500 bucks

[boneaddict]

.

[boneaddict]

I went around the hill and ran into this little fellar standing there.

[boneaddict]

I looked down below him and he had a little buddy.  His little buddy was on the tail of a doe.  They went below me in what I thought was pretty wide open country.  Things were about to get interesting though.

[Huntbear]

Bone,
I am sure you have been asked before, but what equipment are you using?  I am looking to get a dslr in the coming months, and I have narrowed it down to either a cannon or nikon.  One lens any better than another?  auto focus or manual?  For shooting wildlife, what is the minimum lens you recommend?

Any help would be appreciated.

[boneaddict]

I turned around and there was this little guy.  I was officially in the land of the little deer now.

[boneaddict]

Then the one joined his friend while his other friend played big buck below.

[boneaddict]

I'll get back to you in a minute huntbear, I've got a bit of work to take care of....

[WonkyWapiti]

More awesome photos.  

[1bowhunter1]

So COOL!~!

[boneaddict]

Thanks again guys.

Huntbear.  I have been doing this awhile and I have found that the 400mm is just about the best lens for wildlife, especially when shooting non park animals.   99% of what I shoot are hunted critters so you have to reach out there sometimes.  One of the Canon 300mm lens is also awesome and would like to have one of those too for fast action.  Anyway, its really up to what camera fits your hand and liking better in regards to Nikon versus Canon.  I have always shot Canon, but the Nikon cameras are also awesome.  I like Canon glass.  You kind of limit yourself if shooting a Prime or fixed lens the 400 versus the variable zoom, but I think you get better pics with the Prime lens.  There are alot better and more experienced pros on here.  Pope was a great one to ask.  He is/was a wealth of knowledge.  I shoot the Canon 40D and its a great camera.  THere is already one or two newer ones out.  The older ones also shoot great.  You can pick up a 20 or 30 D for a very reasonable price.  The sky is the limit on lenses.  If you can't get Canon glass, then there is always Sigma and Tamron which are fairly decent in a more moderate price range.  Light is the biggest deal.  The more money you can spend on glass the better off you are.     

[Huntbear]

Thanks for the info, I will keep doing my research, and ask Pope his advice.  I am constantly looking at Ebay and Craigslist for deals.  To me both the cannon and nikon fit me.  I have held them all it seems like.  To start out I will have to go with the cheaper glass.  Just due to money constraints.  However, I will leave myself room for upgrading as it is permitted by the wife.  lol.

[boneaddict]

I understand.  I have taken deer pics since I was about 14 I would guess.  I have used alot of different glass and most of it up until this year has been some of the cheapest most available on the market. 

[boneaddict]

so I have snapper down the hill and two others in front of me and I spot another and out walks this guy.  My first impression was this was the one I started all this off with.  I figured he smelled a hot doe and came in for the little lady.  Notice his stance and his hackles.  He was not happy at the other buck that was with the doe.  He ran him off....

[boneaddict]

He no sooner runs him off and out pops this guy with another doe. 

[boneaddict]

I just about can't keep track now.  I have at least 4 branch antlered bucks in front of me along with three pisscutters and one pisscutter down below me with a doe.  I turn around and what the heck, now there is a pisscutter below with about 12 does.  Where did they come from.  I turned back around and was trying to get the one bigger buck on film.  Some time passed and I turned around and what the heck, now there is a pisscutter, 12 muley does and a partridge in a ...I mean two whitetail does standing there.  Where did they come from. I turn back around and get back to trying to capture this guy as he chases his doe around the big sage.  Meanwhile, a couple of the smaller bucks decide to head down the hill to where all the other does are.  I hear something and turn around and this guy is standing behind me.  Where in teh heck did he come from.  Well that shakes things up a bit down there.