While in the field during my recent photo tour to Lake Clark National Park in Alaska to photograph brown bears I usually had my Canon Eos 1D MkIV attached to either my 300mm F2.8L IS or my 500mm F4 IS on a Gitzo CF tripod fixed with a Mongoose 3.6 gimbal head. Over my shoulder I would have a Canon 7D attached to the 70-200mm F4 IS using the excellent Black Rapid Strap system. This strap system allows me to quickly react to action when it happens.
Click on Image to view full size
I was photographing a bear walking the opposite bank of the creek with my 500mm on the tripod when suddenly the bear charged into the water to attempt to catch a silver salmon.
I try to keep my exposure settings on the 7D and 70-2oomm correct for the expected shooting conditions. As soon as the bear rushed into the creek I was quickly able to grab the camera and photograph the intense action.
By keeping my ISO at 320 I knew that I would have adequate shutter speed to stop the action when it happened.
When the bear stood up to look for the salmon it had just missed I quickly flipped the camera to the vertical format for a stronger composition.
lovethybike
6 Oct 2011I love the last photo – wow must of been great to witness!
sydphi
6 Oct 2011Very cool story and great shots! Also, very relevant to me because I use similar gear with the black rapids RS-DR1 double straps. For heavy gear, I prefer to criss-cross my straps rather than wearing them the way they designed.
D. Robert Franz
6 Oct 2011Thank you very much…. The BR double strap would be awesome for PJ work. I wish it would have been available when I used ot shoot sports…