What Do You NEED for Great Wildlife & Bird Photography?

[@sophiamisa9832]

Oh Val, your poor lens. Im feeling sympathy pain just looking at all those cracks. Well done for pushing through on the vid and still sharing your experience. Fantastic photos in the short time you had to take them. The detail on those Galah feathers were amazing. Great capture! Keep up the great effort! Looking forward to your future vids!

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks heaps Soph 🙏🙏 I didn't want to let some of the good photos and footage I managed to take go to waste, so there was no option really, but to plough on! Definitely looking forward to learning more about 🐦🦜 and exploring this genre further in time 🙂

[@ZJMichaels]

Content Advisory: Some gear was harmed in the making of this video. Viewer discretion is advised. Ha just playing :) Dang what a bummer about the lens. Good thing you had insurance! I accidentally dropped my camera in the ocean several yrs ago and completely fried it. Fortunately I had insurance as well and got a replacement… but yeah it’s never a good feeling damaging gear! Enjoyed the video Valerie! Cool to see you trying out different genres of nature photography

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

😅 I should have opened with your viewer discretion suggestion! Definitely a good reminder to slow down out there and make sure your insurance is adequate. Hopefully there's a silver lining somewhere 🤞 Maybe it'll improve my wildlife/bird photography 😄 Thanks for dropping by and your comments ZJ 🙏

[@whywho8887]

Very much appreciate your thoughts and insights into photography. Your style and story telling is simply amazing and very refreshing. Heart breaking to see what happened to your lens, it's my biggest fear losing my gear. Continue to share what you think is relevant for we all learn from watching each other. Whether it's the good bad or indifferent. Fantastic captures .

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks so much for your kind comments and feedback 🙏🙏 I've damaged and lost more gear than I'd like to admit! Hopefully you have your gear insured - provides great peace of mind 🙂 Couldn't agree with you more about how valuable it is to learn through sharing 👍 Take care.

[@joncothranphotography9375]

When I started in photography, I was using a Canon Rebel EOS T6 with a kit lens and a 75-300 that didn't have any image stabilization. I was getting a keeper rate of around 80%. I just had to learn to control my breath when shooting. It broke my heart to see your lens smashed. Great video, and thanks for bringing us along!

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Wow Jon, that's an amazing keeper rate given the gear you had to work with! Just goes to show that while having good gear does help, honing your skills and time in the field are more important.
It was hard losing that lens, but fortunately I had insurance! That is also important...😄 Thanks for your comments 🙏

[@stuartsilverman3797]

So sorry about your lens and glad you have insurance. You made lemonade out of lemons in the video. Your bird images were good and your suggestions terrific. This is especially true when the cost of your camera and lens is so much less than a high end kit. Finally, your images will get better with more practice and with the addition of a Fuji lens extender.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Stuart, appreciate your concern and comments 🙏🙏 Haha always got to try and make lemonade out of 🍋🍋 I guess our gear are just our tools, and you're right - everything gets better with practice and experience!

[@ZakariKha]

Oh that is painful Valerie and I've had it happen to me on more than one occassion so I can totally relate. Try not to be too hard on yourself hey. Great images by the way.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks Zak, sounds like you're as accident prone as I am 😅 The amount of gear I've damaged is a little embarrassing haha. But all valuable lessons learnt - hence the insurance! Thanks for dropping by and for your comments 🙏🙏

[@tielmaster7879]

Oh man. Definitely making sure to use a lens hood under all circumstances.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

😄 100%. I pretty much have my hood on all the time these days! Hope you're enjoying your 📸 out there 👍

[@thomastuorto9929]

Like everyone that replied, sorry about your lens. Good to hear you are insured. Your observations about wildlife photography as a hobbyist photographers, (or birder) are on the money about everything including the gear & being out in nature. The photos are a bonus. I’m shooting the Nikon D810, 5fps, which hit the market in 2014 & the 200-5000, 5.6 lens. Keeper rate about 15% on most days. Some days are much better. More of Landscape-macro camera than wildlife. Either way if you put out another bird/wildlife vid, I would probably watch it. If you enjoy doing it, keep on. No big deal if it is not your thing.But, I must say that I really enjoy your landscape vids. Always love the places that landscape photogs take me that mprobably never get to see. Plus you do nice work. & produce great content. Happy shooting.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Thomas, I hope you've been well 🙂 Glad you share the same thoughts and similar experiences with your setup. I think it helps that we know the limits of what we're working with, accept it and make the most out of it.
You know, I've always been curious about wildlife/bird photography, but have only been giving it so much more thought since you introduced me to Pangolin Wildlife Photography - now I'm hooked! 😅 I think I'll keep dabbling here and there - it might be interesting to mix things up a little from time to time! You prefer landscape yourself?And thanks as always for your considered comments and feedback - very much appreciate them 🙏🙏

[@denizekener2075]

Sorry about the accident but stuff breaks and they can be repaired or replaced. Nothing can replace good health... I wish you and your family health and peace.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thank you Denize 🙏🙏 Agree with you 100% - your health is so important 👍 Look after yourself and your nearest and dearest.

[@catherinegrimes2308]

Very good video.
I am so sorry about your accident that damaged your lens, it is a wonderful lens and I bought one last year.
One of my friends has a 70-300mm lens for his Nikon and he recently bought the Sigma 150-600mm lens. In an email he wrote that he had had mixed results with that lens for wildlife because it is heavy and is difficult to swing into action. On mentioning that I was planning on getting the 70-300mm lens with the 1.4X teleconverter for my Fujifilm camera that will give a full frame equivalent focal length of 630mm, his reply was "If you have a lightweight 600mm lens I strongly recommend that you take it".
You have a lightweight system and while you think that you do not have the best equipment, people with the best equipment could be struggling with theirs while you have focussed on the bird and have photographed it. Nothing is perfect.
You are right in that Fujifilm does not have the best autofocus. Fujifilm has recently released the X-H2s, H-S2 and X-T5 cameras but people have been disappointed with the autofocus. There has been a recent firmware upgrade for the X-H2s that some people think has been a substantial improvement. It looks like there will be firmware upgrades for the other new models as well.
The results with DXO Pure Raw 2 were impressive.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Catherine, many thanks for your comments - really appreciate it 🙏🙏
I echo your thoughts about the 70-300mm. It is quite a nice lens in so many ways: very good sharpness throughout its focal length, relatively fast, and is in a compact and lightweight form factor. A versatile little package!
I've since picked up the Tamron 150-600mm and you're right, it is hefty and there are times when I've missed the 70-300. It's always a game of compromise I suppose. As long as the pros outweigh the cons for you! And having great de-noising software goes a long way 😊 Cheers.

[@markzelinskiphotography3768]

Sorry about your lens. Some of the photos of the birds in flight are spectacular.
On the second example of cropping, I don't think you need to limit it to a small print. I've printed 24"x36" prints from an X-t2 file. You could easily go 24"x24" with that file especially if you've processed it carefully and even taken advantage up super res software. You are only cropping dead space, not necessarily reducing the file size where pixels are needed. Hope that's helpful. Also, does the X-t4 have "boost" mode like the X-t2?

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Mark, that's great to know that you've been able to make reasonably sized prints with eg a 10MB image. I'd mistakenly assumed anything larger than 8x12" would be a stretch. The X-T4 does have boost too, which I think helps with the high burst rate and AF performance. Thank you for sharing your insights and comments 🙏🙏

[@ivanovichbiggenden8996]

Hey Valerie, happen to me twice . 20 yrs ago i put a clear lens filters on all my wildlife lenses and have dropped them 3 times and broke the filters with not a scratch on the lens ...Love your Channel keep it up....

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Ivan, it's good to know that dropping and breaking lenses happens to the best of us, not just accident prone folks like me 😄 I think having clear/UV filters and a lens hood on is the way to go...and in my case, maybe a bit of bubble wrap won't go astray haha! Thanks a bunch for your comments as always 🙏🙏

[@carltanner9065]

The only way to learn and gain experience is to try out new things. And, not to destroy your camera/lens along the way!!!! I was out this afternoon doing some pics. Had my Minolta Dynax 5xi film camera with me. Tried to get some shots of some swallows chasing bugs but I doubt any of them came out!! Little beggars are far too quick!!! So, I just stood there in the park and watched them fly about for a little while before I moved on. Usually, when I'm walking about the neighbourhood taking pics I don't worry too much about composition. I just go out to take some pics and go for a walk. I don't care if it's a scrappy old wheelie bin or a few sticks on the ground. If it looks good to me I'll take a snap😊

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Carl, hope you're well. Yes, not destroying your gear is a great way to keep learning and save money! Sounds like you had a relaxing day out with your camera. Taking a stroll in your local neighbourhood and snapping things that interest you is therapeutic and simple, non-fuss photography 👍 Those days definitely bring good balance to one's photography. Thanks and have a good week 🙏🙏

[@markellenberg5078]

Great job as usual, as said before you take on new things and nail them. I also see you kept that lens hood on, LOL.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks a bunch Mark - really appreciate your feedback 🙏🙏 Haha my hood is almost always on these days, unless I've got my filters on! But...I just tend to be an accident 🧲 🤷

[@IzzyAbuleelaPhotography]

Ouch! It's always painful to damage equipment so i feel your pain. On the other hand you have now progressed to the next level of photographer as all artists have to go through this right of passage once in a while. Loved that cheeky Cockatoo at 6.40, you got a wonderful series of images too. Have a great week 🙏🙏🙏

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Izzy, I've gone through this rite of passage twice now 😅 The first was so much more painful as it was an expensive and uninsured lens AND camera body! The price I pay for being accident prone... Thanks for dropping by and your comments Izzy 🙏🙏 Hope you have a great week also.

[@IzzyAbuleelaPhotography]

@@ValerieMisaPhotography I once had a rogue wave take my entire camera bag, D850 and 3 lenses gone. Oh how I sobbed, accidents happen 😢

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Oh no, I feel your pain. That would have been so traumatic! I would have cried for weeks. Hopefully you can now chuckle a little when you think about it. The war stories we accumulate! Always take care of yourself and your gear out there Izzy 🙏🙏

[@IzzyAbuleelaPhotography]

@@ValerieMisaPhotography a distant memory now 🤣. You take care out there too 🙏

[@shaunkeenanphoto]

Hey Valerie, I’ll skip over the obvious comment to say, it’s great to see you trying new things in your photography and adding new skills to your tool belt. The little bit of wildlife work I’ve done has been challenging, but very rewarding. Not being afraid to learn new skills while others watch takes a lot of guts. Kudos to you for putting yourself out there! As a fellow UA-camr and photographer, I appreciate the work you put into your channel and your photography.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Shaun, sometimes I tend to bite off more than I can chew! But constantly learning new things and taking on new challenges has been my modus operandi for as long as I can remember 😊 I think we're always putting ourselves out there with every video by putting ourselves in a vulnerable position and being open to critique and criticisms. No option but to embrace it 😄 Many thanks for the support, and equally, I can see the effort you put into your videos and you should know your viewers & subs (me included) appreciate it! Keep enjoying your photography and sharing your passion through your vids 👍👊

[@denisesavage2382]

Oh Valerie - your lens! That's such a shame. Great to have a sense of what you've discovered in the exploration of some bird photography. Looks like you had some very willing models to assist you! I hope you can get lens options sorted soon and that you aren't left waiting too long. I've had a similar situation, and it was because the lens was difficult to replace, I ended up switching systems.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks Denise 🙏🙏 I've noticed that just when I start to really use a lens more and grow fond of it, something happens to it! Ah, always a good reminder for me to slow down a bit when I'm out there. Back to giving my wide angle some love 😅 Hopefully you've enjoyed your current system and lens more than the previous - a silver lining maybe?

[@simonerm76]

Feel sorry for your lens... I always use the Hood also during night shooting... It helps a lot to prevent worst damages✌🏻

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks Simone, I think I'll have my hood permanently glued to my lens from now on! 🙏👍

[@panonut]

Love your photos and the way you talk about photography.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Many thanks for your feedback 🙏🙏 and I hope you're enjoying your photography out there! 🙂

[@markellenberg5078]

Hi Valerie, sorry about your lens. I am glad you have insurance! I don't mean this to be a criticism but is there a reason you didn't have the lens hood attached? It was another great video, it's long been my philosophy that we learn more from our mistakes than our mistakes than our successes. Another great video!

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Mark, hope you're well. That's actually a really good question - I don't know why I didn't put my hood on, because I did have it on me. Maybe in the back of my mind I thought the hood would somehow make me conspicuous. You're right - having it on may have prevented the damage. Agree with you completely about learning from our mistakes! Appreciate your comments 🙏🙏

[@colinstalker]

My biggest fear Valerie is dropping a lens! So sorry to see what happened but you came away with some beautiful images. I love bird photography as a variation to landscape and seascapes and would love to see more. All the best!

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Colin, hope you've been well. It seems like you're not on your own - damaging a lens seems to be the biggest fear we have! Hopefully you've been lucky in this regard, and continue to be! 🤞 Having variety does keep things interesting 🙂 Appreciate your comments Colin 🙏🙏

[@edwtg59]

Hi Valerie, recent subscriber here. I enjoyed this practical view and approach to another genre of photography...more would be appreciated!

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks Ed for your feedback and comments, and welcome to the channel 😊 🙏🙏 I think it'd be nice to mix things up a little with my videos from time to time - hopefully keeps things interesting!

[@rick_805]

Great insight, Valerie. So sorry about the lens! At least it didn't get the camera too.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hope you're well Rick, and thanks for your concern. 🙏🙏 Yes, I was lucky the camera survived unscathed - I'd much rather have a damaged lens...at least I can still take photos!

[@CheikoSairin]

Hello, Valerie Misa. I am a bird enthusiast from Singapore. So sorry about the lens. Love watching your video and also the detail of your photo on your Instagram. I left my LIKE and subscribed.👍🔔

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Cheiko, hope all is well in Singapore. Thanks for your comments and welcome to my channel 😊 I did love that lens and have been fortunate to have been able to replace it with a Tamron 150-500mm, which has been great for bird photography! Appreciate your feedback and support 🙏🙏 and hope you're enjoying your 🐦🦜🦅🐦‍⬛📸

[@tommy_frankfurt]

I am very sorry about what happened to you. you make great videos and incredible photos. keep it up.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks a bunch, Tommy 🙏🙏 Luckily it wasn't as bad as it could have been - I'll be back out there with a long lens again soon! Take care 🙂

[@bang_marsel]

Beautiful video thanks for sharing 🙏🙏

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thank you heaps Marsel 🙏🙏 I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@nomadictimbo9185]

Sorry about what happened to your lens :/. Currently I'm using the X-T4 and 70-300 combo and I'm going to do paid surf videography with it after practicing first.
For stills, i find that Zone AF is the most effective for Birds in Flight and Single Point is the best option for sports that you're knowledgeable about along with slow moving wildlife.
Did you use the Tamron 150-500 on the X-T4? If so, how do you find autofocus with that combo both for stills and video cause I'm debating between the Tamron and an adapted Canon 400 5.6 for longer reach just in case i need it in the future?
Thanks

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi and thanks for your comments 🙂 I do miss the 70-300's size - it's a versatile focal length in a compact and lightweight body. Agree with you re zone AF for BIF, and I tend to use single point for stationary subjects. It's interesting that you prefer it for sports - I think I'd have a hard time keeping focus!
I don't know why, but it has never occurred to me to try the Tamron 150-500 on the XT4. I guess because it is quite a new lens, I've assumed that the AF will focus and lock on much quicker with the new AF system on the XH2 - which I think it does do quite well. Main issue is in low light and busy scenes, where the AF does struggle to find focus. In this regard, I think the wider max aperture on the 400mm f5.6 would be an advantage. But in good light, IQ is wonderful. I guess a main question for you will be versatility of zoom vs fast prime. Happy researching and I hope you figure out what's best for your needs 🙂👍📸

[@laurelb8372]

Ouch for your poor lens. I have that lens coupled with a 1.4 teleconverter on my XT2 and use it very successfully for birds and planes. Gives about 454mm in 35mm terms. I agree the Fuji’s aren’t the best on grabbing & sticking on birds but I have most success with a wide area which gives a cluster of ficus points. Hope your insurance claim comes through soon & you can get back out to do more of your enjoyable videos.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Laurel, that's really great to know that you've had a lot of success with your setup on fast moving subjects 🙂 I've been curious about how the converter performs - no issues in your experience? I've been using zone AF for moving birds, which I've found better than single point AF...but still miss a lot of shots. Thankfully my claim has gone through, and I'm thinking of the Tamron 150-600mm G2 as a potential replacement 🤔 Appreciate your comments 🙏🙏

[@SteveKleinheider]

Sorry to see that you damaged your lens...that being said...I enjoyed the video and found it quite informative! Take care!

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks Steve for your comments 🙏🙏 I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. Happy snapping 📸🙂

[@alainversluys1294]

Feel really sorry for your damaged lens. Hopefully you can get very quickly a new one and that the insurance will reimburse you also very
Quickly. Nice job and keep the good spirit up; greets from Belgium, Alain

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Alain, hope all is well in Belgium! Luckily I can get a replacement lens, so I just need to decide if I get the same or something different 🤔 Many thanks for your concern and comments 🙏🙏

[@mohankukreti3816]

Wonderful video. I am bird enthusiast from India. kindly let me know about how good is X T5 or should I go for X H2. As I found lots of videos about X T5 AF if not good. Thanks

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks for your comments Mohan 🙏🙏 I've not tried the AF on the XT5, but I understand the XH2's AF should be about the same, as they both have the same new processor and non stacked sensor. For most of my bird photography, I find the AF to be ok, with about a 60-80% hit rate. If you're already in the Fujifilm ecosystem, it's worth thinking about - I recently did a practical review here: ua-cam.com/video/KrnZKHq6GcA/v-deo.html
But if you're not already using Fujifilm, there's other cameras you might want to consider - eg the new Canon R6 II might be a better option?

[@IanInChengdu]

I have only recently got hold of a 70-300 and the focus issue is annoying. sorry about your lens

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Many thanks Ian for your comments 🙏 Are you finding it slow to find focus? If so, could it also be due to the camera body?

[@peterdoering4314]

I am always so paranoid that I am going to do that with my camera. I am glad you shared that with us because I started convincing myself that I don't always need to be that cautious - that it was all in my head. But now I realized I am better to be safe than sorry. Sorry that happened to you :^

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Peter, I think your paranoia is valid 😅 Maybe if I was a little bit more paranoid, I wouldn't damage so much gear and save myself a lot of money! I'm glad at least my bad experiences can help others to avoid them! Thanks for watching and your comments 🙏🙏

[@venuslnd]

It hurt me seeing the 70-300 in that condition cause i just got mine.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

I hope you have many long years taking wonderful photos with yours! I did like that lens quite a lot - really good quality and such a handy focal length in a compact form factor. Thanks for your comments 🙏🙏

[@hanzkilian1806]

Hi Valerie, thanks for your videos. I came upon them by chance. I have enjoyed them and thought I would mention a possibility to aid you.
I have been shooting birds for several years now, but unlike most I have to do it from a wheelchair (4x4 powered). What I have found of value is a Monopod, rather than a tripod. The advantage of the monopod is that it can be picked up and moved very quickly. Also if coupled with a good head, I feel you will have better success with the monopod rather than a tripod. Cheers from Orange NSW

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Hanz, I'm glad you found my channel and many thanks for your comments and tips 🙏🙏 I'd just like to say how amazing it is to hear that you've been shooting birds from your wheelchair. Such a wonderful example of getting out there, doing what you love and not letting anything limit you. 😊👍
I have for a little while debated between a monopod and a gimbal head on a tripod. I'm rather clumsy and my concern about a monopod is accidentally letting go and dropping my camera! Would be keen to hear your thoughts if you've had a chance to use both? Hope all is well in Orange.

[@hanzkilian1806]

@@ValerieMisaPhotography Hi Valerie, let me say how eloquent & well-spoken you are in your videos. It was this quality that stopped me & made me listen and watch your videos.
I use two different types of monopods - One has a rubber foot which I rest on the seat of my wheelchair. The other is from Pro Master which has a interchangeable base. I can either have a rubber or metal pin on the base OR I can attach legs to it. The legs allow it to free stand which could eliminate your fear of having it fall. Mind you the feet makes it sturdy, but NOT sturdy enough to walk away from it. Perhaps this would be something to consider. My suggestion would be is to go into a well-stocked camera store and ask to try out different monopods with different types of heads. Some good heads being fluid heads which are ideal for bird photography. Keep up with your videos. I enjoy them and love watching the interesting places you visit to photograph. Sadly, I am limited for my locations due to physical limitations. cheers

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

@@hanzkilian1806 thank you for your kind comments and support 🙏🙏 I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the content.
I think the leg attachments for the monopod sounds great - you're right, it might be just what I need. I'll definitely look into this more - appreciate your tips!
I think you have a fantastic mindset. Keep enjoying your photography and go where you can. Being in nature is so wonderful and keep that spirit of adventure and discovery - we all have adventures in different ways! 😊 Take care 👍📸🦜

[@germancreatives88]

omg! you didnt put the lens hood?

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

I know...🙈 Massive lesson learnt! Thanks for watching and dropping a comment 🙏🙏👍

[@marshallvanhook9241]

I would have cried

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Marshall, 😅 I think I would have if I didn't have insurance... Which was what happened to another lens of mine - a story for another day!

[@charlesdavis6371]

very sorry to see what happened to your gear

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thank you Charles 🙏🙏 Good news is I can get a replacement 🙂 Just need to decide on what that'll be!

[@maheshsuradkar]

Did you get your lens repaired??

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Hi Mahesh, unfortunately it couldn't be repaired. So I got a replacement lens - a Tamron f2.8-4 35-150mm 😊

[@maheshsuradkar]

@@ValerieMisaPhotography thanks for the reply.. your photos are great and so does the style of video making.. keep it up.. well wishes 💐💐💐

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thank you for your kind comments Mahesh 🙏🙏 I'm glad you're enjoying the videos 🙂

[@mawavoy]

Sorry, for the damage to your camera. Hope you can recover.

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thank you Michael. 🙏 Super happy to say that it'll be replaced under my insurance 😊 Now I'll just have to figure whether I get the same or something else...🤔

[@mawavoy]

@@ValerieMisaPhotography , glad you have insurance. Maybe something with fast autofocus and eye/bird recognition? 😊

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Haha that's sounds advice! Thanks Michael 👍

[@jonesnax]

Moving on X-T5 and 100-400 is the deal in my opinion (for fuji shooters)

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Agree that's a top Fujifilm setup! 👍 Although the longer reach of a 500mm or 600mm would be nice. 🙂📸

[@argyelankrisztian]

👌😁

[@ValerieMisaPhotography]

Thanks Kriztian! 🙏😊