 With wildlife photography, you need to get up close to your subjects while keeping a distance. Animals are notoriously unpredictable, especially in the natural environment, so speed really counts. If shooting from a distance, you'll need a powerful zoom lens to focus in on the detail. A 55-200mm or a 70-300mm are perfect for these type of shots. Patience is key with wildlife photography. You may have to wait a long time for the shot you want, so be prepared for when it happens. Birds, for example, can be difficult to shoot. You often have to zoom out to locate them and zoom in quickly to capture the shot, which can take practice. When photographing something that is traveling at speed, such as birds, good autofocus is important to ensure the camera always stays in focus. When photographing birds against a clear sky, using all the focus points in automatic will allow the camera to do the work for you. When photographing birds against a woodland backdrop, using a small group of focus points will ensure the camera can focus on the bird and not the backdrop. To get a great shot, you'll need to set up for lighting and focus beforehand. You can then track the subject as it comes into view, following it into the position you want to take a photo. Another key factor is shutter speed. You can either freeze the action with a fast shutter speed, or add a little motion blur with a slightly slower shutter speed. Think about whether video capture is important to you. Most digital cameras have video capabilities, but for the best results, you want at least full HD recording. This will ensure the highest quality video at the click of a button. The correct clothing and having something to eat and drink is just as important as the equipment you choose to take with you, so remember to be prepared for every eventuality. Nothing for the shot beforehand, while being patient and waiting for that perfect moment will ensure you get the perfect wildlife photograph.