on both sides of the hide! They are down and up so quick again that I do not stand a chance to get a shot, unless they sit still.
I balance my camera on a bean bag on the railing and just don't react quick enough to get any movement. I need to do that as I cannot hold the camera still long enough.
Awesome shot Diana- you may want to look into a shutter release where you can rest the camera and stand back just a bit. I know a lot of bird photographers who use them instead of pressing the button. Less camera movement too when using them. But as far as I can see you get a lot of great shots without one!
The other piece of equipment that a wonderful bird photographer suggested was a "dot sight". You attach to the hot-spot of the camera and it acts as focusing agent. You set it on a spot the birds land on frequently and it helps the camera keep that area extremely sharp. It's particularly useful for catching birds in flight. The one I have is an Olympus EE-1 (so you can look it up and see a better explanation!). But I am really not a bird photographer and my photographic interest developed in other areas so now it's just sitting in a drawer. Mine works with the Canon system but I know they make them for every brand, so that too, may be something you'd want to look into- plus a tripod!
@olivetreeann Thanks so much for your suggestions Ann, I appreciate you giving it some thought. I will definitely look into it. A tripod is not an option as there are benches all around and I would not be able to put it anywhere. I have considered a monopod, but that is also not ideal. Your option sounds the best, now to find one :-)
@ludwigsdiana I wish I could send you mine- but I'm not sure it would work on your camera- I have a Canon and I believe you shoot with a Nikon. But my guess is, you'll be able to find one on Amazon or a camera site. But then again- I'll have to look at it more seriously because if it goes on top (like a flash unit does) it might work for your camera as well as mine. Anyway- I got mine through a camera shop but I'm sure you can get them on line too. Best wishes on the search!
@olivetreeann Thanks Ann, I too shoot with a Canon. I tried all the photo shops here, but nobody has one as they are all sold out. How generous of you to want to send it to me, but that would not work as our post is dysfunctional.
I even googled in Germany but could not find one. It does not seem very popular anymore. I will check with Katja if she can find one in Germany and bring it when she comes on holiday. I can still try it in England, as our friend is coming in October. Thanks for trying to help :-)
The other piece of equipment that a wonderful bird photographer suggested was a "dot sight". You attach to the hot-spot of the camera and it acts as focusing agent. You set it on a spot the birds land on frequently and it helps the camera keep that area extremely sharp. It's particularly useful for catching birds in flight. The one I have is an Olympus EE-1 (so you can look it up and see a better explanation!). But I am really not a bird photographer and my photographic interest developed in other areas so now it's just sitting in a drawer. Mine works with the Canon system but I know they make them for every brand, so that too, may be something you'd want to look into- plus a tripod!
I even googled in Germany but could not find one. It does not seem very popular anymore. I will check with Katja if she can find one in Germany and bring it when she comes on holiday. I can still try it in England, as our friend is coming in October. Thanks for trying to help :-)