why did I carry the wrong equipment??

[Jackaroo]

I had to take a camera with me because my eldest looked at me askance when I told him what I planned to do and simply said "Aye, right". A boy of few words. All the easier to eat them when I showed him the proof. Also, I'd no intention of doing it twice thanks.

[operanut1972]

Lol, that put him in his place, how dare doubt his old man's abilities eh!

As for wrong equipment right subject, normally happens when you seriously limit your gear. Ho hum, not going to happen to me for a while!

[The_Moaner]

One 7D with 400mm over the shoulder. One 50D on the Belt with Macro lens. One 70-200 f4 lens in holster case on belt. Rest in Backpack. Always ready for a shoot. But I don't walk Up Mountains. Too old for that anyway.
The Wonders of photography..

[Ukwildlifeo]

Oh the fun of wildlife photography!

I've been in a situation where I had turnstones and med gulls at all distances - did I go for the wide angle shots or use my macro 100mm for those extra sharp shots or the 500mm telephoto zoom and get the med gulls posing nicely.

I now have a 300mm, which I thought would help as I'd have to leave the 500mm at home and I can use it for some of the macro lens shots (dragonfly full body shots for example) for sharp images. Sadly I managed to fit it in my bag so have to decide whether I need 18-55, 100, 300 or 150-500mm when I walk around, and I now carry more weight!

[operanut1972]

Decisions, decisions, you are spoilt for choice Ukwildlifeo! I look forward to being in that position, although with my power chair the weight wouldn't be the problem, just a jigsaw at the other end . But I think if you are restricted to one camera body, like many, the lens casebon the belt is a good idea, just causes issues for packing when on holiday. The joys

[Madcaravanner]

Well you were near me so I can understand your frustration with the birds like the Dipper there are scarce but not rare but photing one is ******* difficult

I have one body (Sony Alpha 300)
a 18- 70 zoom (Sigma)
a 70 - 300 macro zoom (Tamron)
and a Jessops separate flash

One thing I learnt is to use the large zoom on manual focus as it's faster and only put the smaller lens on if I can't get the picture I need with the large lens.
To use around 200 ISO max would love lower than 100 but Hey that's life
I don't always use a tripod either as I find they get in the way especially in my wheelchair although I have converted a Pan-tilt head on to one of my mobility scooters baskets so I can mount the camera over the handlebars and also use it for video too

[johnf3f]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

Oh the fun of wildlife photography!

I've been in a situation where I had turnstones and med gulls at all distances - did I go for the wide angle shots or use my macro 100mm for those extra sharp shots or the 500mm telephoto zoom and get the med gulls posing nicely.

I now have a 300mm, which I thought would help as I'd have to leave the 500mm at home and I can use it for some of the macro lens shots (dragonfly full body shots for example) for sharp images. Sadly I managed to fit it in my bag so have to decide whether I need 18-55, 100, 300 or 150-500mm when I walk around, and I now carry more weight!

Assuming your 300 is the Canon 300F4IS then I suggest that you try what I often do. I take my 24-105 lens for the odd landscape (your 18-55 weighs next to nothing) and take the 300 - it's my most versatile lens. It is a very good closeup lens (almost macro with extension tubes) + add a t/c for more reach. My Canon 300F4 IS allows a fair amount of cropping before I cannot print to A3 or have to resort to a T/C.
Makes for a light setup that will cover most, but not all, situations.
P.S. I sold my 100-400 to get the 300F4 IS because, for my needs, the prime is actually more versatile!?