Well, that was expensive. Watching the way the R5/100-500 tracked that dragonfly was the last straw and it made me click the order now button. I've been watching your and Jan's videos and weighing up the pros and cons of the Canon vs Sony A1 and they have been very helpful in coming to a conclusion. Looking forward to getting my new kit ! thanks guys.
John, made me laugh, glad it helped, good luck with the kit when it arrives. It does take some time to set it up and get it working properly but well worth it. Cheers, Duade
Ive had the R5 and rf100-500 now since last May and my bird photography is now a different league - especially being able to crop a photo and still have a useable image. I also did dragonflies but they were not easy and i may have not had the optimum setting.
I know how ya feel. DFs got me in too. Right now, I'm just days away from receiving a Nikon Z9 and 100-400 plus other assorted glass. Got to wait a few more months for Nikon's new 800mm F6.3 PF though. Ya know of anyone in the market for a D850 and 200-500 F5.6? :)
I am really happy that u also show when something doesn’t work other only show the good things but u admitting that there are also negatives helps a beginner out a lot
The ONE best thing I learned from watching your bird photography videos is about framing. I used to crop so close on just the birds and get upset about the "noise" (pixel peep). After watching your videos, I now allow the bird to "breathe" by adding the surroundings. That makes me want to go out in nature, rather than just photographing them at my feeders!
Such a useful feature: button on mike to turn off audio ! So clever to have the blue record light still lit up with the audio turned off. Top design ! Whoever developed this was an absolute Legend !
I ment to mention. Last Sept while on vacation I spent an hour trying to photograph a dragonfly that was patrolling the pool. My 7dii refused to focus on the fly. It kept flying a pattern over the pool from one end to the other and I kept trying Finally I mqnually focused on a spot in space that it seemed to keep flying through. Each lap 5he dragon fly made and passed through my preformed area I would hold down the shutter. Out of 5 or 600 exposures I got 2 or 3 that were "ok" nothing to write home about but ok. The images you captured of the dragon fly are just fantastic. Standing by waiting, hoping,, for the R7.
I feel your pain re the dragonfly, I had struggles with many Canon DSLRs trying to track wildlife and birds with limited success. The eye AF really is game changing and yes, the R7 could well be the unicorn we all desire. Cheers, Duade
I used to take photos of dragonflies and other bugs only when they are resting on a leaf. The fact that your R5 can lock focus on the dragonfly in the mid air helped me make my mind to get an R7. Thanks.
Hi Duade, I couldn’t think a more helpful RU-vid Channel for learning the art of bird photography. Oh, the aerial footage from the drone was great 👍🏻 .
Well done Duade. Thanks for sharing the gear and thoughts on the process. I very much appreciate how you continue to show the raw image with the finished image inlay. Please keep up the good work, your an inspiration Bill
A fabulous video Duade, so very true mate, you can make superb images with quite affordable gear, best way I have always preached is to get up out of bed, get off the couch and go out… sitting inside wondering about new gear won’t make a better image!
Thanks Duade for making this video! Sorry you had to make it twice, but happy you made one with audio :) Great that you also found the time to throw in some great shots of wildlife as well.
Duane, you’re my favourite birdie for ages now, you’re getting better and better, and you’re a star sharing your secrets constantly. Came here for the birds and blown away by the dragonflies. I try taking them also, so hard, yours were great.
Terrific video. Enjoyed how you showed the process of picking a site, setting up, and waiting. It is spring here in the US and you inspired me to go shoot some insects!
Those Grebe shots are awesome mate..wish we had more ponds that had low sides like that…most of the local places have step sides. I fitted a quick release plate to my skimmer pod..makes it super quick to change the gimbal if needed.
Pretty surprised that you were able to get those dragonfly shots! And what a crazy location with the dead trees and red grass. Really liked the white cockatoo against that contrast. Thanks again
Although I’m not planning on doing any RU-vid stuff, I found your informative video really helpful. I was super impressed with the capability of the R5 a and 100-500 combo for the dragonfly tracking. I know from experience how difficult flight shots of them can be and this looks like the a possible way forwards from my 5DIV DSLR setup. Keep up the great content Duade.
Dave, it did perform well in that scenario, I was lucky that the dragonfly was hovering at times. But overall the AF of the R5 is far superior to my 5d4, Cheers, Duade
A few years ago I visited Winton Wetlands. It had more water in it then. I remember visiting the same location where you found the Grebes. I found Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Whiskered Tern, and flocks of Brown Falcon. The Falcons were feeding on grasshoppers etc. I loved your video. It bought back happy memories.
Oh... so now you too have joined the rank of drone-users! Great footage from it, too. It sure lifts your content to a higher level (pun intended, for sure). Those tiny cameras seems nifty, and the footage quality is good enough. Seems to be way better to use in these circumstances than a GoPro. Is that white one, Instago 360, waterproof? Useable under the water surface (not deep, just under the surface)? That dragonfly-session was *really* fun, too! The Grebe-footage/photos were top notch, you must be so happy to have added photo-upgrades of Hoary-headed to your collection! What a treat that it/they was so "tame", it certainly makes your life easier to get one of those in front of your lens, that's for sure. As usual I really appreciate all the work you put into your videos, and that you take me/us with you out in the field. I just love these kind of videos.
Thank you, yes I caved in with the Drone as it offers a perspective you cannot otherwise get. The Instago 360 itself is waterproof, not the charging case it comes with though. The battery life of the small camera itself is a little limiting at 30 minutes but the case has I think 3 charges in it. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, I have to say I really enjoyed watching this video and got a lot out of it. It's great fun to be taken out into the field for the whole experience and I am happy that you went through all the gear and how you use it for photography and the videos. Excellent fun and very informative. Thank you for sharing :-)
I tracked mating dragonflies, above water, with my Sony a6400 and Sony 70-350mm lens. First time I've ever managed to get good pics of that behavior. I was so pleased!
I must say, that Skimmer Ground Pod really grabbed my attention! Of course it was backordered where I get my gear online, but I will get one at some point. Great video!
Another most excellent video for us. Thank you Duade. I do have to tell you every time you lay down in the dirt I get anxious. Here in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona we have fire ants and carpenter ants. I’ve been bitten by both and they’ve earned my respect. You may not have such there in Australia. Cheers. Be well.
Duane really enjoy your channel. You provide great learning on your channel plus great photos and video. I am a Nikon user, so can’t comment on Canon gear. Looking forward to your next video.
It is really good one because you share how you cropped and the raw file. everyone is busy with showing off the final results. this is what you tubers should do, I believe. Sharing the backstage is educational. !Thanks for your work. Thanks.
Hello Duade, the shots you got of the dragonfly are amazing! I've tried a few times but without much luck. I'm adding a new element to my photography outing. I have setup my fishing kayak to be able to secure a tripod with a gimbal head mounted to iso photos from the water. I'll send you a couple of photos when I have the setup complete. For now the kayak is in dry dock for the winter. Since having my camera on the water I'm also adding stabilization floats to the kayak to do all I can to prevent a tip over. I'm also using a DJI mini 2 to scout areas before I venture into the spot. Have a GREAT time and will see you next time.
Guy, sounds like a great setup. Many kingfishers and birds seem to not be scared when you are on the water so I'm sure you will have lots of success. Feel free to send the photos to duade.paton@gmail.com Cheers, Duade
Thank you for another great video. I think I’ve watched every one in the past year or so and they are uniformly well made and informative. I’ve seen some folks carry a little Yoga or Pilates mat. They’re inexpensive, lightweight and provide a little padding and protection for your clothes when you lay down, especially on damp ground. I look forward to your next video.
I always use a mat. My wife got a couple for me at garage sales. I roll it up and strap it to the top or side of my camera bag. It helps my aging body to keep dry and somewhat comfortable.
Thank you so much Duade. Been watching you and Jan for a while and finally went for it last week. Got the R6 mark ii and the Rf 100-500 OMG. Just bagged my first dragonfly in flight with that manual focus tip. You are a star.
Regarding the Grebe. You note they are inquisitive. I wonder if there was a nest nearby. The only time I have seen them come toward me is when they have eggs in the nest. For the rest of the year they always go away from me. I was out at the farm yesterday and no sign of nest yet on my boy's dam but there is one (no eggs yet) on the neighbor's dam. Thrilled to see that.
Thanks Rob, I did not see a nest and it was on its own. I have had a few Grebes come to inspect what I am doing but most like you say keep their distance. Sometimes you just get the odd bird that is curious and its a bonus when we do. I will have to head back to the town lake as the Grebes nest their frequently. Cheers, Duade
Love that moment of about to tell us something more and you spot a bird doing something interesting . . . . .Love it Duade! Squirrel moment for a bird photographer. . . . . Did well on those dragonfly shots. Incredible!
You can't say enough good things about the Canon 500mm f4 is m1 or m2 they are some oof the sharpest lenses around. But you already know this as you have used it for years and i imagine will continue continue to do so. And what a great location to work.This was very well done , enjoyed it . Liked and subscribed.
Great video as always Duade. I love the reminder to “get down low” - it’s often so tempting not to get wet/dirty/uncomfortable, but it really does bear fruit. As much as I hanker after the awesome new kit, I also take pride in “getting by” with some things that are cheaper, from less premium manufacturers, or just involve home made solutions. That said, the R5 + RF100-500 combo just keeps on proving that you can enter a whole new world with that kit!
Thats amazing that the R5 could lock on to the dragonfly'e eyes/body. Am looking at the R6 and assume the auto-focus would be exactly the same. Will be using my existing 100-400, but may move up to the 100-500 if/when funds allow. Love the vlogs - my wife's family live just outside Melbourne so interesting to see what wildlife there is for possible future visits.
Stephen, yes, they are identical, the 100-400 AF works very well on these bodies. It does take a bit of getting used to but once the eye af locks on it is very good. Cheers, Duade
Hi Stephen, I have the R6 and the EF 100-400Lii (which I assume you refer to) and they work great together. Coming from an APS-C I only wish for more reach. You really need to the check the YT "EOS R5 - The settings you need to know" by Duade's friend Jan. And disable 'Continuous AF' as on my first day out with the R6 I didn't disable it and failed badly focusing on dragonflies because the camera kept hunting. Because now it's winter on our side I have to wait some months for a next dragonfly opportunity, but on birds the eye-AF is just a dream come true !
Such a helpful video! Tysm for sharing your gear tips - been wanting to find ways to take my video/photo skills to the next level and think this will help! I love the Superb Fairy Wren!
Brilliant, thank you for sharing this kit some really useful tips, unfortunately the creaks and groans, get worse, at least they have for me! Getting the really low shots are fabulous
Perhaps a point worth raising in your comment regarding the 2 cockatoos and focussing on the front rather than back, is that depth of field extends 2/3 behind and only 1/3 in front of the plane of focus with a non-macro lens (macro is 50:50). In the words you have twice the depth of field behind the plane of focus than in front.
Terrific wildlife video I enjoyed it very much. Their was so much good content all explained from the real world point of view so for me just great. Thank you.
Just absolutely stunning photos Duade! The dragonfly shots were such a treat and an amazing capture. I’ve ordered an R6, I have the 100-500, and can’t wait until I can get out with those two …. As it’s been -15c and lower in eastern Canada lately I haven’t been out much but fortunately we’ve been treated to a flock of Northern Cardinals visiting our deck feeders that have kept me busy on my doorstep. Thanks for sharing your passion !
@@Duade , the R6 arrived yesterday but I have a question. There is a lot of noise in various fb groups regarding firmware 1.5 being problematic. Have you updated your R5? Any troubles? Thanks
I completely agree with what you said about learning the basics with birds that let you approach them. I'm learning a lot shooting rock doves, house sparrows, monk parakeets, yellow-legged gulls and other city dwelling birds that are not bothered by my presence! I can't say much about kit recommendations since my budget is really tight. But if you ever make videos with lower budget gear, I can recommend my Canon 55-250mm IS STM. The lens itself is pretty sharp, affordable and I get pretty good results using it! The only bad thing I can say about it is that the autofocus feels a bit slow, but I don't know if that's the lenses fault or just my Canon 1200D struggling. Oh, and the photo of the golden-headed cisticola looks amazing!
The most wonderful vid I've seen for a while. Cold wet times here at the moment. So looking fwd to my boy's farm dam filling soon. Last year Australasian Grebes nested there and had 4 chicks. Lots of pics of bubbas riding on daddy's back. The Welcome Swallows there are my BIF training buddies. If you can get sharp in flight shots of those speedsters ya nailed the art! And I unashamedly say FIGJAM in that regard cos of their coaching LOL. When I first saw the reeds in your vid, I instantly thought of my all-time favorite songbird. And you got audio and a nice still too of the wonderful Reed Warbler. And the DFs and Damsels. The first time I pointed my D850 with 200-500 at a hovering DF, I had no idea what the shots were like till I got home and opened up LRC on my 65" 4k TV come computer screen, I just went holy crap, WOW!! And since have loved shooting them there and even easier just a km down the road in my own town at the creek behind the main street. Oh, I could go on and on.
Thanks Rob, sounds like a wonderful little dam and great to have the Grebes etc so accessible. Sounds like you love your photography which is great. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thanks, mate. It's a serious passion. I just share to my FB page. Feels good to have much affirmation. But I know I got work to do to rank with the likes of you. Not sure I want to get to the top. If I got there I'd be lost for goals. No thanks. Just want to remain on the learning curve.
Great Dragonfly images mate, just moved over to Canon from Nikon, love to own a Canon R5 but at 70 years old that won't happen, look forward to your next video stay safe...
Dont give-up already Tel; I got mine at 77. There is not much fun to have with money in the bank. I still have a lot to learn in bird photography. Working on it.
Excellent Duade. Great to find some friendly Grebes. Have not been to Winton Wetlands in a long time. Thanks for taking the time to produce. You have certainly honed your skills. Well done and Thanks.
Lisa, thanks, yes the Pocket is a good all-around option for vlogging. The battery does not last as long as I would like so you need a powerbank nearby to keep it charged up. Cheers, Duade
I've been finding that a lot of RU-vid content is becoming increasingly humdrum. This wasn't. Your work inspires me to get out there with my gear. Thank you. I love your pics and the way you put your videos together. On a personal note, I would always attach my camera to the lens before putting it on the gimbal. I find it's much better balanced that way and, if you're near the floor, less dusty.
I use the Insta360 Go2 for quick POV shots myself whenever I encounter a larger animal it’s a great little thing even with all its caveats of overheating and such definitely get some great use out of it!
Thanks Duade, I've only start photography back in November 2021 and your video's and knowledge has really helped improve my photo's in a small amount of time. You'll love to DJI Air 2S to it's got a great camera on it as well and can take some amazing video and stills. Looking forward to your next video.
Duade, thank you so much for this video and the editorial comments along the way! I felt it was very beginner formulated so I can see how one grows with their skill. I had started photography with the focus on macro, however I quickly shifted gears to birds in and out of flight. I most enjoyed the shot of the Golden-headed Cisticola, beautiful colors, tricky action shot and love the texture. This is my most favorite video of your thus far. *Great seeing the before and afters (:
Hi Duade, I am brand new to your work. I love your honesty regarding the audio mishap, proves the best of us are just human and get it wrong sometimes. I really like your photo presentation too, showing the edited shot inset into the raw file. Very envious of your location there in Oz, so much light available. I will be checking out your older work. Cheers.
Brilliant video. Dragonfly in flight video footage and shots are eye opening and it is something I could never imagine myself even attempting. Will definitely try for sure once I get my 100-500 in my hand in a few days.
Prabu, it is still very challenging and using manual focus first helps to camera find the subject. The Eye af struggles to find the subject on its own. Cheers, Duade
Great shots, great content. Really helpful, honest, clear and clean. Nice job Duade! (youtube''s spell check wanted Duade to be Dude - couldn't have that so I edited, lol)
Awesome video Duade, I've been waiting awhile for my Canon RF 100-500, It cannot come soon enough. Learning an amazing amount from your videos in the meantime. Thanks for all the work you put into these.
these videos became my weekly pleasure and WOW what superb shots you showed us here, love all of them and those of the dragonfly is really jaw dropping. tomorrow will be going to a farm, looking for some bluethroats and stonechats and Kurdistan wheatear,( please please God),wish me luck. thanks as ever for this great and informative video.
Very beautifully and well articulated video presentation .Love to see your dedication and patience.I was totally hooked till the end just like an engrossing movie.Learnt so many tricks and tips.Thank you so much .
Amazing as usual, that picture of dragonfly is simply superb. Far better than the original macro lens. I use very old gear but for my need is totally fine...Nikon D700 with Nikon 300/4 + 1,4tc and Canon 7D with 100-400L. Regards from Serbia!
Wonderful video, mate, grebe photography strikes close to my heart. I did my graduate thesis on the nesting ecology of horned grebes, one of 6 species we have in Canada. Despite their beauty and intriguing behaviours, grebes are still poorly studied and rarely photographed, compared to ducks and other waterfowl. The prairie provinces are the best places to observe all 6 species, and I hope to make a spring/summer trip after winter and the minus 30 C temperatures have released their grip on the land!
Robert, wow six different Grebes is awesome, we have three down here and one additional in New Zealand. The Horned Grebe looks wonderful, and I can't wait to one day visit your part of the world and photograph it. Cheers, Duade
Following are the ones I loved so much. 9:23, 12:05, 13:00. Also 15:32. Amazing captures with nice backgrounds. Lots of informative inputs for our decisions. Thanks for your efforts. All the best.
Well done Duade. Really enjoyed the video and hearing about the gear and its uses. I hope people can appreciate all the hard work and attention to detail that goes into these videos. Sidenote, I'm really enjoying the calendar download from your site.
Terrific video, Duade. Really fascinating insight into the life and equipment of a RU-vidr. Those HH Grebe shots in the ochre reflections was beautiful and I can't believe how relaxed it was! Watching that Canon AF acquire and stick to the dragonflies was simply amazing. Having tried multiple times with varied success on my Olympus gear, watching the R5 at work was simply a revelation 🙌🙌🙌
