Hello Steve, great videos and wonderful to see that you made your Z6II capture brilliant bird photos. Would be great to know what lens you used to take these awesome images.
@SteveHedgesPhotography5 күн бұрын
@@ChitrabhanuR Thanks very much, really pleased you enjoyed the photos. I used two lenses, the Nikon 200-500 F mount zoom and 600mm prime F mount lens. All the best Steve.
@benarphotographer14677 күн бұрын
👎🏼👎🏼 only talk talk talk talk
@nickswildlifefootage93929 күн бұрын
Enjoyed this vlog Steve
@SteveHedgesPhotography9 күн бұрын
@@nickswildlifefootage9392 Thanks very much Nick, pleased you enjoyed it. Yes it's a fab reserve isn't it? You can lose yourself for a whole day there no problem. You're right about the marsh harriers, they can come quite close to the hides. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
@nickswildlifefootage93929 күн бұрын
That's one of my favourite ewt reserve Steve i especially like spending time in the 3rd hide can be very good for marsh Harrier as you probably know. Had them flying over the the hide many times. I was lucky enough to see a male hen Harrier there a few weeks back.
@SkylarkFields10 күн бұрын
Very enjoyable, you saw some great birds!
@SteveHedgesPhotography10 күн бұрын
@@SkylarkFields Thanks very much, yes it was a great days photography close to home. Cheers Steve.
@cynical195211 күн бұрын
Another good video Steve and the Snipe shots are excellent. You could say that depending on the time of year and if there is a popular bird to snap (like a Kingfisher for example) then the hide will become busier and it would be unfair to hog a seat for many hours. I like to take the shots that I want, then give up my space to someone else, especially children who should be encouraged to see our wildlife. What AF settings do you use for static birds and for those in flight on the 180 - 600 / Z8 combo? Cheers mate.
@SteveHedgesPhotography11 күн бұрын
@@cynical1952 Hi Steve, thanks very much, pleased you enjoyed it. Yes I agree with you, if the hide is busy it's not fair to hog a spot for hours on end. It's nice to spend the time if you can though isn't it? Regarding flight shots I normally use bird eye detect with one of the AF zones. Normally the large rectangular zone. I often use this setup for static birds as well. Cheers mate.
@JoeMaranophotography11 күн бұрын
It would be nice if we actually saw the sun here in Norfolk! I feel like Dracula! 😂 Sorry very wet Dracula!
@SteveHedgesPhotography11 күн бұрын
@@JoeMaranophotography Hi mate, yeah it's been a bit dull hasn't it? I don't mind it being cold but this flat cloud and flat light is a bit depressing isn't it?
@JoeMaranophotography11 күн бұрын
@@SteveHedgesPhotography You would think after endless rain, the storm and then more rain we would have some clearer weather! But nope!
@SteveHedgesPhotography11 күн бұрын
@JoeMaranophotography Yeah absolutely, I'm not so busy on the run up to Christmas so the weather isn't such a big problem at the moment. I've also just bought a campervan so I',be got a new toy to play with.
@JoeMaranophotography10 күн бұрын
@SteveHedgesPhotography That's awesome! I hope you get to use it more than I use mine! Think in the 5 years or so of owning vans I have been away by myself a handful of times. Hideous!
@SteveHedgesPhotography10 күн бұрын
@@JoeMaranophotography Well I'm certainly going to try hard to use it a lot. Fingers crossed. It all depends on business to be honest.
@richardchew176711 күн бұрын
Hi Steve I recognise that site (I won’t name it as you didn’t). In fact, it was one of your videos from there a few years ago which prompted me to subscribe to your channel 🙂 I didn’t visit for some time due to the habitat management works and the predator fence being installed but I have visited 2 or 3 times this year, most recently last month. It so nice to have a wilderness area in our built-up part of the world. A pub at the end of the walk is a bonus too 🙂 In answer to your question “how long should we stay in a hide?”, I agree that taking time and being patient often brings rewards for wildlife watching and wildlife photography or both. I love that photo of the Common Snipe and those of the Skylarks too 🙂 Regarding courtship/mating behaviour of ducks, I haven’t seen that yet but on my last visit many of the Rooks were already back at the rookery in the village (very noisy!). Richard
@SteveHedgesPhotography11 күн бұрын
@@richardchew1767 Hi Richard, thanks for getting in touch. Yes it's great to have a reserve like this close by , I thought the predator fence would spoil the location for me but I was pleasantly surprised when I first visited after the work was completed. Pleased you liked the snipe and skylark shots, the snipe were an unexpected bonus to be honest. Thanks for taking the time to watch my vlog. All the best Steve.
@rogerhance588311 күн бұрын
Nice vlog Steve.
@SteveHedgesPhotography11 күн бұрын
@@rogerhance5883 Thanks very much Roger, much appreciated mate.
@Calvin.The.Unfindable11 күн бұрын
what wonderful vlog, so calming and enjoyable. you managed to get some wonderful pictures there. great work. i hope your evening talk went well too.
@SteveHedgesPhotography11 күн бұрын
@@Calvin.The.Unfindable Thanks very much Calvin, I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Yes thanks the talk did go well. Cheers Steve.
@green856w14 күн бұрын
Thirty seconds of walking into the woodland at the beginning - why waste time on that? And then, more footage wasted of walking back, drinking tea and talking about the tea. Show examples of your photos
@neilblake356921 күн бұрын
I get similar results with my Olympus 40-150 f2 8. On a related matter, who do you think of the latest Lightroom denoise and sharpening featured relative to Topaz?
@SteveHedgesPhotography21 күн бұрын
@@neilblake3569 Hi Neil, I haven't used Lightrooms for noise that much to be honest. But I do think the results are very good when I have. I find it a bit slow though. So I still tend to use Topaz. Thanks for commenting, all the best Steve.
@cynical195225 күн бұрын
A good comparison video and nice to know that you would use the 70 - 200 as a back-up. I have just bought the 70 -200 f2.8 version and it is a great bit of kit. We are going to Norfolk in January and I can test it in low light situations there.
@SteveHedgesPhotography25 күн бұрын
@@cynical1952 Hi Steve, thanks very much. I think your F2.8 with a X2 will be a very good combo. Norfolk in January should be brilliant. Cheers mate.
@CamillaI25 күн бұрын
You can certainly use the 2x Converter with the 70-200 . They normally work well with both TC's as they were originally built with these lens in mind. I presume the F4 making it an f8 rather than the f5.6 with the f2.8 will let in less light. With good light the f4 lens & 2x Converter should be fine and you need f8 for the depth of field for Flock photography . A/F should be slower with the 2x👌
@SteveHedgesPhotography25 күн бұрын
@@CamillaI Hi Mark, yes totally agree. I don't think the F8 is a problem and the AF was good as well. I think this combination would be a back up option if space was an issue. The 70-200 F2.8 is a good option with the X2 but obviously bigger and more expensive. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers Steve.
@Richard-c6u1iАй бұрын
This has to be parady, right ? No one speaks like this? 😂
@andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913Ай бұрын
Nice video Steve some good info to also some lovely images love those frosty mornings great for seeing the animals breath 👍📸
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913 Thanks very much Andy, yes it was the perfect morning for photography. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
@KGsPhotographyАй бұрын
Great video, Steve, and you are right, there is always an image to be had even when you think the light is at its worst. It's all about storytelling at the end of the day through our photographs. Cheers Keith
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@KGsPhotography Thanks very much Keith, yes that's certainly dead right. Although it helps when the light is good that's for sure. Cheers mate.
@rogerhance5883Ай бұрын
Good video Steve. Love the figting Deer footage.
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@rogerhance5883 Thanks very much Roger, what a morning it was. Mist, sun and a fantastic rut. It doesn't get much better than that. All the best Steve.
@JPLamoureuxsTravelsАй бұрын
Good advice buddy and lovely pictures too not been to Richmond Park yet to be honest but the rut is always electric to watch isn’t it! 😊it’s always fab when you’re out looking at a subject and the conditions are perfect 😍 it’s a photographers thing eh lol 😂 catch up soon. JP
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@JPLamoureuxsTravels Cheers JP much appreciated. I think you should certainly try out Richmond park during the rut it can be very very good. Yes watching a rut is awesome, especially in great light. Yes let me know when you're home, love to have a catch up. All the best Steve.
@jasonlaughton7Ай бұрын
I agree Steve 👍🏽 I got a great shot of a stag. One of my best, like you too Steve. All the best
@jasonlaughton7Ай бұрын
Another great vlog Steve. I was at Richmond earlier in the rutt this year. I got a few pretty good pictures. Happy days Steve. All the best.
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@jasonlaughton7 Thanks very much Jason, it doesn't matter how many times we go to Richmond during the rut it's always worth the visit isn't it? Pleased you got some good shots too. All the best Steve.
@NaturallyCuriousUKАй бұрын
Great advice Steve. I got some lovely backlit footage and photos of Fallow Deer at Dagnam Park in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iouamYWLjbKLqqssi=_WUlHEKkjiCM2HOA Your rut footage was superb, and the examples you cited about photographing certain birds in different light conditions will certainly prove useful. I will DM you with some feedback on other aspects of this video too. Cheers mate! 👍👍👍
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@NaturallyCuriousUK Thanks very much Graham, pleased you enjoyed it. Ah man the deer rut was brilliant. Watching them in the mist was just magic. Don't remember if I've seen your video so I'll check it out. Cheers mate.
@juanitakelly3082Ай бұрын
Good review and examples of types of light on wildlife. Thanks! The Red Deer rut action was really exciting!
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@juanitakelly3082 Thanks very much, really pleased you enjoyed it. Yes it was unbelievably exciting to watch and film. All the best Steve.
@cynical1952Ай бұрын
Another good video Steve, with excellent footage and stills. Your advice, as always, is spot on and more of the same please.
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@cynical1952 Thanks very much Steve, pleased you enjoyed it. What a morning! Mist, sun breaking through and a deer rut. It doesn't get much better mate. Cheers Steve.
@ianwilsonwildlifephotographyАй бұрын
Great video Steve and some great tips on using light. The footage of the deer rut was amazing. Hope you got some stills! 👍
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@ianwilsonwildlifephotography Thanks very much Ian, pleased you enjoyed it. I've got a couple of stills of the rut but I mainly concentrated on video footage. All the best Steve.
@richardchew1767Ай бұрын
Great information and advice on different lighting conditions Steve. I was aware of some of this but I have taken some tips away to apply that I wasn't familiar with. Thank you! Cracking Red Deer photos (although some of their headgear is hardly a fashion statement!) plus amazing footage of 2 rutting stags (which I have yet to witness let alone photograph).
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@richardchew1767 Thanks very much Richard, really pleased you enjoyed it. Yeah they look a bit mad covered in bracken. It's meant to make them look tougher! Yes the rutting stags were amazing, especially as there was mist and great light. All the best Steve.
@CamillaIАй бұрын
Fantastic Rut action in Richmond Park and some great conditions Steve. A big thumbs up from me 👍
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@CamillaI Thanks very much Mark, I think it was the best ever morning's photography I've had at Richmond Park. Cheers mate.
@robertsovich9254Ай бұрын
i just got a 180-600 mm lens still have a d5600 200/500 mm lens how do i set up
@robertsovich9254Ай бұрын
also i got a z6ii what i meant on set up
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@robertsovich9254 Hi Robert, firstly the 180-600mm lens is an excellent lens, I'm sure you will get great result from it. regarding set up there's not really much difference from using your other set up. Just set continuous focusing AF-C for moving subjects and a group of AF points. hope this helps, all the best, Steve.
@RyanswildlifephotographyАй бұрын
Great video Steve !!! I'm contemplating a Z8 next year but will see what the Sony Annoucement next month. Currently using the Sony A7iv and a 200-600mm which is no slouch, but did manage to try a friends Z8 and was seriously impressed !!!
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
@@Ryanswildlifephotography Thanks very much Ryan, really pleased you enjoyed it. Yes I love my Z8, absolutely brilliant camera. I also think it's good value compared to some other models of mirrorless cameras. As you say though the Sony A7iv is a very decent camera as well. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
@jasonhiggins6431Ай бұрын
1-38 Broad 😂
@martingibbons8021Ай бұрын
Hi Steve did contact you about a low light course your in exactly the same environment I shoot in so if you could do a course in there perfect
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
Hi Martin, Yes I remember your email. There isn't much in the way of wildlife in that woodland but I do have access to a woodland hide which should be good in a few weeks. I'll be in touch in a couple of weeks. All the best, Steve.
@martingibbons8021Ай бұрын
Thank Steve
@SkylarkFields2 ай бұрын
Hi Steve, very interesting video and thoughts. Quick question, when you use pre capture on the Z8, does it save the images as separate jpg files (as happens in my Fuji X-T5) or one large file (like Canon R7 and R6mk2) from which you have to extract the pictures you want in camera (I think!)
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@SkylarkFields Thanks very much, pleased you enjoyed it. Yes it's the same as your Fuji the Z8 saves each jpeg separately which makes life much easier. Thanks for watching, cheers Steve.
@SkylarkFields2 ай бұрын
Ah thanks for the reply. That's very helpful...and makes the Z8 even more tempting!
@chrisalberti2 ай бұрын
The internal zoom and light weight of the Sony 200-600 and the 2.8 70-200 w/TC are important advantages in the field.
@SteveHedgesPhotographyАй бұрын
Hi Chris, yes having light weight gear especially for a full days photography is an important consideration. All the best, Steve.
@thomastuorto99292 ай бұрын
Thanks for the vid. What lens do you use it with? I know it is not a comparison video but have tried other brand cameras like the Canon R5 or Sony , OM Systems at all?
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@thomastuorto9929 Hi Thomas, I mainly use the 180-600mm Z lens and my 600mm F4 prime which is an F mount lens. I teach a lot so I do come into contact with all the other camera brands and I have to say it's hard to buy a bad camera these days. I would say the most important thing for wildlife photography is the animal eye detect performance of each camera. Thanks for watching, I'm pleased you enjoyed the video. All the best Steve.
@donaldstewart37992 ай бұрын
Great video Steve, love my Z8, see you in November at Southend
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@donaldstewart3799 Hi Donald, thanks very much pleased you enjoyed it. Yes what a fantastic camera the Z8 is. Looking forward to seeing you in November. Cheers Steve.
@JjackVideo2 ай бұрын
My problem isn't that the Nikon z6ii is a bad camera. My problem is that it's a lot of money for something with too many compromises. I look forward to the z8 coming down in price. Now that looks like a more complete camera
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@JjackVideo Hi, I've had a Z8 for nearly a year now and I have to say it's an absolutely brilliant camera. Probably the best camera I've ever owned to be honest. All the best Steve.
@cynical19522 ай бұрын
I have the same set up Steve and I love it. The AF system is excellent, which is what you need for birds in flight. There is another firmware update coming soon and hopefully, it will improve the low light capabilities.
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@cynical1952 Yes it's a brilliant combination for wildlife photography isn't it? Better low light performance would be a nice bonus. Cheers Steve.
@thomastuorto99292 ай бұрын
When you say low light, do you mean AF or noise?
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@thomastuorto9929 Hi Thomas, when I am talking about low light performance I am talking about noise.
@paulinewellings30352 ай бұрын
Where were you in The Rut video?
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@paulinewellings3035 Hi Pauline, I photographed the rut on a number of occasions. It's amazing to watch.
@thomasfox54762 ай бұрын
Thanks for another great video Steve, as always honest and to the point. Own z8 and z9 but work commitments and latterly ill health stops me from getting out there. Cheers take care, Tam.
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@thomasfox5476 Thanks very much Tam, really pleased you enjoyed it. I hope your health improves and you can get out taking pictures in the near future. All the best Steve.
@JoeMaranophotography2 ай бұрын
The latest generation of cameras from manufacturers are ALL so capable now that it comes down to personal preference which to use. There's an argument that every single one is the best camera depending what it is you value. Everything is a compromise and even when the compromises are small you will pay for that privilege meaning yet another compromise 😊 Does the Z8 have animal tracking in 120fps? My G9ii loses that ability when in 4k 120fps
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@JoeMaranophotography Hi Joe, yes I think it's hard to buy a bad camera these days. I think it boils down to what system you have already invested in to be honest. Yes the Z8 does have animal tracking at 120fps. Thanks for watching mate, cheers Steve.
@JoeMaranophotography2 ай бұрын
@@SteveHedgesPhotographyYeah I feel like knowing a system counts for so much. Got handed a Canon G7X the other day and didn't have a clue what to do with it so carried on using my camera lol
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@JoeMaranophotography Hi mate, couldn't agree more. I've used Nikon's for so long they just feel like part of my hand.
@KGsPhotography2 ай бұрын
Great video Steve. I am a Canon user but always good to get the lowdown on the other side. Like the pre-capture wish my R5 had that. Cheers Keith
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@KGsPhotography Thanks very much Keith, yes pre capture is awesome. As I said I would love to be able to shoot in raw with it. Still no camera is perfect is it? Cheers Steve.
@tommoodie-cy7dr2 ай бұрын
Great review. Still using D7500 DSLR and Z8 definitely looks like a good upgrade to mirrorless 👍
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@tommoodie-cy7dr Thanks very much, pleased you enjoyed it. Yes the Z8 is just awesome. I've not regretted buying it for a second. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
@thomastuorto99292 ай бұрын
For fast moving subjects?
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@thomastuorto9929 Hi Thomas, yes I have found the Z8 to be more than up to the job of capturing fast moving subjects. All the best Steve.
@davidhoward76912 ай бұрын
I own both of these cameras. To me for portraits and landscapes my Z6II is preferable but if I’m shoot action and wildlife my D500 is still king. The limitless buffer makes the 10 fps shooting much more dependable. It’s just such a joy to shoot. Plus getting that extra reach of 1.5x is really appreciated for this role. When you consider the 20MP sensor on the D500 vs the 25MP on the Z6II the D500 actually has better cropping ability because it has higher MP per unit of sensor. I love both cameras but they both have a unique purpose.
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@davidhoward7691 Hi David, yes what you are saying is sound. The D500 is a brilliant wildlife photography camera. The main reason I used the Z6II for wildlife photography is the fact that I shoot a lot of video these days. Although I've since changed to a Z8 which I think ticks every box for me. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
@RichardBirchett2 ай бұрын
Some lovely shots there Steve, and what a great time of year! Cheers Rich😀
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
Thanks very much Richard, Yes cracking time of the year. I've been so busy work wise I'm still trying to catch up with everything. Including KZbin. all the best, Steve.
@wildlifeanimalsandmore1112 ай бұрын
Wonderful clips Steve, lovely to hear that there are others who recognise the difference between the rutting season where behaviour of the deer and the development of the deer are changing before the actual rut starts. I film in the parks too and so many people don't understand that the deer are totally wild, thanks for raising awareness.SRWP(Supporting Responsible Wildlife Photography)
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@wildlifeanimalsandmore111 Thanks very much, I'm really pleased you enjoyed them. Yes we certainly have to respect these wonderful animals. I watch a fantastic full on rut today in the mist. Absolutely awesome. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
@wildlifeanimalsandmore1112 ай бұрын
@SteveHedgesPhotography We are back to Richmond later today, hoping to take some more footage of the rut too. Enjoy your day photographing and filming,
@Roseingrave2 ай бұрын
Very interesting information as well as good tips. And I love your enthusiasm for your subject! Thanks.
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@Roseingrave Thanks very much Kim, pleased you enjoyed it. All the best Steve.
@jasonlaughton72 ай бұрын
Hi there Steve 😊 another nice vlog. I'm hoping to go to Richmond next week. I'm looking forward to some nice shots of the deer. All the best my friend. One more thing " Happy days "
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@jasonlaughton7 Hi Jason, thanks very much, pleased you enjoyed it. I'm up at Richmond next week from Wednesday onwards so we may well bump into each other. Cheers Steve.
@cynical19522 ай бұрын
Another good video Steve and the Common Tern shots are excellent. Planning ahead is always good, especially tide times where applicable. Take care mate.
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@cynical1952 Thanks very much Steve, yes I love photographing the terns during the summer. Keep well yourself, cheers mate.
@ganainm20252 ай бұрын
Great video and images Steve. I've not visited Abberton yet. It's not to far from me so will do in the future. Great to see so many Spoonbills. I had only seen one once before at Rainham and it was pretty distant. So I was pleased when I encountered lots at Snettisham a couple of weeks ago. Must have been about 20, I managed to get some nice photos. 🙂
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@ganainm2025 Thanks very much I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Yes Abberton is certainly worth a visit or two. Spoonbills are amazing birds and it was great to see so many in Essex. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
@NaturallyCuriousUK2 ай бұрын
Love the tern shaking water off itself at 16:04 with the head and tail all twisted! Good tips too on pre-planning. Always good to know where the light is going to be coming from particularly in sunny weather. 👍👍👍
@SteveHedgesPhotography2 ай бұрын
@@NaturallyCuriousUK Thanks very much Graham, yes those terns are so flexible. I had a few really good photography sessions at Abberton over the summer. Hope you're well mate, all the best Steve.