THE BEST LONG LENS TECHNIQUE

[@simon_dentremont]

What's your favorite long lens and what do you photograph with it? I'd love to know to help me make more relevant videos!

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

I'm shooting with an old school, vintage manual focus film lens. Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED AI-s.

[@abrahamtomahawk]

I shoot wilflife with my old Canon 100-400mm L lens. When I got it I was also able to fine-tune the focus by calibrating the lens to my 7d when I bought them (about 10 years ago). Great video.

[@TheWildlifeGallery388]

I recently purchased the EF 600mm F4 - V2 Lens and adapted it to my R5 - I do mainly Wildlife - But occasionally I'll throw a landscape in when I see something that draws my attention - I'm amazed at the sharpness of this lens over my 100-400 V3 - EF as well

[@ejorbe]

I shoot with a Nikon 70-200 and 200-500 on a D7200. I also use at times the 2x teleconverter. The subject range from landscape/cityscape to wildlife, automotive/motorcycle races and my worst section of photography the moon or Venus or anything astrophotography where I want, say the moon, filling the frame.

[@davaireport2479]

My favorite and only one is xf100-400 paired with my Fuji x-t2. Thanks for the video and tips!

[@michaelkissane6138]

Hi Simon, Great video! A tip I learned from my late Dad who was an amateur photographer and shot only low ASA slide film. When stationed as an Army doctor in France in the mid-50´s, he liked to shoot stained glass shots, but was considerate enough to not bring a tripod into churches and chapels. I saw him take pictures upside down, with the camera braced on his forehead and asked about it. He said that instead of risking a camera pivoting on his nose, he held it tightly against his forehead, upside down. The forehead, besides being flat, has less softness than the nose and one can concentrate on holding your head steady, like with a dentist's x-ray. Also, using the riflery trick of keeping tension on a strap, is good advice for free-handing. Another tip from Army vet is to relax and breathe easy. He got sharp waterfall pictures at 1/15 sec. Being stunned, I asked what he did in the Army and he said he was a 'marksman'. So there's that, too.

[@philipkoenig9197]

Brilliant as always! Your videos are my favorite due to your clear, helpful content plus your fast no-nonsense pace of presentation along with high production quality. I am a hobbyist shooting for a long time and I always pick up some great tips from you even when I do not expect to. Well done, Simon - thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@cathco9]

100% I totally agree with your comment.

[@ralphguppy]

I’ll add one more tip that I learned this morning, shooting surfers on Kauai. Unless you have a $$$$$$$$ premium filter take it off the front of the lens. I was shooting my R6 with a 2X tele on the awesome RF 100-500 and just couldn’t get sharp shots. So….I took off my CPL, and beheld the amazing shots with water dripping just as I expected! Not saying that filters are bad as it was a Luzid filter which did give me awesome landscape shots of the Waimea canyon and waterfalls. Just seems that long lens likely exacerbate cheap glass!

[@stevenrubin820]

I hear you on removing filters. This has been a controversy for some time but I’ve just decided to bite the bullet and get better UV filters to protect that front element and I’m glad I did. I was just getting into a hotel in Switzerland with my wife and pulled out my Canon 70-200L F2.8 and took off the lens cap and saw a huge crack. My wife saw that I was concerned, and then saw me unscrew the filter (luckily I just happen to have another one with me) and toss it in the trash and mutter “there goes $80”…. She said you just threw away $80??? I told her that was better than throwing away $2k+ for a new lens. 😂

[@ralphguppy]

I do still have filters on for travel but when I want ultimate fidelity, especially with a long lens it comes off!

[@JanKeiferJaim]

​@@stevenrubin820what uv filter are you using mate?

[@stevenrubin820]

@@JanKeiferJaim pro level b&w

[@CreativeIsolation]

You’ve got YT figured Simon. Short intro explains the plan, tease a “bonus,” invite us to subscribe in a way that’s not pushy but reminds us to do it upfront, samples of your work that show you know what you’re talking about, even music that sets the tone. Of course, your content beyond that continues in its refined quality. I’ve got ideas about what you might do differently, but honestly, what the hell do I know? You seem to have YT on lock.

[@simon_dentremont]

Haha thanks. None of us are as smart as all of us…suggest away!

[@CreativeIsolation]

@@simon_dentremont I’m curious what your retention is once you cut away to photos and music. If it stays constant, don’t change anything. If you see a drop, I might recommend showing photos during the intro (which you already do sometimes), then maybe include music underscoring your intro. You could still cut away at the musical climax, but then it would be a lot shorter. Of course, if you’re not losing viewers at that moment, don’t change anything. I feel like the “title screen” is a hold over from legacy KZbin, but it seems to have lost favor over the last few years. Just a thought. Seriously though, really excellent stuff. I’m not even a nature photographer, just learning how to shoot photos properly for the first time. Some for my job (do some social media marketing etc) and some for family photos. I’d also like to learn how to do astrophotography. I have a telescope and will probably eventually get a mount for my Sony. Anyway, learned more from you than all the “hotshots” out there. They’re more focused on shooting a “cool” video than informing their audience. It’s a fine strategy, but not for me. I want to learn stuff! Plus, your photos are a cut above. Thank you!

[@debrapeasley2606]

I love your intro, Simon. Seeing not only your excellent shots but bits of video is terrific- I don't get to see many different species of birds and I love seeing the eagle flying in. You follow this wonderful intro with great advice. I tried your bonus tip about the forehead- it works! I was surprised at how sharp the photos were. Thanks.

[@simon_dentremont]

@@CreativeIsolation my viewership does dip a bit during the music, but picks up after. 75pct of my views are still non-subscribers, so I’m ok if a few people skip it. When I’m more established, I’ll cut it down.

[@CreativeIsolation]

@@simon_dentremont sounds like you’re on it. Not surprised one bit. You’re a pro!

[@BoReynolds]

Jesus Simon, you are a BOSS! EVERY turorial I watch on your channel helps SIGIFICANTLY! Just bought the RF 100-4oo and wondering WHY my shots are MOSTLY out of focus. SHUTTER SPEED! Thank you buddy! Bo Reynolds

[@maxgrillmickellpetersen156]

I live in Denmark and always have low-light issues, so learning about proper image stabilization helped me lower my shutter speed for those properly exposed images. Thanks again for the masterpiece of a tutorial, they really help out a ton:D

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@Synmomusic]

Thank you Simon. Your videos are always so well presented and information dense. As a teacher, I know that takes work, and I appreciate how thorough and concise you make these lessons.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are very welcome

[@DanSantanaBows]

Game changing tutorials! Thank you for helping so many of us with our content

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@r2hildur]

I'm staying for the bonus tip! ☺️👍

[@simon_dentremont]

Perfect!

[@Rbbuckler]

You are great at 1. Explaining a tip or concept in a way that it is easy to understand, 2. Demonstrating best practices for the subject covered 3. And finally summarizing the explanation and demonstration with examples. Another great Video.

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that!

[@patrickblahut4745]

Really useful review of basics techniques. One other approach: use a slightly shorter focal length lens and crop as needed. Just returned from a railroad trip; across the Canadian Rockies. I used nothing longer than a 300mm lens to capture eagles, bears, and wild horses. It's a lot easier to track an eagle in flight with a 200mm or 300mm lens than a 500mm. Cropping elimininated perhaps 20 - 35% of the image; what was left was sharp;. If I tried to get these images with my 500mm, I likely would have multiple photos of empty space where an eagle was a second before.

[@felipeochoa3478]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us Simon. I love your videos! ❤️

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@0123nikon]

YOUR VIDÉOS ARE ON MY FAVORITES LIST , thank you so much ,you are a great photographer and teacher ,

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@castironwood]

Thank you Dr. d’Entremont for this instrumental video and ALL of you videos. You are truly a master of your craft and a very good communicator. Dr. d’ is appropriate, you have earned it

[@richierich9759]

Another gem of a tutorial, Simon. You have a concise way teaching your wealth of knowledge to others! I shoot with a monopod a lot of times, your stabilization against the knee was a great tip that I will be trying out.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@melvynmanning9427]

Have watched many of your vids and have to say, it’s so refreshing to hear it from someone who’s independent. Thank you so much for your commitment to helping us through the minefield.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@simawds72]

watching these videos is really helping my photography, thanks again.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@tomforbes3284]

Wow, lots of factors to think about. Thanks from another Bluenose.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks neighbor.

[@yohannschonfelder4880]

Simply can't get enough of your videos!

[@peter9962]

Back when I was in school, I belonged to the local city police gun club, shooting 22 targets once a week, and also took a hunter safety course at our local Fish and Game Assoc. At both places, we were given shooting tips and one of the tips was to take a breath, release part way, hold it, then squeeze the trigger. The instructor also told us to use the same technique with our cameras. I am 70 now, and have been using this technique ever since. I have been doing it for so long, I don't even think about it anymore. It is just a habit, like your other techniques for sharpness. Thanks Simon. I enjoy your videos.

[@simon_dentremont]

I used that in archery and at the firing range too!

[@cheeziteater]

You always know exactly what to say to new and experienced photographers, providing techniques that other YTs don't while also keeping it short and simple at the same time!!

[@jeffmiller1140]

Holy cow!! Where have you been all my photographic life??!! Thank you, so much!

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help!

[@JaghataiK]

I consider taking my kid's photos as wildlife photography. I've learned more from Simon in this regard than any portrait photographer.

[@DonBernhard]

Wow. Packed with great info. Must watch more than once.

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ilesmic]

Just upgraded to the Canon R6Mark 2 and the RF 100-500 Your tips will be extremely helpful. Thanks, your videos are always so helpful

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@coffeemocha]

I watched an older KZbin from you on this topic over the weekend. In that video, you brought up lighting and how important that is. I took that advice and went out near sunset for some bird photos. Wow, you were so right. The lighting made a huge difference. Love your videos.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@SteveMc870]

I started shooting my daughter’s soccer games with my Fuji 100-400mm lens last fall. Lots of great tips here that’ll help me improve those shots. Thanks, as always, for your great tips.

[@roberthansen2498]

Thank you for direct and informativ lecture. Greetings from Norway.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are welcome!

[@WhoDareChillYouN]

Best teaching video.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@xcrikard4520]

Thanks again Simon for being such nice source of knowledge, how to become a better photographer. Much appreciated!

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@esturisky7hi408]

Love the vid love your photo of the owl in the beginning

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dertanz]

I've been learning so much in the last 6 months watching all your videos. If you provided private lessons online or whatever, I'd join in a 4000th of a second.

[@darkbidding]

This was a great video! Thanks, Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ericrobinson8078]

Fantastic basic and practical tips very well presented with zero bs. Thanks a lot.

[@esoxhu]

Excellent tips again Simon. Thank you so much.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@nordic5490]

Top shelf information.

[@richardtom6987]

Another great educational photo tips video that's engaging! Keep up the great work!

[@ejorbe]

Wow, I never thought to add shutter speed to the focal length because I do use an APS-C sensor. I am going to definitely try this this week! The other points I have heard before and have used, but still was not extremely happy with the outcome of the pictures. I am also using an older dslr, but in static or slow moving subjects I am happy with the outcome of the photographs. Also great tip for the monopod!!! Another one I didn’t know and will try! Thank you for another great informative video!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@howardcrumpler2298]

My Canon 100-400mm ll is by far my favorite lens. And paired with the Canon R7 it's an awesome combination for wildlife photography.

[@AndresHernandez-fd1hi]

Your content is straight and simple to understand. Thank you.

[@stevebot]

More awesome tips, tricks and techniques. Another method of tension for stabilization I have used is a paracord with carabiner to connect to the bottom mount on the camera and a loop to hook around your foot on the other end. Pull up and you have a smoother pan if you don’t have a tripod.

[@ronyedin]

Great points. I have a Sony and I also have to turn off lens stabilization when I shoot over 1/1000. Here’s another pointer. Long lens shooters are especially affected by visible heat waves. For those who don’t know, telephoto lenses will optically compress the warping effect resulting in soft images and inaccurate autofocus. Quality loss from heat wave distortion presents itself most noticeably when going beyond 150mm-200mm and above focal lengths.

[@glenmitchell4868]

Great video, as always! When you are propping your elbow against your body, slow and steady breathing really helps, too.

[@simon_dentremont]

yup, like in archery or at the gun range.

[@glenmitchell4868]

@@simon_dentremont exactly, although I hope I'm better at photography than I ever was at archery or shooting!

[@AnandaGarden]

Wonderfully clear and complete. Thank you for helping us all.

[@russelltaylor3102]

Jeez! That was great. Thanks for those tips. The eyebrow tip is gold! 😊❤

[@acemanNL]

WOW!!! one million!!! 💪 thought I heard billion... (but I know you can do it!) 😀 btw my fav lens is the Canon 70-200 L IS for shooting field hockey.

[@yoshiperspectives4880]

Simon, everyone like you. You know that, right? Just a good guy. Great videos too

[@darrennaylor5278]

Simon, just had the best session of birding to date, watched the bird tips and this and hey presto, the birds must have known i was on a mission, they turned up in droves to be shot sharply, i am sure i have lots to learn and build in to my outings with my camera but the improvements evident today are inspiring, many thanks from Yorkshire.

[@shapshot1]

Thanks Simon, another jam packed full video with amazing tips…never heard the eyebrow technique before …think I might need to start prating this one!🤔

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help!

[@1chrisandrew1]

There really is some great tips in this video. I particularly liked the monopod techniques and the cereal packet taped to the door to actually test your lens' best aperture. Great work Simon

[@squidskunk]

Great info ! Thanks... high value channel !

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@peterk_hh]

Your videos are always that easy to understand and helpful, thank you ❤

[@yonishperling1531]

Brilliant!! As always!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks again!

[@mahtabhaider]

Thanks, excellent tutorial Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Very welcome

[@tonyfluertynaturephotograp5272]

Another awesome and helpful video Simon. You are a gifted teacher. I always use mode 2 as I very seldom find myself shooting only birds in flight or perching birds. When doing walk-up or walk-around photography, I find Mode 2 is a good compromise. Encounter photography perhaps sounds more impressive lol You never know what your going to encounter when your walking around or stalking birds so it's best to have all your bases covered best as possible.

[@mikefrith1590]

I have been photographing primarily birds for a couple of years now and am a noticeably better photographer. I have to say your videos have accelerated my progress. Thanks very much from Vancouver Island

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@sue.Hoo123]

Some really good tips, thank you👍.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@josephrsiebert1927]

Wonderful information. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardpesce5325]

Thanks again Simon. This is one of the best of your many excellent videos! Thanks for your efforts.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mike3611]

This video was very clear and helpful for beginners. Lots of valuable tips. Thank you for this video.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bassmunchkin1]

Simon, absolutely priceless and revisiting some of your ideas from your previous videos is an absolute must, because they are great reminders because at 62, my memory tends to fail me sometimes, so for me every single detail of your professional advise is welcome a million times over. Ohhh and as for your photos... absolutely mint (incredible detail) My lens for wildlife of which I've only just started learning, is the RF 100 - 500 combined with my 2 day old R6 MKII and 24 - 105 f/4 of which I'm drooling consistently and with your incredible help, hopefully I can capture some mesmerising images for life

[@simon_dentremont]

Great setup Terry!

[@davidgommeren7283]

Thanks so much for another excellent video. This morning I started using another technique taught by you. It was a beautiful but cold (-2 degrees Celsius) spring morning, mist rising of the river and lake but lots of birds around. They recently build some wooden platforms very low on the water (or below water level during floods) which are excellent platforms to lie down on to get close to the surface. Managed to take some nice photos of birds at bird eye level, but still not sharp. Will take a beanbag next time as well and maybe see if my lens is sharper with a smaller aperture.

[@simon_dentremont]

A beanbag would be perfect there.

[@EthanBoggio]

I so needed this! Getting my 600mm F/4 tomorrow! I watch and rewatch your videos in my woodshop while I work. Okay, it's more like listening to but the videos are jam packed with solid info! Thank you Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Great lens!

[@lightsaver3352]

You’re just brilliant Simon! I always look forward to your latest videos. You never fail to inspire with your enthusiasm and wonderful images. Plus you always give me an extra little nugget of advice to take out into the field. So THANKYOU! ☺️

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@NaturePhotographer757]

Thanks for the video, very interesting 👍👍👍👍

[@simon_dentremont]

So nice of you

[@Kenika47]

So interesting when you were talking about stabilizing your position. Exactly the same info for the shooting sports especially handguns.

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes, same for archery, which I used to shoot.

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

Another great video, Simon. Thanks. Although I now live on the prairies, I am originally from Nova Scotia, and your locale inspires me :). For several years, I used the Tamron 100-400 Di VC and Sigma 150-600C for birds and wildlife, and I was generally pleased by the results. But when I upgraded to the R7, I sold my old lenses and replaced them with the RF 100-500. The lens is lighter than those it replaced, the dual focus motors are fast and accurate, the lens OIS works well with the R7 IBIS, and the image quality is simply spectacular. In addition, having a minimum focus distance of about 0.9m at all focal lengths makes for a handy "macro-like" lens. Since I mostly shoot birds and wildlife, this lens practically " lives" on my R7, though I'm looking forward to the R7 Mark II 😀

[@Barbara-ir9sx]

grate explanation again, many thanks

[@guymatson7731]

Simon I watch a lot of photography videos - yours are some of the best I watch! Thanks

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@D0praise]

I love your videos Simon, always helpful! Reading the comments I can see how many agree, they’re great!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@mawavoy]

Thanks for your comprehensive analysis and solutions.

[@simon_dentremont]

So nice of you

[@theheartlandexplorer2942]

Great advice…thanks!

[@muzza4553]

all i can say is thank you . thank you so much for sharing tips . especially settings tips . because of you i got my first real nature photo today . just a squirrel but perfectly clear on a hand held nikon d5300 with a sigma prime 500 mm ex APO hsm lens . i have a spinal condition and is very hard with lighwieght gear . but the monster sigma stops the hands moving.

[@clairehachey2189]

Brilliant information as usual and just what I needed to hear. I work with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary for Canon handheld and I'm trying to figure out how to kick it up a bit to get better sharpness. On my Canon R7, there is a warning as to the Electronic shutter mode which states that fast moving subjects may look distorted, so I simply use either Mechanical mode or Elec.1st-curtain and so far I have no problem :) Once again, thank you Simon for the awesome tips!

[@simon_dentremont]

You're welcome!

[@maxbarko8717]

I am also calibrating my lenses to adjust the focal point. I am using Spyder LensCal from Datacolor.

[@Stealthman42]

Great video as always Simon! Thank you for the informative lesson!

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@DrewMtl]

I liked the monopod technique. I haven't bought one yet, for shooting sports photography.

[@migflowers]

Excellent video, as always! I try to like/comment as much as I can to help your channel grow. Keep up the great tutorials!

[@simon_dentremont]

You rock!

[@hlmg1985]

Great video Simon. Well explained and sharpness I think is very important.

[@danieldavisart]

Thanks for the tips.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad I could help!

[@nicolasdiaz6656]

Thanks Simon

[@jolakedra2998]

Excellent tips! My favourite from this is stabilizing monopod. Thanks a million❤

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cathybeacock7508]

Thank you I picked up a couple of good tips!!

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@walk-about-photo9453]

Great info, Thank you for sharing

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChrisRenePlaylist]

You have such a wealth of information and you explain it so easy. thank you so much

[@simon_dentremont]

So nice of you

[@primal_aperture_photo]

Great video with some very helpful tips on stabilizing a large lens. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MLJ7424]

Hello Simon , great tips and techniques, thank you.

[@kamiltupatowicz5161]

Another great stuff for Simon. Thank You!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for listening

[@justdavidphotos]

I looked, but didn't see one. Maybe a video all about the pros and cons of lens hoods. The when and when not to use stuff. Thanks for all your videos Simon!

[@suebyrne7739]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@simon_dentremont]

You bet!

[@WobbleMatic]

These tutorials are well packed with top end info. Didn't feel like a 14 minute video. Super stuff.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always, Simon I am so happy to join the volunteer program to protect the Piping plover in Long Island NY 🐦❤️🤗

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent cause!

[@Sphyxx]

I am in love with your videos for how clear yet thorough they are. With being a beginner photographer in using a so-called proper camera, I'm catching up on a decade of learning transferring from phone photography, and your videos are being amazingly helpful and inspirational on my journey.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@Sphyxx]

@@simon_dentremont Do you have any opinions on the new R5 software update? Apparently, it's making the R5 capable of 400mpx images.

[@simon_dentremont]

@@Sphyxx That’s a neat trick, but the full 45 MP resolution is usually enough for my needs, and I have long lenses if I need more reach. I can see some people using it though.

[@To_Aravindan]

Lovely video sir. Thanks for sharing🙂

[@barbarachamberlain6918]

Canon Rf 100-500 for wildlife (mostly birds) and an occasional landscape shot. Another excellent video!

[@blindspotter5859]

He is the best!

[@charlesmckenna6164]

Happy to say I’ve been implementing all of those tips since I bought my Sony 200-600. And some of them in all of my photography, even when I’m using a 20mm. As always thanks for the tips!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help!

[@Mike-126]

Great teaching.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you!

[@steveglennan]

Great info as always, I particularly liked the technique you demonstrated of bracing the monopod with a knee!

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome, thank you!