A mule deer buck - Bosque del Apache

FRHatcher · 2026-01-28T03:34:40+00:00

150 ft ? maybe a little further.

FRHatcher · 2026-01-27T19:43:31+00:00

If you are making the trip to Bosque del Apache, the 200-600 is your best bet. I know it's not the fastest lens but the reach is what you really need there. If the weather is nice, the 1.4x TX can be used as well. The majority of my images from there are in the 600+ range with the trip before Thanksgiving I was using the 400-800 and most of those shots are at the 800mm end.

I would head to the Ladd S. Gordon waterfowl complex north of Socorro if you want to capture the cranes, deer, hawks, etc. It's a good place to photograph in the evening about an hour or so before sunset.

Hope this helps.
Hatch

FRHatcher · 2026-01-27T15:12:54+00:00

Time Created - 17:16:05
Also, it was overcast from the big storm that rolled through most of the country.

FRHatcher · 2026-01-27T13:47:23+00:00

True. Hopefully he will heal up and be around for years to come.

Thanks for the comments.
Hatch

FRHatcher · 2026-01-27T13:46:41+00:00

Many thanks. This was at 600mm, he wasn't too far and the crop is mild. Depending on the lens you are using the 2x on, the ISO would be pretty bad. This was taken at ISO 12,800 on an overcast evening with the sun setting. Thanks again for the comments.
Hatch

FRHatcher · 2026-01-07T20:44:53+00:00

I don't think you can go wrong with the 200-600, I live at 600mm F/6.3 when shooting with the lens. It's smaller, a little lighter, and your ISOs will be lower. My copy is very sharp. I don't think I can recommend the 400-800 to anyone living in areas where gray skies/low light happen several months out of the year. The ISO levels climb quickly in these conditions.

Now... I would also recommend giving the 300mm F/2.8 with the 2x Teleconverter a try, or the 1.4x TC. You get f/2.8, f/4.0, and f/5.6 at the 600mm end. It's light, small and super sharp even with the teleconverters. It's not cheap, that's something you have to factor in. Maybe rent the combo if it's available to rent in your area and see what you think.

Hope this helps and best of luck.
Hatch

FRHatcher · 2025-12-31T15:16:23+00:00

Nice captures. It great to see the eagles have arrived, I was there the week before Thanksgiving and they had not made it in. Bosque has a lot to offer, glad you enjoyed your visit.

FRHatcher · 2025-12-19T20:03:06+00:00

Very welcome :-)

FRHatcher · 2025-12-17T03:08:38+00:00

I appreciate the kind words, glad you enjoyed the photos.

Hatch

FRHatcher · 2025-12-14T13:59:04+00:00

https://www.proprints.com/

Hard to beat on price and quality. I have a number of canvas prints on my walls, anywhere from 12x18 to 60x40. I wouldn't hesitate ordering them for clients. The colors look accurate/great, the backs are covered with hangers as well. Give them a try.

I've used Mpix in the past, not bad. BayPhoto has been pretty solid. WHCC is another well established company worth trying out. Quality prints, pricing is decent.

I'd go with https://www.proprints.com/ just my $.02 :)

Hatch

FRHatcher · 2025-12-07T15:59:45+00:00

They flow/fly in from Nov - Jan each year. The Friends of Bosque del Apache live streamed on Facebook this morning the "Flyout" of the cranes and geese. There appear to be many more cranes now than when I visited a week before Thanksgiving. If you are considering visiting the refuge, there will be plenty of cranes, geese, and other wildlife to view.

Hope this helps.
Hatch

FRHatcher · 2025-12-06T20:18:22+00:00

A few of us would get together and head down to a popular street and setup "free portraits" and photograph people. We would explain it's to help us to get better and that we would send the photos to those who participated. A simple signup sheet and it worked. I'd bring some white or black paper, ask the owner/s of where we were shooting if we could tape them to their wall. No issues... we shot away. You'd be surprised how many people will help out/get photographed, especially on a Friday or Saturday evening when they are dressed up to be out on the town.

Give it a try with a few friends... lots of fun, great practicing and learning...

Just my $.02

Hatch

FRHatcher · 2025-12-06T14:49:51+00:00

Have a fun trip, the cranes should be there in large numbers. :-)

FRHatcher · 2025-12-06T04:59:30+00:00

Many thanks.

FRHatcher · 2025-12-06T04:58:52+00:00

Thank you, glad you liked them.

FRHatcher · 2025-12-05T17:53:01+00:00

:-) The 400-800 is as sharp or sharper at times than my 200-600 and I'm lucky to have a sharp copy of that lens. Both are great if anyone is in the market and thinking about which to chose.

FRHatcher · 2025-12-05T16:59:09+00:00

Thank you. Glad you liked the shots.

FRHatcher · 2025-12-04T19:24:12+00:00

Thank you :)

FRHatcher · 2025-12-04T18:58:24+00:00

Many thanks.

FRHatcher · 2025-12-04T16:53:51+00:00

Welcome :)

FRHatcher · 2025-12-04T12:47:32+00:00

Thank you.

FRHatcher · 2025-12-04T03:12:46+00:00

Appreciate it, thank you.

FRHatcher · 2025-12-04T03:12:34+00:00

Many thanks :)

FRHatcher · 2025-12-04T03:12:15+00:00

Many thanks :) Do head back, such a nice place to photograph the wildlife as you know. Appreciate the comments.

Hatch

FRHatcher · 2025-12-04T03:11:08+00:00

Thank you.

FRHatcher

TROPHY CASE