Thanks for sharing. #960523

Now, I'm wondering if I shouldn't upgrade the size of my lens to a 300mm. It's just that I cannot afford a faster lens, and my f4 is too slow. I'm shooting a 70-200mm f4L.

The teleconverter, from what I've read, drops the speed of the lens to f8 at least on the f4 lenses. Is that correct?

Generally, I'm not capturing coyotes, but backyard raccoons, which come out at dusk. I'm finding that I need to increase my light source since I cannot afford to spend $4,000 on a new lens. Do you ever use flash?

BTW, your work regardless of what you capture is awesome! #6183191

I've tried flash...but haven't had a lot of luck...mostly because I only have a flash that is on camera or right above my lens. I have on my wish list a bracket to offset the flash to one side or the other or one of those that have two lights, one on each side of the lens...but I haven't had that compelling reason to do it yet, so haven't. I've heard with lighting off camera it is soooo much better.

Yes, I've heard that too about teleconverters. My best lens is an f2...I find I only use my teleconverter when I absolutely have to to get the shot.

I tried to get a black bear last week at Mt Rainier National Park...and just couldn't because of the shade under the forest canopy was too dark...but I'll keep trying. I have more "oops" and almosts then successes...but I think that makes the good ones feel so much better. #6184727

Last year's expenditures were the 24-105mm f4L and the 24-70mm f2.8L, as well as a carbon fiber tripod with a RRS L bracket and ball head. That set me back almost $3000. For Christmas, I was given a bird feeder. Capturing birds means a need for longer lenses, but my new tripod won't carry anything greater than a 300mm and I refuse to buy still another tripod.

I'll just have to learn with what I have because the teleconverter reduces my light availability rather than allowing more light.

Those flashes that have two arms like the MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Ringlite flash, is what I should have purchased 3 years ago. I bought the wrong one.

I have the MR-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash for close, even lighting, the 420EX and 580 EX speedlites, the off camera 2 cord (which I really love), and the ST-E2 transitter.

Unfortunately, the Ring-lite does not work with the other lights. There's no way to attach it to the camera and attach the other lights or off camera2 cord.

I love playing with lighting. But I don't know how to light the raccoon because the transmitter's laser beam creates zig-zag lightning strikes in the eyes of the raccoons. I would image it would do that with other animals, as well.

I capture the coons with my camera through glass. Not sure about firing the flash through the glass. Hmmm. I wonder if I put the 420EX speedlite on a light stand near the bird feeder, and the 580EX on my camera aimed at the 420EX, if I could add light to the coons or birds through the glass. Did Jim talk about that?

Thanks for your information. Your work is very inspiring. I may sign up for Jim's course. There are so many I'd like to take, but if I don't exercise my weak legs and hip, I'll never be able to walk again. There just aren't enough hours in a day for me with digital processing. ;-)
I'm going to book mark your gallery so I can contact you again. You've been very helpful. Thanks.

Susan
http://tinyurl.com/4ygn3h

#6185059

-Barb #6188910