Comments on: Ten Tips for Great Animal Photos

By: Michael Kiang

Michael Kiang — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:54:40 +0000

Hi,
Does anyone have experience of Canon 1D Mark 3
used with Sigma 50-500 mm EX HSM lens ?
Any compatibility problems ?
Many Thanks.

By: Stephen Oachs

Stephen Oachs — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:11:18 +0000

The best way to reduce red-eye is to get the flash on a different level than the lens. Most buy a bracket to raise the flash well above the lens, or off to the side.

The next best trick is red-eye reduction, which some camera’s have built in (though not if you shoot RAW) or post processing software.

By: maddie

maddie — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:55:50 +0000

hey, i was wondering how do i get rid of the red eye on animals. im taking photos of my dog and his eyes flash up yellow and the red eye on photoshop doesnt take it away. thanx.

By: Stephen Oachs

Stephen Oachs — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:37:15 +0000

I am always the first in line. The San Francisco Zoo (closest to my home) doesnt open until 10am but most zoo’s do offer a hour early entrance for photographers. It’s a good time becuase the animals are most active, it’s usually cooler and there are no people to have to work around. After the park opens though, I usually find a good spot, setup the tripod and gear and hold my ground. By noon, they are sleeping. Then around 2-3pm, feeding time for the big cats, they become active again but good luck after that, unless you want napping shots

Patience is key. I recently visited the SF Zoo to do some test shooting with the new Canon 1D Mark III and spent 4 hours in one spot. Here are a couple examples from that test:

http://www.pbase.com/stephenoachs/image/82269101
http://www.pbase.com/stephenoachs/image/82269100
http://www.pbase.com/stephenoachs/image/82269103

By: Pam

Pam — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:28:55 +0000

This is probably OOT, but anyone knows when is the best time to visit a zoo to photograph the animals? I went to my local zoo the other day (around 11am), and most of the animals were asleep. It’s so boringg..Thank you in advance.

By: Billy

Billy — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:38:24 +0000

WOW..what a great photo..

I think you’re right..the IS is quite important for a 400mm lens. I’d go for the Canon 100-400..

By: Stephen Oachs

Stephen Oachs — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:37:36 +0000

I also shoot with the Sigma 50-500mm and it’s a great lens. It does not have Image Stabilization and It’s a bit slow in low light. However, for the money, it’s worth every penny.

If I had to choose between the two, I’d choose the Canon 100-400mm for two main reasons — the glass is the best you can get, and the IS.

Here’s an image I took last year, in New York, with the Sigma 50-500mm:

http://www.pbase.com/stephenoachs/image/52170221

By: Billy

Billy — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:13:29 +0000

thanks for your reply. What do you think about the sigma 50-500? I’ve seen some great images taken with this lens..would you buy this lens over the canon 100-400??

By: Stephen Oachs

Stephen Oachs — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:12:50 +0000

Billy, I highly recommend the Canon 100-400mm IS USM. It’s a fantastic lens and great bang for the buck. My first push/pull Canon lens was the 28-300mm and I also had some reservation at first but it’s very easy to get used to and highly functional. I switch between my push/pulls and twist zooms effortlessly now.

By: Billy

Billy — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 04:37:48 +0000

Thank you for your tips.. I am thinking of getting the canon 100-400mm, and wondering your opinion on the push/pull-zoom of the lens..