After a year of a repair saga that isn’t even worth getting into, my 300mm f/2.8 lens is back from the dead, essentially rebuilt.
I usually use the lens for photos like this (yes, shameless Beckham plug) in places like this, but inspired by a friend’s recent email I set out to get some “wildlife” photos.
Here’s my approach to wildlife photography. Drive around until wildlife can be seen from the road, then get out of the car and shoot it. I know I know, such a courageous and dedicated wildlife photographer. I don’t wait in blinds for days on end, I drive around hoping something wild is conveniently close to the highway.
Truth be told, wildlife photography just isn’t my thing. I can appreciate it, but I know there are others who are much more dedicated and I’ll always be a hack.
Regardless, in recent weeks I had noticed, while driving the back roads through the farmland, large birds of prey. I’m guessing they are mostly hawks, but I’m always impressed by their size and formidable appearance.
So yesterday, with an early morning errand to run out to a farm in Longmont, I brought along my 300 in hopes of finding a couple of these birds.
It didn’t take long to find one once I was off the main road. He could have been a real pain but instead he kindly faced into the sun so I could get a good photo as he scanned the field for prey. I popped a few shots and walked closer, trying to get some better details. I probably got to within 50 feet when he spread his wings for a short flight. I was hoping I would get some sort of a hunt but maybe he was just airing out or scoping something he saw. Fifteen seconds later he was back in the tree, eyeing me suspiciously. It wasn’t long after that he decided he wasn’t comfortable with me pointing this large black item at him and he made a long flight to another tree.
While it’s not the most fascinating photography I’ve ever displayed and I’m pretty sure the Audobon Society won’t be knocking down my door anytime soon, it was nice to pull out the big lens, fire off some frames on continuous high, track the hawk through the air and get some nicely lit images.
By the way, to see the images in much more detail, click to enlarge.
