[Leica] Re: 400 help

[Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>]

I have seen Doug's work first hand, and listened to him speak. His wildlife
work is awesome. And he definitely knows what he is talking about. You
should listen carefully to what he has to say.

Jim

>On Wed, 11 Nov 1998, Gary D. Whalen, wrote:
>
>>  I am planning on purchasing a 400 2.8 lense for nature/wildlife and
>>would GREATLY appreciate any input on Leica vs Canon(autofocus).
>>
>>...
>>
>>    Thank you in advance.
>>
>>    David Whalen

At 07:44 PM 11/11/98 -0500, Doug Herr wrote:
>
>David,
>
>Wildlife is my specialty, particularly the more active birds, and having
>seen my images used in Audubon and other magazines, several calendars and
>field guides as well as a few books here and there, I'm fully qualified to
>completely confuse you <g>.
>
>I've tried the "big fast lens on a tripod" approach to wildlife photography
>and I hated it.  Not only did I hate carrying the weight and bulk of all
>that stuff into the field but I also hated tripping over the tripod and
>missing shots when the critters' activity shifted to one side or the other.
> I've been using the 400 and 560 f/6.8 Telyts and with the right viewfinder
>there's NO WAY I'd trade these lenses for an AF system.  With a viewfinder
>like the SL's focussing is quick, positive and accurate.
>
>With the shoulder stock, the f/6.8 Telyts are HAND-HELD lenses.  No
>tripping over tripods, no tripod to get tangled in bushes, incomparable
>mobility, and stunning image quality as slow as 1/60 sec (with the 400;
>1/125 with the 560).  Photographing birds in flight is not a big problem
>with these lenses.
>
>I also use the Telyts on a tripod when nessesary in a blind.  Under these
>conditions an APO lens will have an edge in image quality but since my
>primary  work is without the blind I'd rather have the hand-held mobility
>over the last iota of sharpness.
>
>Keep in mind also that the longest lens isn't nessesarily the best lens
>'cuz atmospheric stuff like heat waves, mist and mosquito clouds will
>degrade the image as much as kicking the tripod will.
>
>I doubt I'll ever use a 400 f/2.8 unless it's as easy to use as the 400
>f/6.8 and can be stuffed into a fanny pack.
>
>Does this help? <VBG>
>
>Doug Herr
>Sacramento 
> 
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Jim Brick, ASMP, BIAA
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