Charles Vogelbacher wrote:
>
> I have a Rebel S with my biggest lens a 75-300 f5.6.
>
> Next week I will be taking my family to Cape Cod and hope to get out on a whale
>watching boat.
>
> Questions:
> 1. Will I be able to get close enough to fill the frame with the wales?
> I might be able to pick up a low end TC (kenko, etc.).
> 2. Keeping in mind the relatively slow focus of the Rebel S, and the f5.6 of the
>lens, any recommendations for type of print film.
1. It's always a matter of luck, but with a 75-300 and good luck you'll
fill the frame with whale parts - let alone a whole whale. Humpback
whales differ greatly in surface behavior than CA's Gray whales. CA's
Grays are not feeding and are headed to nearby birthing and breeding
grounds. New England's Humpback's are at the feeding grounds and come
to the surface to feed, breach and flipper slap, or to breathe. They
enjoy the surface and individuals either like or dislike boats. The
dislikers dive and surface a couple of miles away. The boat likers are
curious and come up real close to them. A mother who brings a breaching
calf to a boat enjoys the show just as much as the paying customers.
Absolutely forget the extender on your lens of 5.6 - you'll not want to
mess with shutter speed degeneration.
2. It'll be bright out there on the ocean. Sensible people who shoot
slide film (:-) ), comfortably shoot whales with 100 and 200 film speed
and get fairly high shutter speeds (250 -750). I'd say choose your
favorite 400 speed print film.
As for slow AF just how fast do you expect a 25 to 50 ton critter to
move. Part of the battle is to anticipate when they are going to
surface, and since they have very long white pectoral fins which reflect
emerald colored light up through the plankton filled water you've got a
chance to anticipate them - they just surface a lot further in front of
that emerald light than you expect - they're big.
I suppose Julian will think my attitude just another "uplifting
anecdote," but I didn't think much of the "manufactured" answers you
inquiry has generated. Just go out there with plenty of film in case
your luck is real good. It can be a whole lot of fun.
Regards,
Plumviewer
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