Posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 12, 2008 at 8:28 AM
Hello, I have been coming to this site for a few months and I have found it to be very informative. The people here seem very knowledgable and intent on helping others become better nature photographers. So, I joined. I used to take a lot a photos many years ago, but I am just now getting back into the hobby. I have been a professional wildlife biologist for the last 20 years specializing in birds, specifically waterfowl. I am located on the east coast of Florida. Wildlife biologists do not make a lot of money, so I never had the resources to get the equipment I knew was needed to get really good bird pictures. I am really intrigued by the new digital SLRs and have decided to take the plunge and get some good equipment to see what I can do. I have a lot of great opportunities as I am in the field a lot. So far I have purchased a Canon Xsi (seems like a good starter camera and it is light and easy to carry in the field)and Canon 300mm f/4L IS USM. As soon as I sell my boat I will be getting a Canon 500mm f/4L IS USM. Any other lens I should get? I have a couple of tripods and a mono pod with various heads. So, I hope to be posting some of my efforts here in the near future. Please be kind in your critiques, but of course I want to learn so please be honest. Thanks and I am very excited to be a part of this community and to start posting some pictures. Ron
Hello Ron, glad to see you have found the NPN site as well as joining up too. It sounds like you have some excellent opportunities as a biologist, and also as you stated spending a lot of time in the field. I can not share any thoughts on any required lenses you asked about as I shoot landscape only, but I'm sure others will be able to help you out in that area.
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 12, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Paul, thanks for the welcome. Ron
Posted by Steve Sieren on December 12, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Welcome to NPN Ron.
Posted by Bill Chambers on December 12, 2008 at 5:46 PM
Welcome aboard Ron, and hoping to see your posts soon.
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 12, 2008 at 8:01 PM
I would post a picture, but it seems my membership has not taken. Can anyone tell me what has to happen before I can upload images? Thanks. Ron
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 12, 2008 at 8:08 PM
I would post a picture, but it seems my membership has not taken. Can anyone tell me what has to happen before I can upload images? Thanks. Ron
Posted by Brad Hill on December 12, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Hi Ron,
Welcome aboard - looking forward to seeing some of your images. I'm a dedicated Nikon guy so anything I could tell you about lenses would be of such a general nature that it wouldn't help you too much. I'm sure some of the many Canon users that are NPN members will be able to help you out.
Cheers...
Brad
Posted by Richard Hahn on December 12, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Ron,
Good evening and welcome to NPN. I use a Canon XTi with the Canon 300mm f/4L IS USM and a Canon 1.4 tc for most of my photos (nature & wildlife). I would strongly recommend getting the Canon 1.4 tc, which works well with the 300 lens.
In your line of work you should an opportunity to get some great picture. Look forward to seeing your photos.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on December 13, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Ron, thanks for joining NPN! Our apologies for taking so long to get you set up, we're just recovering from a wicked ice storm here in New Hampshire. No power, but our cable is back this morning and the generator is running.
I have updated your NPN registration with your membership number so you are now good to go. You should have received our email with your NPN membership info as well.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us - hopefully our power will be back soon and we'll be watching our email much more closely.
Hey Ron,
Welcome. I too am a new menber and was greeted well. I wanted to to say that you've joined a good group of photograpers. Read the many sites and there is much to learn and have fun trying some of the techniques.
Steve Rosenthal
Posted by Buck Ward on December 13, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Hi Ron. Welcome
Looks like you're getting a good start, equipment-wise. Good body, good lens. When you get that 500 f4, make sure your tripod is up to the task (if not, get one that is) and I'd recommend a gimbal head.
Posted by Bret Edge on December 13, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Welcome to NPN, Ron! I look forward to your participation in the forums.
I'm not a bird/wildlife photographer and can't recommend any good lenses. However, I will say that the Rebel body you bought is a darn good value. I think you'll be quite happy with it.
Discussion
12 repliesWelcome aboard - looking forward to seeing some of your images. I'm a dedicated Nikon guy so anything I could tell you about lenses would be of such a general nature that it wouldn't help you too much. I'm sure some of the many Canon users that are NPN members will be able to help you out.
Cheers...
Brad
Good evening and welcome to NPN. I use a Canon XTi with the Canon 300mm f/4L IS USM and a Canon 1.4 tc for most of my photos (nature & wildlife). I would strongly recommend getting the Canon 1.4 tc, which works well with the 300 lens.
In your line of work you should an opportunity to get some great picture. Look forward to seeing your photos.
I have updated your NPN registration with your membership number so you are now good to go. You should have received our email with your NPN membership info as well.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us - hopefully our power will be back soon and we'll be watching our email much more closely.
Thanks again for joining and for your patience!
Welcome. I too am a new menber and was greeted well. I wanted to to say that you've joined a good group of photograpers. Read the many sites and there is much to learn and have fun trying some of the techniques.
Steve Rosenthal
Looks like you're getting a good start, equipment-wise. Good body, good lens. When you get that 500 f4, make sure your tripod is up to the task (if not, get one that is) and I'd recommend a gimbal head.
I'm not a bird/wildlife photographer and can't recommend any good lenses. However, I will say that the Rebel body you bought is a darn good value. I think you'll be quite happy with it.