How To Capture The Best Bird of Prey Images (Full Buzzard Photography Session)

With the start of a new year comes a new raptor set up near my permanent field hide. After a couple of blank days it all came down to the final day and with the need to get this out there, the pressure was on !!. I decided to give myself a better chance and opted for a second post to see if it made any difference. Armed with the Nikon Z6ii, my Tragopan Hokki and my trusty Sigma telephoto we got an early start in some pretty grotty weather. Join me to see if I managed to get the footage and shots that I had been working towards.
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[@colpage4030]

500pF a cracking lens i prefer it to the F4 so so light

[@ianmackenzie8584]

You should change the original foot on your 600. RRS, ProMedia Gear or Kirk feet will make a big difference to the stability of the lens and therefore acuity. Likewise the beanbag/video head arrangement - that's why beanbags only really work for stills.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Fantastic Simon, just working on a similar setup at the minute but I'm just at the trail camera monitoring stage! Gives me some real hope and motivation mate! Stunning video and stills👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Good stuff Scott, agree its definitely the way to go with the trailcam. Can save days laid in the hide!! Good luck and hope they show for you 👍🏼

[@RichardBirchett]

Great stuff Simon, it’s nice when patience & fieldcraft pay off! I’m looking forward to getting out in the Hokki to do the same, weathers been crap & I’m still awaiting my R3 hence not many vlogs, lol… hope you get the lens issue sorted, very frustrating! Have you spoken to Nikon?? Keep it up mate, all the best R 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Richard, bet youre itching to get your new setup mate. Thing is the woodland will be keeping you busy ive no doubt. Great time of year to cut back, at least you can see what youre doing a bit better. Looks like the primes are going mate which is a bummer but thats photography for you😆 KZbin kind of sends you down the video route!! Nikon aren't the most helpful but ive done enough internet research to pin the issue down. All the best, Si 👍🏼

[@dezyboy7]

Simon i would seriously think of the 300mm f2.8 vrii,good used ones available for around 3k,if used on D500 you have 420mm at f2.8,add the mark iii converter which works flawlessly on this lens and you are then close to 600mm at a nice f4.On your z6ii you have again 300mm f2.8 or 420mm in crop mode and with the higher resolution still good for printing and more than enough for social media,again add the mkiii converter and you can again get close to 600mm at f4,so all in all you have a f2.8 and f4 lens with good range,i have one along with the 600mm vr and the image quality from the 300mm is just something special and in my opinion Nikon's best f mount lens 👍.You will miss a brighter lens. Nice work with the Buzzard.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for all the info Desmond, lots to consider regarding the lens choice. I need to this next choice right!!!Thanks again, Si📷👀👍🏼

[@ianmackenzie8584]

Desmond you do realise you only get the effective field of view, not the magnification, in crop mode don't you? Just changing camera bodies doesn't change the focal length of any lens. Effectively, all you are doing is looking down a smaller diameter pipe at the same image. It doesn't get nearer!

[@antonoat]

Really enjoying your films, that hide must be an absolute killer for the back! Where I used to live in Berkshire I used to go out in my van looking for roadkill, usually deer, a roe deer would last 3 or 4 days but it had to be staked down or the foxes would drag it away from the hide! Red kite and buzzards couldn't resist coming down for the deer which I would cut open to give them access to the meat !

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, you know about it when youve done a session in it but its very effective 👌🏼

[@davideo1954]

Isn't it strange that my search for walking sticks led me to you. I'm 67, born in England but me Mum and Dad moved us to US when I was 5. Time went on and I became a photographer in the US Navy in 72-75. OMG hasn't camera gear come a long way? We were b&w film back then. I love your videos and now I shall binge away. I have stuck with Canon by the way. AND I wear a silver puzzle ring...bloody hell.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Dave, bet you saw a few things as a photographer in the forces eh!!👀📷 Yeh youre right about the gear, cant keep up with it all to be honest but as long as youve got the basic principles you wont go far wrong. All the best, Si 👍🏼😀 Thanks for following the channel.

[@markk1873]

500pf is superb lens love mine

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Mark, yeh looks like the way we're going 👍📷

[@paulmiller7624]

8 hello how are you I've just brought my self a four man hide with all the camouflage netting in side the windows for £70 I brought it off market place from a man in Sheffield he's only used it once hermes picked it up this morning so I should receive it hopefully by Saturday or Monday can't wait it looks just like one of yours

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Paul, sounds like a bargain for 70 quid. Best of luck with it👀📷

[@andirutherford2615]

A really daft question but do you ask the landowner for permission, ie forestry england, or NT. told you daft question

[@simoneardley]

Hi Andi, yes this setup is on a private permission👍🏼

[@mickbryan8908]

Great video as ever. Love my Z6ii just hoping for some firmware updates.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mick, yeh it'll be interesting to see what issues the net update sorts out 👍🏼

[@davidcannon2464]

Got a mat great bit of kit cheers

[@dust1415]

Simon If I was you kick the Z6 out and keep the prime lenses I am still using D810 and a D500 and not problem sell Z6 for prime lens

[@simoneardley]

I love the D500 but the Z6ii certainly has some serious advantages with the full frame, silent shutter and video qualities. Gonna keep both for now👍🏼

[@stevecolwill9761]

Wow, what a belter! So nice when all the preparation pays off. Your footage of the buzzard in the sleet was fantastic with it bouncing off the bird. No doubt about it, mirrorless is great with the truly silent shutter; a real game changer in situations like this. All the best mate! 👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Steve, yeh agree totally. The video capability and silent shutter on the z6ii is great. Getting more used to it every time I use it🎥👀

[@chriswynne505]

Great video Simon not sure my back would take all that time lying face down but well worth it in the end, cracking result

[@simoneardley]

Haha, cheers Chris. I felt the same when i got out of the thing!!😆

[@envyrish]

Try a memory foam under your arms. Must of been painful

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, good shout 👍🏼

[@yoki9743]

Hi Simon, well well, its been a while since I dropped in on your videos and you have been a busy lad eh.... that was fab mate... it really was and when you watch it back the word missing from when you cut from the bird to the hide and was explaining the time etc taken to get the shots etc... the word missing was DEDICATION, it was on the edge of your tongue but you just didn't connect but I was saying it .... yep dedication...... ( remember Roy Castle singing it...lol..) no in all seriousness... I think you can sit back watch that and be right proud of yourself mate... you really can... to think I was your 1000 subscriber... and you are hear doing these "proper" vids with ease... bloody hell mate anyone could see that you was buzzin.... well done lad.... proper good job..... I wont leave it so long next time... only reason for missing you was I've been tied up with other stuff... but I'm leaving with a right grin from ear to ear, especially considering when I think back how chuffed you were getting 1k subs.... you couldn't believe it back then.... well you've done it mate.... in my eyes a "proper grand job" cheers... Lynd... aka Yoki....

[@olivermcqueen5654]

I would love to do this especially as I recently recieved a hokki v3 hide but I don't know where to get the bait from? I don't see much roadkill at all anymore

[@simoneardley]

Always a good idea to find if theres any game shoots nearby to you, unfortunately during the start of shooting season i find a lot of road casualties nearby.

[@olivermcqueen5654]

@@simoneardley Ok thanks Simon! I'll look for a game shoot near me

[@richardgee9558]

Another great video and fantastic footage. Well done, your perseverance has paid off. It would be boring if we got the shots we wanted easily. Having to work for it the makes the enjoyment much greater. Cracking little project.👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, i know what you mean Richard. Worth putting the hours in to get the shots👍🏼👍🏼

[@neilcole3406]

Great stuff the effort paid off, good lesson Simon.

[@sandrafawcett1648]

❤ it was good video thanks for your video

[@toadscrote123321]

Just recently got a Sigma 150-600C and love it. Still tinkering with the autofocus range settings to get it as sharp as possible. I'm very new (like a couple of months) to all this photography lark, so videos like yours are really informative for me. See so many Buzzards around where I live but have never managed to catch any worthy images yet, so I've just purchased a pop up hide. Countless hours of sitting around are in my future

[@simoneardley]

No better way to spend your time Alan. Good luck in your new pastime 👍🏼📷

[@terryayling2014]

Hi Simon, great vlog as always, the 500pf is a superb compact light lens and works fine with the Z6 2. Like you say when needed for shy wildlife at close range the mirrorless silent shutter is a gamechanger.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Terry, loving the silent shutter. Came into its own with these birds close in 👌🏼

[@TimsWildlife]

In three years, I have never successfully captured this birds, even though they are abundant over here in The Netherlands. Since I now also have a hide, who knows...

[@simoneardley]

Yeh you can put that to good use now. Best of luck with it👍🏼📷👀

[@JohnTomasella]

I did a little research on that focus issue, Steve Perry had a good video on it. The F mount lenses will be slower with the Z6II. At first I thought it was an issue where you were switching from video to stills. My older 500mm focuses slower if I'm using AF-C instead of AF-s.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for sharing that info John, I'd be interested to try the new z mount glass

[@colvillebri196]

I have the 500 PF lenses, works well on my D850, D500 and also my Z50 with the FTZ mk1 so you should be fine on the Z6II

[@simoneardley]

Yeh thats what I'm hearing off most folk who already have it👍🏼🤞🏼

[@larrycherrington7338]

The creature we call buzzard is a vulture most places. The bird your calling buzzard is some kind of hawk to us.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Larry, yeh its a Common Buzzard here in the UK 👍🏼

[@steviebye1]

Brilliant as usual. Simon could you please let me know what size your Deerhunter 3d suit is please. I think we might be of a similar size and I think it might be my next purchase. Also a link would be helpful. Thanks.

[@simoneardley]

www.amazon.co.uk/Deerhunter-camo-ghillie-XL-Chest/dp/B005O95FK2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3QJVM1PXEFQWN&keywords=deerhunter+sneaky+3d&qid=1647896126&sprefix=deerhunter+sneaky+%2Caps%2C2049&sr=8-5 I'm 6' and a large is perfect

[@ThomasWeiskirch]

Wow, this is very beautiful footage! Fantastic video my friend, great work! Thumbs up from me 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou Thomas 👊🏼🎥

[@phynes6]

Just found your page sone great videos and stunning photos. Keep up the great work. I have sigma 600 and what a lens it is. what would you say is a good upgrade. Using d850

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Peter and thanks for following the channel. I'm keeping my sigma but I've just bought the 500pf which is on a different level. Might be worth a look if the budget will stretch!!👀📷

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Hey Simon, How are things going? It's been a few weeks since your last video I hope you are well. Perhaps you have a new 500 mm PF on the way to take care of your lens issues with the 600 mil. I am looking forward to you posting a video soon! Greg

[@simoneardley]

Hi Greg, yeh 500 on the way!!😆😆

[@leemanton3169]

Happy new year to yourself and your family Simon, yet again another great vlog packed with hints and tips. Also some great footage and stills, fairplay for sticking it out and putting in all those hours. Can't wait for the next one. All the best Lee

[@simoneardley]

Happy new year to you too Lee. Great when a plan comes together isn't it 👍🏼👀🎥📷

[@daihawks]

Hi, awesome video. Can you tell me what adapter you used on the MVH500 please ?

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou, here is the direct link for the Andoer arca swiss adaptor clamp.amzn.to/3quk692 Cheers, Si👍🏼

[@pitirimelea8686]

Amazing, incredible pictures and video.

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks Pitirim 👍🏼

[@b12rch]

hI Simon I last messaged you in the buzzard you took 2021 on the old sheep bones, and you gave me a few tips how to capture a photo………I do remember you had to learn about the subject and need patience……… and boy how you need that, so last summer built a shed hide in corner of woodland and have had great photos of the jay sparrow hawk Lotts of smaller birds I youse the tripod in there but after getting one of your Been bags to rest on terrific and easy to carry the camera around best invention that one Anyway success got the post set in, found a dead pheasant along the road, and waited 2 days for things to happen then it did there he was and my photos and video clips of the the buzzard are great thanks for the tips

[@simoneardley]

Brilliant work Ken, great that you took a few tips on board and made them work for you. Superb isn't it when all your planning pays off. Well done mate👍📷Thanks for supporting the Etsy shop too👊

[@pathogan4854]

loved it Simon great start for you ! there is a pair in a field that i pass on my way from work ! each time i stop the car the bigger presumably male fly,s off ! only a couple of dodgy stills with my 70-300 sigma plus from the road the light comes from behind rather than the front il find out the farmer n get permission the adjacent field has sheep in it most of the year ! Stay safe n see u on the next1

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Pat, get a plan in your head and go for it. Time spent watching them is time well spent. Like you say the direction of the light makes a big difference to your images. Good luck👍🏼📷

[@basilreardon5783]

Simon just spectacular pics well done, You sold me on the sigma 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Basil, the Sigma is a fantastic value lens 👌🏼

[@jackconner9577]

Nice video Simon, wanting to do the same myself, how’d you get the food for them?

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Jack, I have a couple of mates who are avid falconers. They always have a few spare that their birds have caught. I pick up a lot of roadkill also throughout the year and have a freezer in the garage.

[@richardhutchings921]

Absolutely Magnificent. Brilliant.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Richard 👍🏼

[@DJMphotograhy]

Another cracking video pal, keep um coming 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the visit David, cheers 👊🏼😀

[@antharrisonthe.grumpy.snap1459]

Fantastic footage..... Love the ground hide

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks Ant, the Hokki is great. Not the comfiest but you can get some great results with it.👍🏼📷

[@paulbaldwin2290]

Wow what a way to start the year Simon brilliant footage of buzzard in snow👏👏👏 pure quality be delighted with that 👌sheer joy to watch keep them coming 👍can you recommend a long 600mm lens for a Canon camera? Many thanks.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Paul, I never get tired of photographing the Buzzards. Depends on budget really and the style of work you do. Do you do hide work or more mobile? Budget as well is a huge factor.

[@paulbaldwin2290]

@@simoneardley Thanks Simon bit of both really but always on a tripod as far as budget don't want to go daft ! Regards.

[@andywhiteside16]

brilliant Simon fantastic shots and video

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy😀

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

Fantastic footage! I find it quite interesting that anyone who seems to buy a tragopan hide end up with more than 1 haha. Stumbled upon your stuff whilst researching which hide to buy! seems everyone has its own speciality!

[@simoneardley]

Yeh I think theyre the best on the market. Theres a lot of thought gone into the design of each particular hide. Quality gear!!👍🏼👀👌🏼

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

@@simoneardley cheers! I'm thinking v6 and buy the extra room attachment to give me versatility to lie down!

[@Gazzab6]

Wow Simon. That Photography Room certainly looks a lot fuller than your gear video in November 2020 😂

[@simoneardley]

Funnily enough thats what my wife said the other day!!😆😆👍🏼

[@Gazzab6]

@SIMON EARDLEY If you do go for the 500mm PF, there's a few things to be aware of, mostly positive and I'm sure you're aware of some of them already. The AF on the Z cameras will be about half as fast as on your D500 with F Mount glass. (The exception seems to be with the Z9 which handles the F Mount lenses as good and in some cases better than a DSLR due to its faster processor). Steve Perry and Steve Mattheis have covered their tests with F Mount lenses on the Z6/7 family in a couple of videos. It seems the longer the focal length, the bigger the gap in AF speed between the two lens systems. On the plus side, the PF is so versatile and light, weighing only 30g more than the 70-200mm FL f/2.8. When I'm out in the Trough of Bowland with it on my D500 which has the battery grip, I can be out for hours and suffer no fatigue. The only time I have the combination on a tripod is when I'm photographing Barn Owls in low light - I'm usually under a bag hide and waiting for the Owls to come and sit on a wall close by. Rob Blight after buying a 500mm PF did a comparison review to his Nikon 200-500mm lens that he used on his D850. He noticed that with both lenses set to their widest aperture of f/5.6, the 500mm PF seemed to gather about a third of a stop more light. He also found that with both lenses shooting at 500mm, the PF had a little more magnification. I did my own comparisons to my Sigma 50-500mm lens and found exactly the same as Rob Blight although I compared the apertures at f/6.3 as this is the widest the Sigma will shoot at 500mm. Hope this is of help. This video by the way was one of your best IMO and the video footage from the Z6ii and the images were excellent.

[@molnjoe1613]

Great Video Simon I`d need a month with a Chiropractor if I`d been in your hide for 2/3 hours never mind 7 hours , I `ve got 2 buzzards in my local woods trouble is theres lots of dog walkers so not much chance of setting a hide up so I`m just getting opportune shots but I`ve got a shot planned in my head with the sunrise and a certain tree one of them sits in now & then so we`ll see how it goes , could I ask which power bank you use I`m after one for our Mull trip in March thanks Simon keep up the good work ps I second the sigma 150-600c great lens for the price I have one

[@simoneardley]

haha, yeh it took a few days stretching to sort me out after 3 days in it!!😆 If you can always try and get them down to eye level if you can. Myself I think it makes for a better shot than up in the trees. The powerbanks i use are a company called IMUTO. Heres a link for you . amzn.to/34Cp5fw

[@molnjoe1613]

@@simoneardley Thanks Simon I`ll have a look at them , your right with the eye level it always makes for a better photo same as lying down on the beach for shore birds thats where your frying pan rest comes in easy to push along the sand too the tree the buzzard sits in is at the bottom of a sharp slope so I`m more or less level with it from where I have planned it probably wont come off I missed the opportunity other week both my borders ran after a bloody Squirrel and spooked it the squirrel was sat up a tree laughing at the dogs 🤣 ah well I`ll keep trying

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Mate I just ordered my hide after your video. I am waiting for it hopefully the weather hold. I will be traveling to Norfolk to photograph seals at the coast. Thanks for the content

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Felix, it should be perfect for some great low level shots of the seals👌🏼📷

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

@@simoneardley I will be traveling from Latvia to the UK. I am not sure if I will bring it with me. Maybe is a great idea hell why not I will bring it with me and take advantage of the cover from the elements

[@robertlawrence7958]

Great images and well earned.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Robert😀

[@weedavo04]

hi simon, just wondering where did u get the battery grip for the d500?

[@simoneardley]

Hi, I managed to get it from MPB just before Christmas👍

[@weedavo04]

@@simoneardley great thanks :]

[@Gazzab6]

@JD Photography I also bought my D500 battery grip from MPB and they provide a great service. Eventually bought the Nikon branded grip after two unsuccessful third party grips.

[@Meyntjens]

Amazing like always

[@simoneardley]

Thank you so much Zoran😀

[@robertverbeek9751]

Great footage mate 👍📸

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Robert

[@simondevaney2174]

Great video Simon

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Simon👍🏼

[@chrispitman1169]

Absolutely brillant

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Chris👍🏼

[@KWTImages]

Cracking video mate, all the patience and hard work paid of big time, amazing footage and shots of the Buzzard......😄👏👏👏

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Keith, they're a stunning subject and quite testing as well you know!!👍🏼👀

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

Another great video Simon - thanks. My budget won't stretch to £12,000 for an F4 600mm prime but I've found that the Tamron 150-600 G02 is another great lens at the budget end of the market. For any Sony users looking in, I'm now using my Sony A mount version with a mirrorless Sony A7iii via the LA-AE5 adapter with no loss of image quality and the focus tracking is superb. Keep up the good work mate !!

[@simoneardley]

My budget wont stretch to that either!! The 600 was less than 3K, I just wish it worked with the Z6😫Thanks for watching 👍🏼👀

[@laurencearnold5822]

Superb Simon, you won’t regret getting a 500 pf. I’ve just got mine over the older 500 f4 vr because I’m looking to use it on a z611 when I get one currently on the D500 and the af is very fast. Noticed the highish iso on your images perhaps the z6 give cleaner images at higher iso so will help with a f5.6. My Buzzard photography is work in progress currently 👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Laurence, as we speak the primes have been sold and its looking like the PF will be heading this way. It'd be nice to have a shelf full of lenses but youve got to be realistic!!😆👀📷Good luck with the buzzards🤞🏼

[@geordiegraham6117]

Another brilliant video and pics and a great result after all the hard work ,patience and setting up. We can have all the gear but we have no control of the wildlife. I like how you explain about all your different gear you use and the pros and cons of each piece. I was recently searching various vlogs on KZbin and there seems to be a few new Vloggers ? Who will show you how to get good wildlife photos and video but fail to mention the £7000 plus camera and the £7000 plus lenses that they are using. I everybody’s pics could be better with that set up. I have a £700 Pentax K5ii and a £700 Sigma 50-500 Bigma and have had some cracking photos being in the right place at the right time .Looking forward to next video. Take care mate

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Geordie, its not all about the gear. Good fieldcraft, subject knowledge and patience is key to successful wildlife photography. Great images can still be taken on relatively inexpensive gear. Keep up the good work, all the best . Si👍🏼

[@mongoose9594]

Another inspirational video Simon, love the way you share your methods (and your patience and persistence in getting the shot!). Thanks for the gentle nudge on getting the Sigma too which I’ve been thinking about for a while, need to get my backside in gear and my wallet out 😂. Quick question, which software do you use to create your videos? They look so professional. Keep up the great work, can’t wait for the next one! Terry. PS, keep up the good work with the fig rolls too, a proper snack👍😁

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Terry, always glad to pass on a few tips and hints. I use imovie to produce the films on a mac. All the best , Si. Dig the fig!!😆📷👊🏼

[@johnny9061]

Wonderful Buzzard footage. 👍 I'm waiting for the 200-600 Z lens. Flip knows when Nikon will get round to it. They seem to be very much concentrating on the top end at the moment.. 😕 Had considered that Sigma as a stop gap. Is it light enough for handheld? Currently using the 300mm F4D on a Z6ii. Cheers

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Johnny, yeh its a nightmare having to wait for new gear to appear. There never seems to be any rush!! Love the Sigma, for the money you can't go wrong and it's fine for hand holding in my opinion.

[@user-kk9cw]

Great video again Simon. Really chuffed for you I know how hard it is photographing birds of prey can be. 10/10!!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼

[@eddiek0507]

Patience brought results Simon!! Some really lovely shots, I love the Jay one and a fantastic idea with the frying pan...🍳🙂👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Eddie, appreciate the comments mate.😀

[@miguelangel9066]

hi Simon, happy new year and congratulations on your work today. I would like to know for nature photography, which camera do you prefer nikon d500 or Z6 ii. Thanks and greetings from Esp.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Miguel, all the best mate. Both cameras are quality items. The D500 is awesome for birds in flight and the crop factor gives you extra reach and the z6ii has the brilliant video capability, full frame sensor and the silent shutter so its horses for courses really.

[@sue.Hoo123]

Superb footage, you must be really pleased. The piano soundtrack worked really well too 👌

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Sue, always one of the challenges finding a soundtrack that goes with the footage 🎥🎶

[@richardmerritt5600]

Fantastic video and storytelling. Great channel Simon. Thanks very much :)

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Richard, appreciate you watching the channel. ATB👍🏼

[@littlemike50]

Hi Simon, Nice work for the 1st one of the year, Happy New year by the way, lovely coloration to your Buzzards, we have allot of much pailer ones on the Somerset levels, it's amazing how their plumage can vary so much. All the best Mike E.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Mike same to you. Yeh the variation is amazing. Theres one on this patch that is really dark with no light feathers at all. I'm on a mission to capture some shots of this one next🤞🤞📷

[@richardmoult9781]

Wonderful photographs and video footage Simon , great persistence .Will be interested to know how you get on with the PF if you get it Rich

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Rich, i'll let you know 👍🏼

[@nigelmartin4510]

Fantastic Simon all the work and effort you put in fair play , it goes to show if you want the photos and the video ,you’ve got to get out there and persevere and don’t give up 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@simoneardley]

Very true Nigel, all the best and thanks for watching the channel👀👍🏼

[@richardb649]

Brilliant video to start off the New Year Simon - very enjoyable to watch. PS - think you have forgotten the standard testing after using your gear when you get back and empty your bag lol

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Richard and thanks for watching the channel 👍🏼

[@treasurehunter1964]

Absolutely cracking captures ! Nice one Simon !

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it👀👍🏼

[@thomasbednarowski1651]

Great footage Simon. Just wondering if this results you could achieve with the tragopan Monal v2, especially when the hide is for weeks in the place and the animals/birds are used to them.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, sure Thomas. One of my earlier films of the Buzzards was using the monal v2. Its a great hide and has the advantage of the extra space and the room for two people. Thanks for watching mate.👍🏼

[@will.scotnativeingreece]

Hi Simon, great result, your patience paid off and bonus deer, good start to the year. best regards Will.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Will, yes the deer were a nice little bonus. Would have been nice to see the adult buck. Next time hopefully 👍

[@tonyclark1504]

Fantastic video Simon - Congratulations. All your prior preparation and planning has certainly paid off. Well done.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Tony, appreciate you watching mate. 👍🏼

[@alistairboyd5770]

Truly inspiring video footage of the Buteo feeding on the roadkill. Well done, Sir.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Alistair👍🏼

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Fantastic video, Simon. Really enjoyed the detail of packing and setting up and then taking it all down at the end of the day. I was a hunter for 62 years and I know what preparation is like. But it all paid of for you with the footage and stills that you got. Glad I didn't miss this one!

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Clifton, youre dead right. There's a lot of prep goes into getting these shots but it was all worth it in the end!!👍🏼 Thanks for watching👊🏼

[@philipharborne1434]

Great video as always. For your lens issue, firstly i would make sure the ftz adapter is up to date firmware wise, think they have released 2 updates to it so far. Also they have have the ftz v2 which is a new release, dont quote me but im sure it mentioned it works better with older lenses.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Philip, ive moved the primes on now and plumped for the 500pf . Watch this space!!👀📷👍🏼

[@jspbjmflyn1921]

Wonderful vid Simon always a pleasure thanks for all your hard work can't wait for the next one keep safe 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Bryan 👍🏼

[@juliangreaves4727]

Nice work Simon! Great shots mate, well worth the effort 👍👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Julian👍🏼

[@paddykeogh1495]

Fantastic Simon you work so hard preparing for the shoot you more than deserve the brilliant results that you get you really must be admired with everything you do thanks so much for sharing happy new year to you

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paddy, thanks for the kind comments. Atb, Si 👍🏼👊🏼

[@martinbyrne6643]

Wildlife photography is hard work with long hours and low pay , good one Simon .

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Martin

[@GSA_Drums]

Well done matey! Really good shots and videos. I‘m saving up for the sigma for my 7dmkii and maybe get a 5dmkiv in July. Looking forward to photographing buzzards in my local area here in NRW, Germany. I have been recording four different ones at the moment but they like to come out when it‘s hammering it down. Thanks for the inspirational content. All the best bud 😎👍👌

[@simoneardley]

Thanks, yeh thats usually the case isn't it!! Thats the beauty of a decent hide, you can be out there all day and in all weathers and stay nice and dry. Good luck with your local birds👊🏼👍🏼📷

[@joebrennan1272]

Look forward to your videos Simon and this one was worth the wait. Love the practical way you think things through to get the best results possible. Keep 'em coming please.

[@simoneardley]

Will do and thanks for watching Joe👍🏼🎥📷

[@richardpill8322]

Wow! Great footage and photos of a real beauty, the perseverance paid off!

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard, thanks for watching.👍🏼

[@laurencebell8024]

Great video again Simon first of many in the new year hope you get the issues with the lenses sorted and hope you and your family have a great new year.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Laurence, all the best to you too and cheers for following the channel 👍🏼

[@ysteinbjrkelund8449]

Happy New Year Simon, great movie. You are a great inspiration for us who do nature photography, and tell a good story. Thank you, from Norway.

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou Øystein, thanks for following the channel. Good luck with your photography for the year👍🏼📷

[@steves8661]

Stunning shots Simon great reward for all that patience and hard work

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Steve👍🏼

[@robinbarnes3050]

Great video Simon. I have been thinking of the same thing for a while now. You have inspired me to get on and do it and not just think about it. Great tips and the distance thing was a real bonus. Thanks and have a good new year. R

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Robin, glad to hear youre gonna get out there. Good luck with the project👍🏼👀📷

[@alexjenkins5632]

Do you need land owners permission to set up a hide like this?

[@simoneardley]

Always a good idea to get permission Alex, yes.

[@alexjenkins5632]

@@simoneardley sorry, just watched your other videos and seen your hide. We have a field on our land with good selection of birds, barn owl and kestrel are hanging around at the moment. I’m thinking of doing something similar. Im coming from landscape photography and want to shoot wildlife too. Just got to pull the trigger on the Sony 200-600 to get started.

[@alexjenkins5632]

Your videos are great too, lovely to watch and get inspiration.

[@markfrost9005]

The hard work and and many hours spent paid off mate , well done 👏

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Mark, thanks for watching mate👍🏼👀

[@sethslaughter3814]

Great video Simon, fantastic footage 👍

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Seth, cheers👍🏼

[@robshipman7242]

2022 off with a bang thank you for the hard work long hours and fieldcraft to create the vlog stunning Simon. I could not lay like that in the hokki great kit , I am loving the v6 I bought myself for Xmas tragopan do make 5star kit .

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Rob, I love the V6. Great with the extension section for overnight camps. 👍🏼

[@robshipman7242]

@@simoneardley Nice call will have a look at that , like a camp and early morning shoots 👍

[@NikCan66]

Great video

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@NikCan66]

@@simoneardley always educational, informative and excellent

[@adrianmoore4690]

Great video Simon and nice shots

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Adrian 👍🏼

[@martynsimmons5230]

Absolutely fantastic video, got a Hokki last week and cannot wait to use it in the field. Love watching your videos !

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Martyn, you'll love the Hokki. Like I said in the film, get organised!!!😆👍🏼

[@martynsimmons5230]

Ordered one of your Bean bags, to support my camera in the Hokki.

[@paulgray2682]

Hi Simon, another great video, received the bean bag…..excellent, off to Mull first week of Feb, little tip, check out the Benro baby legs 100mm bowl for use in hokki, love mine 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul, I'll have a look. Thanks for supporting the shop👊 and have a fantastic tripto Mull👌📷🦦🦅

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Wow those little legs are expensive.

[@paulgray2682]

@@gregwilsonnaturephotography I guess so, but camera gear is like much in life, “you gets what you pay for” 🤷‍♂️

[@johndunlop5194]

Great wee session, persistent pays off 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks John 👊

[@craigpalmer347]

Fantasic shots mate 👌👌👌👍👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Craig👍

[@amaimani]

Hello Simon, great video and love your toys for big boys.. Does the Manfrotto fluid head have the option for arcaswiss plates or do I have to use the old style mandrotto lens plates? I use arasswiss plate on My 500PF. I am thinkimg to get me the fluid head to use it with Z6II and 500PF. Thanks in advance. Abdul

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Abdul, I use an Andoer adaptor which fastens to the large plate that comes with the Manfrotto head. This then enables you to use the arca swiss plate on the video head.

[@amaimani]

@@simoneardley Thanks a lot Simon. Can you provide me with the link for Andoer adapter please? I was really enjoying watching the prey bird eating its meal.

[@simoneardley]

@@amaimani This is the link. amzn.to/3n9Dqq7

[@amaimani]

@@simoneardley Thank you dear Simon

[@marellacoyle6999]

Wonderful as always Simon fantastic footage and images and thanks for pacing out the distances I've recently set up a hide for buzzards but was not sure how far to place the props and bait. I'm using the sigma 120-400 on a crop sensor camera so I guess I will have to go a little bit closer until I can afford a 500 or 600 zoom. Great stuff. Have a fruitful and SAFE 2022.

[@ronschuddeboomdigiscoping3693]

Hi Marella, i shoot often buzzards and kestrels with an aps-c crop sensor camera through a birdingscope for a good reach…have a look

[@simoneardley]

Brilliant Marella, dont try and get too close too soon. Best to hang back a bit and get some shots with the zoom and crop in. This also stops the birds from getting spooked. You can then gradually move closer if you need to👍🏼📷

[@marellacoyle6999]

@@ronschuddeboomdigiscoping3693 Thanks Ron I will check that out.

[@marellacoyle6999]

@@simoneardley Thank you Simon excellent advice.

[@jstudios1587]

Simon, excellent video and great footage of the buzzard. What power bank do you use for the z6?

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou, I use the Imuto powerbanks. The one in the film was the 27,000 Mah version. Check out the description, theres an Amazon link in the vlogging setup.