I do love all the 9 tips. thanks for sharing

I've taken lots of very good bird pics with a Panasonic Lumix fz80. Light enough to carry during walks & it can zoom in on small birds. Great for hobby bird photography on a budget.

fantastic video i use the canon eos 1300D dslr camera with the canon zoom lens EF 70-300mm.

Excellent video Paul. Well done!

I'm 15 now. You inspire me so much with your bird photography. I really like bird photography and your videos inspire me to go out just a bit more! Thank you!

@cristianandreica5665

3 жыл бұрын

I am also 15 and I think that videos on channel are stunning!

I'm old enough to remember when OMD was a band!!!!! I watcch and rewatch your videos-great foundations for workers at all levels

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Graham! Always appreciate the support mate.

@d53101

3 жыл бұрын

I remember when the Olympus OM system was 35mm. I had an OM1, OM2 and still have an OM4. Great cameras for their time.

This is the video I go back to time and time again ,thank you Paul.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant. If you have any ideas for tutorials aimed more at beginners do let me know. They keep performing each month for me.

Over the years, I've found that it's best to compose images from the background to the foreground wherever possible. Look for good backgrounds, then look for good light on that background, then look for an interesting subject. You'll greatly reduce the number of nearly great images when you can do that. It's a bit harder with birds, but if you can identify where the birds are likely to want to be, on top of the rest of that, you'd greatly increase the quality of the results.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

I do like that approach. Similar to what I do.

Beautiful shots. Thank you Paul. 👍👍👍👍

I watched some of your videos in the past. This one is also so helpful.

I learned a lot, thanks for sharing your knowledge 😊

Love this Paul ,the best tip for me was the Exposure Compensation which you gave in a video when I first discovered you, up until then I often just had a black image against a blue or grey sky ,thank you.

Really useful video. Thanks

also worth mentioning on tips is know where the sun/light is coming from, so if you have a choice of what side of a lake to stand it would play a part. when i first started doing wildlife i found having a black rapid strap very useful, might be a wise choice if you are new to cameras, another thing is to practice changing your lenses if you intend on doing that in the field / zoo etc. i usually have one the incoming lens in my left hand and remove the one on the camera with my right (camera on strap) that way i have less time that the sensor is exposed to the elements/wind etc.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Great advice all round. Yes, I have a black rapid strap too - love it.

I learned something, thanks for the tips.

Glad I found your channel, some very good tips on focus and exposure relating to birding. Thanks for sharing.

Very instructive. I really loved the Merlin shot. It's gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The merlin is a captive bird, but I have watched them in the wild. They are amazing!

Easy enjoyable tutorial. I'm new with wildlife photography, I love it. Thanks for the tips😁

I ditched my SLR and lenses for a Sony RX10 IV. Awesomely fast focusing, frame rate and tracking. If a subject goes out of frame and then back in it picks it up in an instant. The lens, 24-600 f2.8 - f4 equivalent, is exceptionally good for this type of camera and it has a 1" sensor which is bigger than other bridge cameras. Video is really good quality. The downsides are the price and low light performance in terms of quality. However, it's a great all-round package and saves taking lots of heavy gear about or not having the right lens on the camera when something comes into view. My Cousin has a Nikon P1000. Fantastic zoom and 3000mm equivalent at its longest focal length. It's heavy, has a small sensor, so you won't get great enlargements, but in the right hands it can produce fantastic pictures at a long distance.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Geoff. Useful cameras - versatile and light.

@piasethi5234

2 жыл бұрын

Could you share your settings for a beginner on the Sony RX 10 IV pls

Great Video , Thanks Paul

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome. Many thanks Andy.

Another great video Paul really informative and just encouraging to get out there and get snapping! Keep it up.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

The feedback is much appreciated Paul. Thank you!

Great content as always. Thanks.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks Brian.

Another great video thanks for sharing Paul. You are very easy to follow with so many useful tips. 😊 👍

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks Sue.

Beautiful video and explanation, really enjoyed.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Much appreciated.

I would recommend olyjip m5 mark ii/iii with the 12-200mm lens 😊 both weather sealed, both cheap and great focal length for the money 😊 and, lightweight gear 😊

If you're a Beginner to Bird Photography, check out my useful Photo Guides: koji.to/k/9jxs

Great video! Thanks I really love the picture at 7:53 👍

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Scott!

Observation, stealth, composition, camera, technique and some luck is what I've learnt in the past nine months. As for the camera, I have a FZ82 Bridge (not so much if it ends up on the shelf) which with the help of you tube I have learnt to take some great shots despite it's sensor limitations. Next on the list is a hide, just that little bit closer ....

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Bob. Experiencing nature is just as important as the photography.

I always find your videos to be informative fun and practical . Thanks for sharing this for the people out there who are just wanting to start taking wildlife/ bird photographs . I use an old Olympus EM5 with a 45- 200 lumix lens , I bought both second hand in Feb 2018 ..... while the combo has its limitations it suited my budget ( well under £1000 ) and the weight is a good size for me. I have had some nice wildlife / bird images from it but did not dare mention it before now for fear of the serious bird photographers laughing at me ; ):D Teddy

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Everyone has different goals.. and different budgets. Cheers.

This was very useful. As a beginner I have a problem with focus and do not know what back button focus is about. A beginner's guide to focussing would be great!

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help. That's something I could do for a video.

I use olyjip m1 mark ii with 75-300mm. 150-600mm ff.

good

Hi Paul being a relative newcomer videos like this are invaluable so thanks for the tips. I have two cameras and I was so pleased when you mentioned them both, the cameras being a Nikon D7500 and the Nikon P900. Until next time take care and stay safe.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff. Cheers Clive.

Hi Paul, i just bought a Sony rx10 Mark 4 with the 600 zoom it’s great for birds photography i ‘m a beginner but made some nice pics.Thanks for your tips.

@Bran_Redmaw

Жыл бұрын

Me too what a brilliant camera it is. Great and flexible without having to bankrupt yourself buying lenses.

@richardjones1118

Жыл бұрын

I have the RX10 4 , in good light this is absolutely brilliant! No missing shots due to changing lenses . No problems with dust on the sensor . Just make sure that you get close enough to the birds to ensure you get the best detail . Even on full frame if birds are too far away images look soft ! I also have a Canon Eos R and RF 800 mm F11 yes F11 . The RX10 4 is great in good light only and so is my Canon RF800 mm F11 . Know your limitations and work within them ! Out of the two set ups the RX10 4 is my favourite due to being compact , light and the Carl Zeis lens is mega sharp . I studied photography in 1980 to 1982 in the film days . Passed my Photography Course . Worked in a professional Photographic Laboratory for 18 years . Used a Bronica ETRS to photograph weddings as a sideline . It has a leaf shutter in the lens . Did you know that your RX10 4 has a leaf shutter also . That means you have flash synchronization throughout all your shutter speeds . That's especially helpful if using fill in flash for portraits in harsh sunlight . You've made an excellent choice for all round photography use in the Sony RX10 4. Theirs a lot of snobbery in photography, just ignore it . Just use the RX10 4 in optimum lighting and you'll never be disappointed . Animal tracking an and continuous shooting are a good idea , then eliminate any images with subject movement . Try and keep your shutter speed to 1/640 of a second minimum at 600 mm equivalent to reduce camera shake and subject blur on sitting birds . I went from film shooting , missed out DSLR , went to mirror less via Sony RX10 ( strictly a bridge camera ) , purchased the RX10 4 as well and then the Canon EOS R 24 mm to 105 mm f4 L . My wife bought me a the Canon RF 800 mm F11 at the bargain price of £679.00 , now over £1000.00 and at that price I would never have got it . DSLRS aren't as easy to evaluate your exposure as your RX10 4 and mirrored camera's . DSLRS can have problems with front and back to focussing and need extra work setting lenses up from time to time . We don't have that problems with our choice . Also the silent shutter we have over the DSLR is an advantage as your less likely to scare wildlife away . If you like the Sony RX10 4 half as much as I do , I know you'll really enjoy using it . I use DXO photolab 3 Elite . It is better for lens adjustments than some other software especially regarding the Sony RX10 line up . Some other software leaves you with disappointing softness around the edges and even stretches the image causing distortion and softness near the edges . If any of your shots don't look super sharp as mentioned, check the shutter speed used for possible camera shake or dust on the front element first and then if they're not an issue it's likely to be the software, not the camera or razor Sharp Carl Zeiss lens . I found out about software problems from Robin Whalley on KZread. All the very best with yourselves Sony RX10 4. Best wishes, Richard.

Your tips are valid and valuable although I prefer shutter speed setting rather than aperture priority as my standard setting on my Canon D7 and Tamron 150- 600mm lens. The kit is heavy and a comfortable shoulder carry strap allowing fast pickup to shooting position is imperative. A tip you might have included particularly as I see you wearing one!

@SmallSpoonBrigade

2 жыл бұрын

I generally do that, but it recently came to my attention that you can, and probably should, use manual mode with auto-iso most of the time. Depending upon the camera, you might also be able to set a minimum shutter speed to reduce issues with motion blur.

Nikon P1000, hands down in the bridge category. Reach, versatility and portability are great if you are prepared to accept the compromise of a slower camera. I forgot... Love your videos! Great work!

СПАСИБО ...VERY VERY GOOD ...

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you,

This is great! Can you make videos on medium and expensive gear as well?

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion,

Hi Paul Thanks for all the videos, always enjoy them, very informative too. What brand of Camo do you use for your Canon lenses please?

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andy. Both lenses I bought had it on so I'm not sure where it came from. My tip - try to avoid the cheap stuff, neoprene is best.

@andykimpton7877

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul Thank for the advice, much appreciated

Paul I use a Nikon 610 with a sigma 150 to 500

Thank you for all these tips. Do you have a video on how you curate and catalog and preserve your digital files? I end up with so many and I try to call out the bad ones but I still have a lot. How do you manage and backup your images??

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

I haven't done a video on that. I catalogue in Lightroom on external hard drive then back up (when I remember) on a second hard drive.

Fantastic info here! I just purchased a used Canon 7D and Canon 100-400mm IS. Do you think the Canon 1.4 extender is worth getting or should I just upgrade to a bigger lens? New sub here, thanks!

@PaulMiguelPhotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for subscribing! Decent kit. I would suggest concentrating on learning the skills witht the gear you have. Maybe an extender, but ot will reduce light and quality a bit.

Great tips! I have just found your channel and subscribed. I'm a beginner and I have a Nikon D500 and Tamron 150-600mm combo. I have been looking at tripods but it's a confusing rabbit-hole to enter. I know about getting a tall tripod - preferably without the need to use a centre column - but should I purchase a gimbal mount or will a good quality ball mount suffice? Will I even use a tripod that often for birds? I live in the Northern Territory in Australia and will do a lot of walking photographing everything from 6' tall black necked storks to tiny finches as well as the odd crocodile, buffalo and lizard. Could you suggest a few tripods that are worth investigating? My budget is around $600-700 AUD or 350GBP. I have been looking at Three Legged Thing Winston 2.0 and a Benro Thank you.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for subscribing Andrew. it's a tricky one. Both those tripods are decent, I think. Weight would be an important factor for you. With the big lens I'd probably suggest gimbal.

Hi Paul, I'm an amateur photographer who recently went into bird photography. I'm struggling with AF modes (I have Canon 750D), especially if lots of branches get in my way or if there multiblr objects in between. I have available AF TRACKING, AF ( ), AF [ ], and the AF Quick. Currently, I found the best to use the tracking as I can choose the area I want to focus on LiveView and follows the bird (mostly i shoot sitting birds). which one would you recommend? Thanks

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Hi. I have not tried tracking on live view. Only for filming.

Hi Paul! I have a Sony Cybershot 20.4MP. Got it last Christmas as a present from my husband. I am still learning. I find this easy to listen to, but still finding it hard to find the right settings for what I want to take. If I wanted to take a jackdaw or crow in flight what setting would I use for that?

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

I would try aperture priority with wide aperture, at a high ISO (maybe 800) then overexpose by around 1 stop.

Thank you for the tips, Paul! The images were amazing! One thing that I often wonder is how close photographers are to the birds. I am assuming you mostly fill the frame as much as possible, is that right?

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

I like to fill the frame as much as possible, but crop a little some time. I have a new video out 4.40pm today, UK time. it's all about how to get close and the distances are included too

@tausiffarooqi2758

2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography fantastic! Will check it out. Thank you very much, Paul.

Hi Paul I got gifted a Nikon D7100 I know nothing about photography But know I need more than the 18-105 lens I have So do I buy a prime F2.8 or F4 300m lens and a teleconverter or go for the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Zoom Lens and lose some detail? As you can see I'm researching heavily but the more I look into it the more confused I'm getting I have subscribed to your channel and working through your playlist. Thank you for taking the time to post your videos and the wealth of knowledge you are sharing

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Russell. It will come down to budget a bit but honestly the 200-500 seems a great value lens. Tom Mason did a good review on youtube.

Hi Paul Is the canon 250D with tamron 18-400 f3/5 good enought for bird photography

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Fine for a beginner. It will get you close, but focusing will probably not be very fast.

hi paul on the canon 400 5.6 i believe there is no sabilisation, if fitted to a 80D would this be a problem for me when hand holding takening shots of birds or would i have to set my camera up like with auto iso, chosen shutter speed + chosen f stop at the moment i am shooting with my 80D with a tamron 18 - 400

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

The 400mm lens is good and is fairly light. I don't find lack of image stabilisation a problem myself, most of the time. I think Aperture Priority and Auto ISO is a good option, just set a wide aperture close to f/5.6 as a start.

@billperry6101

3 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography thanks paul i will try that, always enjoy your videos thanks bill

When you have this zoom in lens do you lose light or gain more light?

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not quite sure what you mean Paige?

Hey! My mom used to do pro photography and she used a Nikon D5000 camera for photos. She did mostly people or prop photos. Ive been using her camera and getting some great pics. Is that a good camera to have for a beginner or should I save my money to get a different one? Thanks! ~A random 12 year old that just started bird photography lol

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Hi. Yes I think that is a decent camera.

Surprised you have not mentioned the Sony RX10 iv in the bridge cameras, it’s a great all round camera and stops the need for multiple lenses if you do more Han just bird photography

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Stephen. Think I've heard of that one, yes.

How quickly times change. Today, Olympus no longer makes cameras/lenses. Canon has released the fantastic R5 and R6 mirrorless cameras and the RF 100-500mm zoom. Also, Canon has released the RF 600mm F11, and the RF 800mm F11 lenses. Both lenses are light weight, very sharp and cost about $1000.00. An R6 with the 800 F11 would make a great entry combo for bird photography.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

The combination you've mentioned does sound good. Maybe something I will look at in the future. I see mixed reviews on some of these new cameras and lenses, but a lot of people do seem happy with them.

I've got a question about not mentioned gear guys. Will Canon 250D be a good entry level camera for wildlife? I want to buy it with kit lens and the Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 lens ;) (Yea I'm quite short on budget and I don't trust used gear) Thanks for replies ;)

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

That seems fine as a budget option as a starter, yes.

Hi Paul. Your 400mm f5.6 hood seemed round again. Did you get it repaired or get a new hood replaced after the Costa Rica incident ?

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Actually, no. It's still the same!!

The school of photography is interesting but i am in Canada 🇨🇦 canon f4 70-200 18-55 lens use to be with film photography

I've been birdwatching for a few years now, but I've been using a binocular all this time. I'm planning to get a camera soon, is Nikon D5600 and a 70-300mm lens a good option for a beginner like me?

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fine. For a beginner that is a sensible choice.

@anbudamodaran4162

2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Thanks!

No Fujfilm camera and lense suggested. I have Fujifilm xt4 . It is fabulous

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the suggestion.

@bandwagonblogger

3 жыл бұрын

Which lens are you using with the xf4?

Fujifilm??? XT3/XT4 + Fujinon 100-400mm

all your tips are good and all, but a canon 7d mark II and a 300mm f4 are essentially pro level equipment and cost around 3000$ combined, and the canon 550d is very low level and just plain horrible, I would suggest for canon, a good budget option is the original canon 7d, canon 77D or the canon 800d, even cheaper there's the 600d and canon 40d or 50d, for a lens I would go with a Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 Di VC USD (a bit soft wide open, but at f/8 it's very sharp, no chromatic aberration and somewhat fast autofocus, 480mm eqiv. on APS-C cameras). If you need longer reach the 150-600 you recommended is great.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

I think your suggestions are good. There's so many options out there. Secondhand definitely a good option.

Is it worth it to buy Canon 600mm F/4L IS USM II for £6.9K second hand? I have an R5.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Is probably around the right price. The weight is a big issue, but lovely lens to have for bird photography

@frostybe3r

3 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Why is the weight a big issue?

Isn't it actually only in snow, you overexpose white? But underexpose when animals are bright in daylight?

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

It's never straight forward. Bright sun - often you need to underexpose, yes.

A used 1DX and a used 300mm f4 can be had for under $1800 for the set from reputable online dealers. After owning a hobby camera (80d) I'd recommend going with a used professional body instead.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

It's really good advice Chris.

Question from a newbie: I would like to take videos of birds in my backyard similar to this example on KZread: ( kzread.info/dash/bejne/qpanmaiNZ8e-icY.html ) where the camera is stationary on a tripod and pointed at one spot while recording birds landing and eating food ( not flying in the air ). I have am considering buying a Sony A7Siii and a Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens but don't know if that is the best option. I am concerned the SonyA7Siii does not have enough pixels and I am concerned the Sony FE 200-600mm will not work well at dawn or dusk which I read is a problem with that lens. Do you have any advice on which camera and lens to buy to take bird the type of bird videos I want to capture ? Thank you.

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't worry too much about the pixels. Personally I would use a wider angle lens and put close to the birds and leave on manual focus. Most garden birds will not be bothered by the camera.

@newlifeeveryday1821

2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Thank you for responding. The birds in my backyard are not garden birds. I live on a large farm adjacent to a forest. The birds are wild birds. Do you think they would require using a telephoto lens and setting up the camera far away from the location being filmed or would they also ignore a camera and tripod like garden birds ?

I shoot on P my friend told me it’s professional mode

@PaulMiguelPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Indeed!

Jesus who sent in some of the recommendations for beginners? Em1MK2 with 300 F4? Kind of overkill for a beginner 😂 As an example of a relative beginner (with a fair amount of cash to spend) was my father in law who got a Lumix G9 with an Olympus 75-300 lens which can be easily had for under a thousand pounds which is mind boggling. On a side note I do enjoy your channel for your realism which is kind of rare for a wildlife professional. Most recommend 15k setups which is never going to happen with this callsign 🤔

@PaulMiguelPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a good combination for beginners that Joe. Yes, the Olympus is probably a bit much. Thanks for the kind comments my friend.

@JoeMaranophotography

3 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography He's certainly gotten some excellent images with it! He always comments that it's not too sharp at the long end and the stabilisation isn't as good as my 100-400 but that's not the fault of the lens that's him cheaping out and not getting the Panasonic 100-300 😉