OwlsEyes
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 p.229 #2 · "Official" Nikon 500 f/5.6E PF Discussion and Image Thread | |
Robert, thank you for the kind words and thoughtful response.
While I wish that I lived near Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, or the Black Hills where wildlife is hard to miss, I do acknowledge that my home state has lots of opportunities to make nice wildlife images. As with any location, one must know when to go, where to go, and be conscious of animal patterns and behaviors. While MN has many great locations to photograph wildlife, you should know that I have never photographed a MN wolf, moose, or lynx. We have the largest wolf population in the lower 48 (about 4000 individuals) as well as the largest lynx population. In contrast to places like the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Denali, we do not have valleys that wolves use to trap their prey. Our North Woods are thick and extend across the border into Ontario, Canada. So much like Maine, we are rich in wildlife, but the photo opportunities can be quite thin.
My good fortune with deer, swans, cranes, and the beavers is linked to my knowledge of where they frequent. All of the animals that I photograph live within State and National Park boundaries. The latter translates into populations of animals that receive little to no hunting pressure. With the exception of poachers (damn poachers tool an 16 point buck last year that I've followed for years), the animals do not see humans as a threat. To them, we are much like smelly trees that seem to move about.
I appreciate the D500 dilemma, and like you, I am forever seeking a solution to focal length limits. All I wanted throughout my 30's and 40's was a 600mm lens to hang on the back of a camera. Now that I am in my mid-late 50's, I want nothing to do with that heavy lens. The D500 with 500PF has been my go to camera lens combination for both flight and distant wildlife. While many have adapted the D850 for multi-purpose use, I could never get past the loud shutter in that camera. My 6 months with the combo led to a decision to abandon the camera. I loved the output, but just could not live with the loud mirror and shutter.
Until I can either afford a Z9 or Nikon introduces a mid level cameras with stacked sensor, the Z7II seems to be my D500 replacement body. I fully acknowledge that it will not be as adept in tracking flight images, but I will adapt to its quirks. Fortunately for me, I have little interest in little birds. With targets like eagles, owls, cranes, and loons, I am confident that the Z-bodies will meet my needs.
cheers,
bruce
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