Hi ! I'm Ariel

[Ariel Jimenez]

Hi everyone I'm Ariel !

I have always been an admirer of the beauty of birds but I didn't like the idea of having them in cages. And so, my interest somehow was kept at bay.

When I started to have interest in photography about a few months ago, I never thought that there is such a thing as "Bird Photography". And the moment I learned about this forum, my admiration to birds came to life again. Now I can admire them in their natural habitat. I'm now so excited to learn more about Bird Photography. I was at Subic a few weeks back and was able to take a few photos of Bee eaters. I consider this as my first birding experience and it was a very rewarding one. It was a very peaceful experience too.



I'm very new in this and in fact am new in photography. As I have read in some threads here, 300mm may be a bit short for bird photography. The longest lens I have now is my Canon 55-250 IS. I guess I have to secure a more appropriate lens. I'm dreaming of having a 100-400L but it may take me some more time to save up for this. Can you guys give me some suggestions on what other lenses I could consider ?

Thanks and I hope to do more birding in the future.

[Lydia Robledo]

Welcome Ariel! Those are nice captures of Subic's most photographed bird. The camera you have now is good for butterflies if you have not mastered how to approach one. For me, a 300mm is good for backyard bird photography. With a 1.4 tc, it can give you more stretch. For my needs, I find the two gadgets flexible because I shoot birds and butterflies. With butterflies, you have a more peaceful experience. He, he. Enjoy your stay in the forum. telyd

[Romy Ocon]

Welcome aboard, Ariel... and what an excellent first photo post!

I highly recommend the 100-400 IS... meanwhile 250 mm is sufficient if you can get near the birds.

Romy

[tina mallari]

Welcome to the group of birdnuts Ariel. Hope you can also join us in one of our outings. Just ask any of the friendly birdnuts if they are going somewhere and ask if you can tag along

I agree with Romy, excellent first post considering that you are still very new to bird photography.

Wait till you get to Candaba when all the birds are there - your peaceful experience will turn into a flurry of emotions - HehHEehEHeHEhHEeEe

[Ariel Jimenez]

Thanks Lydia, Romy and Tina for the warm welcome.

I enjoy reading your forums as I find people here very friendly.

Yes Tina I sure hope to join you guys in one of your outings.
Just the thought of the experience makes me feel excited.

I'll see you all around the forums and hopefully in your Birding outings soon.

[Armando Somintac]

welcome to the forum ariel. as a newbie to bird photography myself, i already envy your capture of the colorful bee eaters of subic.
i am also using a short lens for birding (80-200mm) which i bought for sporting events but with a TC i can can extend its range.

[Ariel Jimenez]

Hello Mando ! I saw your bird photos at the UPD Campus thread and they are really nice !
I'm amazed by the variety of birds you have right there at your place. Is that place open to the public ? I sure hope to go to that place if it's possible.

Are TCs good for L lenses only ? Or will it also work with my 55-250 lens? Thanks.

[Mark Itol]

Welcome to the forum, Ariel! We'll be learning a lot from our masters here! Happy birding!

[Romy Ocon]

May 7, 2008 12:34:55 GMT Ariel Jimenez said:

Are TCs good for L lenses only ? Or will it also work with my 55-250 lens? Thanks.

I haven't used the 55-250 IS yet, but I'd expect the Tamron 1.4x or Kenko Pro 1.4x TC (both without protruding front elements) to be mountable on that lens, making it as long as 350 mm f/8. If the TC is non-reporting or the pins are taped, you might get working AF with the 1.6 crop factor bodies. Image quality will surely degrade a bit on a per pixel basis, but total details will be more on a per frame basis. With zoom lenses, you might need to stop it down to f/11 to get better IQ.

If you're interested in adding a 1.4x TC, I suggest you try one first at the store, or meet up with a fellow PBPF member who has one.

Romy

[Ariel Jimenez]

Markgli - Thanks Mark. Yes there are lots to be learned here from the masters. I'm really enjoying reading the forums here. The photos are very inspiring. I never knew we have so many beautiful birds here in our country.

Romy - Thanks for the advice. I'll try one out. I think that's the way to go while I'm saving up for a better lens. I read your thread re the Sigma 150-500 os. I'm now eagerly waiting for its review. Thanks !

[Ralf Nabong]

Welcome to the forum alj. I afree with Romy, the 1.4 TC is the cheapest option available to extend your lens' reach. I myself started in bird photography with my 70-200 and 1.4 TC. It as actually the first time that got to extensively used my TC, and it really served its purpose.

Even with my 300mm & 400mm lenses, I still bring with me my TCs.

Bong

[mantarey]

Welcome to the forum Areil. Good exposure on the Bee Eaters, they're difficult to expose accurately because of the big differences in the shades of it's many colors. Makes them really beautiful, colorful birds.

[Ariel Jimenez]

RD Nabong - Thanks Bong! I am really new in this and I appreciate every input I get. I'll be researching on the different TCs available locally. I need to educate myself with the pros and cons of the diff brands and models. So far I've heard of Tamron, Kenko, Canon, and Sigma. Thanks !

RStaAna - Thanks Rey! We were already on our way home when I chanced upon a Birdwatching sign on the side of the road. It was really a very peaceful experience. I really am hoping to have my next experience soon! So far I've read on UP Diliman and Candaba as probably the most accessible places.


Thanks po sa mga replies and advice ninyo.