Fox and Pup
previous / nextTimes like this are when I wish I had a longer telephoto lens. I shot this mama fox and her pup (aka kit, or cub) in the Great Swamp a few Mondays ago. It was getting late, just a little before 7PM, and I was on my way out of the park when I saw them. I did crop the image quite a bit.
I'm debating whether or not it is worth it to get a longer lens or a 2x teleconverter and a lens upgrade. Since I don't do enough of this kind of shooting I cannot justify spending the big bucks on larger 200-400mm zoom telephoto lens so I am considering upgrading my Tokina 80-200mm f2.8 (non VR) lens to the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR lens and getting a Nikon 2x teleconverter. I know there are some drawbacks to the teleconverter but I still think it might be the way to go, and I think it is the most reasonable option for me and the way I shoot.
The Tokina 80-200mm f2.8 I have now is a fine lens and it is one of my "workhorse" lenses but I would have preferred to get the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR. I got the Tokina in 2006 because I needed to outfit myself with a few Nikon mount lenses quickly when I switched from Olympus and Minolta cameras to Nikon. The Tokina was a very nice lens and very affordable. I am now thinking that it might be worth it to invest in the Nikon lens with the VR now. Decisions, decisions. I've been having this debate with myself for a couple of months now.
I'm debating whether or not it is worth it to get a longer lens or a 2x teleconverter and a lens upgrade. Since I don't do enough of this kind of shooting I cannot justify spending the big bucks on larger 200-400mm zoom telephoto lens so I am considering upgrading my Tokina 80-200mm f2.8 (non VR) lens to the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR lens and getting a Nikon 2x teleconverter. I know there are some drawbacks to the teleconverter but I still think it might be the way to go, and I think it is the most reasonable option for me and the way I shoot.
The Tokina 80-200mm f2.8 I have now is a fine lens and it is one of my "workhorse" lenses but I would have preferred to get the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR. I got the Tokina in 2006 because I needed to outfit myself with a few Nikon mount lenses quickly when I switched from Olympus and Minolta cameras to Nikon. The Tokina was a very nice lens and very affordable. I am now thinking that it might be worth it to invest in the Nikon lens with the VR now. Decisions, decisions. I've been having this debate with myself for a couple of months now.
Nikon D700
Tokina 80-200mm f2.8
1/160 second
F/2.8
ISO 1000
200 mm
Tokina 80-200mm f2.8
1/160 second
F/2.8
ISO 1000
200 mm
Labels: D700, Fox, Great Swamp, wildlife
posted by Laurie at 12:00 AM
37 Comments:
What a lucky shot.
I'd be glad to whatch this scene. -And then having the camera ready...
Lenses: I can only dream of a 70-200 f2.8. I think the large aperture still gives plenty of light with a teleconverter.
The prices here in Denmark are higer than in US, so I'll have to wait buying lenses until the next US-tour.
Great shot Laurie.
Don't hesitate, go for the 70-200 and the teleconverter. I read somewhere that the 1.7x is much better than the 2x. You can find a lot of reviews on the net.
I personally own the Nikon 80-200 f2.8 (non VR). Incredible lens. Imagine what this baby can do with the VR on.
Just imagine...
a very tender picture, how in the world did you catch that! Marvelous
@10fraction...Thanks. Basically I was in the right place at the right time. I observed them for some time...carefully making my way closer. They were near a small building on the property and I made my way around to the opposite side of the building and shot from the corner of that building. They were aware of me but were far enough away from me and close enough to the woods to get away if they felt threatened. It was such a sweet scene and I spent quite a while just watching them.
very interesting shot, I like.
so tender...
I really can't comment on the different lens since my camera is so simple but my goodness, this is an awesome picture you have gotten. What a magical moment to capture.
Sweet, beautiful and foxy. Are you and Tom Sheehan collaborating? He's done a long series on foxes. http://tomsheehanphotography.com/
Wow...Mindy thanks for sharing that link...I am blown away! They are such gorgeous photos.
wow what a great shot... well done...
Even cropped a lot it looks great. I love foxes and the animal as well. I have been wanting the 100-400 Canon lenses for a while but the cost keeps me from it at this time. Some day soon I hope.
what a lovely scene, awesome capture, my daughters will love it
Pretty nice picture. Maybe are the animal to far... But I can imagine how difficult it is to capture such a moment.
Loely shot of the foxes. We have a red fox in our neighborhood. We're near a wooded area and a pond, but still...I see this fox trotting down the sidewalk early in the morning with breakfast in its mouth. And do I have my camera then. Of course not!
Everyone must be thinking telephoto lenses this month. I've got my eye on the Zuiko 50-200 f2.8 for my Olympus E 3. Should I or shouldn't I? I keep asking, and I just can't decide.
@Nicolas...yes they were too far. I crept ever closer and the closer I crept the more towards the woods they moved. I would move and mama would usher the pup closer to the trees. It was at this point that I was as close as I could get with my 200mm lens. And even then I had to really crop it. That is why I am debating on what to do as far as getting an extra 200mm to go up to 400mm for the next time if there is one.
Amazing find. Good things happen when you wait around I guess. Looks like a great family moment.
That is a nice picture...I am sure you make a lot of people jealous here!
This is so nice Laurie. I like how mom is cleaning her little one. They probably live under the building you spoke of to one of your commenters above. Such devotion to thier young.
Nice composition..poetic shot.
Beautiful, beautiful
awesome colors!
that's a sweet moment. :)
What a tender moment to capture. You are so fortunate that you got such a fine picture. Good luck on the lens decision.
Wow incredible! What a shot and moment you captured! Great colors on these foxes too!
Great shot! A rare capture...
Regards,
Jason
Very beautiful snap.
Beautiful. You have captured really wonderful moment.
Amazing capture, thanks for sharing!
Waouh une magnifique capture photographique bravo j’adore !
What a tender moment!
Just incredible. I don't know what more I can say.
What a nice catch. Foxes are so elusive, and I would think especially with a pup.
What an absolutely wonderful shot. A once in a lifetime moment. You were lucky to catch such a scene.
wow ... excellent shot, taken at the right moment.
wow.. how lucky of you to chance upon these mom & pup pair.. great shot! :)
I'm actually glat that you didn't have a longer telephoto lens! The foreground made this capture stronger and more lovely! ;)
Lovely pic ! Thanks.
Oh, lucky you! :) ..Not only did you get so see this wonderful interaction between the fox and her pup, but you also got it captured.
Well done.
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