Nature photography with the X-T1: Part 1
A question at the foremost of my mind has been: is the X-T1 capable of nature photography?
Firstly the 55-200mm, despite its amateurish looks and feel, delivers really good quality images. It’s currently the only viable wildlife photography lens in Fuji’s line-up. The focusing is extremely smooth and quiet, but slow under difficult light. For some reason, it takes more time for the camera to transition from the LCD to the EVF with this lens. There are times when I put my eye to the EVF to see complete black darkness before the image appears 1-2 seconds later in the viewfinder. It’s a force of habit, lifting an SLR-like camera to my face, when I could just try to rely on the LCD. But manual focusing is much easier and more effective via the EVF, and with the tele lens I think I’d want to use MF quite often. Focus peaking makes it a breeze.
For macro shots, I am experimenting with the 35mm f/1.4 coupled with the Raynox DCR-250 snap-on lens and either the X-T1’s little bundled flash unit or my Nikon SB800 speedlights via cable sync.
My X100S is set to PRO Neg Hi, so I did likewise on my X-T1. It gives images a decidedly filmy look.
So, nature photography with the X-T1? For the moment I’d say yes, but with some reservations as I continue to explore its capabilities and limitations.
Malayan water monitor (Varanus salvator)
ISO 400, 35mm f/1.4
Estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
ISO 400, 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8
The same croc. EVF lagged a bit for this one
ISO 400, 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8
Ashy tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps)
ISO 500, 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 (at 200 mm)
The AF managed to lock onto the bird’s eyes
ISO 1000, 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8
Plantain squirrel (Callosciurus notatus)
ISO 1000, 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8
Golden orb web spider (Nephila pilipes)
ISO 200, 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8
Homopteran bug (Elasmoscelis platypoda?)
ISO 200, 35mm f/1.4 + Raynox DCR-250