Learning to use a 70-300 zoom

I had fun today taking my new Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro out for a spin on the Pacific coast. I hadn't shot a single frame with it yet. The first thing I discovered was how long this focal length is. I usually need to walk way out onto the beach and get as close as possible to Haystack Rock to compose my shot. I had to laugh at the difference between my 18-55mm zoom and the new 70-300mm tele. I didn't even need to get on the beach. I set up my tripod on a landing deck a quarter mile from Haystack Rock and filled my frame at the 70mm focal length, the shortest available with the new lens. I can instantly see that I'll be taking the big lens along for distant shots of mountains and wildlife or very close up macro shots standing 5 feet from the subject. That's the minimum focus distance in macro mode with the 70-300mm Sigma.

The second lesson learn today was the critical aspect of my new tripod. I made a wise decision in upgrading my tripod system because of the new big lens. I tried hand holding the camera/lens combo to photograph a seagull walking at my feet. Forget about it! That long focal length would not allow a steady shot hand held. I used proper holding form and steadying myself off my knee, all to no avail. If i want sharp, in-focus photos with the big zoom I must use my tripod. Looks like I'll be getting more exercise toting all this gear around on landscape trips.

So, this was my shakedown trip for the new equipment. There were valuable lessons learn so it was not a waste of time. I intend to make many more such trips to discover what works and what doesn't. I suppose my reports will be forthcoming.

Nice one Bob.

Good to see you're getting your head around the differences and you're anticipating what you can do.

I look forward to the results !

Look forward to seeing the shots Bob!

Seconding Phil - will be really interesting to see the images you can get!

xx

I was amazed too when I got my [ Tamron ] 70-300
I have a tripod now but to be honest have not used it much, well, three times so far, once for a moon shot, once for a go at macro, and once to try to get birds on over head wires cos they were coming and going so much I got hacked off trying to keep aiming the camera by hand at the pesky things

Yours I think needs to be further away from target than mine for macro [ mines 90cm I think ] ?? and I`m still getting to grips with tracking birds or planes as the reach of the lens goes so far [ beyond target ] but I keep forgetting to reel it back then out again toward the target once its in sight so by the time I find where it is it`s completely gone from optimum for a photo, one of these days I will get it right

I have`nt tried for any landscape shots yet as I have`nt been anywhere with enough range of scene height changes to get anything nice, its all very flat and boring where I live or too tree lined to get real distance so over to you for stunning scenery shots, I`ll just look at them wistfully when you post some

Hope you will post lots soon because I for one will be looking to you to teach me even more as I will have the comparison of photos from the same lens type to be guided by so get snappin` and get `em posted in large amounts pretty please