Need Suggestions - Photographing Canaries

[RHoldenSr]

I am trying to create a setup to photograph canaries for ID on my website and etc.
The cage I wanted to use is only 20" deep.





I am trying to create images similar to these:





Question:

I only have the following lenses:

Sigma 105mm macro
Canon 70-200mm F4L
Canon 17-40mmF4L

none of these lenses will work as far as I can see for what I am trying do, unless I were to build a large walk-in type cage

What would be a good lens and working distance for such a project, keeping most of the canary in focus so that you can see it's markings, feather texture, and coloring?


Thanks

Rob

[Dobick]

Here is what I would try:

If you have a flash unit (like a 580, 550, or a 420 etc...), use it to get a good bit of light towards your subject, but on top of the cage, I would drape a piece of sheer white curtain type material that will act as a large diffuser, and then I would use some foam core or something stiff, and wrap some foil around it and place it above, behind, and at an 45 degree angle downward towards the cage to bounce it in from a different direction, as well as foil line the bottom of the cage, so that you have light coming from all angles.

I would use the 17-40, and I would try to get enough light on the subject to get around an f/8 or higher. I would think that the 17-40 will have a minimum focus distance that will be the best option, and as long as you keep it at the 40 end of things, you should fill the frame sufficiently well, to get good detail from 2 to 3 feet, like where you have the tripod set at the moment.

for testing, put a beanie babie or something that is similar sized, on the perch, and see what kinda results you get.

[engstrom]

Rob, I think the 105mm macro would be the best option for this shot...you just have to back the tripod and camera well away from the cage. The only porblem I can see is keeping the birds from flying out since you aren't close to the door. Maybe an assistant to stand next to the door and close it if the bird tries to escape?

And as Kent suggested, try and get some good omnidirectional lighting on the bird.

[RHoldenSr]

Tried the 17-40mm and the 105mm macro and they do not work.
The 70-200mm works ok but you have to be to far back.

I guess I will have to talk to Eugene at Competitive Cameras when I go to get my new 5D and see what lens may work.

These two were hand held using the 105mm.

[AndrewCCM]

What are you shooting with now? If you haven't been using full frame, you'll see quite a difference when you do start using it. Lens FOV will be significantly different.

EDIT: I see.. 10D.

I'd try the 105 on the 5D before spending any more $ on another lens first.

[RHoldenSr]

Andrew

Thanks, for taking the time to reply.
I will wait until I get my new camera and see how they look before getting the new lens.

I was trying to get something ironed out before all the large bird shows this fall.

I was thinking of doing photos of the birds in the competition.

[Chimper]

Buy an extension tube and use the 70-200mm. Or make a cardboard sleeve around the cage entrance so that you can back up and keep the birds from getting out.

If your intent is to make photos for identification purposes, you will need more depth of field in your images. Maybe f16 or f22. This will required at least two flashes on the bird and one on the background so that it does not have shadows on it.

Photograph the different birds from angles that shows all of the features of that particular breed or color phase. That will be very time consuming to get those type of photos. That is why the best field guides for wild birds use illustrations instead of photos. Its easier to make an illustration to highlight all of the key identification points vs. a photograph.

[johnastovall]

If you are getting a 5D consider the 35L it will focus very close yet give you good dof.