
and those 3 things /light/distance/exposure must be thought about every time we go outside anad shoot.well done sir.
Thank you, yes I agree with you. Cheers, Duade
Ironically, I made the same mistake with the exact same 70-200mm and teleconverter and came to the conclusion my images were just too soft. Ended up reselling them and basically getting what I paid for them back and invested in the Sigma 60-600mm. Only used it a couple of times so far as it's still super new to me but I've loved every second!
I've been watching a bunch of your videos lately and they've been so incredibly helpful!
Very well described.. Thankyou 😊👍
Manash, thanks for the comment and the ongoing support, Cheers, Duade
Great points. Excellent segment.
Thanks Scooter, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade
16 plus minutes of great info and pic samples. Great job
George, thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
What was very valuable to me in this presentation was your comparing an ISO ceiling of a 7D (at 1600, but preferably 800) to today's cameras. (Also, being able to shoot as slow as 1/60 if circumstances allow). I'm new at photography, and purchased a 7D as my entry level camera. I was quite confused why my image quality was often poor following advise offered that was geared to more modern higher performing cameras. Your video bridged that gap for me. Thank you kindly.
It is my pleasure Dennis, when I had the 7D I rarely went pas ISO800 and ISO1600 if I had too. I am unsure if you have tried DXO Pure RAW to reduce noise but it is worth trying on your files first. You can get at trial via this link, Cheers, Duade tidd.ly/3hH0Kta
I actually have a really nice camera, the Canon R5 and a good budget lens, the Sigma 150-600, yet still, everything you mentioned just makes all the difference in the world, with IQ ! Great video as usual 🙂 👍
Thanks Chris, yes, all these things help for sure, Cheers, Duade
Mate, I discovered your channel yesterday & Im so glad that RUclips suggested you to me!
The way you approach your audience is just brilliant.... Im off to watch my 6th video of yours!
Great
Stuff!
Scott, I appreciate the feedback, I suspect you will be getting sick of my voice by now :-)
Beautifully orchestrated calm teaching, Serendipity to find you, thank you for your brightness Duade. .I'm staying. [ps. the need for advancing my visual instruments as ecologist got me here]~ Cape-SA
Thank you for the feedback, I am happy you found it helpful. Cheers, Duade
That was the most accurate description of actually getting good wildlife photos that I've ever heard. You communicate your ideas very well. I truly appriciate your RUclips channel. I wish you much success.
Thanks Paul, I really appreciate the feedback I am glad you found it helpful, Cheers, Duade
Love your channel Duade, your videos are so practical and can actually save people money.
Thanks Gordon, glad you find them helpful, Cheers, Duade
After 2 years, your video is still quite valuable to a beginner to Bird Photography like myself. Thank you for making it 🙏👍🙏👍🙏
Glad it was helpful!
Loved that academic yet easy to understand discussion👍
Thanks again, glad you are finding the videos helpful, Cheers, Duade
OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL TIPS
Duade you and Simon d’Entremont from eastern Canada are two of the best photography RUclipsrs out there. So much easy to understand content. I got much from this video. Thank you.
I just got myself a very low shutter count Nikon D300s. I have since watched countless videos where ppl were showing yo how to get sharper images. The prblem with that is, they ALL HAD either L series lenses, or Nikon equivelant pro lenses. Sir, you are the first to say just how important good lenses are when it comes to bird and wildlife photography. And Im sure this applies to any photography. I thank you for the informative video sir.
Congrats on the new camera Cedric and thank you for the feedback. Cheers, Duade 👍
Totally agree with what you are saying. The lens over the body rest will come, Thumbs up to you 👍
Thanks Darrell, Cheers, Duade 👍
Great tips. Especially about exposure and noise 🎯
Ajay, glad it was helpful, Cheers, Duade
As always, a very good video
I always say that a good lens is an investment,, a camera body is only a consumable.
What a wonderful country we live in to have such beautiful birds.
Stephan, what fantastic advice and I totally agree. I am on my 4th camera with my 500 f4 and I have had my 400 5.6 for 10 years almost. Cheers, Duade
Very well presented video.... Fundamentals explained very clearly.... Very less content like this on RUclips... Big thumbs up
I have to say I'm really glad that finaly I could hear that using photoshop is not as much of a sin. (I also use Lightroom) But I always just had this itch that I should just make the good photo not 'fix' it in photoshop and this really helped. Along with other advices. Thank you.
It is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade 👍
Another ripper video Duade, well done, strewth mate, where were you 5 years ago!
All jokes aside anybody new to bird photography could do no better than spend a couple of entertaining hours on your youtube channel and go out there and make stunning images putting your tips and advice into practice.
I bow my hat to you for doing these, highly recommended, you have a fabulous presentation to your clips to that i am sure people will be able to follow.and enjoy.
Great work
I was probably out photographing birds somewhere :-) Thanks again for the ongoing support, I appreciate it. Cheers, Duade
Black-browed Albatross I think.
The Sony 100-400mm works for birds as well and still does good IQ with a 1.4xTC.
In the Nikon world, the 500mm PF is great with a crop sensor, is light and sharp and price-wise sits between the 200-500 and big primes.
Re IQ, I would add composition and moment. Both help make a photo that's engaging. Reference the yawn on your Pacific Black Duck or your Kookaburra with bug.
Thanks Ern, I completely agree with you, once you get the basics of IQ behaviour and capturing moments is my goal. Cheers, Duade
Greetings from the US. As a novice wildlife photographer I very much enjoy your channel and find your tutorials comprehensive and easy to understand. Thanks!
Great to hear Dan, glad you find the videos helpful, Cheers, Duade
That sacred kingfisher shot was great..... good content as always... keep it up man👍.
Thanks Arya, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade
At 3:10 I actually like the white background better.. it looks plenty sharp and white is cleaner looking than brown.. both are nice.
Excellent pointers Duade. For someone like me who is a amateur hobbyist, equipment beyond a certain point would no longer add to what I have the skills or time to accomplish. Better to put the $ towards travel and photography excursions.
If you are just a few years in like me, I also highly recommend investing in a few excisions with professional groups. Your output IQ will thank you.
Kalyan, great point, you often have to travel to find the birds that will allow good shots. Cheers, Duade
Great tips. You are a pro videographer, Duade!
Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
A lot of work must have gone into this video Duade which you should be congratulated on. Lots of helpful content which I really appreciate. Looks like I need to buy a hide as I am just not getting closer enough to get the quality I want even with a 500mm Prime with a 1.4x. Keep up the videos as they are some of the best photograph videos on RUclips. All the best, Steven
Thanks Steven, yes, getting close it the hardest thing but makes the biggest difference. Good luck, Cheers, Duade
Great thank you. I always find myself coming back to your channel.
Great to hear you are enjoying the channel, Cheers, Duade
Hi,I recently bought 40d ,2886 actuations ,100 euros, like new .With this camera I can get fantastic bird photos with ef 400mm Do ll in good light.You have always to go near and have recently light. That is a problem in Finlands dark winters with 5 hours sunshine -you have to photograph always in the middle of the day.On the other hand I have got fantastic photos with my R6 and RF 600mm f11 in ambient light.
Gday Erkki, yes the 40D is a fun old camera to use and I'm glad to hear you are enjoying it. Sounds like you have a lot of options. Cheers, Duade
Hi excellent advice, thanks for sharing Best Regards Tim
Thanks Tim, I appreciate the comment, Cheers, Duade
I love watching your video.For me if I can buy this camera is amazing to have this kind of camere I know this is very expensive .All I have to do now is still watching you.Thank you for sharing I really inspired.
thanks for your comment, I'm glad you are enjoying the videos, Cheers, Duade
Know your lens! Sometimes a simple aperture adjustment as closing down from wide open to 1/3-1stop can greatly improve the details.
Thanks Craig, totally agree, many older lenses improve a lot when stopping down. Cheers, Duade
I live in the UK where the l8ght is very hit and miss. I am a newbie to bird photography with a limited budget but I am prepared to hire a lens for special occasions. I stumbled on your youtube channel and i think it is fab and just right for me. Thank you.
Thank you so much Duade
, my pleasure, cheers, Duade
When I started out I thought it was because my gear was too cheap and causing the problems with my images, then I learnt it was me. Thankfully before I spent a fortune. Great video.
Great to hear Bob, Cheers, Duade
Excellent presentation. Simple for the enthusiast.
Clyde, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
I used the Sigma 150-600C and Tamron 100-400 Di VC (both EF mounts) and was quite happy with my bird photos. But I recently sold them to buy the RF 100-500, and the difference is striking. No issues with AF pulsing, exquisitely responsive dual focus motors, and breathtaking image qualty.
Totally agree, if you can afford it the Rf100-500 is simply stunning. Cheers, Duade 👍
You are so right about the 6 facts for good quality images. My belief is that other than the wildlife shooting technique, understand the camera gears are equally important. I often used the fastest shuttle speed to take wildlife shots on 5D4 without over ISO 3200, maximum 6400. However, this rule can become 6400-12800 on R5. Thanks for the excellent tutorial video on light vs ISO and Tv. I also have more success BIF on x1.4 III than x2.0 tele-converter with EF 100-400 II.
Thanks Scott, I agree with everything you are saying. Cheers, Duade 👍
I echo some of the comments below. While (I thought) I knew some of the concepts here, this is a brilliant video of what really affects image quality. 2 really standout for me:
1. The part about using hides, perches etc to get close and not randomly walking through the area for chance opportunities. I have done this too much and haven't gotten anywhere!
2. The one on Post-processing struck home - I never thought of it that way, since I disliked photographers changing the photo too much, but didn't realize that you *can* show your vision of the photo with some help from technology.
Subscribing to your channel without any hesitation. Thanks again for the extremely valuable information!
Welcome to the channel and thank you for the detailed comment. Cheers, Duade 👍
I only shoot in JPEG. The pictures are good for me. I don’t want a part time job editing my photos. Great video. ❤❤❤
I just came across this video. Thanks for sharing your information. I am on a limited budget, love photography, and you hammer home a reminder of how to get better photos. I am guilty of looking at my photos and they are sometimes poor quality. Most of the time it is due to me not getting enough light, taking a photo of a small object a great distance away, and wondering what I am doing wrong. Simple answers and reminders., Thank you.
Paul, thanks for the feedback, it is great that you can reflect on your own images and understand what is happening, this is the best way to learn and grow. Good luck, Cheers, Duade
Very good explanation of image quality and easy to understand. It's information that I already know but sometimes forget about when in the field. Thanks for reminding me to take my time and use my equipment to it's best advantage. Also great lighting is a must have for a great image.
Thanks Gary, I couldn't agree more, light is the key, Cheers, Duade
Nice job, i like to see your edition in any capture, thanks for tour time 👏👏👏
Thanks for the feedback, I am happy to hear you are enjoying the content, Cheers, Duade
Duade:
Gracias por compartir conocimientos. Excelentes consejos.
Thank you, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for the teaching...really enjoyed this video. Please keep them coming.
Thanks Cesar, glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the ongoing support. Cheers, Duade
Great video!
Thank you, Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade great video as usual. Another free important part of getting better image with the gear you have is to figure out what image makes you happy- i think your Red-capped Robin is the perfect example- my priority is behaviour and surrounding, so to me the first image would be my highlight- i remember the first time you featured these and it was a major break into my venture into bird photo, once i understood what I was trying to accomplish.
Jean-françois, a fantastic point and I should have mentioned it. You are completely right, the process and enjoyment is very important and you can take wonderful images and have a very rewarding experience even if the image quality isn't amazing. Cheers, Duade
Great shots and very useful and practical advice here
I'm glad it was useful, Cheers, Duade
Duade your ability to explain the situation and tips is fantastic, very informative with great content mate keep up the great work
Thanks Keith, glad to hear you are enjoying the videos and finding them helpful, Cheers, Duade
Adding a #7 to your list... Stability. Tripods and Monopods do wonders for keeper rate, especially when dumbing down exposure.
Thanks Ruuben, yes, stability can be important with heavier lenses or when using lower shutter speeds. Cheers, Duade
Another super clear instructive vlog there Duade as well as taking on board your tips would love to have the finance to afford the gear that gives you those stunning shots, till then though will just keep plugging away with the " economy kit" ! 👍
Thanks Glenn, great to hear you are making the most of your economy kit. Sounds like you enjoy photography which is the main thing. Cheers, Duade 👍
Another excellent instructional video -- well-organized and straightforward. I especially like when you show the RAW file and then it transitions to the finished product -- a powerful technique!
Thanks Tenrec, and thanks for the ongoing support, Cheers, Duade
Merci!
Thank you, I appreciate the support, Cheers, Duade
Amazing video! Thank you! I used to see those Sacred Kingfishers when I lived in Tonga (or at least a Kingfisher that looked very similar).
I'm not sure they are in Tonga but the species they have would be very similar. Fantastic birds, Cheers, Duade
Very good vid, thank you!
Thanks Tommy, Cheers, Duade
Excellent Duade, thank you.
G'day, my pleasure, thanks for the support. Cheers, Duade 👍
So dang clear. Well organized, so easy to understand and well illustrated. Fantastic video.
Thanks Matt, I appreciate the feedback. Cheers, Duade 👍
Absolutely excellent video as always Duane
Thanks Mick, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade
Fantastic video for anyone who likes to understand and learn more about bird photography. Very genuine and loaded with information.
Raghunath, thank you for your feedback, Cheers, Duade
I have enjoyed discovering your videos. They are always well done and informative. Thanks for sharing.
Thomas, great to hear you are enjoying the videos, Cheers, Duade
Great tips for us beginners. Thank you!
It is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Brilliant video with clear instructions and real-life examples. Am an enthusiastic FujiFilm X-E2s shooter with a Fuji XF 55-200 mm lens as my main lens for bird photography. I practice by shooting those birds which are commonly seen at the backyard. Every point you had emphasised in this video is so relevant to me. Thanks very much for spreading the knowledge. Subscribed 👍
Thanks Sathish, great to hear you are into bird photography, it really is a wonderful hobby. Cheers, Duade
Enjoyed it very much, very simple and crisp instructions....keep it coming
Anand, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Precious Tips Duade!! Cheers
Thanks Miguel, Cheers, Duade 👍
Hello Friend how are you?. What great tips, I will surely put them into practice. Big hug from Buenos Aires.
and thanks for your comment, I'm doing well, I hope all is well in your beautiful country. Cheers, Duade
I shoot with a Sony a6400 and Sigma 150-600 lens. Sometimes you have to take the shot, even if settings aren't ideal, and hope you can pull it out in post. For instance, I've been chasing a red-headed woodpecker for years (not any one in particular, just ANY of them!). They are becoming more rare, so when I saw one hanging off a slash pine, in shade, and very far away, I didn't hesitate. I took pictures at 600mm, and then I threw in Sony's digital zoom (which is as good as they say), and hoped for the best. Even though it's heavily cropped, I managed to get amazing detail and color in post with the help of PS, Topaz DeNoise, and Luminar. It's still a favorite photo months later. :) The upshot? Buy the best equipment you can afford, keep shooting, and don't give up! The resulting photos can sometimes astound you.
Theo, great advice and I agree with you, better to take the shot then miss it, hopefully one day you get an opportunity to improve it. Cheers, Duade
Very useful knowledge! Thanks for your guidance!
UAU! This is the best content that I saw in the last 10 years! In only 16 minutes I learn more than the last 1 month of research. I have no doubt about subscribing to your channel. Thank you a ton!
Thank you, you are too kind, I'm glad you found the video helpful. Cheers, Duade 👍
Just amazing the way you make it to share knowledge with other, humble man, I always graceful of your channel
Thanks Juan, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade
@@Duade once again thank you because I not study photography yet but you are my teacher in birds photography, I am from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 just in case you need anything from us
@@juanramoncolonmorales9489 Thanks Juan, I would love to visit your area one day. Cheers, Duade
Very informative video Duade.
Thanks mate, I learnt from the best. Cheers, Duade
Really a great video, thanks! That 500 f4 II is really a fantastic lens, especially in the hands of a great shooter.
Yes, the 500 has served me very well over the years, Cheers, Duade
New to channel and photography as well. I love seeing the birds in back yard but most coming thru in spring and fall, I have no idea what they are. What better time to learn both. Much appreciation for your willingness to share your knowledge and experience with us. I appreciate how you show comparisons. For me, it allows my old brain to comprehend a bit at a time, what you are explaining. TY from New England 🇺🇸
Bird Lady :-) I am happy to hear you found the channel and you are getting into birds, it really is a wonderful hobby. Cheers, Duade
Great video Duade. I would just add as part or getting closer, to study the behaviour of the birds. For example Grey fantails often return to the same perch after chasing insects. A rose robin I observed one time cycled through his territory 3 times, returning through the same area so I could wait for him. Everything else is great, especially the advice about good lenses.
G'day Lachlan, great advice and a great way to get close. Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade 👍
@@Duade also don’t pack the gear away until you get to your car. The bird you did not find in the bush might be next to your car in the car park. How do I know this ? 🙂
@@lachlangraham1062 Lol, great advice, I too have had that problem, I often leave the camera on the passenger seat now for that reason :-)
Great video thank you. The availability of light is so underrated. I’m guilty of wasting clicks on things I should know will turn out poor. The desire to shoot outweighs my sensibility about light often. In those moments I feel I should be examining and planning my surroundings rather than actively shooting. Waiting for good light and visualizing what I’m after before it arrives... that’s the key. Great video.
Thanks Garnett, yes, the light is very important for sure however I think the process of birding and taking photos is very enjoyable also even if the end result is not quite what we want. Cheers, Duade
To be honest this video motivate me that I am doing good with my rf 100-400 usm f5.6 to 8, earlier i was really upset with small birds photo details, but now i can understand my photos are not really so bad. Thank you so much for this video, Now I will practice more happily 😊
Great to hear!
Rented that 400 5.6 many times, awesome lens
Hi Stephen, yes, for an old lens it really is sharp. Cheers, Duade
Very nice video Duade.
Thank you, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for sharing!. It was once again educative and helpful.
Mustafa, great to hear, Cheers, Duade
Great advice as usual.
I have an old 60D and the 400f5.6 lens.
Great images when i get the right light and a good exposure..yes, i would love a 500mm, but i still make do with the 400, just need to get a bit closer if the bird lets me. Live your work duade.😀
Thanks Darren, I appreciate the ongoing support, Cheers, Duade
Very practical inputs 🙏🙏🙏