Mat
enthusiast
Reged: 16/05/2005
Posts: 291
Loc: Sheffield, England
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Hopefully I've chosen the right forum here although perhaps a mod could advise if this question could be better answered elsewhere.
I'd like to hear peoples views about film and kit choice for my upcoming uni trip to Donna Nook. We're going to be guided around the area by a member of the wildlife trust and will apparently come within touching distance of seal pups and 50 feet away from mature bulls according to our lecturer.
I'll be using manual focus gear and plan to take my 70-210mm Series 1 Vivitar rather than my 60-300mm Tamron as it is easier to handle and will probably yield better photo's. I guess that a few shorter primes will be useful for landscape shots or for when we can get up close to the wildlife.
My biggest problem is which film I ought to use, would you use slide or negative film? I would imagine that I would require ISO 400 film considering that I'll need a higher shutter speed with a telephoto lens.
Which film would you recommend to me?
Also is a tripod a must? I have a decent one but don't want to be too bogged down when I'm travelling with a large group.
It's been rather a while since I did any proper photography so I'm pretty rusty really, I shall look forward to your replies.
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beejaybee
Marvin
Reged: 18/07/2007
Posts: 4987
Loc: Really Here In Name Only
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Quote:
My biggest problem is which film I ought to use, would you use slide or negative film? I would imagine that I would require ISO 400 film considering that I'll need a higher shutter speed with a telephoto lens.
Which film would you recommend to me?
Also is a tripod a must? I have a decent one but don't want to be too bogged down when I'm travelling with a large group.
I'd use transparency film, but, if you haven't used it recently, I'd recommend either getting some practice in or using negative film. Transparency film gives (IMO) better results but getting the exposure right is much more critical.
As you say, at this time of year 400 ASA or faster film is a sensible precaution.
Transparency: Fuji Sensia 400 or Provia 400
Negative: Fuji Superia 400 or 800
Leave the tripod, it will get in the way and slow you down so you will miss shots. On a 210mm lens you should be able to hand-hold the camera at 1/250 sec and you will have enough light to be able to use that speed (or faster) unless the light is really poor. If you have a fast standard lens take that just in case the light is b. awful.
Take a supply of soft clean dry handkerchiefs for wiping salt spray from the front element (or preferably protection filter). On the coast, it's surprising how lenses get salted up even when the sea is reasonably calm. And wipe everything down with a damp (not wet) cloth when you get home.
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NorthernMonkey
enthusiast
Reged: 01/05/2007
Posts: 271
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How about a monopod instead of a tripod? 1/3rd the weight, and a lot quicker to set up, and you should double to quadrouple the shutter speed you will be able to use reliably
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Zou
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/02/2007
Posts: 2117
Loc: Edinburgh
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Provia 400X is excellent, I used it when I went to the Isle of May.
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Zou's Flickr Page
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Fen
BAD WOLF
Reged: 12/03/2002
Posts: 20941
Loc: Currently Unknown!
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Hi Mat,
When you going?
Couldn't tell you about the film as I'll be shooting digital when I'm there, probably between 100-400 ISO depending on the weather.
I've been before and would not recommend a tripod. Take a monopod, much easier.
Oh, and wrap up warm. Standing around taking photos with a NE wind blowing straight at you does tend to chill you a bit. Also, keep any batteries inside the layers of clothing as the cold will drain them.
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Fen .......... My Galleries - My Blog - My Flickr
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Mat
enthusiast
Reged: 16/05/2005
Posts: 291
Loc: Sheffield, England
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Thanks for the suggestions guys.
We're going this Saturday (24th Nov), one of our lecturers has arranged all the transport and guides e.t.c. although it isn't actually a proper course related field trip - just a bit of fun.
I'll be using a Minolta XD7 so no worries about batteries Fen, I also always use a protective UV filter on any lens so my lenses ought to be safe from the elements.
BeeJayBee I have never used transparency film, only ever used B&W on my AS course a few years back and regular colour negative film up until now.
Northern Monkey and Fen - I'd been considering a monopod but don't currently have one so I shall have to get down to the shops and test a few. I did a quick bit of online research and have decided to look into which heads will fit a monopod (I guess it only needs to change camera position from landscape to portrait although quick release would be helpful).
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Gordon_McGeachie
Joke Historian
Reged: 19/01/2007
Posts: 4142
Loc: East Yorkshire,
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Quote:
Hi Mat,
When you going?
Couldn't tell you about the film as I'll be shooting digital when I'm there, probably between 100-400 ISO depending on the weather.
I've been before and would not recommend a tripod. Take a monopod, much easier.
Oh, and wrap up warm. Standing around taking photos with a NE wind blowing straight at you does tend to chill you a bit. Also, keep any batteries inside the layers of clothing as the cold will drain them.
Not forgetting your bomb proof gear..... 
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She (Avro Vulcan XH558)Took To The Sky Like A Lovesick Angel.
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Fen
BAD WOLF
Reged: 12/03/2002
Posts: 20941
Loc: Currently Unknown!
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Quote:
We're going this Saturday (24th Nov)
Phew... I'll be there on Friday. Might have cancelled if a bus load of people where going to turn ap as well 
I've used Manfrotto monopods for years, can heartedly recommend them. As for the head I just use the one off my tripod! It may be a bit too much, but saves space when travelling with both tripod and monopod.
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Fen .......... My Galleries - My Blog - My Flickr
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Mat
enthusiast
Reged: 16/05/2005
Posts: 291
Loc: Sheffield, England
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Well from what we've been told it sounds as though everybody and their mother are going to be there this weekend  .
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Mat
enthusiast
Reged: 16/05/2005
Posts: 291
Loc: Sheffield, England
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Just a quick check in before I head into work this morning (still knackered).
Donna Nook was great fun, we were dropped off about 4 miles away and then walked along an embankment to the main beach area. The weather stayed dry for the most part at least, although a little blue sky would have been welcome through the endless grey skies.
It was absolutely jam packed as predicted, everyone and their mother had turned up to see the seals, but the milling hordes were polite enough to keep moving their kids out of the way for us photographers.
I'm hoping my slides come out ok (slide film virgin) and even got a few shots of the seals arguing.
When I get another chance to go I shall be far better prepared, next time I will have to find a larger lens or teleconverter so I can get in closer.
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