Approaching the Scene 203: Costa Rica Workshop Sights, Sounds & Lessons Learned

[@mikerodriguez1608]

Looks awesome. Loved hearing all the BTS family comments...parenting never stops! I think my kids have too many memories of waiting for dad to finish taking some dumb photo... :)

[@carljarvinen1189]

Yes, it was a great photo workshop and yes having Dennis as a local guide was fantastic. His ability to spot wildlife and give photo tips made the trip even more memorable. Thanks for putting together such a wonderful experience in the rain forests of Costa Rica…..

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It was such a joy to have you there Carl!

[@MostPowerfulMedia]

Thank you for sharing this Hudson. Costa Rica is so amazing. My wife and kids and I went last year and spent July and August there. We spent the first half in Puerto Viejo and surrounding areas on the east coast and the second half in Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The flora and fauna was incredible and gave an endless supply of subjects. I learned so much on that trip too. I look forward to going back.

[@robertgrant1509]

Hudson, So glad it was an awesome adventure for everyone. I was concerned about the weather for you. Fantastic images and looking forward to additional reporting and more of your impressions on the Nikon gear used. Received my tripod setup - masterful workmanship throughout. THANKS!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Robert! Great to hear. :)

[@SirIronJim]

EXCELLENT Video!, I will have to add Costa Rica to my must visit Travel List, hopefully, I will have my 400 Z Lens by then :) your Z50 took some nice shots, however, that Z 9 simply knocked it out of the Park, it is one heck of a Camera!.... As always, a GREAT Video, thanks for sharing.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You bet Jimmy. We're going back in 2024. Stay tuned. :-)

[@andywilson3381]

Thank you, lovely video can't wait for the next episode to come, keep up the good work

[@donnyl5234]

Welcome back Hudson. Looking forward to your future videos from this trip. Seemed like you had a blast. Thanks!

[@adityarrao]

Hey Hudson, I have my Z9 and totally waiting for my 800mm to reach me asap - love how some of the pics have come thru. Simply amazing vlog of your experience - thanks for championing the Z9 + the gear. Loved every bit of it. Keep it coming !

[@deroux]

Excited to see all of this Hudson. I've only been to the North West coast of Costa Rica. The 800 looks gorgeous.

[@boltonperry9227]

You're good dude!! Glad I found you!! Look forward to the rest. Went to the Osa last Sept. Just amazing. Definitely going back and staying longer on the penin!!! Thx!!

[@DanRaines]

We are actually going roughly where you went in Costa Rica this coming January. I am pretty excited about it.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You're in for a treat. :-) I'm going to lead another trip in 2024 for sure.

[@Hrishi1970]

Hey Hudson, Every combination of body and lens, including the drone, phone and gopro help tell a story. You captured the ecosystem, the macros and those amazing primates and sloths on the canopy in such a wide range of imagery. I would have not thought of the 800mm but what you shot with that beauty has completely changed my perspective on the possibilities. Amazing video and thank you as always!

[@davblec]

Great !!! Uf I found your channel little late!! When is the next Costarica workshop ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

2024 for sure. We have 2023 fully set up and will be opening slots pretty soon. Check out what's on tap there here: www.hudsonhenry.com/workshops.

[@patriciablyler6484]

Thank you for the incredible adventure in Costa Rica! You kept us on the go everyday but it was well worth it! I totally agree that practice is the key. I could see that my photography improved by the end of the workshop. I hadn’t done much with that 105mm macro lens but the macro photography we did on this workshop has made me look forward to getting out there and doing more. It is definitely crazy sharp!

[@alanh5515]

Great Video and Finally, my Z9 has shipped. Order date Nov 10

[@kipcotter5374]

Super preview on discussing the trip. Cannot wait for the office hour and subsequent videos. The culling method is of high interest - given the Z9, my “keeper” rate on wildlife is WAY up and I instantly see the problem that can create. Culling in reverse order of time shot makes sense (especially with bursts of slower and slow shutter speeds), but it’s admittedly hard to just stop the review when there is a great pic. Curious to see the workflow you’re hinting at. Talk soon! Wish my 800PF would come in!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's a complete life saver that method I learned from Denis. Your going to love that lens. It rewards practice. Rewards it with special results.

[@kevinotto529]

Beautiful Trip! Great photos. What is gimbal setup for the Hero 10?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

None at all. It's insanely stable without any gimbal. :)

[@CJGlynnPhotography]

Wish I were there with you. Sounds like an awesome trip. Charlie and I did have some epic experiences in Galapagos: from blue footed boobies to rock-throwing protestors, Ecuador presented lots of photography challenges.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I wish I could have shared that adventure with you guys too!

[@carlmarch603]

Hi Hudson - Awesome video! Still waiting for NPS to send either the 400 2.8 TC or 800 PF but it looks like they’re not going to arrive in time for my CR trip in 3 weeks. NPS doesn’t loan those lenses and no rental houses have them available, so it will be the 100-400 and F-mount for me. Curious as to which video mode you used on the Z9. Looking forward to your office hours next week. Thanks!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

10-bit SDR 4k 24P with the Extended Oversampling turned on. It's insanely good. Both of the lenses are amazing. The 400 is an extremely special lens and priced accordingly. It's easier to use than the 800, but the 800 is better when things are small and far away. It just takes a bit of patience and practice to get good at lifting right on a subject at distance. It's frustrating at first, but with time you'll get good at it and wow are the results stellar. It's similar to the 500PF on a D500 which I think you know well, but the size and feel of it takes some getting used to. It's not over heavy for handholding, but the vertical grip of the Z9 is crucial to that for vertical frames. Yes, I just said that. I love the vertical grip now. :-)

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Hey Hudson it sounds like you had a awesome adventure! Maybe my wife and I can make it next year. So it sounds like you have no plans on switching gear. Sure love the look of the 800mm. Greg

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

We aren't going back next year, but we have big plans for 2024. Stay tuned, it's going to be even better. :-) I'm very happy with my kit. 14-24, 20 1.8, 24-120, 50 1.8, 100-400, 800 PF & 1.4TC with the Z9. It's beyond incredible for everything I love to do. No more need for the 70-200 or 500pf. Great lenses, but I just don't need them anymore and someone else should be using them. For street and going light, the Z50 with the 16-50 and 50-250 are epic too. Do I lust a bit after David's 400 2.8 S? Sure, but my kids will need to go to college someday. :-)

[@billblackledge2679]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto - Did you forget to list the 105mm or is that a lens you just borrowed during the trip?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No I had it, the 14-24 and 24-120 too. My focus was on the long glass, but I had the full kit. The new 105 is just an insane macro lens. Insane.

[@ep_photography]

Is Kirk planning on making a replacement foot for the 800mm similar to the 100-400? That thing is awesome!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yes, for sure. It will have a QD integrated like the 100-400/70-200 S foot. I can't wait. :-)

[@ep_photography]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto It still blows my mind that Nikon just doesn't do something like to start with. The feet they come with are useless.

[@kipcotter5374]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto when I talked to them, it sounded like it'd be awhile. They suggested they hadn't had an 800mm in their hands yet even. Lend them YOURS, Hudson, so we can get them going on the feet! LOL. I ordered the plate to use for now, IF my 800mm ever arrives.

[@greghohner5381]

Great Video and want to learn more. It appears you did mostly hand-held shooting given the active animal subject. Also sounds like your straping solution allowed easy access and reduced carry fatigue with the longer lenses? Finally, I have been looking at the tech details conerning IBIS and lens stabilization for the Z lenses. Back in the day (pre Z), the cardinal rule was to turn off the VR when you put the gear on a tripod. It seems the Z technology does not have to be turned off on a tripod? What is your advice on a Z camera with Z lens or a non-Z (old school) lens?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think since VRII the need to shut it off on the tripod has been obviated. I didn't worry about that with any of the latest F-glass for the past few years. :-)

[@koenpijpersphotography]

How much gear do you carry, z50, z9, 7 lenses, go pro , drone:P!! Nice video though thanks!!!

[@brianaikens7282]

Great video. I'm looking forward to the follow-ups from this Costa Rica adventure. I have also assigned a button for 3rd level hybrid (point focus), and find it really helps in tighter environments. The only drawback I am finding with these hybrid arrangements is the inability to take manual control of the focus, which is handy when you have a complicated focusing situation. Any thoughts....?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

In the very rare situations with moving subjects standing temporarily still and eye detect is failing to find the eye, I find single point on the shutter to be pretty darned amazing. I just move it over the eye in the composition. Iguanas are an example. Eye detect likes the big dark spot behind and below their actual eye sometimes. If manual is needed, most of my lenses have a MF/AF switch on the barrel. :)

[@wrmarhoffer]

Great to see the 800mm PF lens worked out well for you, Hudson. There are times when I wished for more focal length than my 200-600 offered when I was in Costa Rica last year. Did you ever find the 800 was "too much" focal length under your shooting conditions? Perhaps you could discuss the pros and cons of having this much fixed focal length in next week's Office Hours.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I will for sure. Actually the 100-400, 1.4 TC and 800 are a ridiculous wildlife trio. :)

[@jimt503]

Hudson, what metering mode were you using in the shots taken in dark areas. I had a great trip to Panama last April and have one planned for Costa Rica in April of 24.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I take it out of matrix maybe once a year. That black space with a tiny shaft of light that matters type scene: the one lit table in the great dark hall. I didn't in Costa Rica. You'll have a blast!

[@jimt503]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you Hudson. It is going to be bird focused (no pun intended). But We will undoubtedly see other wildlife as well.

[@JessPedersenCPH]

Excellent information as always - very informative! And sound like a really great trip 😊 you did a previous video on the 100-400 vs 70-200. Have you had more progression on your opinion of there two lenses? Would you Keep the 100-400 or instead go for the 70-200 with TC?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

In the weeks between, I went all in on the 100-400 and sold the 70-200. No regret!

[@blangd]

Speaking the truth on getting out with your gear and practising! All the books and videos in the world can only get you so far. Also love your honesty on what you feel about the gear and how it's working. Q: Is the 500 PF still in your mix or is it going as well?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks for that. True words. I'm struggling with the 500PF. I adore it, but the 800 teamed with the 100-400 and 1.4 TC covers the spread pretty darned nicely. I'm tempted to ditch it before Nikon brings out something that obsoletes it and drops the value. I haven't sold it yet, but I didn't take it on this trip and I didn't miss it at all...

[@tuco1565]

How many guides named Dennis in Costa Rica could there be? Been a couple years since our trip, curious to see Dennis again. He certainly knows how to find all the wildlife.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Not many in the Osa. He's a legend and you can see him doing Howler monkey calls in this vid. I intend to have him on future ATS episodes and to promote the heck out of him as a C. R. photo guide. He's flat incredible.

[@marshalhedin7538]

do you have a prior video that talks about "on the road" image storage? e.g., what you do in the evenings to back-up, etc

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'm working on a whole course about this, but here's a video I did a bit back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6XNimSOjt-qis0 :-)

[@marshalhedin7538]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto awesome, thanks so much!

[@dennistaylor7655]

Hudson, I recently purchased a D850 and I’m looking at picking up the 200-500 lens. How would it have performed on this trip?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'm no fan at all of the IQ or handling of that lens. I used it for a day and gave it right back. Go for a used 500PF if at all possible. There were five 500PFs on the trip and not a single 200-500 for good reason. It's 10 times the lens. Also beware putting too many resources in F mount gear. It's dropped about 20% in value over the last few months and I fear that's the tip of the iceberg. Many holdouts are discovering just how much better the Z optics are.

[@dennistaylor7655]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks for the fast and frank answer. I appreciate it.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

There were a few Canon and Nikon DSLRs on the trip and honestly it was very, very hard to see in the dark forest conditions with the optical viewfinders and the image stabilization was far inferior. The mirrorless revolution has really pushed the envelope of what is possible in low lit situations from boosting available light for framing and subject acquisition to the IBIS of the modern bodies combined with the lens stabilization. It just makes previously impossible shots possible.

[@greghohner5381]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Interesting comment. I have a D850 and a Z7ii. Planning an Iceland trip in late October which has about 9 hrs of daylight. A big part if shooting the northern lights. Would these low light conditions favor the Z7ii over D850 for the same reasons?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Absolutely. :)

[@EugeneMaynard]

👍🏾🙏🏾

[@williamdavidson1490]

Wow, what a plethora of wildlife. The 800mm f/6.3 seemed very bright in the dark jungle, what iso did you shoot at?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It varied a lot. I shot manual with auto ISO limited to 12,800. If the ISO passed above 8000 I used DXO Pure RAW 2 and got great results. When the birds or monkeys stayed put, i'd lower my shutter and shoot bursts at 1/60th and 1/30th and found I could get sharp frames mid burst for lower ISO results. Crazy.

[@bmwohl]

Practice must be coupled with some curiosity, some reflection, and sometimes guidance. Otherwise how do you explain all those billions of snapshots by parents in school auditoriums with worthless dots of flash locating the idiots. Not your audience, but something I wonder about. Thanks for an inspiring video.

[@MyContestPix]

The bokeh is out of this world!!! Can't wait for the rest!!!