I am a professional wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. I love what I do and I am passionate about anything outdoor photography or travel related. I've traveled all over the world and have visited and spent time in 74 different countries. My videos are a mix of how-to, teaching of photography techniques, and showcasing wonderful places or good photography equipment which I believe in. I also test out new (and some older tried and true) gear and I make all sorts of recommendations for getting better photos.
Super video and very informative , one question about the ambient light , with the Sony 200-600mm being F6.3 at the long end is that not restrictive at times in a rainforest environment when the 600F4 might be better ?
Thank you so much for this video. I just got my lens today. I went to the lake Abba about some mallards. I thought for sure I was going to have track sharp images, but I was disappointed. I know it's me. I tried a higher iso for faster shutter. AV mode, manual mode. What do you shoot in for your bird and action shots, if you don't mind sharing? Thanks. Incredible clarity!
Thank you. I'm excited to use my new lens. I'm trying to find the quick release that you used in your video with the arm that you pulled up and put your foot in there, and locked it down. I can't seem to find that mechanism anywhere. I clicked on your ballhead link but it doesn't show the one with the arm that you have. Thank you
Hi, that one is made my 4th generation designs. Not sure they are in business anymore. It is very much like a Winberely Sidekick. Try and find one of those or a similar product. Have fun and may all your light be magic
Hey Don, I've been thinking of investing in the Sony A6600 and the only thing turning me off is the 1/4000th of a second shutter speed. Do you think that it has been a problem in some cases? Also, for this trip, was the A6600 used? Thanks.
Hi and thanks for watching. The 1/4000 sec. shutter speed is no issue at all. In Costa Rica I normally use my a9ii and a9iii bodies and my current aps-c Sony body is the a6700. The a6600 is VERY good as well.
Hello, thank you very much for your video. I have a question, how do you get so close to the birds? I have been doing wildlife photography for 10 years, I have never managed to get so close to birds. Do you stay in hides with water points? If not, what is your technique? Thanks 🙏🏻
Hi and thanks for watching. I never spend any time in hides. Really, my technique is just to go where the birds are used to seeing people and don't view us as a threat. This makes things much easier. Come on one of my photo tours and I'll take you to many such spots. Otherwise, have fun.
Very useful information. I'm just learning the ropes of flying bird photography and one thing that has been a struggle for me is throwing the camera up and finding the bird in the viewfinder when its on 600mm. I've been keeping it on 200 and zooming to 600 after I've got the bird in the view finder. That has helped me a lot. I'm sure in time I'll get the knack of being on target when I pull the camera up but for now this works.
Hey, glad I could help. You are doing the right technique of using a shorter zoom to find the bird at first. It sure is a fun challenge! Enjoy and may your light be great.
Hi, for most of the shots in that video I used Aperture Priority mode and I'd choose a specific ISO to give me enough shutter speed. I have since moved to Shutter Priority mode for most of my wildlife work with auto ISO but I go into my ISO settings first and limit the max ISO to 6400 on this camera. Other cameras I have such as my full frame A9III I'll set the upper limit to 25,600. Noise has become manageable in PP but of course blurry images can't be fixed. Thanks for watching my videos.
Thanks, Don. You inspired me to get this lens and pair it with my A6600. I am a complete beginner and I am super confident I have a setup that will last me years. Hope I can come close to recreating some of your work here!
Hi, I like the idea and that kit should be easy to use and will last for a long time. Plus, it really can photograph most subjects very well. I hope your light is magic. Thanks for watching.
I am facing issue with A9iii RAW image in LRC-2022. Not able to open. I donot have any issue with RAW file from my A7iv. Have you faced any such issue ?
I can't compare to the A1 as I've never owned that camera, but I can say that compared to my A9II the A9III image quality is equal or better. However, I can say that the pre-capture and the AF speed and the 120fps are all game changers compared to any other camera, including the A1. Amazing images are now possible that never were possible before. Thanks for watching.
Hi, in some places that might be enough, but generally I think you'll do better with more zoom power. On your aps-c camera you could always rent a 100-400mm lens and then you'd be golden. You are smart to try and pack light though as this makes life easier. Thanks for watching.
Hi thanks. Does the Sony 100-400 perform better than the 200-600 in AF acquisition and speed tracking? My 200-600 doesn’t perform as well on my A9 as the 100-400. Your comments? Thanks
I'd like to see how well it tracks a series of shots. Say a bird taking off, but it has to be something fairly large in the frame, not a tiny spec in the distance.
