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 
