10 BIRD STUDIES WITH A CAMERA 



the reflecting camera for possible use on the birds 

 that so often approach closely when one is in hiding. 

 The advantages possessed by this camera are so ap- 

 parent that it doubtless will soon be placed on the 

 market. 



The Lens. Professional photographers differ so 

 widely in their opinions of the relative qualities of 

 the various makes of lenses now on the market, that 

 I approach this subject with diffidence, and, without 

 presuming to offer advice, present the results of my 

 experience both as to lenses and the requirements of 

 the bird photographer. In regard to the latter phase 

 of the much-discussed question of " What lens shall 

 I use ? " I may speak with more confidence. For 

 nests with eggs or young birds subjects which may 

 be approached closely a six- to eight-inch-focus lens 

 forms a large enough image, and at the same time 

 gives depth of focus and sharpness of definition 

 without the use of the smaller diaphragms. In pho- 

 tographing birds, however, it is generally difficult 

 to get within "shooting" distance, and at least a 

 fourteen- to sixteen-inch lens is needed in order to 

 secure an image of sufficient size. Depth of focus 

 is here, in my opinion, not desirable, and the focal 

 point the bird is brought out more clearly by the 

 fusion of all the objects back of it into a uniform 

 background. 



When a bird, either young or old, is the subject, 

 great speed may be required, and sometimes under 

 light conditions which severely test the qualities of 

 the lens. To fully meet these demands of distance 

 and time two lenses would be needed ; but, aside 

 from the increased cost and the inconvenience of 



