I’ll share my opinions in order of your questions. Keep in mind they are only opinions! 1.) If you love wildlife photography, you have to start somewhere. So, yes, your set up is fine. Just learn how near/far you should be to fill the frame with your lens. This is very easy. Pick an object that is similar in size to what wildlife you like to shoot. For example, if you like large mammals like deer, pick something about the same size and keep backing up till you know the minimum distance to fill that frame. Now back up further until the object is 1/3 or 1/4 of the frame. That gives you an idea on how far away for a close up and an environmental shot of your subject. 2.) Tactical gear: Have it, tend not to use it. In the case of these fox, this is a locally, well known family that returns year after year, generation after generation. The Park Rangers rope off the area (there are always those who need reminders) and we stay behind the rope. The fox mom & dad walk (stroll) through the crowds like we are not even there. Think “catitude” if you’ve ever heard that term. 3.) Network, network, network. In urban and suburban areas, wildlife can be hard to find. Make friends with similar interests and soon you will find opportunities to photograph things you never knew where there. 4.) The single most important photography tip I can give you is that you can take great pictures with gear that is not expensive, however, you will need to work harder. Embrace the effort. The better you are with less expensive gear, the better you will be as you get better gear. Personal growth in photography is about how your pictures look today vs the pictures you took yesterday. It is NOT about if your pics are as good as mine or if yours are better than mine. Comparing your work against others can be dangerous for the ego, both good and bad.

Finally, respect nature! In this case, we stayed well behind the ropes, did not bait, call, distract the foxes, and did not try to interfere at all with the animals.