I took a chance and used a 75-3000 lens so that made a big difference. Something even bigger would have been better. I was just happy my manual focusing and the tripod turned out a few times, since I usually do auto focusing. I wish I could afford a bigger lens but heck, just trying what you have is worth it. Never get discouraged.

My feeling is that it's good to have good equipment and knowledge, but it's the continual act of taking photos and evaluating what works for you and what doesn't that makes one better.