Wildlife Photography Blog - for news, views and articles on wildlife, conservation, photography, and safari destinations. © Scotch Macaskill

Scotch Macaskill's Wildlife Blog

IMPORTANT: Please note that from April 2009 this Blog's Web address changed as a result of a switch in the blogging platform we use. It's still an integral part of the Wildlife Pictures Online website and, we hope, will continue providing entertaining and enjoyable content in the form of wildlife images, news, views and information.

For the most recent posts, links, and other resources, please visit the new Wldlife Photography Blog.

 

Photo Details: A hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) on its way to the water's edge finds its path blocked by a group of crocodiles. After a short stand-off during which the crocs refused to budge, stubbornly ignoring the big fellow, the hippo relented and chose instead to walk around them before slipping into the water, Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Camera: Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi); Lens: Canon EOS 300L F2.8 USM + 2x converter; Focal Length: 600mm; Shutter speed: 1/1000; Aperture: f5.6; ISO: 400.
 

2. Wildlife Camera - the digital SLR option - recommended as the way to go for highest quality wildlife images.
 

 

Photo Details: Spectacled weaver (Ploceus Ocularis) is all concentration as it keeps an eye out for insects while feeding on nectar from a flowering aloe, Elephant Plains Game Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa.
Camera: Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi); Lens: Canon EOS 600L F4 USM + 1.4x converter; Focal Length: 840mm; Shutter speed: 1/800; Aperture: f8; ISO: 400.

Additional Info: I was fortunate enough to take this picture using the outstanding Canon EOS 600mm F4 lens fitted with a 1.4x converter, giving a focal length of 840mm. Add to this the 1.6x crop factor of my Canon 400D SLR, and it's like using a 1344mm lens!

The massive piece of glass, belonging to my friend Kevin Podmore who is an avid bird photographer, was mounted on a solid Manfrotto tripod with a tilt and pan head. I originally bought this head for studio use and it's not ideal for bird photography where the subject is constantly flitting about, so it was a challenge following the birds and trying to keep the rig steady. But what fun using this lens - it's like looking through a bright telescope that snaps into focus as you touch the shutter.
 

 

Photo Details: Lioness (Panthera leo) looks up while standing guard over the remains of a buffalo carcass lying in the pale winter veld, Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Camera: Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi); Lens: Canon EOS 300L F2.8 USM + 2x converter; Focal Length: 600mm; Shutter speed: 1/400; Aperture: f5.6; ISO: 400.
 

 

Photo Details: Female leopard (Panthera pardus) warns us to keep our distance with a show of teeth and hint of a snarl, Elephant Plains Game Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa. © Kevin Podmore.
Camera: Canon EOS 40D; Lens: Canon 70-200 F2.8L IS USM; Focal Length: 195mm; Shutter speed: 1/500; Aperture: f2.8; ISO: 400.