You DON'T need EXPENSIVE gear to take NICE shots!

[@MrFerkles]

I absolutely love this kind of video! I would love to see this come around every year or so as a returning challenge, updated for what's floating around on the second hand market. The shots of the baby grebes riding on their parent were incredible, I absolutely loved it!

[@jonolaity234]

Hi Duade. My grandson was showing an interest in photography, so I bought him the 40D as an intro into the hobby. I'm a Canon shooter and I have the Sigma 150-600 C. He's running around with my Sigma 105 macro at the moment "another good sigma lens". He loves the camera and it didn't break the bank. I enjoyed your video. Thankyou for posting.

[@PhotographerSen]

I'm telling you Duade, this video is going to be one of the most liked and watched amongst your videos. Just a hunch 😅. It's a relief watching good photos taken with the affordable gears.

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, I appreciate the support, Cheers, Duade

[@kasunshashi]

After seeing this, I bought a Sigma 150-600 C & I'm using my Canon 50D. Just within few weeks, I'm taking pretty nice bird photos already. Thanks for the video

[@adityah82]

Thanks for this video. I am from India. Recent convert to birding and wildlife photography. I have a basic 1550D Canon. After using lens on rent, saved and bought a Tamron G2 150-600. Took nice photos with it. My photography friend told me to perfect the technique, and push the limits of the camera. After this only I would know the best way to get better photos with an expensive camera. Your video here has helped me in reinforce this path. Improve technique before improving the gear.

[@Duade]

Thanks for commenting and I agree with you and your friend. It is about getting out there and spending time in the field with the kit you have. You cannot buy experience. Good luck, Cheers, Duade

[@glmcreationsfilm]

I agree with you, it was so addictive when I first started photographing birds! I typically do portraits and fashion, but birds is a whole other world I feel so drawn to and want to keep going back again and again

[@Duade]

Thanks, that is great to hear, it is very addicting that is for sure, Cheers, Duade

[@FlorenciaE]

Thanks for this awesome video very informative and loved the pics

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@FlorenciaE]

You’re welcome Duade! Love seeing a great channel from another fellow Aussie!

[@mickmckean7378]

Ha ha, the Black-fronted Dotterels were playing leap frog! Not sure what the White-faced Heron thought it was going to do with that small Turtle, the shell would have been tough going down and coming out! You got some great shots of the Australasian Grebes feeding their chicks, well done.

[@Duade]

Thanks Mick, yes that was a fun moment to capture. Yeah, no idea what the Heron was thinking. Cheers, Duade

[@unoengborg]

The most important equipment in this shoot is the ground pod. Getting to the eye level of your subject makes a world of difference.

[@Duade]

Uno, you are right, that is very important in obtaining those more intimate shots. Cheers, Duade

[@joannefulcher1267]

Great video, Duade. Love the heron with the baby turtle. Glad he escaped. Your passion is evident. Well done!

[@Duade]

Thanks Joanne, yes, I was happy too when he dropped it. Cheers, Duade

[@samanwanni]

Once again you have proven its the man behind the camera more than the gear. Thank You !

[@Duade]

Thanks Saman, Cheers, Duade

[@LouisaLee63]

Wonderful video! Love the images of the Grebes!!

[@Duade]

Thanks Louisa, yes they were fun to photograph, Cheers, Duade

[@greygoose3936]

I love my sigma 150-600. I use it adapted to my Sony A7RII and it's my favorite bird photography lens. If a bird is really far away I'll throw on my crop sensor a6000 for more reach. The 150-600 is also fantastic for moon photography and Airshows. I recently shot a lunar eclipse and an airshow over the ocean and both cases gave me some breathtaking images. I highly recommend it.

[@Duade]

It sounds like many people enjoy the lens which is great. Cheers, Duade

[@palmbregas]

I’m using a 70D with that lens and produced great images. One day I shot a local rugby match and the newspaper picked my photos for their article.

[@Duade]

That is great to hear you are having good success and congrats on the Rugby. Cheers, Duade

[@alexku3348]

Thank you very much! It's one more proof that good photos depend on us and not on some gear or other circumstances.

[@Duade]

Alex, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@tonyclark1504]

Another great video Duade. What a bonus to find those Grebe chicks and the Heron with the turtle. Well done / presented.

[@Duade]

Tony, yes it was awesome to see that. Cheers, Duade

[@LourdesVenard]

I love these videos that show you can still great photos with older gear (especially since I don't have the latest and greatest myself!).

[@Duade]

Lourdes, thanks for the comment and I am glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

[@roybarnes-thewildlifeman1855]

Wow, the review of the gear is interesting. It’s the observation and learning about nature, which is the most incredible part of this video and any form of nature photography.

[@nickgregory4617]

I totally agree I started with a bridge camera 😆and some of the results were amazing! Great video Duade 👍

[@Duade]

Thanks Nick, yes I still have many shots I love that I took when I started with affordable gear. Cheers, Duade

[@KurtisPape]

Same here, I started with a Nikon P1000 and 8 months ago got a Sony A7R IV with the 600mm lens. On birding Facebook page the weekly theme was 7 of your best shots this year... I had 2 shots I loved that I got with P1000, they lacked detail and depth of field so technically speaking they were not my best for me, but to not use those shots is saying you can't take good photos with cheap gear, which I know isn't true. Step back and don't worry about zooming in and they are great shots with good technique used, and that's all that matters so they went in with my top 7 for the year :) Those 2 P1000 shots I still can't replicate with my new expensive gear.

[@nicktasteless360]

you've made the right choice

[@fritsscholtenhzn6268]

Duade , your eyes sparkle with happiness. Make me Happy. The feeding pics are my FAVO. Having 2 skimmer ground pods is a very good idea! I go starting to make it by myself, from a light cook pan. Aluminum and a beanbag with screw-on top for a fluid head, and /or gimbal in thinking about that. Best regards Frits from Thailand.

[@Duade]

Frits, sounds like a good option for a ground pod. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Duade

[@glennhunt2375]

Running some even more budget gear myself Duade, ( Canon T3i with Tamron 200 - 500mm lens ) the one thing on using economy gear is that it really makes you work to get that decent image. 👍

[@Duade]

Glenn, it sure does, well done on using that gear. Cheers, Duade

[@erkkisiekkinen286]

A year ago I bought this 40D for a memorial camera ,it is almost new :only 2000 shots taken.I have taken very good bird shots with EF 100-400 ll. The picture quality is surprisingly good even with today´s standards. It is my only dsrl and I will keep it. And now I made a move and traded my Nikkor 500mm pf to second hand EF 400mm DO ll ,I will right away test it with this oldies but goldies body. Thank You for a good review. Cheers Erkki

[@Duade]

Thanks Erkki, great to hear you are having fun with the 40D, good luck with the 400 DO, a lens I would love to try. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@airsearescueguy]

Well done Duade. Good reminders top to bottom. Thanks for sharing your passion.

[@Duade]

It's my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@sajudevassy2900]

Splendid Session Duade ! your becoming the amateur Photographers HERO

[@Duade]

Thanks Saju, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

[@mayhamilton6652]

Bit late to seeing this video but absolutely brilliant as always. Was really taken with the Grebe and her babies on her back!

[@Duade]

Thanks May, yes I was very happy with the Grebe shots, Cheers, Duade

[@tolga_cicek]

Duade, I have Canon 700 D and Sigma 150-600 C and i've been using it for 2,5 months. My experiences are like that, if i can get closer enough to the subject then i get very sharp photos especially at f 9 or 10 and good light conditions. Instead of the quality of the gear, how you take your photos matters most. Thanks for this video. I've waited for long time for this review Thanks a lot

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, great to hear you are getting great results with the lens, it does appear to work well. I have a full review coming later and a few other videos. Cheers, Duade

[@elainepersons9662]

Great perspective......thank you so much. With all the hype out there with the new mirrorless technology it's a good reminder that bigger (or newer) isn't always necessary to enjoy what we do.

[@Duade]

Elaine, thanks for the comment, yes, it's amazing what affordable gear can achieve. I just hope people get into wildlife photography even on a budget as its a wonderful hobby. Cheers, Duade

[@denisesavage2382]

How awesome was that session! The little grebe chicks poking out from mum’s back and then that Herron with the turtle. Wow ee. No wonder you have buzz moments in bird photography. And great to see that it isn’t about the gear used. . . . .cos older cheaper stuff will do just fine. Just gotta know and appreciate, and work with the limits.

[@Duade]

Thanks Denise, it sure was a fun session that is for sure, Cheers, Duade

[@ВладимирДолинин-о8с]

Such a wonderful session, with such gear, its great! Thank you!

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@laurelb8372]

Very enjoyable video. Proves what can be done with old gear.

[@Duade]

Thanks, yes I am often surprised how well some of the older gear performs. Cheers, Duade

[@zayanything3124]

I bought an 40D for around $80 with a 3k shutter count and I love using it. I use it with this setup sometimes as well as for street photos with a EFS 24mm. I have a 5D Mark IV as well, but if I’m going into a city I don’t necessarily want to bring my expensive gear. Love using it with this lens though for the extra reach.

[@Duade]

Yes, the APSC bodies do help make the bird bigger in the viewfinder. Cheers, Duade

[@VinceWatches]

Great demonstration of the true potential of old prosumer DSLR (Canon 40 D, Nikon D200, D300...) associated with a good glass under a nice light. Well done. I have also acquire recently a 40D, top camera and the build quality is outstanding. I pay a bit more for it (90 euro).

[@williamhouse23]

I use a d200 with Nikkor 300mm. Less than $500 and pretty slick.

[@kevins8575]

Can't beat photos of parents feeding their young. Loved the sound of your 40D in "high-speed burst" mode! I started bird photography with a Canon t4i and Sigma 150-500, neither of which was a good as your budget setup. Graduated to 90D (still an outstanding camera for wildlife) and this year to a non-budget R5 with the Rf 100-500 and an rf 800. I got some good images with my oldest setup, more with the next and many with the high-end gear. You can get good images with older gear, but the new stuff will give you the chance to get more, better and faster. You still gotta get yourself to the right place/ time.

[@Duade]

Kevin, I couldnt agree more, the more expensive gear increases your keepers and allows you to get certain shots you may have missed before. I guess we just need to try to be content with the gear we have and get out and enjoy photograpy. Easier said than done when there is always something better being released every year. Cheers, Duade

[@woodygreen6826]

As always the birds themselves grab my attention much more than the gear. LOL. Fantastic grebe shots, congratulations. Your message about inexpensive gear is important. I've seen too many people put off to photography for reasons of cost. I doesn't need to be that way.

[@Duade]

Thanks Woody, yes, the Grebes were a lot of fun, yes gear need not stop you enjoying this wonderful hobby. Cheers, Duade

[@kennetht66]

simply a great video thanks for sharing

[@Duade]

Kenneth, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@gilsontopfstedt3554]

The nature is such a wonderful thing... I think ... the appropriated term is... Creation. No way that everything out there in this complex wonderful world happened by random along billions of years or so. There is such a poetry in the animals and nature, a "mother instinct" is one of the most beautiful things we can see. Thanks for recording that, and thanks for all your superb work Dude. Brazilian Greetings from Germany. :-)

[@Duade]

Thanks for the comment and I agree the world is a beautiful place full of wonderful creatures. I just hope we don't destroy it all. Cheers, Duade

[@alonsohernandezbermudez975]

Amazing video Duade, as always, greetings from Costa Rica

[@Duade]

Alonso, thanks for the comment, Cheers, Duade

[@KevinNordstrom]

I still shoot with the sigma 150-600.mC with RP, The sigma 500 f4 will be next with R5, but having fun in the field will always be whats its about. The experience is so much better than any photo.

[@Duade]

I couldn't agree with you more, the process and being out there is the fun part. Cheers, Duade

[@dance2jam]

Duade, you posted this one day after I had this conversation with a profession sports shooter. We both shoot Nikon (I'm a wildlife/action - dance) amateur photographer and I approached him via email and told him I had tried out a pre-production model of the Z9 (and was he going to get one). As I went to look at his latest posts on his sports page he had several shots with the 12 megapixel D700 that were, of course, fabulous. Point is, it reminded me that great photographers can make any camera sing. Before that conversation, I had taken my D700 out and shot side by side with the D850 (birds). I enjoyed watching my Nikon friend attempt to guess which images were taken with which camera. The D700 can be purchased used now for $500 dollars or less. It sold for $3,300 in 2009. Point is, the gear can be great, but not expensive, and you can take wonderful photos with much less expensive gear. Thanks for the video. My comment would include: Yes, you can do this type of photography on a budget, but purchase excellent used gear and lenses. That way you get excellent equipment at a discount price. You proved the results can be fantastic.

[@Duade]

I agree and lots of good points you make, the D700 is a fantastic camera. I hope you enjoy the Z9. Cheers, Duade

[@miguelnicholson2881]

so happy duade made this video, was awesome to see what a pro can do with very budget gear. so glad I decided to buy one of these lenses

[@Duade]

Thanks Miguel, it was a fun outing and the lens performed very well. Cheers, Duade

[@chiragpurohit1]

Thanku Duade for this excellent and informative video. Your videos always relate to common photographer's issues. Thanks

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@toddbailey5198]

Really great video Duade. Older less expensive gear can certainly produce wonderful images. I myself got caught up in the newest greatest equipment vicious circle and have just recently moved back to my old equipment and sold my new gear. I had just gotten to a point where I was looking at gear all the time instead of just enjoying myself, taking pictures, improving my skills and editing. Thanks so much for taking the time to produce these videos, your channel is one of the best in my opinion!! Cheers from Northern Ontario, Canada!!

[@Duade]

Todd, thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. I got caught up in the likes etc years ago and it really had a negative impact on my experience. I try to focus on the process and enjoying the experience, a good photo is a bonus. Cheers, Duade

[@orbitalgolem91]

EOS 40D owner too - bought new, will never sell it, even after picking up a 7D Mark II recently. Was also my first DSLR - classic camera.

[@keimahane]

I have just purchased a used Nikon 200-500 and using it on my trusty old D90. I will upgrade my D90 one day, but I still enjoy using it. You are right about the 9 point focus point issue, but once you learn to deal with it and get better at focusing with the older tech you do OK. Great video and great shots, I really liked the Heron with the Turtle.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing, my mate at the D90 when I started, great to hear you are enjoying your photography. Cheers, Duade

[@VinceWatches]

nikon D300 with 51 AF point is a great value too

[@aramarsh]

Great shots and with affordable gear, I’m inspired.!

[@Duade]

Great to hear Andrew, have fun out there, Cheers, Duade

[@stevechan5569]

This is one of the best presentations you have put forward simply it detailed the fact that you don’t need expansive gear to do bird photography. You pretty well mentioned the aging Canon 40D in most of your videos and it sunk in my mind that I could try the inexpensive setup as I also shoot Canon. This video reinforced the thought that I may go get a 40D and try it out!

[@Duade]

Steve, thanks for the comment I appreciate it. The older gear has its challenges but its still possible to enjoy yourself and get some nice shots. Cheers, Duade

[@mike_2.8]

Great video as per usual Duade. Keep it up!

[@Duade]

Thanks Michal, Cheers, Duade

[@msyuan1124]

Great stuff, as usual. In addition to the great topic, your passion for bird photography really comes through. I love it!

[@Duade]

Thanks Mark, I do love it, Cheers, Duade

[@poupou5833]

Amazing pics

[@Duade]

Thank you, you are too kind, Cheers, Duade

[@rentoulzz]

Loved it thanks. You can pick up a second hand 7D mk2 and a 100-400 for hardly anything in NZ . Great for starting off.

[@Duade]

G'day, yes both affordable but a great kit to go and photograph a Tui it two. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@guyjackson4143]

That is a video that confirms what I have always believed, it's not the gear that makes the photograph it's the person using the gear! I own a shop full of fine woodworking equipment but without my years of experience it may as well be a pile of scrap metal. The new cameras are great but for me to invest 3-5 thousand dollars in a camera body with no chance for a return on my investment????? I'll stay with used lenses from reliable dealers and my crop sensor dslr bodies. Yesterday I dug out my old Canon t3i to start trying video of bald eagles as I also photograph them. I also plan on trying my gopro 4 to compare results. Excellent video as always and a pleasure to watch.

[@Duade]

Guy, you raise a good point, you cant underestimate the importance of experience. Sounds like you have a passion for woodworking and I am sure you create wonderful pieces that no beginner would have any hope of creating. I think with photography we see certain shots and think we should be able to recreate that easily but there are a lot of things experienced photographers do instinctively without realising it. Only with passion and time will things fall together, I reflect back on my journey and realise just how much time and effort I have put into it. The great thing is I wouldn't have it any other way. :-)

[@roybarnes-thewildlifeman1855]

I use that Sigma lens a lot and find it incredibly sharp, extremely versatile, and amazing value!

[@georgep5032]

An entertaining and informative video which proves that quality images can be achieved with modestly-priced equipment. Looks like you may have recorded it around Lake King, Rutherglen. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

[@Duade]

Thanks George, glad you enjoyed it, yes the North East is a beautiful part of the country. Cheers, Duade

[@serpentskein]

Just bought the Sigma 150-600mm, I'm a total amateur and my shots haven't been coming out amazing, but your videos like this one and others have been so helpful!

[@Duade]

Great to hear Kim, there are a number of variables at play when creating and image and the lens is just one of those. Keep practicing and learning and your images will improve. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@Anotheronefilms]

I have two 40d’s the auto focus is still excellent, just depends on what lens your using. The 49d can take excellent images, especially when paired with the canon 400f5.6L.

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

its all about the lens and the user after using my T3/600D I can't really justify buying the T7 or T8 which are 28mp if I recall this camera takes amazing photos and will do so for years to come I feel.

[@johnherzel718]

Lots of fun with older gear! I bought a 5D Classic with an EF 28 f2.8 ( which is from the film days - no IS) for about $200 last year. I use it as a walk around camera with that lens pretty exclusively. I think I will try my Sigma 150-600 with that camera. See what happens. Thanks for the ideas!

[@Duade]

John, that is great to hear, old gear has its challenges, but it can be fun that is for sure. Cheers, Duade

[@mudgie069]

Quality captures and great video showing what can be done with cheaper gear.

[@TomazNMelo-tf9sc]

Hi Duade, first of all, I would like to congratulate you on your work. I have learned a lot from watching your videos. Even though I've been photographing birds since 2009, all of its content has helped me improve my knowledge. Cheers from Brazil

[@Duade]

Tomaz, thanks for the comment, I bet you have some great birds in your part of the world. Cheers, Duade

[@TomazNMelo-tf9sc]

@@Duade many incredible birds. Hope you can birding here one day.

[@Giles29]

Now you're in my wheelhouse. I have a reasonably recent crop body, a couple of kit lenses and a couple of manuals. I'm struggling a bit but the keepers are worth it.

[@Duade]

David, great to hear, it's all about getting out there and having fun and hopefully learning as you go. Good luck, Cheers, Duade

[@jarjarx]

Duade this video is so amazingly helpful as I have the exact same body and have been contemplating buying this lens. I have made up my mind to purchase it and I cant thank you enough for the insight. Bravo!

[@Duade]

Christopher, it is my pleasure, good luck with the lens, it will make a wonderful combo. Cheers, Duade

[@joncothranphotography9375]

I use that lens on an old Canon T6 and I love it. They take great images. I can take moon photos hand held with this setup. I also added the extention plate on my lens to help balance it on my tripod for filming. Thanks for doing these videos!

[@Duade]

Jon, it is my pleasure, for its price it is very good. Cheers, Duade

[@nodramalama9531]

yeeeeah but you really can't get any low iso shots at maximum sharpness handheld, even with a tripod I was messing about multiple evenings until I found the perfect settings for the sharpest possible pictures

[@nohatemedia3786]

The shutter sound reminds me of my ol 1D MK II, miss that camera

[@Duade]

yes, the old slow shutter is a familiar sound to me also. Cheers, Duade

[@nohatemedia3786]

@@Duade then in your professional opinion would something like the 1DX (mk 1 or 2) be viable or would you suggest the R6 instead? I currently use an sony a7riv but i know the AF cant handle fast animals or BIF. Theres the A1 but im just keeping my options open for wildlife

[@Duade]

@@nohatemedia3786 g'day for pure AF you cannot beat the eye AF of the R5/6 and the A1 and A74. I am sure all future bodies will have this so the R7 maybe a good option down the track. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@nohatemedia3786]

@@Duade thanks so much for the perspective, def helps! The R5 might be the way to go for me then! Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@gemini2261]

Great vid, excellent results👌

[@Duade]

Thanks Juanita, Cheers, Duade

[@samwang5831]

Beautiful pics. You are right, you don't need a lot of money to get into bird photography. You only to need to have a passion for the beauty of nature. Bird photography pushes the equipment and the technique of the photographer to the limit. The result is always somewhat predictable because there are so many variables that are uncontrollable. The best equipment is no guarantee for a better pic. I guess that is why bird photography is so addictive. For me, it is about just going out, take a lot of pics to the best of my ability and enjoy the process. Even when the pics come out less than satisfactory, having been so close to nature is already satisfyfing in itself.

[@Duade]

G'day Sam, what a beautiful comment that resonates with me very strongly. I have so many photos I have never processed but it does not bother me as the experience itself was so enjoyable. Glad to hear I am not the only one that shares this same passion. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@Digital_Photog1995]

Still use my EOS 40D that I purchased new years ago. Matched up with my EF 100-400mm (mk1) works well. The lens spend more time on my EOS 7D mk2. Nice to have a great backup camera (40D)

[@kenken8859]

great shot

[@Duade]

Thank you, Cheers, Duade

[@Twobarpsi]

You can definitely take good pictures with entry level gear!

[@spenceford4299]

Thank you for sharing this. I shoot with a R6 but still pack my 5D mk2 every time I go out. It just feels so good to shoot with it.

[@Duade]

That is great to hear, I struggled letting go of my 5d3 so I can relate to you enjoying the 5d2. Cheers, Duade

[@wizardowlgenius7186]

Thank you for this video. I want to do some bird photography but only have a pretty old Canon 5D Mark II. It's full frame so probably has less reach than the crop sensor 40D you are showing here. But after watching your videos, I think I'm going to invest in a sigma 150-600mm c and try to see if this setup could work.

[@Duade]

I am sure that setup would work well for you. Try to stop down to f8 if you have the light. Cheers, Duade

[@christinemedina1640]

Awesome that you are using an older camera 👍me too Nikon D40😃

[@Duade]

Thanks Christine, great to hear you are enjoying your camera, Cheers, Duade

[@connorpimmphotography]

Duade, I've just received my Sigma 150-600 Contemporary and will be using it with my partner's Canon 700d that she no longer uses until I can afford to upgrade the body. Really excited to learn with this lens/camera combo and your videos have shown me that I can still get great results with patience, practice and budget gear!

[@Duade]

Connor, congrats on the lens, it does take a bit of getting used to with so much focal length. Take lots of shots, try and keep that shutter speed over 1/500th if you can. I would recommend trying to find some tame subjects and practicing on those. Good luck, Cheers, Duade

[@connorpimmphotography]

@@Duade thanks Duade, managed to get out to my local beach area with it today and am really encouraged with the results. Practiced on the gulls and was able to get some decent shots. Will definitely be a learning curve but overall really pleased with my purchase!

[@Duade]

@@connorpimmphotography That is great news, good luck with it. Cheers, Duade

[@trevor9934]

First of all, THANK YOU for expressing this. It is a big theme with me. Oddly enough, I AM a gear freak - but because of my engineering background that means I really enjoy the tech side of photography. However, I have always maintained that technique trumps tech (with certain reasonable limits) and while gear may assist a good photographer, it will not, in itself, make one a better photographer. I too have the Sigma 150-600c, along with the 60-600s lens, and both provide excellent performance, although the former is obviously cheaper and not so weather-sealed, it IS a lot lighter - which is not an insignificant consideration for many. I shoot a lot with APS-C bodies: mostly the 7DII, but I also shoot with a lot of my legacy gear to enjoy the experience of relying on my wits. I even shoot with the Canon EOS D30 (released in 2000) which was the first affordable DSLR and came with the first APS-C CMOS sensor at a massive 3.2MP! It STILL takes great images, and I also work with one of my favourite bodies the 60D (2010). I am hoping for Canon to release a pro-level R crop body next year: an R7 (?) with all the best tracking, closer FoV and the pixel-density that a crop body offers at the telephoto end. Depending upon the location and subject, I also shoot with all of the Canon 70-300 EF lenses (Mk1, Mk2 and L). The latter two are exceptional lenses of their type, and the Mk1 and MkII are highly affordable - although one cannot use an extender with any of these, you still get an equivalent FoV of 112-480mm, which is not bad. Again, thank you again for your down-to-earth approach, and my admiration at your wonderful technique and results.

[@Duade]

Trevor, thank you for sharing your experience, sounds like you have a real passion which is great. Wow the D30 sounds like an interesting camera. I am also hopeful Canon will release the R7 next year. Cheers, Duade

[@jasonjablonski3252]

Great video!! It just shows that you can get great photos with a lot of older equipment and don't need to always be chasing the latest and greatest gear. Great gear is fun, but not always the most important!! Great video and shots 😀

[@Duade]

Thanks Jason, yes, I agree, good gear helps but it shouldn't stop you getting out and having fun. Cheers, Duade

[@Karhallarn]

I build up a pretty respectable Rig of old gear over the last year: Olympus E-5 with 50-200 SWD and both converters for Birding the High ISO capability more or less stops at ISO 800 but the image stabilization is good and the colours of the old Olympus are just stunning. It is very very satisfying, getting great shots with gear that is not considered great anymore for a long time. The E-5 has come out in 2010. Great video! Would really enjoy more of the kind!

[@Duade]

Moritz, congrats on the gear and it sounds like you have a passion for the gear which is great. That is ultimately what its all about, enjoying the process. Cheers, Duade

[@TheodoreSchnell]

Awesome video and wonderful images! When I began my career as a journalist/photojournalist back in the early 1980s, I had a Canon A-1 and a Canon F-1 and loved shooting hard news, sports, and, whenever I could, birds and wildlife. I took a sabbatical on photography in the 1990s after moving up to editor -- and we started having kids (eventually 5). Film was too expensive. Fast forward to 2014, when I suffered my second layoff which, at 53, effectively ended my career. I bought the only camera I could afford at the time -- a Canon Powershot SX-510 and immediately fell in love with the digital platform, also finding great joy in returning to nature photography. After I started a new career, I upgraded to a Canon SX70 -- another point-and-shoot bridge camera, which I used with great joy for several years and still own. This year, I bought a full DSLR -- a Canon 90D, which, of course, has given me uch more control over my photography, a larger sensor and a huge increase in detail in my images. Even so, I still appreciate that SX-70 and consider taking it with me on some days. I still love the compact size and the wide range of its super-zoom lens. Shooting on a tight budget was all I could afford seven years ago, and while the photography in some ways was more challenging (the sensor on that SX-70 is so small), it still was a joy to get out with it and get some decent images. It also helped me familiarize myself with digital photography, since my background had been film. I think videos like this will encourage those who have to start small and really appreciate this. Yes, it's nice to have the fancier, more expensive gear, but, as you demonstrated, you can get great images starting out on a tight budget!

[@Duade]

Ted, thank you for sharing your story and experience, it sounds like your joy for photography is what is most important, and I think that would serve us all well to remember. When we focus too much on gear, likes and the final product we forget to enjoy the experience and process. Cheers, Duade

[@WernerBirdNature]

G'day Duade. Wow, what a marvelous video, oozing with passion for birds!! Nicely illustrating which joy it can bring to catch such amazing moments. And indeed selecting good light conditions and bringing yourself in the best position can more than compensate the handicaps of such low cost gear, even when it means crawling through the mud heheh. This is the type of video which can motivate beginning photographers to take a taste of wildlife photography. And I can testify .. once tasted it becomes pretty addictive ! After starting with the 350D, I had moved on to the 70D with a Tamron 16-300 with which I took some occasional wildlife photo's. It was actually due to covid and the way restrictions were imposed in my country that we started to take long walks, once or twice a week through nature reserves (aka "less crowded places") and this way the passion kicked in for my wife and myself. By the end of 2020 I got myself the 100-400Lii (I had considered buying a 150-600 from either Tamron or Sigma instead, but the Signa Sports was too heavy to walk around, the other 2 seemed lower quality for not that much less money) and I also started watching more youtubes .. and I discovered the likes of you and Jan. And you guys tempted me to get 2 months ago the R6 instead of waiting forever for the R7. Not regretting it a bit, and the 70D and Tamron are now up for sale. Of course, going full frame has plenty of quality benefits, but takes a hit in reach and pixels on the bird. So yesterday I ordered Gigapixel in a black Friday pack using your topaz coupon. Thanks again for being one of my guides on my birding journey !!

[@Duade]

Werner, thank you for your detailed comments and I agree with what you have said. Congrats on the R6 and great to hear you are enjoying it. Thanks for the ongoing support. Cheers, Duade

[@ammadoux]

lovely video thanks so much.

[@Duade]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

[@igiunta1994]

I'm looking forward to getting this lens for my a6000 and try to get started with this kind of photography

[@Duade]

Good luck, it is a nice lens, Cheers, Duade

[@jeffolson4731]

I use that same lens with a Canon M6 MK II and love the results I get. For me photographing birds is a fun hobby. For less than $2000. in equipment I have been able to get some very good images. The only downside is neither the camera or lens have any weather sealing so since I live in the Seattle/Tacoma Washington, USA, area, I need to be careful and watch the weather. I need a ground pod.

[@Duade]

Jeff, great to hear you are enjoying the lens, yes the weather can be a pain at times. Cheers, Duade

[@veronicawilding7198]

Thanks Duade, I've just recently been introduced to your videos and really enjoying them. My favourite image you captured was the one with the whole family of Australasian Grebes while feeding, but they're all great photos. Like you, I love being out in nature taking photographs. I have just started practicing using a camera, I usually use the camera on my phone when out and about; lots of fun and enjoyment.

[@1oldman4u2]

I currently have three camera bodies: A Canon Rebel T7i, Canon 90D. and the R6. My favorite set up is the Canon 90D with th Sigma 150 - 600 C. Then my T7i with a Sigma 24 - 70 f/2.8. If I could get someofmy money back I would get rid of the R6.

[@Duade]

Great to hear you are enjoying the lens. I would love to hear your reasons for not enjoying the R6? Cheers, Duade

[@djking9828]

Amazing thanks, I have that Sigma w a 90D. You’ve inspired me t keep shooting!

[@Duade]

It is a great kit, I have a few videos coming using that kit, Cheers, Duade

[@JamesRuleGR]

I use the same lense with a 7dmkii, also to take photos of Aussie birds 👍 some really great shots, definitely will be getting my belly on the ground next time.

[@Duade]

Thanks James, yes getting dirty makes a big difference. Good luck, Cheers, Duade

[@photoapeal]

I know of a wildlife and bird photographer that uses the Tamron G2 150-600mm & an R6 and is published in Magazines quite often. He also does workshops etc. The Tamron G2 retails for $1399.00 so it's slightly more than the Sigma which is also an excellent choice. If you have an R6 already I wonder if it would be better to get the 800mm f/11 lens for $899.00? Less versatile maybe?

[@Duade]

Johnathan, great to hear your friend is having great success. The 800 f11 is a unique lens that gives you plenty of focal length at an affordable price, it is also surprisingly light. As you mention the MFD of 6m and the fixed 800 make it less versitile for sure. Cheers, Duade

[@PeterLariviere1]

Another great video. Just loved all the images you took. Seeing the beautiful bids in Australia is a treat. I bought the 150-600 C two weeks ago and I love it. I still think my Canon 300L f4 with teleconverter is sharper, but not by much. And while I know I can stalk and sneak up on birds or larger wildlife, now having the added reach is making my photography so much more effective. I use the 80d and while I will be buying an rp or r for travel photography in the coming months I think I will stick with the 80d for birds.

[@Duade]

Congrats Peter on the lens, it does offer a lot of value for its price. Enjoy your upcoming travel. Cheers, Duade

[@jackstutts6439]

Excellent video Duade. You have shown everyone that good bird pictures can be taken with older cameras. Those Grebe images are super! 10MP is crazy small. That definitely illustrates your point that getting close to the subject using good field craft is so important. I think it also speaks to the old adage that the glass is the most important part of your gear. I would like to hear about how you edited those images.

[@Duade]

Jack, I couldn't agree more, the lens is super important. Cheers, Duade

[@JonnyPink65]

I have this lens and use it on my 90D and adapted to my R5 as well. It does not have the same Bokeh as my 500 F4, but it has the advantage of the zoom!! The best part of any camera or set up is the knowledge, vision and passion of the person behind the lens!!! Beautiful photos - I love seeing the little birds!!! Thank you for sharing. 🤗

[@Duade]

John, thanks for your nice comment, I appreciate it. Great to hear it is working well for you. Cheers, Duade

[@shieldaigbencher]

Hi, I’m not being funny but gear is important. I have used Nikon gear for years, last year I tried to update my d300s on a low budget to a D5600. I had some decent glass including the Sigma 100-500. Useless. I thought I had lost it. I then saved up and bought an eos r. Suddenly I can control a camera properly again. The eos r is so much more controllable. It wasn’t me it was the rubbish camera I was using. I have the 100-400 es and 1.4 canon converter with the rf,es adapter and it works perfectly. I also have the eos 35mm 1.4. Which I have yet to use much. My eos r is on 1.7 update and it works brilliantly. I also have the amazing 24-105 rf-L so happy it is not that I caught being crap. The eos r has made me an amazing photographer again. So happy.

[@Duade]

Yes, I agree that good gear does help and if you can afford better gear then why not. Great to hear you are enjoying your photography. Cheers, Duade

[@jordansitorus]

Great demonstration of budget gear. Glad you managed to get some nice shots of the White-faced Heron. Very rare moments there. If it was me, I would've grab my main camera & shoot away lol. Very dedicated & professional of you...one of many reasons why your channel is great! Cheers.

[@Duade]

Thanks Jordan, I was a little shocked when I saw the turtle that is for sure. Thanks for the feedback. Cheers, Duade

[@mykelphotography]

A fabulous video Duade, so very true, I started with the 40D and a 400mm f5.6 and was hooked with BIF ever since, when you capture something amazing there is no turning back, the gear really does not make a huge difference, learning your craft and more important bird behaviour is more beneficial and the main thing is to always have your camera set up ready and with you, not home on the shelf, I did laugh with the card, we have all done it😜

[@Duade]

Thanks Mick, trust me I cursed myself when the camera all of a sudden stopped taking photos. I was just happy I had a backup card, otherwise it would have been painful. Great to hear you started with the same kit. Cheers, Duade

[@fenraven]

I have that Sigma lens, and I recently photographed a little blue heron with a turtle in its mouth. A first for me, too!

[@Duade]

Theo, that is great to hear, must have been an awesome experience. Cheers, Duade

[@dangernba]

Awesome images with such a low budget gear. I would like to see a video about shorter focal lengths and how to deal with that.

[@Duade]

Rodrigo, sounds like a good idea for a future video, Cheers, Duade

[@garyknight3019]

I’ve had to revert back to my 7D II and the sport version of that lens.. been having all sorts of issues with the R5 soft images..Was good to come home today with some sharp shots

[@Duade]

Gary, sorry to hear you are having issues with the R5, were all the images soft or just every now and again? Any ideas on what is going on? Cheers, Duade

[@garyknight3019]

@@Duade about 90% of the shots were soft…the only shots that I could recover were ones that were pretty close and run through AL sharpen…. I did find a couple of KZbin videos discussing the issue…. At first I was thinking it was an incompatibility issue with my older lenses….will be interesting to see what canon comes back with. One of the vids was saying the sensor wasn’t aligned properly but who knows.

[@Rick-wu9gu]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video!! I shoot a Sigma 150-600 and love it!! Currently I shoot a Nikon D5, but I started my digital career with the Nikon D70...which is worth about $50 today. Every once in a while, I dust it off and play with it. In its day, it was a fantastic camera. My thinking is if it took great photos 15+ years ago, it'll still take a good photo today. It might not have the resolution of the Z9, but it still takes a great photograph. Loads of fun! I agree 100% you don't need to soak big money into gear if you're a hobbyist looking to spend a great day outdoors. Love the channel!!

[@Duade]

Thank Rick, totally agree with your comment, we do get very focused on gear, myself included. Sometimes I think we need to relax and enjoy nature and the process. Cheers, Duade

[@seltunkoko]

You never disappoint me. I love you so much. Now I need to buy the sigma 150-600 for my 80D.

[@Duade]

Seltun, you are too kind, good luck with the lens, Cheers, Duade

[@FlorenciaE]

Very impressive results ❤️

[@Duade]

Thanks Florencia, Cheers, Duade

[@FlorenciaE]

@@Duade you’re very welcome I am impressed with the speed of this camera this is an awesome demo

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing...one of the best videos I have seen as a hobbyist I just want basic information/comments on gear & application.. love the results on this lens...I wish I had spent money on lens instead of upgrading my camera... cheers 😀

[@Duade]

Robert, thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck saving for the lens. Cheers, Duade

[@trevors2041]

Been watching your videos and decided to pick up a Sigma 100-400 for my M50 for an affordable lightweight setup to catch some pictures of the wildlife here in Northern Ontario, Canada. Been loving it! Thanks for the videos Duade :) Your tips have really helped me get the best out of my gear!

[@Duade]

Trevor, that is great to hear, it really is a wonderful hobby and I'm happy to hear you are enjoying it too. Cheers, Duade

[@andrewkeir2282]

Duade, I know this excellent video is on the joy of older gear, but, I have my Sigma 150-600C and I love it with my Canon 90D, what would your recommendation be for my next upgrade?

[@Duade]

Andrew, in the long term mirrorless cameras will be the future. I think the long rumoured R7 paired with the RF100-500 will be a fantastic kit and something to work towards. At the moment your kit is more than capable of capturing stunning shots. Cheers, Duade

[@carlosalexandresouza5816]

Hi, Duade! It's really nice watch your videos! And, wow, I shoot with a Sigma like that and Nikon D500... well, it's amazing but also very tough especially in rainforests (Brazil's amazon). Low light, busy background, you imagine this lens trying to get focus on this situation... hahaha I'm really thankfully to you for show how a great photographer can handle with that gear, so I can manage how my own photos are, and it makes so much diference for me. Thank you a lot for the great job, as always!!!

[@Duade]

Carlos, sounds like difficult conditions you are shooting in, but I am sure you are capturing many beautiful shots. Cheers, Duade