Nikon D5000 ?

[Pigeon lover]

Hi Folks , would be grateful for your comments . I've just purchased a Nikon D5000 , ( mostly for run-of-the-mill photography ), but rather fancy having a go at capturing a few wildlife shots . Now I know only too well I would need a selection of lenses etc. So, having absolutely no experience, I thought I would ask you very knowledgeable folk if my new camera would be a good starting point ? Thanks a trillion .

[roseway]

The D5000 isn't the latest model, but it's a very competent camera and you can have a lot of fun with it. For wildlife photography you'll need a longer lens, and this one is a very good all-rounder. You can get cheaper ones, but make sure they have vibration reduction/image stabilisation and autofocus.

[ChrelizG]

It's easy to use, lightweight, handles highish ISO reasonably well, & has the distinct advantage of the flip-out screen so that you can do low-level shots of plants & fungi using live view to help you focus. In terms of birds, etc, it's slower & noisier than its pro cousins when on continuous release, but still does OK. As the previous person said, it'll come to the lenses you choose - what do you have at the moment?

[Pigeon lover]

Hi Folks, thanks for taking the time to reply.

Roseway ,
I've had a look at your suggestion regarding lenses etc , the one highlighted does indeed seem to be a reasonable option . Especially as the cost is just about within budget .

ChrelizG ,
I've only just bought the camera and it came with 18-55 mm lense, which is all I have at this time. I've got hold of a couple of basic wildlife photography books so who knows ?

Thanks again.

[ChrelizG]

I had the 18 - 55 & 55 - 200mm lenses bundled with mine - I soon found I wanted a longer lens, & went for the 70 - 300 AF-S one - though that's more expensive & half as heavy again as the one suggested on here. Once you've got the range with a couple of lenses you can see how things develop - but be warned, 300mm still doesn't get you as close as you'd like, & anything beyond that is serious money and weight!!

I found the D5000 Extended Guide by Jon Sparks useful for learning to use the camera - more user friendly than the manual!

In terms of wildlife photography - there seem to be numerous workshops on offer - I've attended some run by my local wildlife trust, the RSPB, & the Field Studies Council. Worth thinking about, to get practical experience.

[Pigeon lover]

Originally Posted by ChrelizG

I had the 18 - 55 & 55 - 200mm lenses bundled with mine - I soon found I wanted a longer lens, & went for the 70 - 300 AF-S one - though that's more expensive & half as heavy again as the one suggested on here. Once you've got the range with a couple of lenses you can see how things develop - but be warned, 300mm still doesn't get you as close as you'd like, & anything beyond that is serious money and weight!!

I found the D5000 Extended Guide by Jon Sparks useful for learning to use the camera - more user friendly than the manual!

In terms of wildlife photography - there seem to be numerous workshops on offer - I've attended some run by my local wildlife trust, the RSPB, & the Field Studies Council. Worth thinking about, to get practical experience.

Most helpful ChrelizG thanks very much indeed .

[sometimes]

Don't forget 'wildlife' includes comes in many guises. If you want to do bird photography, then you're likely to need a relatively long lens just to give your subject some sort of size on the sensor. but of course there are things like fungi that you can get up close and dirty with and your present setup should cope well. Don't forget/dismiss the use of a hide, this can be useful for larger animals (foxes, badgers, deer, seals, etc).
You may find a macro lens useful if you're going to go for insects - but again the larger the insect the less you need a macro (dragonflies).
When I first started I used a tripod and a remote release, taking pictures of garden birds (prefocus, sit and wait). Perches near the bird table/feeders to give a natural look (if you can call a bird on a stick 'natural').

Whilst I wouldn't support captive critters as wildlife, a visit to a park can be helpful in honing your skills and anticipation of activity.

Be prepared to accept the limitations of your equipment - if you look at the kit lists of most of the top wildlife photographers you will find they spend considerable amounts - they'll tell you you don't need it, but then why do they use it?

[Pigeon lover]

Originally Posted by sometimes

Don't forget 'wildlife' includes comes in many guises. If you want to do bird photography, then you're likely to need a relatively long lens just to give your subject some sort of size on the sensor. but of course there are things like fungi that you can get up close and dirty with and your present setup should cope well. Don't forget/dismiss the use of a hide, this can be useful for larger animals (foxes, badgers, deer, seals, etc).
You may find a macro lens useful if you're going to go for insects - but again the larger the insect the less you need a macro (dragonflies).
When I first started I used a tripod and a remote release, taking pictures of garden birds (prefocus, sit and wait). Perches near the bird table/feeders to give a natural look (if you can call a bird on a stick 'natural').

Whilst I wouldn't support captive critters as wildlife, a visit to a park can be helpful in honing your skills and anticipation of activity.

Be prepared to accept the limitations of your equipment - if you look at the kit lists of most of the top wildlife photographers you will find they spend considerable amounts - they'll tell you you don't need it, but then why do they use it?

Thanks Stephen , but I think it'll be more a case of accepting my own limitations rather than those of any kit I may have !

[sometimes]

For the most part it's the limitations we define for ourselves than any other criterion which affects our lives.