|
Post by Ramon Gallardo on Jul 14, 2008 8:25:14 GMT
Hello Everyone, just joined this forum. To Romy, I am a Candaba native but living in SoCal and Gil Tuzon highly recommend joining. So, I did. I am going home for 3 weeks this Sunday (7/20). One of the trips i plan is Davao to visit the PEC and hopefully get pictures of our beautiful eagle/s. My question is regarding which lens to bring. I have a Sony a700 camera and various lenses. I am new to birding but, i do have a Minolta 300/4 with 1.4xTC. I also have a 70-210/4 "beercan". My question is would the beercan (maybe + 1.4TC) be good enough to shoot at the Phil Eagle Center. Would carrying a 300/4 be problematic in Davao? Thanks for any help.
RG
|
|
|
Post by Romy Ocon on Jul 14, 2008 9:11:56 GMT
Welcome to PBPF, RG! I haven't been to PEC yet, but I remember one of our resident birdnuts (Neon R.) paid this place a visit not too long ago. I'm sure he'll chime in later regarding the focal length needed. Still, if you can swing it, I'd recommend that you bring the 300 f4 + TC for birds in the other places you'll visit. Romy Hello Everyone, just joined this forum. To Romy, I am a Candaba native but living in SoCal and Gil Tuzon highly recommend joining. So, I did. I am going home for 3 weeks this Sunday (7/20). One of the trips i plan is Davao to visit the PEC and hopefully get pictures of our beautiful eagle/s. My question is regarding which lens to bring. I have a Sony a700 camera and various lenses. I am new to birding but, i do have a Minolta 300/4 with 1.4xTC. I also have a 70-210/4 "beercan". My question is would the beercan (maybe + 1.4TC) be good enough to shoot at the Phil Eagle Center. Would carrying a 300/4 be problematic in Davao? Thanks for any help. RG
|
|
|
Post by mantarey on Jul 14, 2008 9:15:56 GMT
Hi, welcome aboard. Agree with the Mastah better bring the longer lens, you may have time to visit other places. Don't worry Davao is a safe and peaceful place.
|
|
|
Post by Ralf Nabong on Jul 14, 2008 12:54:03 GMT
Welcome to the Forum RG. I agree with Romy and Rey, the 300mm +TC will serve you well in your birding sortie here.
|
|
|
Post by Teddy Regpala on Jul 14, 2008 17:19:20 GMT
Hey RG, welcome to PBP from a fellow newb from CA. I've been to Davao once, to visit my sister who relocated there. I think she brought me to where "Pag-asa" is (or used to), not sure if that's where PEC is. To be honest, I never had a clear sight of the eagles in captivity. It's heavily fenced with screens. Maybe you can request to be in a place wherein you'll get a good vantage point. But we never bothered, as we're happy to just see the eagles. I can't even recall what camera I brought then, if I still towed my Nikon F90, or if I already have my Sony P&S then. If you want to do a guided hike to see birds and eagles in the wild, maybe that's the way to go. There are birding tours available, just ask if you're interested. Good luck, and have fun. Make the most out of that 3 weeks. Can't wait to go back to our motherland myself and do some birding. Maybe in two years. Ted
|
|
|
Post by Bob Kaufman on Jul 14, 2008 20:46:27 GMT
Welcome aboard, RG.
Where in SoCal are you? I'm in South Pasadena.
|
|
|
Post by Ramon Gallardo on Jul 14, 2008 23:16:20 GMT
Thanks everyone for your warm welcome and responses.
I am very convinced that I should bring my 300/4. Now, the only question is how? I am certain I won’t be checking it in. However, PAL only allows 15lbs total for hand carry luggage. They only allow a small camera bag. But, I will certainly try to bring it.
My 3 weeks visit will be quite hectic: 4D/3N in Kiangan-Banaue, 3N/3D Laoag-Vigan-Paoay, 3D/2N Davao. So, my only birding opportunity will be the PEC. Most photo ops will be Family, Macro (orchids), and Landscapes.
My real Birding Op might be winter of 2009 or early 2010. So, Romy, I hope I could join you in my hometown of Candaba during those times. I will try to coordinate with Gil by then. Maybe I could catch some mojo from both of you and magically become a decent birder if not at least a good student.
To Ted and Bob, I live in RSM near Mission Viejo.
Ray and RD thanks for your reply and reassurances.
RG
|
|
|
Post by Neon Rosell II on Jul 14, 2008 23:30:07 GMT
RG, Welcome to PBPF! I've been to (PEC) Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao just last December and was able to get some close up photo of the "King of birds" I have posted these photos a while back and I think it's easier to post it again. Here are some photos I was able to take. I used a 30D + 300 mm + 2x Kenko TC in all my captures. f 9, ISO 640, 1/180 sec., Manual Exposure, Hand held f 9, ISO 640, 1/250 sec., Manual Exposure, Hand held In the big enclosures it's good to have the bare 300/4 so that you can come closer to the cage to blur the wiring out of your photos. The closer you are to the wires the more it is obscured and your photos will look like they were taken out in the open. Use wide open aperture to get a shallow DOF and blur out the BG as well. I think the 70-210 would be enough for taking pictures at PEC but if you are going to do some more birding I suggest you just bring the 300/4 + 1.4x TC, if you have to chose between the two lenses, but of course you can bring your whole arsenal if it's not a problem. In the second photo to get a full length shot of the bird I needed to step back quite a distance away from the cage, which was the only way, as you can see the trace of the cyclone wire of the enclosure is just coming out. Sad!! But this is the only way these birds will defy extinction by being caged and captive bred. Hope someday we can see these birds soar in the wild again. f 9, ISO 640, 1/60 sec., Manual Exposure, Hand held
|
|
|
Post by Adri Constantino on Jul 15, 2008 1:01:04 GMT
Welcome aboard RG. I saw your itinerary and I must say that all the places you're going to visit will be good for bird photography. Banawe, has some great montane birds. I think there is also a resort in Paoay (very near Paoay lake) where they have a sanctuary for the endemic Philippine Ducks (and other waterbirds, of course). In Davao, aside from the Great Philippine Eagle, you can try the side trails within the center for other birds. Good luck and Happy Birding! Adri
|
|
|
Post by Teddy Regpala on Jul 15, 2008 5:32:27 GMT
RG, Yeah three weeks is really not enough, that's the minimum vacation time whenever going back. I tried two weeks before, it's suicide. Not really worth the trouble, expense, stress, jet-lag, and the pain of travel.
Neon, Thanks for posting those. They really look "astig" (mean). He's so big, and it seems he can't even carry the weight of his own wings. Maybe partly because of not enough exercise since they're captive.
Sad indeed. With that size, they need a constant supply of prey, and a huge forest within it's range to survive. And even then, they can't have a guaranteed protection in the wild from their number one enemy, us.
|
|
|
Post by JV Noriega on Jul 15, 2008 6:51:58 GMT
HI RG, welcome aboard! I suggest you bring as many lenses as your camera bag can take. I travel a lot and a Large to medium-sized lowepro backpak (for example) will do the trick. Even the large computrekker can be stowed perfectly on the overhead rack or under the airline seat, and you'll be surprised at how much equipment it can carry. Plus all your personal effects, laptop, little food items, etc. Also, a large waist bag won't really be considered as an extra hand-carried bag (i think) -- but that's what i usually do... just some food for thought, coz many times, i'd leave some lenses behind, only to get frustrated that i should have brought it in the first place. Just don't double up on your choice of focal lengths, but have your widest to your longest in your bag. lastly, carry the bag in a trolly so you dont hurt your back.
Happy shooting!
|
|
|
Post by Ramon Gallardo on Jul 15, 2008 9:00:39 GMT
Thanks again for your advice and responses. This forum is great. Glad I joined.
Neon, you’ve just made my day. I don’t know about you guys, but, that first picture just made me a tad bit emotional. It made me proud. It’s Filipino. It’s our identity. If only I could take that same shot, my trip will all be worth it. Thanks for sharing.
Adri, Ted and JV, I think I’ve figure out a way to handcarry the 300/4. I will put it inside my 1510 Pelican case and it will total 16lbs. If they hassle me, I’ll remove the hood so, it will be within the 15lb limit. The cameras (a700, Nikon 8400 and Canon HV20) and other lenses (11-18,18-250, 50/1.4, 100/2.8 Macro, 2TCs) will be distributed between 2 medium size camera bags. Additionally, a very small lens (100-200/4.5) attached on a 1.4xTC could penetrate the wired fence shown on Neon’s 3rd picture. Once landed (maybe even inflight), I could put all my gear inside the pelican case for protection. For the trips, I will bring a Lowepro slingshot AW200, and my wife the AW100. I think I am set.
One big question again, since I will be in and out of A/C (room and car), and with the humidity factor, how do you avoid having your lenses and cameras from being fogged-up? Would Ziploc bags do the trick? TIA
RG
|
|
|
Post by Lydia Robledo on Jul 15, 2008 13:43:48 GMT
HI GUYS, Please visit our blog site. There is an article about the "LORD OF THE FOREST" where it will lead you to National Geographic site. Of course I like Neon's shots better. But you guys should have covered this majestic bird. telyd samutsaringbuhay.wordpress.com/
|
|
|
Post by Jun Osano on Jul 15, 2008 13:47:07 GMT
Whoaa nice shots Neon. First shot is my fave.
Welcome aboard RG!
|
|
|
Post by Neon Rosell II on Jul 15, 2008 14:27:50 GMT
Thanks again for your advice and responses. This forum is great. Glad I joined. Neon, you’ve just made my day. I don’t know about you guys, but, that first picture just made me a tad bit emotional. It made me proud. It’s Filipino. It’s our identity. If only I could take that same shot, my trip will all be worth it. Thanks for sharing. One big question again, since I will be in and out of A/C (room and car), and with the humidity factor, how do you avoid having your lenses and cameras from being fogged-up? Would Ziploc bags do the trick? TIA RG Thanks RG, A real live Philippine Eagle is a sight to behold. It would be a much awesome experience if that was taken in the wild. Yes, the ziplock will do but still you need to get the temperature of the lenses near to the outside temperature before opening / using it, especially with the very high humidity we have, a slightly lower temperature will get the moisture from the air condensing in your equipment. What we normally do, if traveling in a car, is to turn off the a/c and open the windows at least 30 min before we are going to use our gear, the longer the better.
|
|
|
Post by JV Noriega on Jul 15, 2008 16:08:50 GMT
Inside a really cold hotel room, grab the largest plastic bag you can find (usually the free bag for soiled clothes), contain your whole camera bag inside the plastic bag, tie it, then keep your camera equipment in a warmer area, like inside the clothes cabinet or even the bathroom, i've experienced fogging on lenses, cameras and video gear many times... the bathroom trick really works, (but of course, take it out of the bathroom when someone takes a shower!) and as Neon mentioned, take the camera bags wrapped in plastic out of the room for a while till the temperature equals the temp outside. Viola! no fog on your equipment! Domesticated wild Eagle shot in Sabang, Puerto Princesa near the underground river park. Villagers actually feed this eagle with fresh fish daily, so it just hangs around flying freely by the fishing village. I was lucky to take photos of it during a trip down there a couple of months ago. Nikon D300, Sigma 170-500 at 400, f/6.3, 1/125 sec, iso 250, manual, sb800 Neon, this is a Philippine Eagle, right? Pls correct me if i'm mistaken...Your shot has a different hairstyle, looks like your eagle just came out of the Eagle parlor at the PEC (he he)
|
|
|
Post by Neon Rosell II on Jul 15, 2008 23:42:53 GMT
Domesticated wild Eagle shot in Sabang, Puerto Princesa near the underground river park. Villagers actually feed this eagle with fresh fish daily, so it just hangs around flying freely by the fishing village. I was lucky to take photos of it during a trip down there a couple of months ago. Nikon D300, Sigma 170-500 at 400, f/6.3, 1/125 sec, iso 250, manual, sb800 Neon, this is a Philippine Eagle, right? Pls correct me if i'm mistaken...Your shot has a different hairstyle, looks like your eagle just came out of the Eagle parlor at the PEC (he he) ;D Unfortunately it's not. The Great Philippine Eagle is about 9" more bigger than this juvenile White-Bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster. The GPE is a forest raptor that eats small mammals. It was once called the Monkey eating Eagle due to the notion that it eats mostly monkey, but its main diet is the flying lemur or Colugo.
|
|
|
Post by Ding Carpio on Jul 16, 2008 3:27:49 GMT
One big question again, since I will be in and out of A/C (room and car), and with the humidity factor, how do you avoid having your lenses and cameras from being fogged-up? Would Ziploc bags do the trick? TIA RG Been in that predicament a number of times. Not sure if ziploc would do the trick. The fogging is due to the condensation of humidity on your cold lens (having come from airconditioning) as the outside air gets to it when you get outof your car. I always make it a point to turn off airconditioning and open all windows with my camera at the front seat, out of the bag, when I'm about 10minutes away from site. On another matter, you mentioned you plan to go to PEC. Just right beside it is the Malagos watershed which teems with wildlife and some huge bats! I went there unannounced and was told you'd need to have a permit to get i. To get a permit, you'd need to write Davao City Hall a week in advance. If you have time, you may want to try. I didn't so I just contented myself walking around in the park but, somehow, got lost into the watershed! It would be much more efficient if you had a guide, though.
|
|
|
Post by Ramon Gallardo on Jul 16, 2008 7:35:43 GMT
JV, now I wish I could go to back to Sabang. I went there 15 years ago. Went back to Puerto Princesa 2 years ago and was totally disappointed to what happened to the city. Mostly with what happened to the Public Market. Back then, if you need anything you have to go to the market. It was so clean with lots of fresh fruits and fish. I guess it’s unavoidable with progress. I remember we had pritong Lapu-Lapu for breakfast, sinigang Lapu-Lapu for lunch, inihaw na Lapu-Lapu for dinner and kinilaw na Lapu-Lapu for pulutan. We did this for 3 days, of course with other dishes, but, they are so fresh, it was a gastronomical experience. I guess even the Lapu-Lapu stock is also now in decline. It used to be cheaper than bangus or any other fish.
Our visit to Palawan 2 years ago was also quite memorable because we drove from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. On the way, few meters from the road we briefly stopped to take a picture of what appeared to be a beautiful Kalaw perched on a branch. We only had P&S, but I wish I had a dslr. There were many more tropical birds if I remember right it’s just that we were all busy in awe of the landscape and environment.
Ding, thanks for the tips. I have no problem getting lost. Hehehe. I just tell them I ate too much durian. Man, those are nasty looking bats. Medyo blond pa ang buhok. Bats are cool. They don’t bother me. Besides, they eat millions of mosquitos. Better than katol if you ask me. LOL
RG
|
|
|
Post by Ramon Gallardo on Jul 16, 2008 7:42:42 GMT
Lydia,
Thanks. When i first read NatGeo article about our GPE, it gave me mixed feelings. Proud of its majestic existence and sad for its dwindling condition. We could only hope that our grandchildren could still see them.
RG
|
|