After a disappointing first attempt at bird photography in April 2022, I returned to Kasai Rinkai Park with a new strategy for my Fujifilm XF 100-400mm lens. My plan felt solid, but I was eager to see how it would perform in a real-world setting.
Upon arriving, I found the beach bustling with people enjoying the warm weather. Despite the crowds, I was thrilled to be in a fantastic location, pursuing a long-held passion. After taking a moment to soak it all in, I calmed my initial excitement and focused on the task at hand.
My strategy was simple and centered on three key principles:
This new approach yielded some satisfying results, and I was able to capture photos of:
While I am pleased with the performance of the Fujifilm 100-400mm lens, I know there is still room for improvement. My next goal is to master my camera’s focus tracking system. I have been using the general multi-purpose mode, but I am confident that learning the dedicated Zone AF or Wide/Tracking modes will further increase my success rate.
The weather on that mid-October day was perfect for photography. It started warm and gradually became cooler and slightly cloudy as the afternoon progressed. I plan to return to the park soon, especially as the earlier sunsets of the approaching winter will provide opportunities for capturing birds during the golden hour.
Although the bridge to the island at Kasai currently closes at 5 p.m., I look forward to the day I can stay later and photograph the Northern Goshawks that frequent the birdwatching center during the colder months.
This visit to Kasai Park reinforced the idea that the most significant upgrade is often a new approach, not new equipment. While I once considered the 100-400mm a long lens, it now feels short for distant subjects—a sign that my skills are improving. For now, my priority is to continue honing my technique with my current gear. Better planning is the key to capturing better bird photos. But that doesn’t mean I’m not saving up for what’s next.
Do you do bird photography? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Date of Photos: 23 October 2022
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. There are no plans to stop.
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