Budget Tele Rig

Just over one year ago I met a wildlife photographer at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. I was following and documenting a 3rd grade field trip. He was carrying some serious photo gear. The kind of gear hobbyists usually only see in the Canon advertisements. Later, when I viewed some of his images via the web, I could see he had the skills to use the serious gear. This meeting stirred an interest in doing some wildlife photography, but on my terms.

Because the Camerology website puts me in contact with lots of camera gear (but not serious photo gear money) I have easy access to cheap unloved gear. Just by keeping my eyes open I was able to procure most of the following gear at giveway (or less) prices.

Soligor Auto-Zoom 1:4.5 75-260mm M42 - Built like a tank. This lens is heavy, all metal, and cantankerous. The 260mm long end is equivalent to about 400mm in 35mm terms. And 400mm equivalent is considered the minimum in bird/wildlife photography. The weight of the lens aids in holding the rig steady. But having to control the zoom, focus, and aperture rings, which are spaced well apart, was challenging.

M42 to EOS Focus Confirmation Chipped Adapter - This item was the single most expensive component. And the smallest. The non chipped version of this adapter would be fine if your DSLR has been fitted with a proper manual focus style focus screen with split prism focus aid.

Canon EOS 10D - These bodies are quite cheap on todays used market. Mine was even cheaper due to a lens communication Err 99 issue.

Canon BG-ED3 Battery Grip - This item wasn't necessary. But it helped stabilize the the 10D with additional weight. And it was included with my manual focus 10D. It is also nice for those 10D owners who have original batteries that only hold a half charge.

Of course having all this stuff doesn't guarantee anything. Photography is more about skill than gear. And I'm no wild life photog. I held the rig steady enough some of the time. Returning to the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge helped as they animals are pretty accustomed to seeing visitors. Don't expect any National Geographic covers to come out of my portfolio too soon. But I found one to share.

A patient Blue Heron at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge waits while a fumbling photog discovers wildlife photography.