How close do I need to get to an insect for a good photo and is a tripod a must?
1309018
I can get within 12 inches with that lens and a tripod is NOT a must if you have a steady hand or somewhere else to rest your camera on while focusing.
636083
No Problem The only thing you would need is a good tripod. I find that holding the 8250 Nikon by hand during the day looking at wild animals is one thing but at night looking at the moon or stars its a lot harder to keep steady.w
1061688
Check out this video on youtube. All the tripods are pretty similar. You just have to play with it :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfGblSGuHsA
1564265
Ive had this camera for a very long time, and Im sure that you would really need a tripod, because yes, it does zoom very close, but the photos are blurred (and if you have higher shutter speed it want see enough..)...also the resolution isnt very big so thats bad.. but the camera is high quality and the pictures are nice. BTW the shutter button never broke on mine...
1948224
Depends on elevation of his apartment and altitude of aircraft in the sky. Will probably need a tripod for steady viewing due to the excellent quality of magnification. Zoom feature is very handy. Overall, I have been very pleased with the Nikon 8252 ACULON A211.
622011
I use a Revelli, don't know the model but probably got it from Amazon, but don't necessarily recommend it for birdwatching because it is heavy. Birdwatching usually involves a lot of walking & a telescope/tripod combination has to be a compromise between steadiness & portability. Because of my age I don't go on long walks any more & confine birdwatching to my back yard. I also use the tripod for photography & it is good & steady for that.
62786
I've mainly used it for wildlife. Used it extensively on a safari. Autofocus isn't perfect. But if your target isn't moving manual focus works very well with focus assist on my GH2. I've made very nice pictures at the long end holding the camera, but you'll need to be in good sunlight. Any kind of longer exposure will absolutely need a tripod. But in this price range it is a pretty capable long telephoto lens.
2020153
Consider priorities. I do not shoot videos. That eliminates many heads. Through many years of learning from "how to" pro books I seldom use image stabilization lens, saves many hundreds, but instead I use tripod or monopod 95%. This allows more cropping with greater detail. My budget and amateur desires limited to highly popular, with Amazon buyers, about $180 ball head. With practice my Manfrotto ball head works as per the high opinion of many other Amazon buyers. Based on always using extra support and 75% crops without loss of high detail on 13" x 19" prints around $200 ball head should balance results. Happy Trails Consider priorities. I do not shoot videos. That eliminates many heads. Through many years of learning from "how to" pro books I seldom use image stabilization lens, saves many hundreds, but instead I use tripod or monopod 95%. This allows more cropping with greater detail. My budget and amateur desires limited to highly popular, with Amazon buyers, about $180 ball head. With practice my Manfrotto ball head works as per the high opinion of many other Amazon buyers. Based on always using extra support and 75% crops without loss of high detail on 13" x 19" prints around... » Read More Consider priorities. I do not shoot videos. That eliminates many heads. Through many years of learning from "how to" pro books I seldom use image stabilization lens, saves many hundreds, but instead I use tripod or monopod 95%. This allows more cropping with greater detail. My budget and amateur desires limited to highly popular, with Amazon buyers, about $180 ball head. With practice my Manfrotto ball head works as per the high opinion of many other Amazon buyers. Based on always using extra support and 75% crops without loss of high detail on 13" x 19" prints around $200 ball head should balance results. Happy Trails « Show Less
168934
You put this tripod from up to very close to the ground for a macro picture. Don't worry, that will help you a lot.
96064
The base of the legs reaches a spread of 36 inches. It is really sturdy and will not blow over unless you have it off balance. The only other reason it might blow over is if you have something wrapped around the top to cause it to catch the wind; anything can happen if the wind hits something the right way. I think you would be happy with the tripod. When you crank up the extention for a higher sighting the shaft will wobble. the tripod is a good choice. Thank You, Richard
1542214
Sure will.I bought an hour ago the Polaroid 72 inch tripod for 39 bucks. Bought two. Take a look at those also.Good luck D
2197050
I have had good luck using the Audubon Birdcam at hummingbird feeders. Place the camera close...18 inches away or at most 24 inches. Settings you should use are 'auto' 'photo' 'no delay,' 'high quality' and if your camera isn't too jumpy, try 'high sensitivity.' If you get too many frames of insects and such with 'high sensitivity', scale back to 'medium.'
1327201
As you go up om magnification two problems happen. 1 increasimg blurrimg with less motion. Therefore you need a tripod. 2. There is less light so you need lower f stops in the 3 - 4 region. Of course these restrictions can be overcome with more costs
1542213
Sure will. I bought an hour ago the Polaroid 72 inch tripod for 39 bucks. Bought two. Take a look at those also. Good luck D
214478
A decent tripod. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DHPCVQG/ref=pd_aw_sbs_p_12?refRID=1EXH357XBNH8GSMX20SK#
1730864
I am amazed how clear and sharp the photos are at a distance of 100' plus during day light hours. At night it's a different story. The subject has to be fairly near to get a good picture. I would guess between 25 to 50 feet.
33241
Not very much. Any camera with more than a basic lens would be too much. If you have an expensive camera, spend more for a sturdy model less likely to blow over. Also 42 inches is really short. I bought this tripod for my 11 year old grandson who likes to make videos for Utube