You’d think that with lockdown here in Melbourne, Australia, I’d find more time to write blog posts! But I always seemed to find other things to do. And having always been home to work too, not a lot had changed in that regard. But my photography has certainly been more prolific and it’s time I shared some of it with you all.
Recently I began reading about Bridge Cameras – they’re in between point-and-shoot and DSLRs. I find the combination of Nikon D7100 and the 200-500mm lens quite heavy to carry around these days. I did get an 18-300mm lens for my last overseas trip but got a bit frustrated with only being able to zoom to 300mm for some things, while granted, wide shots were great. I started to follow threads at DPReview and also at different photography groups on Facebook and learnt about the P900 and then the P1000 Nikon series – some interesting reviews and comments. I discovered that a member of my Melbourne Nikon Lovers group had the P1000 so we met up one weekend so I could test hers out. Was impressed with its 24-3000mm zoom capabilities and began to explore more. Then I learnt about Nikon’s P950 which was released earlier this year (2020) so thought I’d look into that. That’s when I began to see reviews by birders, one in particular doing BIF (bird in flight) shots and other shots. That definitely interested me. Enough to check out the camera in time for the Black Friday sales in November and got one for myself.
So Graham and I went away for a brief holiday early December, for our wedding anniversary. The new camera came with me. Definitely much lighter than what I’m used to carrying around. I can actually use the neck strap rather than having to use a shoulder strap. My other set up weighs well over 3kg. This new one is a fraction over 1kg. The most challenging part, I’ve found to date, is actually holding the camera and lens still enough, when fully zoomed out, because it is so light. Easily moved by breezes or even myself not holding still enough. But, I think it will just take time and practice. I remember when I first got the 70-300mm lens a few years back it took me 3 months to learn to hold it still enough for decent shots when fully extended. I expected the same for the 200-500mm when I got it but I’d gotten used to holding weight and took to it quickly. Now I just need to get used to holding something lighter. While I’ve not yet achieved decent BIF or action shots, I have definitely been getting the still shots ok. Have a look for yourself below and let me know what you think. The top row were taken at 500mm zoom with my 200-500mm lens and Nikon D7100, the bottom row with the Nikon P950 at 2000mm zoom. Both taken from the same position but a couple of hours difference.
