I was in Yellowstone, watching a bunch of ground squirrels, happily shooting away with my 70-200/40D.

I had to slowly creep up to them, sometimes having to just stop dead in my tracks for a minute or two so they'd chill out, then taking another tiny step. But all in all, no problems. As long as I didn't move too quickly, they ignored me, and the white lens.

But as soon as I pulled out my SD800 to take a movie, *BLAM* they were gone.
I presume sunlight was bouncing off of it. I stood there for a while, but they'd start creeping out, and they'd suddenly take off like a rocket, even though I didn't twitch. You pretty much have to stand in shade.

It seemed, on average, that if you scared off an animal, you could just stand there motionless for about 5 minutes and it would pop its head out again.
Not too hard when you're by yourself and taking your time.


Side note: I'm now considering getting the 1.4 TC, since I'm not really willing to bring another lens with me. Anyone have comments on it?

- Frank

 

The 1.4 will take away one stop, but it works great. I used it for shots in my Twilght Tattoo and My Saturday Morning threads. I used it on a 70-200 2.8IS. I have been packing it with my 70-200 almost every time lately.