Charles,

While not inexpensive, I believe two of the best lenses for hand-held
photography of birds are the Canon 300 mm/4.0 Image Stabalized lens and the
Canon 400 mm/5.6. You do need patience, though to sit/stand quietly (or walk
slowly) and let the bird come to you (otherwise a 600 mm lens is required -
not something to hand-hold -or the addition of a teleconverter which
increases weight). The 300mm/4.0 IS has macro capabilities. I use this lens
for photographing dragonflies, butterflies, lizards, non-poisonous snakes,
and larger birds.

I have had success using a Tamron 100-300 mm with a 1.4 teleconverter for
bird photography. This is a less expensive set-up, but you are less likely
to get the quality of image possible with an IS lens. B&H Photo Video in NY
or similar dealers have some of the best prices, which might allow you to
invest in higher quality equipment.

There are quite a few techniques that can help you stabalize a longer
hand-held lens such as resting it (and your arm) against a tree. If shooting
from a vehicle, place a firm pillow or bean bag (mine is filled with rice)
over the window frame and rest the lens on this.

It is amazing though, once accustomed to using a tripod, how easy it is to
maneuver your camera and lens on a good quality ball head or other style
tripod head. The Canon lenses mentioned above have collar lens mounts which
can be removed for hand-holding (thus reducing the weight). The 400mm/5.6
has a collar mount that opens on the side, allowing you to quickly remove it
from the tripod for flight photography.

Many camera stores rent equipment which would give you an opportunity to try
out a particular lens before purchasing one.

For hand-holding you want a faster film. Rule of Thumb for hand-held
photography: The shutter speed should be at least as great as 1/focal length
(e.g., for a 300mm you would want a minimun shutter speed of 1/350 sec.
Also, to stop motion at least 1/250 sec. shutter speed is needed. I
recommend Fuji Provia. This is an extremely fine grained (almost grainless)
100 ISO color slide film that, when pushed - even 2 stops, does well.
Kodak's E100VS (100 ISO) gives very saturated color; but I don't like to push
this one more that 1/2 or 2/3 stop. Fuji Velvia is the best (IMHO :-);
however, it is a slow film - ISO 50 - and usually requires a tripod, even
when pushed to 80, unless you have lots of light. All these are slide films
that I use.
I don't normally use print film so maybe someone else can help you with that.

Well.....you did ask about something I have a passion for! :-) :-) :-)

Judy Rowe Taylor
Mukilteo, WA
caratfeathers at aol.com

"I am life that wills to live in the midst of life that wills to live." -
Albert Schweitzer
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