Over the past week I have developed a peculiar, fairly excrutiating pain in my left arm, a great puzzle at first since I don't recall any injury. Well, I figured it out now: it's from supporting my heavy camera with telephoto lens with my left arm while focusing with my right hand, and doing so for hours many days in a row. The only remedy for now is rest, and, as the symptoms resolve, start on a strengthening program. This may take a month or more.
So for now I am signing off on photographing birds, will still be checking the blogs though and leave comments.
P.S. This will give me some time to relax and read without feeling guilty.
So sorry to hear this. Rest up that arm and feel better. Just think, by the time you are ready to photograph birds again, all of the leaves will be off the trees and you will get some fantastic photos!
ReplyDeleteHow horrible! How scary! Yours is the exact camera and lens I am saving for. I guess I should rethink the whole plan.
ReplyDeleteI hope you recover quickly and completely! Good luck!
Kim, thanks. Your bright outlook cheers me up. I am indeed optimistic about my full recovery and will work toward it.
ReplyDeleteSusan, all telephoto lenses that reach up to 400 or 500 mm weigh at least 5 lbs. My combination comes in at 6.4 lbs. We are not all alike; so you may be in better shape than I was. Preventing overuse or repetitive stress injury by doing some weight lifting to strengthen shoulder and arm would probably have helped and that's what I am working toward.
Hope you will feel better very soon!!!! Your pictures often make my day!
ReplyDeleteThis is not very often I see an advantage in having a cheap superzoom camera!
Actually after I wrote this I was thinking of you because now I am really forced to learn the ins and outs of the Lumix FZ28. In fact I went out this morning and got some fairly decent pictures of white-throated sparrows, but not so good ones of distant flocks of hooded and common mergansers and ring-necked ducks - nothing that I want to put into my blod, but at least it will keep my spirits up.
ReplyDeleteAgree that fz28 is fine for song birds that are relatively close (I would say 30 feet maximum. Above it, digiscoping is the best alternative.
ReplyDeletefz28 is also great if you are birding with a baby strapped on your chest, by the way!
I wish you a quick recovery!
Oh Hilke, I hope your malady isn't contagious - holding the camera for hours certainly is! Is this the photographer's equivalent of tennis elbow? Good luck during your imposed rest - especially sticking at it. Doctor told me the only cure for my hoarseness was to shut up for two weeks - I haven't taken the advice.
ReplyDeleteLaurent, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnd Chris, you are right. My good intentions did not last very long. I am sure I will pay for it tomorrow. But do take care of your voice; you may end up speechless!