Do you guys scout locations before bringing out the camera? (1 Viewer)

[JAC34]

So, I’ve been thinking about changing how I do bird photography. I usually just take my long-zoom camera and go, but man, it gets heavy after a while—especially when I don’t even know if there will be anything interesting to shoot.


Last time, I tried something different. Just brought my binoculars and walked around first, checking out spots before deciding where to bring my camera. It felt way easier, but of course, the moment I left my camera behind, an amazing bird showed up. Typical.


Now I’m wondering, do you guys scout first? And if you do, do you bring a lightweight camera just in case, or just stick with binoculars? I kinda like the idea of traveling light, but I also don’t want to miss out on a great shot. Curious how you all do it!

 

[MiddleRiver]

I’ve taken to making sure I have camera with me pretty much everywhere…. Even when I walk to mailbox

 

[Peter.home]

When I buy something for my birding, I consider the most extreme day trip. In terms of miles walked, duration, conditions, then I try and buy something that I can carry for that distance, and something that works in those conditions. And in my budget also!

So, I'd always have the camera with me, (with sufficient memory cards and batteries!).

I can see your approach, but I wouldn't have time, or patience to scout out, and subsequently return with heavy gear etc.

 

[JAC34]

When I buy something for my birding, I consider the most extreme day trip. In terms of miles walked, duration, conditions, then I try and buy something that I can carry for that distance, and something that works in those conditions. And in my budget also!

So, I'd always have the camera with me, (with sufficient memory cards and batteries!).

I can see your approach, but I wouldn't have time, or patience to scout out, and subsequently return with heavy gear etc.

Carrying a camera everywhere must take some dedication. I’ve always found that for bird photography, long lenses are inevitably heavy, even the more portable ones.

 

[Peter.home]

Carrying a camera everywhere must take some dedication. I’ve always found that for bird photography, long lenses are inevitably heavy, even the more portable ones.

Om-system is about the limit for me.
Good because it happens to be one of the cheaper set-ups as well.

Flight hand luggage allowance is another weight constraint for me.

 

[Farnboro John]

Rule 1 of wildlife photography: never, ever, ever let your camera out of arms reach!

This is because that perfect but fleeting opportunity will always be when you don't have it to hand. Even on a scouting trip (and that is a good idea) take the camera too. If you don't, sooner or later yooouuu'll regret it!

John

 

[MiddleRiver]

Rule 1 of wildlife photography: never, ever, ever let your camera out of arms reach!

This is because that perfect but fleeting opportunity will always be when you don't have it to hand. Even on a scouting trip (and that is a good idea) take the camera too. If you don't, sooner or later yooouuu'll regret it!

John

BTDT!!