Thanks all, still working my way through the edits
It's the first time I've been to Donna Nook and most other opportunities I've had to shoot seals have been from boats, in places like the Farnes, or in Scotland, where they quickly slip into the water if you approach too closely (or clumsily most likely
). So it's amazing to be able to get so close and have all the time in the world to watch and try to capture their behaviour, I've got so many shots of comical waves and flipper wafting
Anyway, shots by the fence were all taken with a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 + 1.4 TC. There weren't many times I needed more reach and I can comfortably crop a little using this superb lens. Out on the beach I was using the Sigma 150-500mm, mostly at 500mm and at a distance, so as not to upset the animals and ensure they look relaxed in the photo's. This lens doesn't take cropping so well either, IMHO, and my inclination towards handholding probably contributes to this.
I think the better opportunities are out on the beach. You are much closer by the fence, but it's a slightly elevated position, which makes it hard to get down to the seals eye level, or the fence gets in the way or casts it's lovely stripey shadow across the closest animals. It's a bit of a muddy trudge out to the beach and you probably need to get the tides right, but well worth it, if you're paying a visit and the red flags are not flying. If I go again this year, that's where I'll be heading for sure.
Some rough
tide table guides for your info and enough rambling from me...