Advice for new 300mm owner?

[Jeff_Swayze]

I plan to take delivery of a 300mm f/2.8 lens in the next couple of days, and I was wondering if anyone had any tips for shooting with this lens. I've got a Canon D60 that I'll be using for most of my shots. I've also got both teleconverters.

Do I need a ballhead now that I've got the heavier glass?
Any tips on handling the lens?

My near-term plans are to shoot birds and take a couple of zoo trips. I've been using my 100-400 IS for everything, now I'd like to see what the 300 at 2.8 (or 3.5 with the TC) can do for me.

Thanks,

Jeff Swayze

[Jim_Trunck]

Jeff,

The lens is very long and VERY FRONT HEAVY.

You can use it on a ball head, but be very sure it is tightened down or the front of the lens will drop down and crash into your tripod!

The best alternative is to use a Wimberley Head - yes even with a 300mm because of the weight of the lens and where the weight is located.

Second best choice is a Wimberley Sidekick on a ball head, but it still can crash down if not balanced and tightened properly.

A good ball head is great for Nature work with this lens; it is a "minimum" requirement. You won't want to hand hold this lens for very long....

Enjoy the lens!

Jim

[Jonathan_Zalkin]

Side Kick and with a 1.4 converter you will be at f4 not 3.5 just didnt want you to meter wrong. with a 2x you will be at f5.6.

[Dan_Barthel]

I use the 300F2.8IS on a Arca B1 ballhead and a Wimberly sidekick. The trick is to get a long Wimberly lens plate (I think I got the P-50) so that you can get perfect balance. If you buy a plate the size of teh 300's foot, you won't be able to come back far enough to be neutral. Once balanced, you can move it around with a fingertip. Other than the Arca B1, only the Kirk B1 is big enough for this combination, even though the Acratec people claim they do it. I've got one, and it's not enough for the 3002.8/ Sidekick combination.

[Bob_Kerner]

The Arca B1 is sweet; well worth the money. When carrying the tripod-lense combo, I'd suggest tilting the lense down so you don't snag it on trees and the like as you carry it. It's also adviseable to use the strap that comes with it. It's not good to carry the contraption solely by the camera body' you'll stress the lense coupling. I also read that you should't transport it in a bag attached to the body for the same reason, though I kept mine attached without ay problems.

Learn to move slow. It will be big and heavy and you'll likely be clumsy at first. Don't be affraid to lower the tripod legs. I always see people shooting birds with the 'pod at shoulder height which makes the birds on the ground look silly, like you're looking down at them.

Good luck. I sold my 300 a few months ago because I wasn't making captivating bird images with it; just tiny dots! That was before I "went digital" and now I regret it a little. I think for birds (like the pix in magazines) you need at least 500, but maybe that's not as difficult with 300 on digital slr.

[loubuscher]

Jeff, I shot with a Nikor 300 2.8 for a long time on my Fuji S1 & S2 and with a 2X got nice results most of the time. I do wildlife for our Endangered Species Unit here in New York with our eagles and have purchased a Sigma 800 5.6 and was so impressed with it I went and got their new 120 to 300 2.8. I have not been dissapointed with either and the 120 to 300 weights in at about 5.7 Lbs. so I can walk with it and a light tripod or monopod and a 2X and am covered up to 600mm at 5.6. With the 800 I do have to use a heavy tripod and I use a 3 way Pan head by Bogen. I had to use this with my 300 Nikor also. I think you will need to follow the advise of Bob, seems he is right on with what he says. Wild life requires a lens a little longer than 300mm and a good tripod and a strong back.
Most of the shots I get are over 300 feet. You cannot approach the eagle any closer without disturbing so alas my 800mm. Am not sorry.
www.loubuscher.com