Jaime Johnson
New member
f5.6
1/4000
ISO 400
-
Please use real names.
Greetings to all who have registered to OPF and those guests taking a look around. Please use real names. Registrations with fictitious names will not be processed. REAL NAMES ONLY will be processed
Firstname Lastname
Register
We are a courteous and supportive community. No need to hide behind an alia. If you have a genuine need for privacy/secrecy then let me know! -
Welcome to the new site. Here's a thread about the update where you can post your feedback, ask questions or spot those nasty bugs!
Things are waking up in Montana....
- Thread starter Jaime Johnson
- Start date
f5.6
1/4000
ISO 400
Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
Hi Jaime,
That's an interesting shot. You have good ears and eyes. The colors are wonderful. The pattern of the snake really disguises it in the b.g. But, does that protect from birds or they are too well fed on rodents anyway? What species is that and how large is it?
Asher
That's an interesting shot. You have good ears and eyes. The colors are wonderful. The pattern of the snake really disguises it in the b.g. But, does that protect from birds or they are too well fed on rodents anyway? What species is that and how large is it?
Asher
Duke Beattie
Member
Nice shot.. I was in the Kalispell area last weekend. If I was to see a snake it would have been a snow snake. 
Things are not awake there yet. I am guessing this was with something other than a 50mm lens.
Things are not awake there yet. I am guessing this was with something other than a 50mm lens.Eric Diller
New member
great capture Jaime!!! That snake looks like trouble to me..... Love the tongue sticking out!
Jaime Johnson
New member
Here's another one - these are Western Rattlesnakes -
Closest one was about three feet (by accident) - after a hasty retreat - I took the pictures!
Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
Jaime,
This new picture of the head and darting tongue stretched out sensing for prey or enemies is so impressive! That tongue is such an amazing ribbon. Did you even stop to sharpen this? BTW, what are the shot specifics and the distance to the snake?
Asher
This new picture of the head and darting tongue stretched out sensing for prey or enemies is so impressive! That tongue is such an amazing ribbon. Did you even stop to sharpen this? BTW, what are the shot specifics and the distance to the snake?
Asher
Jaime Johnson
New member
The first and third are about 15 feet from the snake (different snakes). The middle was closer - maybe 9 feet.
First and third were 1D Mark III and a 500mm f4 - the second was with the 300mm f2.8.
They are emerging from their den. We plan to head back to the den in two weeks - there should be many more coming out as the weather gets nicer!
I'll take a few pictures of the area when we go back. The den is at the bottom of a cliff - maybe 50 feet high. There are lots of bushes and rocks. You really have to watch before you step!
Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
Jaime Johnson said:
Jaime, do you actually schlepp down that rock both the 300mm f2.8 lens and the 500mm f4, that's heavy. I sold my 300 mm lens as it was too heavy to lug around for hours at a time. However, right now I'm considering getting at least the 300mm f4 IS for the extra reach in concert and dance performance and to shoot animals. Do you think you often choose to use the aperture wider than f4.0? The f4.0 lens seems to have a good quality and with the IS can be used at lower speeds than my original 300 2.8. Then I guess, the 500 f4 would be not to bad to carry with it!
Asher
Jaime Johnson
New member
My wife and I each carry one of the camera/lens setups. I usually carry the 500 and she carried the 300. Both are great lenses. I think the 300 might be the best for this area because it is pretty tight (weeds and boulders). I always have to back up to the 14.7 feet (minimum focus) to get the snake focused (with the 500mm).
I personally swear by the f2.8 300mm, but I'd bet the f.4 would perform just fine!
I found this discussion on the subject:
http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=143314
You're probably aware of this, but just in case others aren't, you can use Extension Tubes to decrease the minimum focusing distance of any lens. They do eat up a little bit of light, and while they're on you can't focus at infinity, but they can be used in just this kind of situation.
Jaime Johnson
New member
I honestly have read about them, but have never used them. When I did a little looking, I didn't know what I should buy - If I stayed with Canon, what would you recommend?
An Extension Tube is just a hollow ring, with the appropriate electrical contacts and mount for the camera and lens. No glass involved. For that reason, there is basically no reason to spend more money getting a Canon set. Most people I know of, including me, use an inexpensive set made by Kenko. Three rings: 12mm, 20mm, 36mm, which can be used individually, or in any combination. Around $120 or so, if memory serves.
They can used with any lens - combined with a macro lens will allow fairly high magnification, which can also be fun to play with.
Steve Robinson
New member
These are some great images Jaime but as far as I'm concerned they could stay inside all year.