Born in 1949, Started working as a commercial photographer in 1972 and later on turned toPress photography. In 1986 joined the photographic staff of the largest daily newspaper in Israel, "Yedioth Ahronoth" as a Press photographer and later on became a part time Photo editor for the paper without leaving his duties as a photographer. Most of the years specializes in urban and people's photography. In 2004 retired from Photo Journalism work, and start to spend time on wildlife and birds at nature.

Haim Ziv - Artist Bird & Wildlife Photographer

* We believe that your area of specialty is wildlife photography and specially birds. Now what camera do you use?

Nikon D2h and Nikon D2x

* Do you use digital camera or 35mm or both? No What models? Are you planning for an upgrade?

Yes Please give us your reasons why you've chosen this equipment and not other brands that come close to yours. I'm working with Nikon equipment about 35 years. It's very hard to change when you collecting to many pieces during the years.

* What lens do you use?

Nikkor 60mm macro Nikkor 16mm Nikkor 17~35mm Nikkor 300mm and Nikkor 500mm.

Little Kingfisher. Israel, not far from Tel-Aviv under camo cover early morning time.

D2x 500mm 1/800 f5 with Wimberley head.

* If you are using multiple lenses can you give us the purpose of each and which one works best in what condition for you?

60mm for Nacro 16 and 17~35 for landscapes and 300 +500mm for birds and wildlife.

* What is your favorite tripod?

Gitzo with Wimberley head.

African Fish Eagle. Kenya. Baringo lake. took from a boat.

D2x 500mm 1/1600 f4 Hand Held

* Do you use a monopod as well?

No.

* If there was no limit on your budget then what sort of photography equipment you would buy? Please name the whole equipment and brands.

Of course there is a limit on my budget. All my equipment is: Nikon D2h and Nikon D2x Nikkor 60mm macro Nikkor 16mm Nikkor 17~35mm Nikkor 300mm and Nikkor 500mm two Nikon flash SB-800

* What is the most difficult situation in photography of birds? And how do you over come it?

The most difficult situation in photography of birds is condition of light especially when the bird has two color: black and white.

* Is there any book you might want to suggest to beginners and pros alike in this field?

My suggestion is: go out to the field and try to make pictures and find time to learn from other photographer.

* What metering you use most of time for photographing small birds? Do you change your metering often or you stay loyal to one metering mode?

I'm always working on Manual mode and I'm changing the speed when the light is changing.

* What type of focus you use for bird photography?

Auto Focus.

* How about wild life? If you tend to take photos on hand and not using tripods then what is your favorite focus? Will you choose manual over auto or single shot over servo? Please explain

I'm using tripod when I'm working blind (under camo cover like special tent) I'm using hand held only when I'm taking birds pictures in flight .

* What is your best offer for a beginner if he wants to gather his/her first set of equipment for digital photography of birds? What if he is on a tight budget? And what if he is not on a tight budget? Please advice for both conditions.

My suggestion is for both: SAVE money for a good equipment don't try to buy something cheap or not original. Don't put yourself on a situation to buy twice.

* What type of accessories are a must to have on the field when you are out for photographing birds? What are those items that one should bring with her in order to take quality photos and not to miss a scene?

We need a camo cover like a good tent with a small chair. A good binoculars. The most important thing is to be aware and learn ASAP the area and birds behaviors.

* What sort of digital camera & equipment you would suggest to bird photographers that tend to take quality bird photos at low-light?

The camera has to be very fast on the AUTO Focus mode and big buffer. Do not take picture in a very low light.

* What do you think has made your photos superb, your proficiency, your talent, or your equipment? Or a combination of all?

Yes it's a combination and one more thing: I'm not easy with my own critique on my pictures!!