Recent content by Words

I've just been leaving it on 5.6 throughout the range, and I've not even felt the need to go hunting for a sweet spot (quite unlike the original version). This shot of a rat in the undergrowth was at 5.6 1/200s (ISO 400).

Should add that it plays nicely with the 1.4x III extender.

I'm using the Mark II 100-400 on a 7D Mk II body. It's a really nice combination. IS on the lens is excellent and I've been going as low as 1/40s at times at 400mm (I've been photographing rats in shady corners of a local pond). The other big bonus is that it is very sharp at f/5.6. Combined...

I agree with the previous post. If you're starting out use the Canon DPP and then do a final edit in PS Elements. That will take you a very long way and cover just about everything you want to do.

Tough with that budget to be honest as you will really want at least 300mm, and preferably more. As a starting point and on a tight budget I would look at the Sigma 120-400 or 150-500. Both a bit more than you mention, but both excellent value and not silly money.

Look here. It basically affects the early models.

It won't affect the image as the lens focuses way past the point where those motes on the front lens will have any impact. Even small scratches won't necessarily impact on image quality. Take a look at this article on scratched lenses.

I agree wider is better, but clearly depends on what lenses you've got to choose from. Lighting and so on. This was shot at f5/6, but there was good stage lighting.

When I've done this I've used a highish ISO (800-1600), wide aperture (f/5), and adequate shutter (1/100s) (and then check the histogram to see how things are turning out).

I recently took photos at my niece's wedding (at her request). I simply stayed well back from the pro for the formal shots (or worked from a very different angle and from a greater distance), kept the camera in its bag during the ceremony, didn't go anywhere near the very elaborate setups where...

Not easy to get the information once the students have left. There's an annual survey (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education DLHE) which every course in the country takes part in. The summary results for University College Suffolk/Photography are here: The data is very patchy though...

As you say, woodpecker holes get used by other species once the woodpecker has deserted the site. If woodpeckers were using them now you would certainly see daytime activity.

Andy always puts on a great talk. Well worth seeing if you are in the area.