Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 02, 2015, 03:18:56
D300 w/ 70-300VR @200mm 1/60
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 03:34:31
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 02, 2015, 04:22:58
Here is one: "What are you doing to my cabin!"
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v16/p1606306026.jpg)
D5100, f/5.6 @ 420 mm, 1/160, ISO 1600
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 02, 2015, 05:41:41
two old funny favourites
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 06:14:32
This is repost of a recent one, I'm afraid, but it is the only one "sharable" from me...
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 02, 2015, 06:53:50
I like your "tanning" bird. I love it when they do this - it's so human - like
Post by: Eb on November 02, 2015, 07:31:02
:)Old, but good one's Elsa! Geese are a serious lot:
two old funny favourites
(http://www.pbase.com/emueller/image/141551774/original.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/emueller/image/141551773/original.jpg)
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 08:05:12
I like your "tanning" bird. I love it when they do this - it's so human - like
Glad you like it, Elsa!
Old, but good one's Elsa! Geese are a serious lot:
Eb, apparently the geese in your images don't exactly enjoy bathing. :D
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 02, 2015, 08:18:03
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 09:49:29
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 10:14:00
(a crop of an IR image that has been published in books - I just fancied this strong crop at present)
Post by: rosko on November 02, 2015, 10:33:08
Post by: afx on November 02, 2015, 10:34:51
two old funny favouritesThe second one looks like a Tyrannosaurus Rex attacking...
COOOOL!
cheer
safx
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 10:50:11
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 10:59:57
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 11:33:16
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 02, 2015, 11:53:11
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/285/19680984798_85691dcfc3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vZ9c77)
Not talking to you! (https://flic.kr/p/vZ9c77) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr
In other news, I just became aware that there are sea eagles at the lake close by. Saw one in a bird scope yesterday. It was pretty far away though and I don't own anything longer than the 70-200mm, so chance of a picture. It does make me want that new 200-500mm lens :)
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 12:06:35
Are the Danish eagles descending from birds from Norway? I know we have contributed to re-establishing Sea Eagles in other countries, Sweden and Scotland come to mind, by exporting reared chicks and younglings.
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 02, 2015, 12:25:25
The lake, Egå Engsø, is an artificial lake created in 2006 and according to the wikipedia article linked below, the lake attracts many different bird species in high numbers, with 169 species registered up to 2010.
Link with danish info about the sea eagle: http://www.dofbasen.dk/ART/art.php?art=02430
Info about Egå Engsø: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eg%C3%A5_Engs%C3%B8
Post by: Peter Forsell on November 02, 2015, 12:38:58
Big Brother sees you - everywhere you try to hide.
The Panopticon! Awesome.
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 12:51:54
The Panopticon! Awesome.
Thanks. This was an idea I developed for a portrait interview in the leading Norwegian photo magazine. It printed excellently over a double page spread.
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 14:58:45
Post by: Peter Connan on November 02, 2015, 16:35:43
Akira, what species is that little bird with the white around the eye? Looks very similar to a bird we get here, called the Cape White-eye:
Post by: Peter Connan on November 02, 2015, 16:38:51
Post by: Peter Connan on November 02, 2015, 16:44:14
This is the Malachite, perhaps the prettiest of the southern-African members:
Post by: Tom Hook on November 02, 2015, 17:35:42
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 19:27:28
Akira, what species is that little bird with the white around the eye? Looks very similar to a bird we get here, called the Cape White-eye:
Peter, this one is called "Mejiro" (meaning literally "White-eye") here in Japan. Apparently the species is Zosterops japonicus.
Your images are all stunning, but the Red-knobbed Coot looks interesting.
Tom, the first one looks like a time-resolved photograph!
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:33:33
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:39:37
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:44:04
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:46:45
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:53:12
this one with the 100-300mm f/5.6 ais on D700
Post by: rosko on November 02, 2015, 21:23:25
Post by: John Geerts on November 02, 2015, 21:27:33
Post by: BobM on November 02, 2015, 21:46:24
Post by: charlie on November 02, 2015, 22:06:27
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 02, 2015, 22:38:58
A few more birds on the rocks. D200 w/55mm f/3.5 Micro Nikkor
Post by: Anirban Halder on November 03, 2015, 11:02:37
Few birds shot here and there in Uptown Minneapolis, USA. (D200 + 200mm f4 Micro Nikkor)
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 03, 2015, 12:09:46
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 03, 2015, 12:16:03
Post by: Anthony on November 03, 2015, 12:42:04
Post by: Anthony on November 03, 2015, 12:44:43
Post by: Akira on November 03, 2015, 12:52:55
where is Mongo?
Mongo from that other site? I don't think he's a member here or knows about this site. I don't think he was a member of the old NG site.
Mongo does know about this site, but he is reluctant to disclose his real name, unfortunately.
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 03, 2015, 13:08:04
Post by: Jakov Minić on November 03, 2015, 13:32:42
Usually birds are shot from distance with tele lenses, these I like in particular because of their vicinity.
Post by: Anthony on November 03, 2015, 19:46:17
Post by: Eb on November 04, 2015, 02:32:56
Seagull attack.Very much enjoy the wider-angle close-ups you have managed, Anthony! It is so unusual for wild birds, imaged full of presence, (hope that is apt definition, no other word comes to mind.) I can see how this technique can work with aggressive sea gulls and eye level vantage.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 04, 2015, 04:53:37
Post by: Eb on November 04, 2015, 06:06:44
big birdsElsa, between your goose, the ostrich and Anthony's seagulls, I'm becoming very nervous! :-\
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 04, 2015, 07:42:50
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 04, 2015, 07:56:33
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 04, 2015, 08:05:55
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5824/22583589960_c1cea2846d_b.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5624/21710801013_a9a1cc96e1_b.jpg)
Post by: John Geerts on November 04, 2015, 08:49:19
John's and Anthony's seagulls are spectacular!Thanks Jakov. They were so close (especially the one-legged) you could touch them. And it's shot at 35mm (With the 17-35)
Usually birds are shot from distance with tele lenses, these I like in particular because of their vicinity.
Post by: Jakov Minić on November 04, 2015, 09:39:56
Post by: Anthony on November 04, 2015, 10:19:37
As for big birds, here are a couple of condors. The first a female, is an uncropped image, the second, the male, is slightly cropped. D3s and 70-300.
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on November 04, 2015, 11:47:57
Post by: rosko on November 04, 2015, 15:24:48
More poultry...
Post by: armando_m on November 04, 2015, 20:34:42
(https://armando-m.smugmug.com/Travel/Petatán/i-9jxMmqG/0/L/_DSC9104-4-L.jpg)
feeling lucky ?
(https://armando-m.smugmug.com/Travel/2013-02-11-Isla-Isabel/i-bV59mgK/0/L/_DSC1084-L.jpg)
you are not welcome
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6797237679_9d3c5912eb_b.jpg)
Post by: Anthony on November 04, 2015, 20:50:38
Post by: chris dees on November 04, 2015, 21:33:09
lilac Cheeked Kingfisher, Sulawesi (Indonesia).
D810 + 300E + TC1.4x III
ISO3200 1/160 F5.6 about 50% crop
Post by: rosko on November 04, 2015, 22:11:26
Those ones are certainly fighting for territorial purpose, or female...or both. :o
With the 300mm f/4.5 AI (non IF).
Post by: afx on November 04, 2015, 23:16:10
(http://images.afximages.com/photos/i-JMPd3wD/0/L/i-JMPd3wD-L.jpg) (http://images.afximages.com/photos/i-JMPd3wD/0/O/i-JMPd3wD-O.jpg)
Willi, a 2jr. old Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus, Gänsegeier) is learning to fly.
Born blind he now has one eye working and the bird trainer at Poing ( http://www.wildpark-poing.de/) is training him how to fly which is partly integrated into the daily bird of prey show.
Shot in 2006 with a D200.
cheers
afx
Post by: Lars Hansen on November 05, 2015, 13:42:52
Post by: rosko on November 05, 2015, 13:58:45
Learning to fly:
This one is certainly not very easy to handle...
I would prefer to train a kestrel ! ;D
Post by: Asle F on November 05, 2015, 18:23:44
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/6996185468_496ee2654d_o.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/bEehco)Krykkjer ved Sjettebreen (https://flic.kr/p/bEehco) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
A seagull at Sunnmøre
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6882235655_876a2cb05b_o.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/buafTr)Måke (https://flic.kr/p/buafTr) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 05, 2015, 18:36:39
Post by: Jan Anne on November 05, 2015, 21:51:36
Here's one from the Rotterdam zoo during a local mini NG event:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3635/3600508836_8469ec832a_o.jpg)
D300 & 200-400/4VR, NL 2009
Same bird but this time around the 2m minimum focus distance for a nice close up of those amazingly beautiful eyes, one of the reasons I liked the 200-400 zoom
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3411/3602625573_cafa09b9c3_o.jpg)
D300 & 200-400/4VR, NL 2009
Post by: golunvolo on November 05, 2015, 22:22:17
This one comes from some time ago, with the d200. Birds going south through the Stretch of Gibraltar.
Post by: John Geerts on November 05, 2015, 22:23:10
Post by: bobfriedman on November 05, 2015, 22:26:04
1/1000s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso1250
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158550223/original.jpg)
Post by: armando_m on November 05, 2015, 22:28:30
(https://armando-m.smugmug.com/Travel/2013-02-11-Isla-Isabel/i-nTc3CXK/0/L/_DSC1356-L.jpg)
Post by: rosko on November 06, 2015, 17:27:05
Post by: golunvolo on November 06, 2015, 20:23:11
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 06, 2015, 20:32:14
right in time for dinner
Post by: Alaun on November 06, 2015, 20:44:51
Post by: Alaun on November 06, 2015, 20:47:16
Post by: Anthony on November 07, 2015, 12:33:35
Attempted drowning appears to be a key tactic.
Post by: Jan Anne on November 07, 2015, 14:00:29
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4034/4413733501_38a157660f_o.jpg)
D3s & 200/2VR, 2010
Post by: Alaun on November 07, 2015, 14:06:03
Post by: Thomas G on November 07, 2015, 16:05:41
D700, 17-35/f2.8
Full Flapps:
Post by: Peter Connan on November 07, 2015, 18:11:48
Post by: bobfriedman on November 07, 2015, 19:55:47
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm iso900
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158529646/original.jpg)
Post by: bobfriedman on November 07, 2015, 19:56:35
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm iso640
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158529626/original.jpg)
Post by: Akira on November 07, 2015, 20:40:17
Nikon D810 ,Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm iso900
Bob, this is a stunning capture!
Post by: bobfriedman on November 07, 2015, 22:54:40
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158529642/original.jpg)
Post by: bobfriedman on November 07, 2015, 22:55:58
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm iso450
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158529632/original.jpg)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 08, 2015, 00:15:33
Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) in front of the glacier Kongsbreen in Kings Bay, captured from the research vessel Jan Mayen.
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v5/p1841235279.jpg)
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) female on her nest in Ny-Ålesund, pretending to be invisible:
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s4/v67/p1669977283.jpg)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 08, 2015, 05:50:32
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 08, 2015, 06:10:19
Yes that diver image has fantastic timing, well done.
Post by: Andrew on November 08, 2015, 12:26:38
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 08, 2015, 13:24:55
ISO 1600
f5 SS 4000
D3200 & 300 F4
Post by: rosko on November 08, 2015, 13:56:29
This is a superb image. 8)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 08, 2015, 14:05:07
Post by: armando_m on November 08, 2015, 15:11:09
Angry Birds.Impressive action series !
Attempted drowning appears to be a key tactic.
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 08, 2015, 16:55:31
Post by: Anthony on November 08, 2015, 17:33:00
Impressive action series !Thanks, Armando, it was not something I have seen before.
Post by: Thomas G on November 08, 2015, 19:16:08
First, buzzard from blind, D750, 200-400+TC1.4, second-can't find original and don't have "file info
I like the goose and the plane shot.
Post by: bobfriedman on November 08, 2015, 20:28:48
This morning in my front garden
ISO 1600
f5 SS 4000
D3200 & 300 F4
WOW.. now that's an interesting duck!
Post by: Mike G on November 08, 2015, 22:25:26
WOW.. now that's an interesting duck!
Bob that is a species of Coot (Fulica crostata)
Post by: bobfriedman on November 09, 2015, 00:34:39
Bob that is a species of Coot (Fulica crostata)
thanx.. i am really bad with ducks... i mean coots :)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 09, 2015, 07:02:40
Post by: Jan Anne on November 09, 2015, 09:24:33
It's called a Red Knobbed Coot - plentiful where I live.It looks a lot like a Dutch Coot whom misplaced his marbles ;) :P
The little chicks are adorable up close btw with their brightly coloured feathers and huge feet (they walk on water plants).
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 09, 2015, 12:37:51
Post by: Jan Anne on November 09, 2015, 15:08:47
Herewith hen with BabiesGreat image Elsa of the Coots in their natural habitat.
I can totally hear mom say "Yes dear, we are the Jesus amongst birds" ;D ;)
Post by: Mike G on November 09, 2015, 16:11:37
European coot have extraordinary feet! So here is a photo of a shy Amsterdam Coot and his tootsies!
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 09, 2015, 16:40:13
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 09, 2015, 17:56:01
interesting that yours dont have knobs!
see in the water
Post by: Mike G on November 09, 2015, 19:41:42
I find the action of their feet fascinating to watch but of course you need clear water to see them!
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 10, 2015, 01:34:15
They are not as painful as the ducks and Egyptian Geese, as they stay on the water 99% of the time and don't sh*t all over hour lawn, roof etc.
Post by: Anirban Halder on November 10, 2015, 06:32:49
This morning in my front gardenYou must be having quite a garden with a beautiful view, Elsa! I've never seen such a pretty duck.
ISO 1600
f5 SS 4000
D3200 & 300 F4
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 10, 2015, 07:25:02
Yes I have lots and lots here
And this morning - for the first time - a Manderin Duck
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 10, 2015, 09:58:40
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v161/p1623756697.jpg)
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v2/p1691419885.jpg)
Cormorants:
#3
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s5/v127/p1816478678.jpg)
Juvenile white tailed eagles waiting for parents coming with a catch:
#4
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v6/p1771856883.jpg)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 10, 2015, 10:16:01
Too early arrival on the tundra north in Alaska (or rather a late spring):
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v60/p1731402627-6.jpg)
Where are all the other ones? ....
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v161/p1630343199-6.jpg)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 10, 2015, 11:22:36
Post by: rosko on November 10, 2015, 11:56:30
Too early arrival on the tundra north in Alaska (or rather a late spring):
It probably takes some rest before carrying on its journey toward south. 8)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 10, 2015, 13:51:01
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v52/p1685463372.jpg)
Captured using manual focus on a poorly balanced 300mm lens from a moving vehicle...
Short-eared owl and northern harrier in the air at the same time. At the time of capture I thought they were a pair of owls..., not having time to study the harrier.
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v33/p1667153375.jpg)
Rough-legged hawk
#3
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v43/p1692645700.jpg)
A closer look at the northern harrier. Wing position is not so typical in this on though.
#4
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v86/p1825238848.jpg)
Northern Goosehawk
#5
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v28/p1820104506.jpg)
We also observed golden eagles at a distance. All within a few hours.
Post by: bobfriedman on November 10, 2015, 14:09:18
Thank you Anirban ;)
Yes I have lots and lots here
And this morning - for the first time - a Manderin Duck
looks like a wood duck to me..
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 10, 2015, 18:21:37
looks like a wood duck to me..
oh my goodness yes it does - sorry it seems I was completely wrong -
I dont however see that we get Wood ducks in Sa? but it dure as hell does look like one
Post by: Peter Connan on November 10, 2015, 19:32:52
Some more from me:
Post by: bobfriedman on November 10, 2015, 20:10:39
1/2000s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso1600
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158891974/original.jpg)
Post by: Thomas G on November 10, 2015, 21:33:22
Quote
Reply #119I like the controlled, balletesque steady stride here a lot. Compelling shot!
Post by: bobfriedman on November 10, 2015, 22:50:00
1/2000s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso1600
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158855399/original.jpg)
Post by: bobfriedman on November 10, 2015, 22:51:48
1/1250s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso2000
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/155324246/original.jpg)
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 11, 2015, 01:29:05
Post by: John Geerts on November 11, 2015, 09:14:20
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 11, 2015, 09:43:28
Great image, however I think it looks more like angry bird.
Post by: bobfriedman on November 11, 2015, 11:04:39
Great image, however I think it looks more like angry bird.
possibly impatient waiting for its past due mate..
Nikon D4S SLR ,Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
1/1600s f/6.7 at 1000.0mm iso900
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/155324249/original.jpg)
or maybe not..
Nikon D4S SLR ,Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
1/1250s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso2000
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/155334999/original.jpg)
Post by: Akira on November 11, 2015, 11:46:39
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 11, 2015, 21:16:05
D700, 70-200/2.8 vr2, @200mm/f5
2011
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 11, 2015, 21:21:54
more older stuff this from 2009
the boat to Texel
d300 80-200mm afd @200mm /f8
Post by: Akira on November 12, 2015, 14:43:20
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 12, 2015, 21:39:48
Post by: Ron Scubadiver on November 12, 2015, 22:09:19
South Africa, January, 2013
From this batch: https://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/bridges-birds-and-signs/ (https://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/bridges-birds-and-signs/)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 13, 2015, 10:47:22
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 16, 2015, 01:27:00
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v42/p1698817939.jpg)
This one could have gone in the autumn color thread too:
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s8/v0/p1656133709.jpg)
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 16, 2015, 09:17:43
Visited the local lake again and we saw two sea eagles and lots of other birds - shot with 70-200mm so unsurprisingly, it's heavily cropped:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5783/23039892135_2515f8ed3d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/B6Xtez)
Sea eagles at Egå Engsø (https://flic.kr/p/B6Xtez) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5632/23026378972_3635b8f16e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/B5Ldf1)
Ducks (https://flic.kr/p/B5Ldf1) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/731/22647690449_ce3b0efd7b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Avikkx)
Swans (https://flic.kr/p/Avikkx) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr
Post by: Fanie on November 16, 2015, 11:13:34
Post by: Fanie on November 16, 2015, 11:21:29
Post by: Akira on November 16, 2015, 14:55:53
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 16, 2015, 18:49:24
Post by: Fanie on November 16, 2015, 18:51:26
Post by: Asle F on November 16, 2015, 19:57:24
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5722/22676431219_99702f893e_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AxQCY4)
Kjøttmeis (https://flic.kr/p/AxQCY4) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 16, 2015, 20:58:40
Post by: Fanie on November 16, 2015, 21:01:41
Fanie - what lens did you useBIF was done with 70-200 vr1, the first two with 300 f2.8 with TC fitted (either 1.7 or 2x)
Post by: Tersn on November 16, 2015, 22:49:54
Pack up all my care and woe
Here I go, singing low
Bye-bye, blackbird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 17, 2015, 03:03:09
Tersn - you made me smile - a lot ! cool bird
Post by: Fanie on November 17, 2015, 07:17:25
Post by: Fanie on November 17, 2015, 07:20:31
Fanie - there is this new lens.... its a 200-500 .... :P
Elsa I will have to try it out first to see how it compares with a 300 with 1.7TC, if it does not give more contrast and sharpness I would only gain a zoom function and some more hardware to pack 😊
Post by: Tersn on November 17, 2015, 07:44:55
Tersn - you made me smile - a lot ! cool bird
[/quote]
Elsa:
Thank you for your kind comment.
Post by: Tersn on November 17, 2015, 07:47:05
Tersn, that black bird photo is brilliant.
Fanie:
Than you for your generous remark.
Post by: Frode on November 17, 2015, 10:45:40
Bjørn, you really have a way of "seeing" things, impressive and inspiring!
This one is from one of the mountains in Rogaland, Norway; eagle sailing on the wind.
Post by: tommiejeep on November 17, 2015, 13:25:28
(http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/P7290064.jpg)
EM1, 40-150 2.8 w/tc1.4 handheld.... Female Sunbird
Just for fun.... the Migrants have started arriving and yesterday spotted a Falcon. This morning shot a Harrier hunting and a Booted Eagle. No sign of an Osprey >:(
Terje, great Blackbird image
Fanie, cool image, Kestrel???
Tom
Post by: Peter Connan on November 17, 2015, 15:06:51
Fanie, the Drongo and Lanner are great, was the Lanner at Dullstroom BOP?
Tersn, great blackbird!
Bob Friedman, your work blows me away.
Post by: Fanie on November 17, 2015, 15:17:59
Fanie, the Drongo and Lanner are great, was the Lanner at Dullstroom BOP?
Thanks Peter.
Yip at Dullstroom.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 17, 2015, 17:36:55
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 17, 2015, 17:41:36
Post by: Fanie on November 17, 2015, 18:52:25
it is what it is
It is beautiful.
Post by: Tersn on November 17, 2015, 19:36:14
it is what it is
Yes, and what are they?
Good shot.
And what is the name of your rarely seen bird below?
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 18, 2015, 06:05:22
the rarely seen bird is a waxbill. I am not sure how rare it is - but it is rare at my house for sure. tiny little thing
Post by: tommiejeep on November 18, 2015, 06:39:55
Venus Flycatcher
D750, 80-400 afs, handheld at approx. 8 mtrs. ISO 3200, 1/500, total shade. Light is from NIK ;)
(http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/D75_7600.jpg)
I did get a fun image with tons of motion blur at iso 5000
Tom
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 18, 2015, 08:31:42
When the 300f4 is too long..
Post by: HCS on November 18, 2015, 19:46:08
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 18, 2015, 21:03:41
Post by: tommiejeep on November 20, 2015, 09:43:53
(http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/D75_8325.jpg)
D750/80-400 afs handheld (I had just switched from the D7100/300 2.8 w/tc1.4 ...duh
Not sure what will happen to the image since I cannot take it from my computer.
Tom
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 20, 2015, 19:02:06
Post by: Peter Connan on November 20, 2015, 19:13:48
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 20, 2015, 19:28:12
Post by: Peter Connan on November 20, 2015, 20:07:44
One thing when doing BIF instead of stationary portraits is not to look too much at 100% magnification. Along that route lies sure madness!
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 21, 2015, 02:20:52
Post by: tommiejeep on November 21, 2015, 03:10:49
This was taken a few days back, huge crop, with the D750, 300 2.8vr with tc1.7(http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/D75_7009.jpg)
I have not been shooting Kingfishers much these days but I do love the D750 AF.
Elsa, I really like your Blue IBIS flock in flight. Never seen Blue IBIS ;) .
Tom
Post by: Bruno Schroder on November 21, 2015, 11:57:56
Post by: John Geerts on November 21, 2015, 12:10:48
I usually don't shoot birds. However it's unavoidable they will cross the lens at times. Like on a ferry-boat or in an art-exhibition...
Df with 85K
Post by: Peter Connan on November 21, 2015, 16:13:38
Elsa, if the 200-500 is faster than the 300f4, it must really be something! My 300f4 is just about as fast as my 500.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 21, 2015, 18:44:41
Post by: Peter Connan on November 21, 2015, 19:48:02
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 21, 2015, 20:26:49
my 300 hunts in and out before focussing. The 200-500 does that in half the time at least
maybe I am blond :)
Post by: Peter Connan on November 22, 2015, 12:54:57
There may be a host of other factors contributing?
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 12:59:16
I don't know if the newer ones are better
But I tell you - this 200-500 is soooo nice - I should buy another one!
I am very pleased I took the Sigma 150-600 back when I did.
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 22, 2015, 13:08:43
The 300/4 PF is lightening fast on a good body, except perhaps when going all the way from the close limit to very far in poor light, but then one can use the focus limiter to prevent it from accessing that territory.
Post by: Peter Connan on November 22, 2015, 13:17:10
I am glad you are enjoying your new lens.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 13:59:35
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 14:01:22
First one for me to photograph - huge crop.
The lens is long - but not THAT long!
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 14:03:32
I was also speaking of the older non-VR 300. I have never even seen the PF.
I am glad you are enjoying your new lens.
Peter - I really hope we can see one another when you come down to Cape Town in December. I am going to Malgas Island 11 - 18 December. And I hope by then I know a bit more about photographing birds... On the other hand - I will be shooting Cape Gannits for a week - should know after that experience ;D
Post by: Peter Connan on November 22, 2015, 14:19:19
I suspect you already know everything you need to know, the rest is "just" practice... I think...
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 14:29:55
Post by: Jan Anne on December 01, 2015, 22:15:25
Here's a few of the images of these amazing birds.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3272/2921979361_6b1147fc32_o.jpg)
D300 and Nikon 300/2.8 plus 1.7TC, Spain 2008
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3225/2932015441_ab53617f86_o.jpg)
D300 and Nikon 300/2.8 plus 1.7TC, Spain 2008
Post by: Peter Connan on December 03, 2015, 18:17:33
Post by: armando_m on December 04, 2015, 23:04:19
Post by: Jan Anne on December 04, 2015, 23:17:26
oldish shot, a bit blurred, but I still like itSo do I, very serene atmosphere, awesome.
Post by: enough on December 05, 2015, 00:01:22
Post by: enough on December 05, 2015, 00:08:21
Post by: Bruno Schroder on December 05, 2015, 00:15:17
oldish shot, a bit blurred, but I still like it
I like it too. Chinese painting style.
Post by: golunvolo on December 06, 2015, 13:06:33
I like it too. Chinese painting style.So do I.
Post by: golunvolo on December 06, 2015, 13:08:05
Post by: Andrew on December 08, 2015, 22:00:39
Post by: Peter Connan on January 06, 2016, 18:50:10
Post by: Peter Connan on February 20, 2016, 17:40:29
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 20, 2016, 17:53:20
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 20, 2016, 19:33:16
There's clarity, there's lighting, there's action, there's character.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 20, 2016, 19:42:09
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 20, 2016, 20:00:53
Thanks Jakov - but Peter is a bit better than me :)How can anyone be better than you, my dear.
Post by: rosko on February 20, 2016, 20:56:27
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 20, 2016, 22:23:25
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 21, 2016, 06:14:09
Post by: Peter Connan on February 21, 2016, 15:16:20
Rosko, that's a beautiful Robin!
Post by: Jan Anne on February 21, 2016, 17:09:32
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1448/24545151873_560ed45998_o.jpg)
Sony a7S with 125/2.5 APO Lanthar, shot through the kitchen window and heavily cropped
Post by: BillO on February 22, 2016, 03:28:58
Rosko, a very pretty robin, but not common to us in North America. Our common robin looks like the following and not nearly as attractive:
Post by: Peter Connan on February 22, 2016, 18:14:48
Post by: ArendV on February 22, 2016, 19:24:16
A Long-eared owl overwintering with 20 others in the top of a pine tree not too far away from my home.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5689/23999395691_296597f5d2_b.jpg)
Post by: Thomas G on March 02, 2016, 22:33:51
Post by: BillO on March 03, 2016, 04:00:54
Fascinating to see just how clean those white feathers are.
Post by: Chip Chipowski on March 03, 2016, 06:37:33
Post by: Thomas G on March 03, 2016, 06:49:06
Very nice Thomas. Perfect exposure to keep the detail in that white without washing out.thank you, Bill.
Fascinating to see just how clean those white feathers are.
Post by: ArendV on March 03, 2016, 08:47:34
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7580/16127857381_3fd437cca0_o.jpg)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on March 03, 2016, 12:51:07
Post by: ArendV on March 07, 2016, 20:03:00
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1584/25441155472_95aab33f0a_o.jpg)
Post by: Akira on March 07, 2016, 20:17:01
Post by: FredCrowBear on March 08, 2016, 03:14:42
That 200mm Q-C is serving you well.
Post by: Akira on March 08, 2016, 04:37:22
Akira - As smart as crows are, you have to think that they are planning something.
That 200mm Q-C is serving you well.
Fred, thanks for the comment. Apparently it's not easy to outguess their conspiracy... The 200mm Q C continues to amaze me either on DX, m4/3 or FX.
Post by: armando_m on March 08, 2016, 15:41:41
The Red billed tropic bird was very exited to have people walking near his nesting place and was flying all over the place,
I'm amaze what AF-C D51 can accomplish even with the lowly 70-300 VR zoom, I shot a series of images and all were in focus on the bird, granted I had lots of sunshine.
Getting a decent composition was just a matter of keeping the zoom slightly wider, on this one I had the zoom at 250mm, and this is a crop of a horizontal image
Post by: Akira on March 08, 2016, 17:40:39
Post by: Peter Connan on March 08, 2016, 19:18:22
Another less impressive try.
Post by: ArendV on April 18, 2016, 21:03:43
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1682/26214598600_0cdb674a0a_o.jpg)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on April 18, 2016, 21:27:24
Post by: ArendV on April 24, 2016, 12:36:57
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1546/25996538284_09fcdea7cf_b.jpg)
Post by: Akira on May 11, 2016, 12:46:27
D750, AF-S 50mm/f1.8@f5.6, ISO100.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 11, 2016, 12:54:00
Post by: Akira on May 11, 2016, 12:59:54
Well at least you had the right camera with you.... as for the lens .... haha ;D
Oh, yes, Elsa. The best camera is always the one you have with you. :D
And this is the second worst.
Post by: elsid on May 11, 2016, 13:32:41
Post by: elsid on May 11, 2016, 13:39:04
Post by: Akira on May 11, 2016, 13:47:35
Post by: elsid on May 11, 2016, 14:59:35
Post by: ArendV on May 24, 2016, 19:28:57
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7787/27151962691_22fa3e4e92_o.jpg)
Post by: chris dees on May 24, 2016, 20:45:30
Birding with a super wide angle; D700 + 16-35/4.0 @16mm
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 24, 2016, 20:50:06
Post by: chris dees on May 24, 2016, 20:51:13
Post by: ArendV on May 25, 2016, 20:06:27
D500 @ISO 5000 (with minimal NR in postprocessing, actually like the character of this noise).
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7359/26640866023_3cdd393f71_o.jpg)
Post by: FredCrowBear on May 26, 2016, 02:39:37
I agree with you. I think that the noise with the D500 is much less 'offensive' (for the lack of a better word) than the noise from my D7100 or D300s. To my untrained eye, the noise at this level looks much more like grain than noise.
I am very impressed with the D500.
What lens for this shot?
Post by: FredCrowBear on May 26, 2016, 02:54:14
Post by: ArendV on May 26, 2016, 06:17:42
Post by: Alaun on May 28, 2016, 22:47:41
8)
Post by: Akira on May 29, 2016, 02:03:18
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 29, 2016, 07:54:34
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 29, 2016, 07:58:08
Post by: Jakov Minić on May 29, 2016, 09:05:10
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 29, 2016, 09:48:10
Elsa you have a brilliant sense of humor. Your photos make me laugh repeatedly :DThank you Jakov x
Post by: Asle F on June 01, 2016, 19:54:14
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7052/26792753693_9e5cfe2da2_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GPzSec)
Rupehøne (https://flic.kr/p/GPzSec) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: Jakov Minić on June 01, 2016, 20:51:46
Post by: golunvolo on June 02, 2016, 19:47:00
Asle, Asle, Asle...+1
Post by: elsa hoffmann on June 02, 2016, 19:47:55
beautifully executed Asle
Post by: Alaun on June 02, 2016, 20:56:09
Post by: Asle F on June 02, 2016, 21:09:41
Looks more like a winter fever goose to me :)
It was 7. may, and they are white in the winter, so it is actually spring.
One more of the same bird, this time in company with its partner. The spruce in the background is just as small as it looks.
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7683/26814477323_c9cc1a5251_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GRvcUx)
Rupepar (https://flic.kr/p/GRvcUx) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: Akira on June 03, 2016, 00:47:20
Asle, I prefer the newest one. The inclusion of the environment makes the image more vivid.
Post by: Asle F on June 03, 2016, 19:40:27
Asle, I prefer the newest one. The inclusion of the environment makes the image more vivid.
Tank you for the feedback. Because the first one is isolating the subject, and the second one is with enviroment, they are very different, and can work in different settings, so it is not necessery to prefer one over another. The last one is the one I was most uncertain about, so i am glad you like it.
Post by: Alaun on June 03, 2016, 22:37:21
The D500 with the 200-500 is my first "long" combination and makes fun. But most of the birds here are tiny and hide away in trees.
Here a "Tirili" from my first "birding tour" (3h in the forest, I saw only this one bird ...).
Post by: BW on June 03, 2016, 22:44:04
It was 7. may, and they are white in the winter, so it is actually spring.The hen has a perfect camoflage. A beautiful time of the year in the mountain :)
One more of the same bird, this time in company with its partner. The spruce in the background is just as small as it looks.
(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7683/26814477323_c9cc1a5251_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GRvcUx)
Rupepar (https://flic.kr/p/GRvcUx) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: Jan Anne on June 04, 2016, 01:35:00
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7484/26835365244_6ee2c7d222_o.jpg)
Canon 100-400IS MkII on Sony a7RII, heavily cropped
Post by: tommiejeep on June 04, 2016, 05:59:20
These are a couple of frame fillers at 420mms. Distance makes huge difference.
Both with D750, 300 2.8vr w/tc1.4 handheld
Shy Caucau. They look black bodied unless you get just the right light :) and on the run... they do not fly that much but run, hop, around in the bushes/trees
Would have been interesting to have a D500 and 'naked'300 2.8vr ;)
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 12:53:21
The forest is difficult territory, even at dawn when the real action is. Much better are "Streuobstwiesen" (meadowns with scattered old fruit trees) or Cemetaries. Both tend to have bigger distance between the trees. and so a better chance to see the action.
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 12:54:13
Common robin...
Wonderful sensitive take. looks like the little bird is thinking...
Post by: Anthony on June 04, 2016, 13:02:08
Last week or so the field next door is visited regularly by one or two Storks feeding on worms and frogs, this one is from today.
Well caught - bird and photographer, both.
Post by: elsid on June 04, 2016, 15:45:26
D500+TC 14E III+300mm PF.
1. PODICEPS CRISTATUS
2. ARDEOLA RALLOIDES
3. ARDEA CINEREA
Post by: Peter Connan on June 04, 2016, 16:38:25
A bird that usually looks very boring, right up till the moment it appears in good light!
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 18:42:50
(out of cam JPEGs, details in third post)
1) AF does not get it for a few frames
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 18:44:05
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 18:54:13
Post by: tommiejeep on June 06, 2016, 06:55:08
Peter, cool shot of the Drongo.
Frank, you are making great progress :)
Hunting and Whoops said the .....shame the KF headed for the electric wire instead of back to its' perch. D750, 300 2.8vr w/tc1.4 handheld... need to bring out the 500vr ;)
Post by: elsid on June 06, 2016, 09:38:22
Post by: Peter Connan on June 06, 2016, 19:41:35
Great KF!
Post by: chris dees on June 06, 2016, 20:30:48
Although heavy it works very well with a D500.
First - Eurasian Skylark (about 15cm) 20% crop
Second - White Wagtail
Third - Black-tailed Godwit 20% crop
Fourth - Pied Avocet 30% crop
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 06, 2016, 23:32:56
I keep fighting!
BTW: What is a KF? the gekko-eater: * D75_7622.jpg
Post by: Fons Baerken on June 11, 2016, 20:28:50
Df zf85mm f/1.4
Post by: chris dees on June 11, 2016, 21:19:57
tommiejeep: As long as I get the chance to practice on the Swifts every other day ... yet due to my work & children and wife I miss a lot of opportunities to shoot the Swifts ...
I keep fighting!
BTW: What is a KF? the gekko-eater: * D75_7622.jpg
KF = Kingfisher :)
Post by: John Geerts on June 14, 2016, 14:55:04
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 18, 2016, 14:37:33
D500. 300PF.
Post by: chris dees on June 18, 2016, 14:52:16
ISO10000 some basic LR PP
Post by: ArendV on June 18, 2016, 21:16:14
1
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7594/27142687753_460b86bc8b_o.jpg)
2
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7576/27652913342_9e9af8c83a_o.jpg)
3
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7513/27475185960_e20d681115_o.jpg)
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 19, 2016, 01:15:10
experienced bird shooter and I am just starting to fall in love with
that topic. Great shots.
I start to see birds. Yesterday between two heavy pour downs I
managed to drive on my bicycle. Fast. One of these little birds
flew in front of me just at the same pace as me.
Wonderful all the colors and details ... seems they laugh all the time
... taking their picture ... no ... watching them without taking their
picture is such a pleasure, such a gift!
Post by: ArendV on June 19, 2016, 04:50:31
Post by: elsid on June 19, 2016, 11:33:37
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 19, 2016, 14:19:33
a) exposure times
b) VR-Setting
c) AF-Settings
d) RAW conversion settings
This is only about the technical aspects, nothing concering the pictures per se.
With the gulls and the first shot you seem to have hit the right combo.
The little bird seems rather rough like I would expect from a 100% crop of a 20k-ISO-file. I guess there is a RAW conversion issue or too high ISO.
The otherwise superp pelican shot suffers from camera shake and/or defocussing.
The bird landing on water seems to suffer some RAW conversion issue too.
Post by: elsid on June 19, 2016, 14:47:44
Thanks again.
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 19, 2016, 20:26:08
Post by: ArendV on June 23, 2016, 19:41:36
Post by: FredCrowBear on June 24, 2016, 02:04:44
Post by: ArendV on June 24, 2016, 07:00:41
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 04, 2016, 21:26:05
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 04, 2016, 23:49:30
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 04, 2016, 23:53:19
Post by: Peter Connan on July 05, 2016, 19:41:38
D750 + 500mm f4
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on July 05, 2016, 22:11:48
Post by: John Geerts on July 05, 2016, 22:20:26
Lovely images of those Storks, Eddie, and a very pleasant color and rendering. What combo did you use?
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 05, 2016, 22:34:50
Lovely images of those Storks, Eddie, and a very pleasant color and rendering. What combo did you use?
Thanks John. These were all shot on tripod at base ISO with the D3s and 300/2.8VRII with a TC14E II in between.
Post by: Peter Connan on July 06, 2016, 05:47:31
An ostrich's foot.
Post by: sayanda on July 06, 2016, 12:39:39
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 06, 2016, 14:21:43
Love those Storks Eddie, lots of them here in Portugal now, they were almost extinct in the 80´s but have made a great comeback. Some of them stay all year and no longer winter in North Africa.
Thanks Sayanda and welcome to Nikongear! Same over here in the south of The Netherlands; a great comeback and some of them also stay during the winter.
Post by: Frank Fremerey on July 07, 2016, 23:44:34
D500 & 300PF. A dream team if light & distance are sufficient
Post by: tommiejeep on August 08, 2016, 04:59:04
Just messing with PP
(https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/D75_9085.jpg)
and the female, that does all of the work ;)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on August 09, 2016, 20:55:14
Post by: Akira on August 09, 2016, 23:31:22
Elsa, apparently a lot of things look over-sized in SA! :o :o :o
Post by: stenrasmussen on August 09, 2016, 23:33:36
Thanks Kim
An ostrich's foot.
Excellent photo showing the dinosaur heritage.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on August 09, 2016, 23:38:13
too may good pics in this thread!
Post by: elsa hoffmann on August 14, 2016, 14:39:49
Post by: ArendV on October 08, 2016, 11:39:02
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5020/30152026246_ba6285cfbf_o.jpg)
Jackdaw in flight / Kauw in de vlucht (https://flic.kr/p/MWr1Vu) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
Post by: elsid on October 08, 2016, 13:50:53
Post by: elsa hoffmann on October 08, 2016, 14:10:42
Elsid - I am a 200-500 slut. Best thing since slice bread for me personally. Not perfect by a long shot - but -
Very cheap
Can shoot hand held
More than sharp enough
Still not long enough for the little birds - unless you sit on top of them. But then - even a 600 isnt long enough.
Needs fast shutterspeed - I have to push ISO quite a bit at times as it is a f5.6
Post by: Jakov Minić on October 08, 2016, 15:07:29
Post by: Peter Connan on October 16, 2016, 16:46:06
Elsid, those are none too shabby! There is lots of discussion in some places about which is better for birds, the 200-500 or the 300PF + TC1.4E, so you are probably not as far under-gunned as you think.
As Elsa said, there is no such thing as a long enough lens for small birds. On the other hand you will find that atmosperic conditions (unless you live in a very cold climate) becomes seriously detrimental above the range where 500-600mm is "enough".
Post by: elsid on October 16, 2016, 17:05:37
Peter, The 4/500 would be better, but I cannot afford it. You are right in saying that the 300 PF plus TC is OK compared to the 200-500.
Post by: Peter Connan on October 16, 2016, 19:59:42
The Tamron 150-600 sure started a revolution that has been great for all aspiring wildlife photographers.
Post by: ArendV on October 19, 2016, 19:57:04
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8138/30431776645_b664abe841_b.jpg)
_DSC0765-Edit (https://flic.kr/p/Nn9NYe) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5469/30449498695_0c4d4c1523_b.jpg)
old vs.... (https://flic.kr/p/NoHD7P) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5339/30137310980_e0a9291fcc_b.jpg)
new (https://flic.kr/p/MV8AA1) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
Post by: Frank Fremerey on October 27, 2016, 01:59:43
Here are my newest attempts. What I already know is that I should switch to single point AF earlier to have more results with a good focus (had to delete most) and that I should have used a lower ISO value. Any other hints what to improve?
Post by: elsid on December 11, 2016, 21:49:52
Here are some shots taken a few days ago.
Post by: tommiejeep on December 22, 2016, 14:34:33
D500, 300 2.8 vr with tc1.7. I am liking the camera but having to learn the metering. Putting a great many click on the camera learning the limits.
Post by: Erik Lund on December 22, 2016, 14:46:05
Post by: tommiejeep on December 22, 2016, 15:14:04
These are a couple with no extraneous birds :) . Obviously learning the limits of the camera and using it as I use the D750 and D3S.
Post by: ArendV on December 28, 2016, 12:27:24
morning nap (https://flic.kr/p/PnynB5) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
Post by: elsa hoffmann on December 28, 2016, 12:53:41
Post by: Akira on December 28, 2016, 15:32:00
Post by: elsa hoffmann on December 28, 2016, 15:44:50
Post by: elsa hoffmann on December 28, 2016, 15:45:50
Post by: Matthew Currie on December 28, 2016, 20:52:00
It's a horned screamer!
Post by: tommiejeep on December 29, 2016, 14:35:26
Elsa, we have eight or nine Kingfishers. Jus got some images of a Black Capped I had never seen, much less, photographed. Very different blue.
Long Lens.... lol... took the D500,300 2.8vr, TC2EIII.... not as good but took the a7rII, FE 70-200 instead of EM1, 40-150 2.8 w/tc1.4 both very big crops ;) . Both images with a7rii and FE 70-200 f4 handheld. The D500 is not too happy with the TC2EIII. Funny, the D7100 was no good with the TC2 but the D610 was.
Post by: Fanie on December 29, 2016, 15:11:32
Post by: elsa hoffmann on December 29, 2016, 15:28:24
Post by: Fanie on December 29, 2016, 15:31:07
Fanie - dis beautiful!
Thanks Elsa
Post by: elsid on January 02, 2017, 19:17:33
Post by: ColinM on January 02, 2017, 19:40:38
300mm AFS F4 & D300
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/125338333/original.jpg)
A 105mm & TC14 isn't an ideal combination, but when it's all the reach you have.....
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/149370394/original.jpg)
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on January 02, 2017, 20:15:14
Light levels were very low in February, thus shutter speeds went down a lot and I played instead with capturing their funny movements.
Left - or right ?
Post by: Matthew Currie on January 02, 2017, 21:25:17
Post by: Fanie on January 04, 2017, 20:40:26
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 05, 2017, 06:56:07
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 05, 2017, 06:58:02
These hibernating Whooper Swans fed in a small local river that didn't freeze over in winter. These birds are usually quite of humans, but here they allowed me to come to the near limit of my 300/4.5 Nikkor AIS , or even closer. Alas no additional extension at hand.
Light levels were very low in February, thus shutter speeds went down a lot and I played instead with capturing their funny movements.
Left - or right ?
I like the playing part - it's fun and I like the image. I do think though the bird /s might wake up with a headache after this ;D
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 05, 2017, 06:59:46
ELSID, wow - you are just adding to the high standard here!
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 05, 2017, 15:35:27
Post by: Akira on January 05, 2017, 16:21:06
Post by: Lars Hansen on January 05, 2017, 18:15:08
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 05, 2017, 21:07:00
The birds should not necessarily be exotic. You captured an attractive moment of two different birds (or male and femaile of the species?).It is male and female og the same species.
Dining dive :)Interesting dining possition ;)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 05, 2017, 21:15:47
Lars - those are upside down birds - quite exotic haha
Post by: Thomas G on January 05, 2017, 22:28:11
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 06, 2017, 03:20:03
the four winds plus one (pidgeons)four corners of the earth? ;D
Post by: tommiejeep on January 06, 2017, 13:29:08
He was watching the Crab but it was too big to tackle :)
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 06, 2017, 19:06:28
that second bird has a lot of legs...
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 06, 2017, 22:05:55
Post by: elsid on January 06, 2017, 22:47:49
Post by: ColinM on January 06, 2017, 22:55:50
Colin - I like the comp / position in flight. well timed.
Thanks Elsa.
This was taken a few years ago on my first visit to this part of Wales. I have gone back several times since (once renting a 300mm f2.8 for the purpose) and never achieved results quite as good.
Post by: Thomas G on January 10, 2017, 21:14:02
Jacky blue eyes admiring the pattern
Post by: tommiejeep on January 16, 2017, 11:25:11
Hope to take 500vr and tripod tomorrow.... hope some birds show up ;)
D500, 300 2.8vr w/tc1.4 handheld
Not the funniest image
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on January 16, 2017, 11:36:25
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on January 17, 2017, 11:40:31
This swan couple explored the coastal shallows for food and deftly kept away from any swell or dangerous breakwaters.
Taken with an 28/2 Nikkor.
Post by: tommiejeep on January 17, 2017, 14:20:09
Extreme distance, huge crop. D7100, 300 2.8 vr w/tc1.4.Black Capped Kingfisher w/frog.. I still do not have a good image of one. I did use the D500, 500vr with tripod and Gimbal today... better results
Post by: Akira on January 17, 2017, 14:37:33
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on January 17, 2017, 14:39:09
Post by: armando_m on January 17, 2017, 14:49:45
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 17, 2017, 15:48:40
Post by: Anthony on January 17, 2017, 16:20:16
Post by: tommiejeep on January 18, 2017, 04:17:45
Tom
Post by: tommiejeep on January 19, 2017, 05:33:45
Post by: tommiejeep on January 20, 2017, 06:05:46
D500, 500vr tripod and W200 (loose)
Took much longer to eat the bug than the small fish they were catching. Just playing with PP. Still some motion blur at 1/1600.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 20, 2017, 06:11:29
Nice captures
Post by: Akira on January 20, 2017, 08:32:23
Post by: elsid on January 20, 2017, 10:03:44
Post by: ArendV on January 23, 2017, 08:34:12
Merel - common blackbird (https://flic.kr/p/QTagJ7) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
Post by: Peter Connan on January 28, 2017, 19:35:22
Post by: Akira on January 28, 2017, 23:01:57
Peter, this is literally a dramatic scene. All "actors" are playing their roles admirably!
Post by: simato73 on January 29, 2017, 20:10:42
It's in another (lower) league relative to many previous posts here, but I still like it.
Post by: Anthony on January 29, 2017, 20:56:25
Post by: BW on January 29, 2017, 22:25:37
Post by: Akira on January 29, 2017, 23:11:56
Post by: simato73 on January 30, 2017, 09:43:25
Lovely image of the robin and very pleasant colors. I wish the bird was a bit decentered but very calm athmosphere and it shows the enviroment the bird live in :)
Simone, yes, the robin looks lovely! Along with the images of the frost, you seem to have had a nice shooting day.
Robins are great!
Thank you Anthony, Thomas and Akira.
It was only two hours out, but it was varied and enjoyable.
Robins are small and fast, with my limited skills I find my best bet to follow them is keeping them in the middle of the frame.
Cropping is always an option if necessary.
Post by: tommiejeep on January 31, 2017, 12:30:39
Post by: Akira on January 31, 2017, 20:08:08
According to Wiki, they will drop long feathers (upper tail coverts, again, according to Wiki) after the breeding period is over.
Post by: tommiejeep on February 01, 2017, 04:53:46
Post by: Tom Hook on February 02, 2017, 22:44:30
deleted
Post by: Peter Connan on February 03, 2017, 15:34:03
Post by: elsid on February 09, 2017, 23:43:28
Post by: Jan Anne on February 21, 2017, 23:24:05
Last week I could here one of them close by and saw him capturing moles and such in the distance, but always out of reach of the camera. Then all of a sudden I spotted him resting on a lamppost nearby, grabbed my camera and run upstairs to capture him on eye level.
Sadly my windows open in the wrong direction so I was forced to shoot through double planed isolation glass at an angle which decreases sharpness greatly and causes some weird double line artefacts in the background (like VR causes from time to time) but this is the first half decent shot I got from one of these amazing birds of pray so wanted to post it anyway :)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2143/32225789223_7b7e0dd70b_o.jpg)
Canon 100-400IS MKII on Sony a7RII
Post by: elsid on February 22, 2017, 09:21:31
Post by: Jan Anne on February 23, 2017, 20:26:56
Post by: Brute on February 24, 2017, 00:56:24
Post by: tommiejeep on February 24, 2017, 14:11:43
D500 , 300 2.8vr w/tc1.4 handheld... bored so playing around shooting the reflection. I did get some with mirror image :)
Post by: Jan Anne on February 24, 2017, 18:58:06
Post by: Brute on April 02, 2017, 05:55:18
Post by: Jan Anne on April 03, 2017, 18:19:23
I gave him the benefit of the doubt and rewarded his boldness by taking a mediocre image ;D
Post by: Jan Anne on April 03, 2017, 18:30:29
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2914/33818274165_d054afa84d_o.jpg)
Canon 100-400 MkII on A7RII
Post by: Krille on April 03, 2017, 21:31:09
DF, 300/2.8
Post by: Jan Anne on April 03, 2017, 21:57:33
Post by: chris dees on April 03, 2017, 22:19:02
D500 + Sigma 150-600 Sports
Post by: Fanie on April 07, 2017, 17:24:41
Did not have much hope of it working until I opened it on my PC, best image of my day in the Kruger National Park.
Post by: Anthony on April 07, 2017, 17:58:52
Post by: Woodley Willie on April 07, 2017, 18:11:07
Post by: elsa hoffmann on April 07, 2017, 21:26:30
Post by: Fanie on April 08, 2017, 15:58:29
Thanks Elsa, somehow my favorites often come from my old D2x. I rented a 600 from ODP, but that lens is huge and difficult to handle in a vehicle where you has to shoot out all windows, and as in this case through the sunroof. The 500 I rented two years ago was much easier.
Post by: elsa hoffmann on April 08, 2017, 16:49:20
Post by: ColinM on April 16, 2017, 10:11:42
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/165297975/original.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/165297989/original.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/165297990/original.jpg)
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/165297991/original.jpg)
Post by: Akira on April 16, 2017, 13:23:57
Post by: ColinM on April 16, 2017, 13:36:28
Wow, these are unbelievable closeups! How could you get that close? It should not be easy even with a very long tele.Thanks Akira.
There is a bird sanctuary near me where they fly these. Before and after each days flight, the birds are in an open area with no mesh between you and them. That makes keeping the 300mm f4 AF/S steady a little easier.
The last shot may look weird, but it's the bird's third eyelid (nictitating membrane).
http://www.10000birds.com/what-is-a-nictitating-membrane.htm
Post by: Brute on April 22, 2017, 18:11:06
Red-winged Blackbird.
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on April 23, 2017, 04:37:15
We have had a LOT of rain this spring. Finally had a Sunny day yesterday. Had to get out and enjoy it. Now it's back to the rain again today :'(
Red-winged Blackbird.
Here is a more impressionistic version of the bird.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4166/34051239712_9776be8f2f_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TSZveS)DFJ_4893 (https://flic.kr/p/TSZveS)
Post by: Brute on May 11, 2017, 20:23:36
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 11, 2017, 23:08:25
Post by: ColinM on May 12, 2017, 00:04:45
Seeing Brute's waxwings prompted me to post this similar family shot (this time Dad, trying to teach his kids good table manners). I love what's happened to the feathers on his head (kids can do that to you....)
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/161006365/original.jpg)
Post by: FredCrowBear on May 12, 2017, 02:43:47
Post by: Anthony on May 12, 2017, 12:14:29
Todays' catch (Kuusamo, Finland)Fantastic catch, both for the bird and the photographer, I love the position of the wings.
Post by: gryphon1911 on May 12, 2017, 15:41:30
Nikon D500 & 300/4E PF
Post by: ColinM on May 15, 2017, 11:18:53
This was quite low light and I think I used a monopod.
It's interesting to see how many shapes that feathers can come in (e.g. on it's head)
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/123496081/original.jpg)
Post by: Brute on May 18, 2017, 15:53:44
Post by: Peter Connan on June 02, 2017, 18:16:45
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
D750 + 500mm f4 VR. 1/1600 @f7.1 and ISO400
Post by: Fanie on June 04, 2017, 17:59:33
Post by: Bill Mellen on June 04, 2017, 22:47:53
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4278/34934323892_e92bb3e1ce_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ve2xpb)D5C_2696 (https://flic.kr/p/Ve2xpb)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4238/34934321962_8e2be513f8_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ve2wPU)D5C_2730 (https://flic.kr/p/Ve2wPU)
Post by: Thomas G on June 05, 2017, 00:52:31
This greenie came back today long enough for me to run upstairs, put the big lens on the camera, run back downstairs and take some portraits. I think he is trying to look tough :)Very nice. I think he's looking around, left and right, and once feeling safe he'll be stealing something from your garden 8)
[2 pics]
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 05, 2017, 02:32:18
This is a really awesome thread which I have enjoyed immensely.
Congratulations to all.
Post by: Bill Mellen on June 05, 2017, 02:34:56
Very nice. I think he's looking around, left and right, and once feeling safe he'll be stealing something from your garden 8)
Hah! He does look rather shifty eyed to me as well.
Post by: Bill Mellen on June 05, 2017, 02:35:35
Nice work Bill, Peter, Colin and the many others before you.
This is a really awesome thread which I have enjoyed immensely.
Congratulations to all.
Thank you Hugh, this is a great thread indeed!
Post by: Peter Connan on June 05, 2017, 17:43:03
Great shots Bill.
Another one.
Post by: bobfriedman on June 06, 2017, 00:27:26
Nikon D5 ,Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
1/3200s f/8.0 at 850.0mm iso800
Handheld
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/165585232/original.jpg)
Post by: Peter Connan on June 06, 2017, 16:33:51
Post by: bobfriedman on June 07, 2017, 00:39:20
1/3200s f/9.0 at 600.0mm iso640
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/165581842/original.jpg)
Post by: Akira on June 07, 2017, 01:07:47
Post by: Peter Connan on July 04, 2017, 16:47:12
Nikon D750 + 500mm f4 @f4.5, 1/4000 and ISO180
Disclosure: this is a trained bird.
Post by: Fons Baerken on July 04, 2017, 18:15:04
Falklandcaracara, Phalcoboenus australis
Post by: Brute on July 04, 2017, 20:29:48
Post by: Peter Connan on July 05, 2017, 19:29:09
Post by: JAP on July 05, 2017, 23:01:09
D700, 24-70/2.8
Post by: Fons Baerken on July 06, 2017, 16:21:53
Nice shots Fons and Brute
thank you Peter
Post by: Peter Connan on July 07, 2017, 14:32:17
Another trained bird.
Post by: armando_m on July 07, 2017, 16:00:32
Post by: armando_m on July 07, 2017, 16:01:02
Barred Owls
Wonderful sequence !!
Post by: Fons Baerken on July 09, 2017, 09:08:41
Post by: Fons Baerken on July 09, 2017, 09:31:24
Post by: Brute on July 09, 2017, 18:27:37
Nice shots Fons and Brute
Wonderful sequence !!
Thanks Guy's
Nice sequence of the Pelican to you too Armando_m
Burrowing Owls
Post by: JAP on July 10, 2017, 23:39:20
Post by: Fanie on July 13, 2017, 20:25:27
Post by: rosko on July 17, 2017, 09:02:06
Here a humble series...
Df with 500mm Aip attached.
Post by: rosko on July 17, 2017, 09:04:24
Post by: golunvolo on July 19, 2017, 18:13:01
Post by: tommiejeep on August 02, 2017, 12:12:14
Love the D500, 70-200 f2.8 G Vr II. Now wishing I had bought the new version instead of the Batis 135 f2.8. The version II is a good lens but hate the focus breathing for these type of shots. Many images and very high percentage sharp, The pair is building a nest at the moment just in front of a veranda but in the shadows . Big crop, the orig. vertical is too big for here. Just a bit of fun. Sony a7rii, FE 70-200 cannot get these shots for me but the Df 70-200 f4 vr can :)
Post by: Peter Connan on August 02, 2017, 17:55:02
Post by: Fanie on August 02, 2017, 19:14:18
Fanie jou gelukkige bogger!
Thanks Peter! It was indeed something special
Post by: HCS on August 07, 2017, 12:33:17
Thanks Peter! It was indeed something special
It's a stunning shot, Fanie!
Very nice bird interpretation Paco.
Post by: golunvolo on August 08, 2017, 04:59:03
Stunning shot Tom. Very, very nice, had me hypnotized. Beautiful composition with delicate rendition and some magic thrown in; the surprising upside down position caught me. Creative view of a freethinking bird :)
Post by: Fanie on August 24, 2017, 08:05:12
Done with D2Xs and 300AFI Nikkor
Post by: Peter Connan on September 01, 2017, 18:34:52
Post by: Peter Connan on September 01, 2017, 18:36:56
Post by: knb on September 05, 2017, 16:32:03
Post by: Brute on October 01, 2017, 06:14:32
Post by: chris dees on October 01, 2017, 14:50:40
Uganda, Kidepo Valley NP.
D500 + 200-500
Post by: gryphon1911 on October 11, 2017, 14:55:38
Post by: Akira on October 12, 2017, 11:45:12
Reminds me of "Die Dohle" by Hermann Hesse.
Post by: gryphon1911 on October 12, 2017, 15:36:43
Post by: Akira on October 12, 2017, 20:55:11
Post by: Anthony on October 13, 2017, 00:24:33
Andrew, the last one is amazing! Love the brilliant color!
I agree, the last is a standout.
Post by: Akira on November 17, 2017, 06:33:11
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 17, 2017, 06:54:59
Post by: Akira on November 17, 2017, 07:31:41
Akira this bird is also known as pigeon ;D
Okay, Fons, that makes sense. :o :o :o
Post by: Brute on November 18, 2017, 18:06:51
Post by: Brute on November 18, 2017, 18:10:22
Post by: Bruno Schroder on November 19, 2017, 07:48:32
Post by: David H. Hartman on November 19, 2017, 10:13:01
Dave
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on November 19, 2017, 16:07:59
Post by: Brute on November 23, 2017, 17:58:57
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on November 23, 2017, 18:27:04
Here are some birds no one wants to eat
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4516/37713850905_bbcf1cf872_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZsDkWH)DSC_8794 (https://flic.kr/p/ZsDkWH)
Post by: Asle F on November 27, 2017, 19:14:06
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4517/37795488855_db05151f61_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZzRL4z)
Ryper (https://flic.kr/p/ZzRL4z) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
And black grouse
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4521/38650637202_493ed5151a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/21TqBSA)
Orrhanar (https://flic.kr/p/21TqBSA) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: Peter Connan on December 05, 2017, 19:04:56
Post by: chris dees on December 05, 2017, 20:58:24
Post by: Peter Connan on December 08, 2017, 14:37:51
This actually the only time a loud shutter has ever helped me.
It took fright at the D3's loud shutter, and fortunately chose exactly the right direction for me!
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on December 08, 2017, 15:52:48
Helmeted GuineafowlIt is quite the picture of a flying dinosaur.
Post by: Peter Connan on December 14, 2017, 04:28:48
Here is a Greater Striped Swallow dropping it's building material due to excessive high-G maneuvering.
Post by: Tom Hook on December 14, 2017, 06:18:07
Post by: Bruno Schroder on December 14, 2017, 08:46:21
Post by: ColinM on December 14, 2017, 19:20:20
A few years ago I visited a Kite feeding station in Wales and was stood next to the hides with my 300mm & TC. As the kites came and went I noticed a regular blur out of the corner of my eye. When I finally checked this, it was a pair of Swallows flying into the hide right next to where I was standing, feeding their nestlings who were in the eaves of the hide! (note for members from the USA, I believe you call a hide a "blind").
This became more interesting than the kites, but taking a shot was a challenge with the 300mm (plus low light and a D300).
The EXIF says this is Nikon D300, 1/30s f/4.0 at 300.0mm iso800 (just a monopod I think)
(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/129214604/original.jpg)
Post by: Peter Connan on December 15, 2017, 17:04:13
The D3 (and now also my new D500) have definately made this type of shot a lot easier! Good AF and high frame rate does help a lot.
Post by: Bruno Schroder on December 28, 2017, 12:35:34
Post by: bobfriedman on December 28, 2017, 13:50:21
Nikon D5 ,Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
1/160s f/8.0 at 850.0mm iso5000
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/166763429/original.jpg)
Post by: Fanie on December 28, 2017, 21:24:43
Post by: Hugh_3170 on December 31, 2017, 04:37:14
A great shot of an unusual avian subject.
Wow Peter, that flying guinefowl is stunning, first time I have seen one taken in flight.
Post by: Anthony on December 31, 2017, 23:05:15
X-T2 100-400, tripod mounted, triggered by Fuji Camera Remote app on my iPhone 6.
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 01, 2018, 07:42:30
British Raven I presume? He looks very much like what our South Australian folk call crows (but they are in fact are ravens).
Post by: Anthony on January 01, 2018, 14:05:13
Post by: armando_m on January 01, 2018, 15:55:18
Here is one of mine, flying straight as an arrow into the setting sun
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 01, 2018, 16:19:19
Thanks, Hugh, it is a crow. Ravens are much bigger and bulkier. This video is useful in identifying the various British corvids https://www.bto.org/about-birds/bird-id/bto-bird-id-corvids
Post by: armando_m on January 02, 2018, 21:19:34
Post by: armando_m on January 03, 2018, 21:46:47
Post by: Peter Connan on January 04, 2018, 14:53:23
Armando, the first of the Pelican shots is brilliant!
Post by: Peter Connan on January 04, 2018, 14:55:11
Post by: armando_m on January 04, 2018, 15:13:15
Interesting that you post a black crowned night heron, one of the trips I did this vacation period we stayed at a hotel called "garza canela" which is the name for the night heron
The first pelican shot was really a strike of luck , I was shooting something else at low speed and when I saw the bunch of pelicans flying away I had to take the shot, with no time to adjust the camera, I shot a few, and this one came out interesting
Thanks for your comments
this is what I was trying to shoot before the pelicans flying away, after that I turned around again and got this
Post by: FredCrowBear on January 04, 2018, 17:16:09
Post by: armando_m on January 04, 2018, 18:19:18
Post by: ColinM on January 04, 2018, 20:14:57
Just by zooming in on this page, I'd say that the third one also works well as a tighter, horizontal crop.
Post by: Akira on January 05, 2018, 15:58:32
Post by: armando_m on January 05, 2018, 19:46:54
Unidentified yelling object.at least it is a single yelling object :)
Post by: armando_m on January 05, 2018, 19:47:37
Armando, I love each of the three pelican shots you postedThanks Colin, yes it would , I have been indecisive about cropping it closer
Just by zooming in on this page, I'd say that the third one also works well as a tighter, horizontal crop.
Post by: Akira on January 06, 2018, 05:22:22
at least it is a single yelling object :)
Apparently, yes. :D
Post by: Peter Connan on January 06, 2018, 17:33:51
Post by: tommiejeep on January 17, 2018, 15:49:44
but I normally have lousy backgrounds ;) . D700, 85 1.4D handheld in a light rain
Post by: tommiejeep on January 27, 2018, 04:36:51
First Black Shouldered Kite of the year and finally some Raptors about :) . I was hoping it would hunt and catch something but just flew to another tree a couple of hundred mtrs away. D500, 300 2.8 w/tc 2.4, handheld shooting almost straight up. I've got to stop using the D500 like a D3S or D750 for ISO.
Post by: David H. Hartman on January 27, 2018, 11:47:56
I was hoping it would hunt and catch something but just flew to another tree a couple of hundred mtrs away.
Why didn't you offer him or her a garden burger? You might convince the bird to become a vegetarian, maybe even vegan.
Dave
Post by: armando_m on January 27, 2018, 16:10:24
Saluting me or trying to hide?
....
I've got to stop using the D500 like a D3S or D750 for ISO.
saluting for sure ! :) awesome image
what do you mean by the last sentence, are you enjoying the D500 a little to much ?
Post by: Akira on January 27, 2018, 16:17:52
Saluting me or trying to hide?
First Black Shouldered Kite of the year and finally some Raptors about :) . I was hoping it would hunt and catch something but just flew to another tree a couple of hundred mtrs away. D500, 300 2.8 w/tc 2.4, handheld shooting almost straight up. I've got to stop using the D500 like a D3S or D750 for ISO.
LOL, Tom, he's surely paying homage to you. Nice interaction!
Post by: tommiejeep on January 29, 2018, 08:04:06
Post by: Akira on January 29, 2018, 11:19:36
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 29, 2018, 15:49:12
The habitat loss is worrying - I am glad that you saw these magnificent birds before they too disappear and that you shared them with us.
Post by: armando_m on January 29, 2018, 17:29:59
Post by: elsid on February 06, 2018, 20:01:34
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 06, 2018, 21:56:26
Post by: elsid on February 06, 2018, 22:08:45
Post by: Peter Connan on February 20, 2018, 12:38:07
Post by: ColinM on February 23, 2018, 14:02:02
Greater Striped Swallow
Great panning and focus Peter.
What a lovely action shot and nice detail too.
Can you remind us of the gear used, shutter speed, handheld/gimbal etc?
Thanks
Post by: Peter Connan on February 23, 2018, 15:45:55
Nikon D500 + 500mm f4G. f4, 1/2000th and ISO 360 (manual mode with Auto-ISO and +0.7EV). Hand-held.
Post by: armando_m on March 07, 2018, 20:57:08
Greater Striped SwallowImpressive shot
Here is one of mine
Chorus - just wish the DOF was bigger to have both heads in focus
Post by: Anthony on March 07, 2018, 23:50:36
Post by: armando_m on March 08, 2018, 02:03:15
Armando, excellent, unusual angle.Thanks Anthony
From this trip, after the astrophotography I was surprised I have processed 36 images , from 2 days where I all I had to do was eat sleep and take photographs?
Post by: Peter Connan on March 09, 2018, 15:16:46
Post by: armando_m on March 09, 2018, 16:41:55
Post by: Akira on March 10, 2018, 00:00:59
Blue !
He (?) looks rather happy! Well captured, as well as your previous duet!
Post by: armando_m on March 10, 2018, 02:10:53
He (?) looks rather happy! Well captured, as well as your previous duet!Thanks Akira, I beleive males have colorful beak, like the one in the duet , if so this is a female. This year their feet had very vibrant tones, a sign of a healthy specimen, or so the guide said
Post by: ColinM on March 13, 2018, 17:31:12
I have processed 36 images , from 2 days where I all I had to do was eat sleep and take photographs?
But did you manage to get some good R&R, quality time with family or friends etc?
May have boosted your creative juices
If not, then there are trips where I planned to take lots of pictures of wildlife and either didn't find many or the ratio of keepers wasn't as high as I hoped....
Post by: armando_m on March 13, 2018, 18:44:24
But did you manage to get some good R&R, quality time with family or friends etc?Yes I did
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on March 19, 2018, 01:47:40
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/25683119187_1b3d27844b_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/F8wGxM)DSC_9695 (https://flic.kr/p/F8wGxM)
Post by: Chrisar on March 19, 2018, 09:21:32
"Got more than I bargained for ..." or "Bird in Paradise"
A perfect sharpness !
Post by: tommiejeep on March 23, 2018, 08:40:46
another almost nailed with D500 , 300 2.8vr w/t1.4
There was a White Bellied Sea Eagle around to I had been trying the TC 2E III but it was just too slow to AF for these shots so when the Eagle departed the area I dropped to the TC1.4 to try for Kingfishers and did get many images of various value. Interesting that the TC2 was faster on the D750. Did not quite nail it but as I told Jim Gould the other day, I've not been shooting birds for a while.
Post by: Anthony on March 23, 2018, 10:45:56
Post by: Erik Lund on March 23, 2018, 11:10:34
Stork billed Kingfisher going flat out.
another almost nailed with D500 , 300 2.8vr w/t1.4
There was a White Bellied Sea Eagle around to I had been trying the TC 2E III but it was just too slow to AF for these shots so when the Eagle departed the area I dropped to the TC1.4 to try for Kingfishers and did get many images of various value. Interesting that the TC2 was faster on the D750. Did not quite nail it but as I told Jim Gould the other day, I've not been shooting birds for a while.
There is a hack for making the Camera do auto focus at 'normal speed' as if there was no TC attached, when using the TC-20E
You disconnect the last contact connection on the TC-20E contact block. Either with a piece of tape, desoldering or cutting the contact plate off.
When looking at the front of the TC the rightmost contact.
The Reason for the slow focus is to make the accuracy better, but if your willing to sacrifice this, it would be worth a test.
I found out about this tinkering with TC-XXE as an 'glass less' extension tube,,,
http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,4544.msg71260.html#msg71260 (http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,4544.msg71260.html#msg71260)
Edit to add:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/42602800 (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/42602800)
Post by: tommiejeep on March 23, 2018, 11:22:09
Erik, now that is something I did not know. I rarely use the TC2EIII and only on the 300 2.8 but worth a try. It worked very fast on D3S, very good on D750, good on D610 but hated the D7100.
Post by: Erik Lund on March 23, 2018, 11:25:34
BTW, Brilliant image!
Post by: tommiejeep on March 23, 2018, 11:36:49
Post by: Akira on March 23, 2018, 13:54:54
Post by: Peter Connan on March 23, 2018, 14:08:34
Post by: tommiejeep on March 24, 2018, 03:18:32
Akira, practice but I am slowing down :) :(
Cheers
Tom
Post by: Akira on March 24, 2018, 10:17:22
Akira, practice but I am slowing down :) :(
That's still great: I'm not fast enough to slow down. :o :o
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 03, 2018, 20:32:50
D7200, Tamron 150-600 G1
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 04, 2018, 22:19:30
Post by: Peter Connan on April 20, 2018, 15:42:12
The female finds a suitable hole in a tree, and they (male and female) build up the opening untill just a slit remains, using mud and guano.
She then moults all her feathers, using them to pad and insulate the nest, before laying her eggs. She remains "built in" to the nest right through the incubation period and untill the chicks are ready to fledge.
During this period, she and the chicks are completely dependent on the male bringing food regularly.
I was recently fortunate enough to witness a little bit of it...
Post by: ArthurDent on April 21, 2018, 15:45:13
Post by: elsid on April 21, 2018, 18:03:40
Post by: ArthurDent on April 24, 2018, 11:44:47
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 24, 2018, 12:44:26
Post by: Peter Connan on April 26, 2018, 19:14:13
Post by: Brute on May 05, 2018, 18:09:16
Post by: elsid on May 05, 2018, 18:33:49
Post by: afx on May 05, 2018, 21:21:29
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VD7pv4d/0/bcb0bd55/L/i-VD7pv4d-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VD7pv4d/0/bcb0bd55/O/i-VD7pv4d-O.jpg)
Crop of D200, 300/2.8AF and TC20E.
cheers
afx
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 05, 2018, 22:10:54
Post by: elsid on May 09, 2018, 21:52:48
Post by: Peter Connan on May 11, 2018, 17:13:41
Post by: armando_m on May 11, 2018, 18:44:55
The flight of a black storkWonderful series
Post by: elsid on May 11, 2018, 21:06:27
Post by: Brute on May 25, 2018, 07:34:04
Post by: Peter Connan on May 25, 2018, 16:56:05
Post by: Brute on June 19, 2018, 00:10:59
What a great sighting! Well photographed too.
Thank You
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on June 19, 2018, 06:53:08
Post by: ArthurDent on June 20, 2018, 03:12:10
Post by: Peter Connan on June 24, 2018, 18:34:20
Post by: ArthurDent on July 04, 2018, 03:54:52
Post by: ArthurDent on July 04, 2018, 04:59:52
Post by: Thomas G on July 09, 2018, 22:52:13
Post by: tommiejeep on September 23, 2018, 10:54:17
Post by: Peter Connan on September 28, 2018, 19:37:21
Post by: Akira on September 28, 2018, 20:18:57
Post by: Brute on September 29, 2018, 05:26:04
It sure is nice to see birds from different parts of the world that I've never seen before.
Thanks for posting them up everyone :)
Post by: Peter Connan on October 03, 2018, 18:25:13
Post by: Jan Anne on October 13, 2018, 17:21:24
This morning one was sitting on top of my fence, slowly opened the door and stuck the 200-500VR out to take a few quick images before the bird realised what was going on :)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 13, 2018, 22:32:03
#1
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3117984890.jpg)
#2
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3117984893.jpg)
Eventually it took off.
#3
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3117984889.jpg)
Post by: Peter Connan on October 15, 2018, 19:32:13
Post by: Peter Connan on October 15, 2018, 19:37:52
Post by: Chip Chipowski on October 27, 2018, 05:17:58
Post by: Peter Connan on October 30, 2018, 19:00:57
Post by: elsid on October 30, 2018, 20:32:30
Post by: Peter Connan on October 31, 2018, 17:26:32
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 03, 2018, 23:50:42
Rufous (I think)
Post by: elsid on November 09, 2018, 21:43:25
Post by: Peter Connan on November 10, 2018, 18:33:04
Post by: elsid on November 10, 2018, 19:04:56
Post by: Netr on November 10, 2018, 20:24:51
Post by: Brute on November 13, 2018, 17:13:34
Post by: chris dees on November 13, 2018, 17:40:19
D500, 300PF, TC1.4 III
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on November 13, 2018, 17:42:35
Post by: elsid on November 13, 2018, 22:44:26
Post by: Bruno Schroder on November 19, 2018, 23:49:32
From the national counting of the Great cormorant, at twilight.
Hiding. D500 500/5.6 PF ISO8000 Handheld
Post by: Gary on November 20, 2018, 02:30:20
Post by: Brute on November 25, 2018, 16:48:19
Post by: Brute on December 28, 2018, 18:21:01
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 02, 2019, 22:41:45
Post by: Asle F on January 03, 2019, 20:05:17
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4849/45864871494_eb662de8a6_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2cSVsos)
Fjellryper (https://flic.kr/p/2cSVsos) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 04, 2019, 11:36:39
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on January 04, 2019, 13:44:15
Post by: elsid on January 11, 2019, 17:40:34
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 11, 2019, 18:49:45
Post by: elsid on January 11, 2019, 19:27:56
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 11, 2019, 20:49:45
Hello Nasos, yes I did.Lucky guy! now you are armed and dangerous ;)
Post by: enough on January 11, 2019, 22:03:08
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Birds/i-VG4SCRx/0/f9e84367/XL/a-MD5_6515-2-XL.jpg)
Post by: ColinM on January 14, 2019, 11:14:45
The new 500mm PF on the D500.
Hi Elsid, can you advise how much you had to crop the image posted?
We'd also be interested in how you've found the practical aspects of using this new PF, things it lets you do you couldn't before etc
Post by: elsid on January 14, 2019, 18:36:13
The image I posted is about 60% of the original, ISO 200, speed 1600 at 5.6.
The lens behaves like the 300 PF, I find the AF relatively fast and accurate, I use it handheld and, for the money, is a good buy. Due to a lucky coincidence
I paid 2,700 e for a copy used once or twice.
It is my first lens at this focal length and I can shoot from distances I could not do before. If you shoot wildlife (and close ups)
It is worth the expenditure,as I find it produces very good results. I have not tried the 1.4x TC on it yet, but at f/8 AF and quality will suffer a bit.
The image below is uncropped.
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 14, 2019, 18:47:20
just in case you've missed it, here my first i'pression on the 500/5.6 PF: http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,8037.0.html. Pictures are not cropped nor processed. Most are handheld in rather low light.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 14, 2019, 21:41:43
Post by: tommiejeep on January 18, 2019, 07:41:26
Sony a7iii with 70-200 f4 FE handheld
Pied coming up with small fish and a failed attempt ;)
Post by: rosko on January 18, 2019, 08:16:38
Elsid I find your images a little soft..
I feel the same.
Seems there are some fine details missing (mostly on the Jay, which is not cropped).
Was the VR on ? Or speed fast enough?
I would find it out using the combo on a sturdy tripod.
Francis.
Post by: elsid on January 18, 2019, 20:20:11
How is the one below?
Post by: rosko on January 19, 2019, 00:50:04
Actually the slightest movement of the front lens will amplify as the distance of the subject gets longer.
I always try, when using a long lens combo, to lean against aa firm object like tree, whole or a rock. If there is nothing available, I crouch on one knee holding the front lens, but I use this procedure with my old 500mm AIP, which is certainly a lot heaver than your newer PF lens... ;D
:)
Post by: rosko on January 19, 2019, 01:08:48
Nikkor AFS 300mm F/4 + TC 1.4.
Post by: ColinM on January 22, 2019, 23:24:29
I like your Jays Elsid, especially the second one.
It seems fair, though is quite a small file so pixelates very quickly when you try to zoom in.
I often get Jays visiting my garden in the spring when they have a young family to feed, but rarely at other times of the year.
http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/161006365/original
Post by: elsid on January 23, 2019, 00:22:00
Post by: Peter Connan on January 27, 2019, 17:50:55
Post by: Øivind Tøien on January 28, 2019, 00:10:16
Beautiful how you got the light shining through the wing feathers, well done catching the moment!
Post by: Peter Connan on January 28, 2019, 16:27:24
Post by: Brute on February 07, 2019, 17:35:35
Post by: elsid on February 07, 2019, 21:18:22
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 07, 2019, 21:58:44
Post by: golunvolo on February 07, 2019, 22:00:53
Post by: elsid on February 07, 2019, 22:09:53
Post by: elsid on February 07, 2019, 22:18:19
Post by: Brute on February 08, 2019, 01:04:47
Dalmatian pelicans in lake Kerkini.
HA
Nice shots.
And I thought this guy was having a bad hair day :)
Post by: elsid on February 08, 2019, 09:05:08
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 08, 2019, 16:41:33
Post by: elsid on February 08, 2019, 19:38:57
Post by: gryphon1911 on February 08, 2019, 21:20:23
Post by: elsid on February 11, 2019, 19:18:26
Post by: elsid on February 12, 2019, 17:38:35
Equipment used: Df+AFS micro 60mmG.
Post by: Brute on February 14, 2019, 20:14:20
Post by: elsid on February 16, 2019, 17:01:12
Post by: tommiejeep on February 23, 2019, 13:34:06
Post by: Akira on February 23, 2019, 13:48:18
A bit of a reach, bog standard PP ;), handheld
Tom, this is brilliant!
Post by: Brute on February 26, 2019, 06:32:08
Post by: Peter Connan on March 03, 2019, 18:58:07
Here is a Sacred Ibis
Post by: golunvolo on March 03, 2019, 19:50:11
Post by: Anthony on March 03, 2019, 20:23:30
A bit of a reach, bog standard PP ;), handheld
Very beautiful, like a painting.
Post by: Frank Fremerey on March 03, 2019, 23:10:41
Beautiful shot Tom!
Here is a Sacred Ibis
very cool engaging shot, Peter!
Post by: Frank Fremerey on March 03, 2019, 23:11:53
A bit of a reach, bog standard PP ;), handheld
phantastic shot of the physique of the bird ... wow
Post by: tommiejeep on March 04, 2019, 08:00:09
Brute, I love behavioural images well done and Peter that is a great Ibis image , love the low level.
Cheers,
Tom
Post by: tommiejeep on March 04, 2019, 08:04:39
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 04, 2019, 10:08:18
Tom, I find the parallel between the blurred palms and the wings works really well. The picture is very unusual. I like it a lot.
Post by: Akira on March 04, 2019, 10:42:03
Post by: Peter Connan on March 04, 2019, 18:07:41
Great Osprey!
Post by: ColinM on March 04, 2019, 20:57:30
Unusual at long range. Never really spent any time on this image because I have to many Osprey with fish at closer range or more MMs. I find the BG interesting at f4. Ran it trough Nik for dynamic contrast. D7100/300 f2.8(naked for a change ;) ) at f4.
Lovely Osprey shot Tommy.
I'm interested in the bokeh on this - looks quite "nervous" and less smooth than I'd expect. Is that just a product of the high contrast palm fronds or did you actually aim for this when you did your PP in Nik?
Post by: tommiejeep on March 10, 2019, 08:04:57
I will need to go back and see if the affect is there on shot either side.
Cheers Tom
Post by: tommiejeep on March 19, 2019, 13:21:40
Pied Kingfisher, just playing with PP so have at it ;D a7iii/70-299 f4 FE handheld
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on March 19, 2019, 13:42:51
Post by: Peter Connan on March 19, 2019, 18:14:58
Post by: Erik Lund on March 20, 2019, 09:28:22
Colin, I was quite surprised. All I did it NIK was increase dynamic contrast but not a lot. All I can think of is that the line of Palms are quite tall and thin. I was wondering about wind. There is approx. 100+mtrs between the Osprey and tree.Amazing image!
I will need to go back and see if the affect is there on shot either side.
Cheers Tom
Very eye catching image, especially due to the BG, could you post one that has neutral PP - Just curious to see the image ;)
I'm sure some of the striking effect is because of the blades positioning around the central part of the image
Post by: Zang on March 22, 2019, 22:51:14
Post by: Zang on March 29, 2019, 22:25:52
Post by: Brute on April 02, 2019, 03:55:27
Post by: elsid on April 03, 2019, 19:58:13
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 03, 2019, 20:05:17
Post by: elsid on April 03, 2019, 20:11:36
Post by: tommiejeep on April 12, 2019, 08:17:31
Post by: elsid on April 12, 2019, 10:02:29
Post by: tommiejeep on April 12, 2019, 10:04:19
Amazing image!Erik, sorry it took so long. My wife is in UK so having to mind the store (and 18 year old)
Very eye catching image, especially due to the BG, could you post one that has neutral PP - Just curious to see the image ;)
I'm sure some of the striking effect is because of the blades positioning around the central part of the image
This was orig. PP in camera Neutral.
Post by: tommiejeep on April 12, 2019, 10:21:34
Post by: elsid on April 12, 2019, 19:26:12
Post by: golunvolo on April 21, 2019, 01:41:33
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on April 21, 2019, 09:51:33
I have to try. Another point of view. Playing aroundVery nice, this shows that you don’t need to photograph exotic birds to make great bird photos ;)
Post by: ColinM on April 23, 2019, 21:40:48
D500 300mm AF-S plus TC1.4
Heron with an eel for supper
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/169099387/original.jpg)
Bitten off more than it can chew - takeaway instead
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/169099388/original.jpg)
A bit of a bonus - a Bittern
(these guys were booming across the marshes all day)
I got 2 shots before it disappeared into the reedbad
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/169099385/original.jpg)
Post by: Brute on April 27, 2019, 05:50:34
Post by: Thomas Stellwag on May 06, 2019, 00:24:47
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 11, 2019, 19:47:00
Dead young nested tits, didnt make this spring.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46910200395_7d29cb0459_o.jpg)
Df micro-nikkor 55mm f/3.5
Post by: ColinM on May 13, 2019, 17:13:35
Post by: Brute on May 20, 2019, 01:52:51
Post by: elsid on June 06, 2019, 12:27:29
Not a very easy bird to photograph.
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 06, 2019, 13:12:33
Post by: elsid on June 06, 2019, 14:31:40
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 06, 2019, 20:47:39
Post by: elsid on June 06, 2019, 23:49:06
Post by: elsid on June 07, 2019, 11:12:59
Post by: Bruno Schroder on June 13, 2019, 14:54:09
D500 and 500PF. Last one with the TC-1.4 III
Post by: PeterN on June 13, 2019, 15:37:25
Post by: Bruno Schroder on June 14, 2019, 21:50:18
A close up of the Pine Grosbeak and the female.
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 15, 2019, 08:29:38
Egretta garzettaBeautiful,nice mirroring :)
Post by: Ashlandish on June 20, 2019, 23:49:21
Post by: Ashlandish on June 20, 2019, 23:56:22
There are many along the Columbia...fun to try but a lot of learning yet ahead of me.
Post by: mxbianco on June 22, 2019, 14:54:12
This swallow wasn't feeling too good, resting near a fountain at 1 meter height, exposed to cats' attacks.
I was able to approach it slowly at 1 m distance, uncropped photo @90mm (Nikon D300).
Ciao from Massimo
Post by: ColinM on July 01, 2019, 17:43:30
Plus a booming Bittern in flight
(I struggled to get a sharp shot of this as it flashed in front of me......)
Post by: mxbianco on July 09, 2019, 13:24:36
Ciao from Massimo
Post by: golunvolo on July 09, 2019, 16:42:14
Post by: mxbianco on July 10, 2019, 09:47:04
Beautiful, conceptual and presentation. Love it.
Those starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) travel out in -often huge- clouds, in my area sometimes more than 100000 birds together.
I have a whole series with birds coming and going from the antenna, and fighting for a place (naturally in the upper tiers!).
Ciao from Massimo
Post by: Peter Connan on July 13, 2019, 18:06:35
Post by: Jacques Pochoy on July 13, 2019, 19:11:53
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 13, 2019, 21:26:18
Post by: Peter Connan on July 14, 2019, 13:37:21
Post by: Fanie on July 17, 2019, 12:51:48
White-bellied Sunbird
As always, brilliant Peter.
Post by: ArthurDent on July 17, 2019, 15:15:54
Post by: Peter Connan on July 19, 2019, 18:38:50
Post by: Peter Connan on July 22, 2019, 20:04:58
Cape Vulture.
Post by: Ann on July 23, 2019, 15:45:40
(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719151916-7281807.jpeg)
(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719151913-7272455.jpeg)
And a Jackal Buzzard who also turned up for the feast of meaty bones which we had taken up there for these birds:
(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719153452-7291758.jpeg)
Post by: tommiejeep on July 24, 2019, 06:54:52
Thanks for posting.
Close but no cigar :( Z6, 70-200 f4G vr, handheld.
Post by: Peter Connan on July 24, 2019, 19:15:43
Post by: Ann on July 24, 2019, 22:14:47
I am interested in where you took your splendid shots and wondering if it was also on Giant's Castle?
We weren't entirely lucky with the weather on our morning at the Hide which was cold with low-hanging clouds and swirling mist and with no thermals for the vultures to soar upon. We had hoped to see Bearded Vultures but they didn't come.
The people who had had the Hide the previous day had wonderful warmth and sun: we hoped they would come down before the end of the day, so we could have then taken their place up there, but they didn't!
We didn't get any more vultures but we did attract Collared Ravens and that rather dramatic Jackal Buzzard arrived too.
Post by: Ashlandish on July 25, 2019, 02:58:16
Post by: ArthurDent on July 25, 2019, 04:53:03
Some more photographs of the majestic Cape Vulture on the cliff-top of Giant's Castle:
(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719151916-7281807.jpeg)
(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719151913-7272455.jpeg)
And a Jackal Buzzard who also turned up for the feast of meaty bones which we had taken up there for these birds:
(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719153452-7291758.jpeg)
They are all great, but your third image is really spectacular!
Post by: Peter Connan on July 26, 2019, 18:33:59
Peter:
I am interested in where you took your splendid shots and wondering if it was also on Giant's Castle?
We weren't entirely lucky with the weather on our morning at the Hide which was cold with low-hanging clouds and swirling mist and with no thermals for the vultures to soar upon. We had hoped to see Bearded Vultures but they didn't come.
The people who had had the Hide the previous day had wonderful warmth and sun: we hoped they would come down before the end of the day, so we could have then taken their place up there, but they didn't!
We didn't get any more vultures but we did attract Collared Ravens and that rather dramatic Jackal Buzzard arrived too.
Anne, this was at Vulpro, just outside Hartebeespoort. Vulpro is a rehabilitation centre and feeding scheme who hire out a hide for a very reasonable fee, but they are much less popular than Gian't Castle, so much easier to get in.
Post by: Brute on July 26, 2019, 20:30:51
I had just started hiking to Marion Lake, along with an 11 pound chihuahua, when this barred owl (I think) flew across our path. It posed a long time, eying the chihuahua, the chihuahua oblivious to the owl.
That's a nice hike. Have not been up there in years.
Some nice waterfalls below the lake and down towards the fish hatchery.
Pretty tough bushwacking threw that thick stuff by the creek.
Post by: beryllium10 on July 27, 2019, 04:32:36
Tim, Wonderful owl photo. Nice of him or her to appear and pose so obligingly.
Cheers, John
Post by: Ashlandish on July 27, 2019, 21:53:38
John, I really appreciate your comment. That owl flying in front of me was a wonderful way to start to start a lovely day....we sure live in a beautiful area.
Post by: Ann on July 28, 2019, 01:24:55
Thank you for telling me about Vulpro. I took a look at their web site and they are doing very valuable work.
It was also interesting to learn how seriously the traces of pharmaceuticals in carcasses are endangering the vultures.
The South African NP service strictly enforces their rules that only bones which they supply may be fed to the vultures at the Giants' Castle hide.
Post by: Ann on July 28, 2019, 01:34:09
That is such a great photograph of an owl!
Post by: Ashlandish on July 28, 2019, 03:57:33
Tim:
That is such a great photograph of an owl!
Ann, thank you so much. I always hesitate to post anything since there are so many wonderful photographers here, but your comment gives me a little courage :)...
Post by: Peter Connan on August 02, 2019, 19:48:27
Here is another one.
Post by: tommiejeep on August 03, 2019, 03:45:05
Many thanks for posting.
Post by: Peter Connan on August 03, 2019, 16:18:39
I am also not 100% convinced about the crop. But I do think the open wings add an element of emotion? I suspect this is one of those images that work better in a large print than on a smallish screen?
Post by: ColinM on August 18, 2019, 21:27:53
Post by: Brute on August 21, 2019, 04:57:20
Post by: elsid on August 28, 2019, 21:32:48
Post by: fentriss on August 30, 2019, 23:50:54
(http://malus.exotica.org.uk/~zeg/images/august/aueichelhaeher2019c99.jpg)
Post by: elsid on September 11, 2019, 13:18:28
Post by: Ashlandish on October 05, 2019, 08:04:35
Post by: Akira on October 26, 2019, 00:35:07
Post by: elsid on October 30, 2019, 11:23:03
Post by: elsid on November 14, 2019, 19:39:42
Post by: elsid on November 15, 2019, 19:32:42
Post by: Brute on December 02, 2019, 00:21:22
Post by: ColinM on December 02, 2019, 14:51:32
Regulus regulus
I love the photo (and the living creature too!)
Post by: elsid on December 02, 2019, 15:08:56
Post by: elsid on December 03, 2019, 08:45:54
Post by: elsid on December 04, 2019, 19:59:59
Post by: golunvolo on December 04, 2019, 20:13:30
Post by: elsid on December 04, 2019, 20:49:26
Post by: Akira on December 04, 2019, 23:23:34
A robin thru fence wire
How cute!
Post by: Ashlandish on December 05, 2019, 03:41:34
Post by: Anthony on December 05, 2019, 13:02:52
Post by: elsid on December 05, 2019, 15:21:53
Post by: elsid on December 05, 2019, 19:46:29
Post by: elsid on December 05, 2019, 19:59:28
Post by: elsid on January 24, 2020, 19:05:29
Post by: Akira on January 24, 2020, 19:23:06
Pelikan in Lake Kerkini.
What a character! I like it!
Post by: Mike G on January 24, 2020, 19:48:46
Pelikan in Lake Kerkini.Obviously having a bad hair day. ::)
Post by: elsid on January 24, 2020, 19:58:31
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 24, 2020, 20:27:53
The adult Pelecanus crispus usually sports this kind of "unkempt" hair.That’s the Greek way 8)
Post by: Brute on January 24, 2020, 23:24:13
Pelikan in Lake Kerkini.
Nice
Jewelry and hitching a ride to boot 8)
Post by: Matthew Currie on January 27, 2020, 04:27:59
Post by: Ashlandish on January 27, 2020, 05:57:07
Post by: elsid on January 27, 2020, 09:46:41
Post by: rosko on January 27, 2020, 09:54:31
Below, a crossed bill (male).
New forest in Hampshire, UK.
Post by: Brute on January 27, 2020, 23:23:05
Visited Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klamath_Basin_National_Wildlife_Refuge_Complex)...
Fun place to visit for sure.
In Klamath Falls there is a park where you can see the Grebes do their mating ritual dance.
Post by: Ashlandish on January 28, 2020, 00:14:21
Post by: Akira on January 28, 2020, 03:05:17
Speaking of pelicans, I just got back from Baja California. Not surprisingly, we met some pelicans. Here's one:
Interesting pelican of the "retractable" construction. :D
Post by: Brute on January 30, 2020, 04:59:54
Thanks Ken, fun place for sure, I'll have to explore :).
Tim also need to stop at Collier Logging Museum just North of Chiloquin.
Neat place with alot of old logging equipment and buildings to check out.
Don't miss out on the Dippers by the creek.
Post by: Ashlandish on January 30, 2020, 05:59:30
Post by: Nikkor Shooter on January 30, 2020, 10:11:48
Egyptian Goose
(http://www.kodiakmedia.at/2020/01/D5631%205D.jpg)
Post by: Peter Connan on February 03, 2020, 17:24:00
Post by: Nikkor Shooter on February 03, 2020, 17:29:10
Great catch for both of you! :P
Post by: CE on February 03, 2020, 17:51:36
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4814/31416497317_d603b940ce_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PSaL7R)CHU_2748-2 (https://flic.kr/p/PSaL7R) by (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74752281@N00/)
Post by: ColinM on February 04, 2020, 15:32:36
Village weaver....D850, 200-500 f5.6
What an interesting capture CE.
At first glance it looked like this bird had built their nest with rubber bands!
But maybe just blades of grass?
Post by: Peter Connan on February 04, 2020, 19:06:57
Post by: CE on February 04, 2020, 23:00:05
What an interesting capture CE.Yes it looks puzzling but it is blades of grass....
At first glance it looked like this bird had built their nest with rubber bands!
But maybe just blades of grass?
Post by: CE on February 04, 2020, 23:00:55
Nice shot CE!Thank you Peter
Post by: Peter Connan on February 05, 2020, 16:39:26
Post by: elsid on February 10, 2020, 18:52:59
Post by: Brute on March 01, 2020, 20:05:34
Post by: Ashlandish on March 03, 2020, 19:49:59
Post by: elsid on March 09, 2020, 20:09:47
Post by: ColinM on March 11, 2020, 23:12:56
Got plenty of unsharp ones (see here for an example https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=1426.msg154861#msg154861)
This worked slightly better
Post by: ColinM on March 11, 2020, 23:21:21
The wind had proved challenging for the other birds, but was just what the Kestrel likes
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/170509919/original.jpg)
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on March 11, 2020, 23:32:26
Post by: ColinM on March 11, 2020, 23:34:56
Nice
Thanks Bent
My arm ached at the end of today's shoot (I take that as I sign I was so absorbed in what I was watching that I forgot the wieght of my kit)
Post by: tommiejeep on March 12, 2020, 05:50:17
Lots of great images in this thread.
Tom
Post by: John Geerts on March 12, 2020, 07:33:53
I was quite pleased with this one.
The wind had proved challenging for the other birds, but was just what the Kestrel likes
Great shot, Colin !
Post by: ColinM on March 12, 2020, 17:39:13
Great shot, Colin !
Thanks John.
Because I was following the action through the viewfinder, it was only afterwards that I realised the wind was strong enough to allow the Kestrel to "glide" in a stationary position, rather than fluttering its wings to hover like they usually do.
Post by: Peter Connan on March 14, 2020, 11:05:19
Peter, love the Pygmy KF with frog. We call them Dwarf Oriental here and I have never seen one >:( . Sign of the times that my Kingfishers, Bee Eaters and Rollers will always choose a wire over a branch if hunting is just as good.
Lots of great images in this thread.
Tom
Thanks Tommie. I agree about the perches, it happens to me most of the time too.
The African Pygmy is not the same species as the Oriental Dwarf, although they do indeed look very similar.
Mine is Ispidina Picta, yours is Ceyx erithaca
Lovely shots Elsid and Colin
Post by: elsid on March 14, 2020, 11:19:19
Post by: elsid on March 14, 2020, 11:39:20
Post by: Brute on March 17, 2020, 17:13:14
Post by: Peter Connan on March 18, 2020, 16:15:59
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on March 18, 2020, 18:30:02
Post by: ColinM on March 18, 2020, 20:24:03
This turdus merula posed for me at 3.5 m.
Lovely
And a seemingly unfair name for something as perky and beautiful as a blackbird Elsid
Post by: ColinM on March 18, 2020, 21:00:00
...no you first!!
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/170529871/original.jpg)
Post by: ColinM on March 18, 2020, 21:16:23
British Kestrel, 300mm PF D500
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/170529877/original.jpg)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 18, 2020, 22:42:38
Post by: golunvolo on March 19, 2020, 00:41:27
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 19, 2020, 09:08:36
Post by: ColinM on March 19, 2020, 12:51:46
Post by: ColinM on March 19, 2020, 12:54:53
They started building a nest in our hedge, under a window.
Its that time of the year isn't it! :)
Can you remind us their name?
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 19, 2020, 21:20:10
it is the long-tailed tit or Aegithalos caudatus. First time they nest in the garden.
Post by: chris dees on March 20, 2020, 14:58:34
In Dutch "Canarische Woestijnklapekster", try that to pronounce. :)
This picture is taken in the "El Teide National Park" on Tenerife.
NIKON D500 + 500PF, ISO 110, F5.6, 1/800
Post by: Peter Connan on March 21, 2020, 16:06:26
Post by: ColinM on March 21, 2020, 22:23:05
Post by: elsid on March 22, 2020, 00:27:19
Post by: Øivind Tøien on March 22, 2020, 06:38:25
The Grey Crowned Crane - what a gracious beauty, Peter.
Colin, you certainly nailed the focus on the last Kestrel, you could probably pull out a self portrait if you lift the shades. I also thought I commented on the nice symmetry in #750 but my message might have disappeared before I got to post. Is the device attached to on of the legs a locator/GPS beacon?
Here is another example with the 300PF on D500, likely grey herons Ardea cinerea from a drive by shooting though the rainful window of a bus near Sortland in Northern Norway - only noticed and reacted in the glimpse of a second. I was surprised it went this well. Must have been really high quality window panes in that bus.
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p3654980032.jpg)
D500 with 300mm f/4 PF, @ f/4.5 1/1000 sec. ISO 1600.
Post by: ColinM on March 22, 2020, 22:14:53
Colin, you certainly nailed the focus on the last Kestrel, you could probably pull out a self portrait if you lift the shades.Thanks Øivind, I was fortunate in that the bird was calm and less than 4m away from me.
I also thought I commented on the nice symmetry in #750 but my message might have disappeared before I got to post. Is the device attached to on of the legs a locator/GPS beacon?
I often use an Android tablet to read Nikongear and can never find the message numbers on it :(
The hovering Kestrel?
Thanks, yes I couldn't believe both the sharpness and the symmetry when I pulled the images off the card. I'd had a torrid time that day, with very little success getting AF to lock onto BIF .
Luckily there was a headwind and the kestrel was hovering. Although they usually need to flutter their wings to do this, we must have got a few split seconds when he was literally gliding into the wind. I love the curve you can see he's got his wings into.
And yes, since this was at a centre that specialises in Birds of Prey, they all have trackers on them.
When they released the Peregrine Falcon, it flew completely out of sight. They used a device a little like a 1970's TV aerial to find which direction he'd gone in!
grey herons Ardea cinerea from a drive by shooting though the rainful window of a bus
You did well to spot these & compose in time from a moving vehicle (probably bumpy roads too).
The windows on these things are never clean enough when you need them to be are they ?!
Post by: Øivind Tøien on March 22, 2020, 23:55:15
I have tried shooting like this though car windows, but they have usually not had adequate optical quality, to not mess things up.
Post by: ColinM on March 23, 2020, 15:06:58
I spent a week in Iceland, travelling around with a coach party.
Luckily they kept the windows spotless, which was good as the landscapes between stops were stunning.
I even managed some viable joiners
Here's a link as I'm well off topic now :)
https://pbase.com/celidh/image/163163439
Post by: ColinM on March 23, 2020, 15:14:06
There are many stunning shots in the preceding pages.
It would be great if you would share
- Camera & typical lens(s) used
- The key settings that help you get clear, well focussed, sharp pictures of birds
(I'm particularly interested in Birds in Flight) - If you use more than one combo, maybe the settings for the others too?
I use a 300mm PFwith a D500. I hoped my success rate would climb when I moved from my 300mm f4 AFS & D300, but still get too many shots where the bird isn't in clear focus.
I'll review some examples and share the settings I've tried to.
Post by: Peter Connan on March 23, 2020, 18:52:11
Speaking for myself only, I shoot a lot of birds in flight, and have been there for several years. Yet, my success rate is still pretty low. And those whom I have shot with, report the same thing. Are you perhaps expecting too much?
Anyway, I also use a D500, although with a longer lens than yours (500mm f4 G). My settings are pretty involved, but basically:
Exposure mode manual, but with auto-ISO. Lens typically wide open unless there is LOTS of light, and I definitely find that a higher shutter speed increases the percentage of sharp photos. Under 1/1000th, I get almost no sharp shots except with very large, slow birds. The tiny lightning-bolts like the smaller Kingfishers need more than 1/3200th when moving.
My AF settings are very intricate, and in this regard I love the user-customiseability of the D500. I use back-button focus exclusively, set up as follows:
The AF-on button gives me 25, 72 or 153 points (selecting between them as conditions change).
The pressing the joystick gives me single-point AF. I use this for stationary targets (perched birds), as it allows me the fastest way to also move the focus point around while focussing.
The Fn1 button is set up to change the AF area mode to Group Area, but not to focus. Thus I change the mode using my middle finger, and focus using the AF-on button.
The setup is used as follows:
For perched birds and general wildlife, I focus and control the position of the focus point using the joystick.
For birds flying against an even background (the sky or smooth water) I use the AF-on button on it's own.
For birds flying against a busier background, I use two fingers to get Group Area.
In this way, I can change between those three basic focus modes seamlessly as the bird swoops above or below the horison.
I do still want to experiment more with 3-D tracking, as I have not really tried it on birds with the D500. With the D750 and D7000 I used to have, it was effectively useless, but on the D500 I have used it with face detection on models in studio, where it worked very well.
I hope that rather long-winded explanation helps somewhat?
Post by: ColinM on March 24, 2020, 21:47:35
Colin, the shots you do post are pretty magnificent, so obviously it CAN lock accurate focus.
Speaking for myself only, I shoot a lot of birds in flight, and have been there for several years. Yet, my success rate is still pretty low. And those whom I have shot with, report the same thing. Are you perhaps expecting too much?
Thank you - so the ones I post are ones I'm pleased with.
It's interesting to hear you say about a low overall success rate. My expectations were certainly higher than what I achieve, but mainly I wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything to restrict my chances
However after reading about the high standards the AF module in the D500 achieves and the performance of the 300mm PF, I did expect more.
Static subjects are generally fine, so it's moving ones where the issue lies (I really love taking shots of birds leaping into flight, turning mid-flight and also landing)
Exposure mode manual, but with auto-ISO
I definitely find that a higher shutter speed increases the percentage of sharp photos. Under 1/1000th, I get almost no sharp shots except with very large, slow birds.
Yes I shoot in manual but haven't yet got Auto-ISO behaving the way I'd like.
I don't lose many shots to incorrect exposure, but will have a look into this, especially as a way of keeping the shutter speed high.
One flaw you've helped me confirm is shutter speed. I'm now aiming for around 1/1000th but have shot lower than that before. However the ones I was unhappy with are generally out of focus, rather than showing blurred wingbeats etc
My AF settings are .....
There are many points I need to investigate here - that might take me a few weeks (with the current lockdown!)
I haven't yet applied much customisation to my D500 and you've pointed out some ways I can quickly adapt to different conditions - thank you
I hope that rather long-winded explanation helps somewhat?
Yes it's really good food for thought.
I appreciate the time and thought you put into writing this Peter
Post by: ColinM on March 24, 2020, 21:59:48
Of course what I wouldn't have are the conditions, speed of flight etc
I haven't yet compiled this series yet...
But just to illustrate the puzzle, here are some examples
They were part of a series of around 7 shots, taken as the Black Kite flew away from me, turned, then flew back in
- All were shot at 1/640th wide open F4, ISO 400 (these crops represent around 1/3 of the original frames)
- These were shot within a few feet of each other as it turned
the second shot was the sharpest
the third shot is again unsharp
Post by: ColinM on March 24, 2020, 22:16:13
Incidently NX-D shows what appears to be a single AF focus square, however these were shot using an area of 25 points
I've compared using single and area points and NX-D displays them in exactly the same way.
Thus I think there's a chance the bird may have fallen within the AF area on each shot....
Post by: Peter Connan on March 25, 2020, 15:30:01
As for auto-ISO, I often switch it off in stable light conditions. If you are happy with your exposure, leave it off.
Lastly, if you want, I can mail you a spreadsheet with my settings. Just send me your e-mail address via PM if you want it.
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on March 30, 2020, 14:26:21
This time with the Nikon V1 mounted on the 200-500mm.
It is still very small ???
Post by: Peter Connan on April 10, 2020, 17:36:28
Post by: Brute on April 24, 2020, 04:55:45
Post by: fentriss on May 03, 2020, 19:36:32
(http://malus.exotica.org.uk/~zeg/images/mai/Hausrotschwanzm2020.jpg)
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 10, 2020, 16:55:02
I wanted to get pictures of them leaving the nest, but the are very fast when leaving, so this is one og the very few that was reasonable sharp.
I did try both with AF and MF, as the AF on my 200-500 and 300PF might not be fast enough to follow them on the way out.
D500 300mmPF @f5.0 1/3200 sec ISO 1600 Cropped slightly. Not sure if this is AF or MF
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 10, 2020, 22:26:29
For the last couple of days I have tried to get pictures of the Great tit and the Blue tit nesting in our garden.
I wanted to get pictures of them leaving the nest, but the are very fast when leaving, so this is one og the very few that was reasonable sharp.
I did try both with AF and MF, as the AF on my 200-500 and 300PF might not be fast enough to follow them on the way out.
D500 300mmPF @f5.0 1/3200 sec ISO 1600 Cropped slightly. Not sure if this is AF or MF
Excellent timing of capture, Bent! I like the slightly blurry win tips. You did very well with sharpness on the head of such a fast moving target. I have tried many time to catch the US version of the great tit, the black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) when leaving bird feeders but find that if one start firing off a series when the first movement of the bird is detected, it will already be out of the first frame or just catch the tail.
Post by: golunvolo on May 10, 2020, 22:49:55
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 10, 2020, 23:25:40
Excellent timing of capture, Bent! I like the slightly blurry win tips. You did very well with sharpness on the head of such a fast moving target. I have tried many time to catch the US version of the great tit, the black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) when leaving bird feeders but find that if one start firing off a series when the first movement of the bird is detected, it will already be out of the first frame or just catch the tail.I was also amazed by the speed, so I triggered the camera when I saw the bird in the hole, but even with a D500, I often only got one or two frames with a bird on, and then unsharp too. Used MF and guessed where the bird would be, and then hopped the best ;)
Paco glad you liked it.
Post by: beryllium10 on May 11, 2020, 06:34:21
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 11, 2020, 08:25:24
The way you “froze” the water makes it look like a swimmer just came out of the water, nice.
Post by: Peter Connan on May 11, 2020, 18:59:31
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 11, 2020, 19:18:56
Post by: beryllium10 on May 12, 2020, 01:55:38
Quote
The way you “froze” the water makes it look like a swimmer just came out of the waterBent, thanks for your comment. This was mostly a lucky one, as the duck was diving its face into and out of the water very quickly, and most others I took were mis-timed. Auto-focus was also having difficulty. For birds I set my camera up to use dynamic 9-point group AF, which works well for me for tracking birds in flight. However, for a photo like this d-9 AF tends to lock on to bright/high-contrast water droplets flying around the subject and results in a lot of well-focused water photos and not so many in-focus birds (it happens a lot when I'm taking photos of ducks, gulls and geese landing on the water). I guess single-point AF would fix the problem. I should set up a button to alternate between d-9 and single point AF, as Peter mentions in a reply a bit further up this thread. Cheers again, John
Post by: fentriss on May 12, 2020, 17:25:48
Nice shot Peter, very sharp, god pose.:Hello Peter, that is really a masterpiece. How many hours have you been waitin to get that result?
bye bye, richard
Post by: Peter Connan on May 12, 2020, 19:53:21
I have lost count. However, my daughter helped me very much with this particular photo. By planting some small tomatoes...
Now just to get one without the wall.
Post by: Peter Connan on May 17, 2020, 16:46:37
In the rain
With food.
Post by: elsid on May 17, 2020, 17:50:55
Post by: Peter Connan on May 18, 2020, 17:19:51
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 18, 2020, 17:22:09
Beautiful pictures, caught in the right moment.
Post by: Peter Connan on May 18, 2020, 17:23:33
Post by: fentriss on May 18, 2020, 18:27:24
Post by: Peter Connan on May 19, 2020, 17:45:35
Thank you very much Fentriss
Post by: elsid on May 19, 2020, 21:37:22
Peter your bird photos are excellent.
Post by: Peter Connan on May 20, 2020, 19:35:10
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 25, 2020, 16:31:23
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 25, 2020, 16:55:45
Post by: Brute on May 26, 2020, 06:06:42
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 26, 2020, 09:12:56
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 26, 2020, 16:14:55
Last one had to be lured out, but it left in the end.
Post by: Peter Connan on May 27, 2020, 19:34:23
Post by: elsid on May 27, 2020, 22:46:45
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 27, 2020, 23:53:36
Post by: Brute on June 02, 2020, 06:29:58
Nice colorful bird. :)Thanks
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 02, 2020, 09:15:00
Post by: Peter Connan on June 02, 2020, 17:31:30
Post by: Peter Connan on June 19, 2020, 18:19:53
Post by: Tom Hook on July 10, 2020, 04:38:22
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male.
Z7, 300 2.8 VR.
20200708: at 16:41:42:51 and 16:41:46:94
Post by: elsid on July 10, 2020, 07:52:34
Post by: ColinM on August 03, 2020, 00:33:22
... Ducks and geese were enjoying the cool water.
I love this as an image John (the bird is almost incidental)
It's as if the living creature and the water have become an extension of each other
(and also explains the English expression "...like a duck to water" to explain something that comes naturally to someone)
Post by: ColinM on August 03, 2020, 00:39:12
And I note that Bent's marvellous BlueTit leaving the nest box was shot at 1/3200
I should have considered that before shooting this week.
I'd gone up to 1/2000 but obviously needed more. Despite the fact these two were decelerating you can see the relatively sharp hand of the trainer, and the more blurred image of each bird.
More work needed here (but if I got a sharper version of either of these, I'd be really pleased!)
Any other comments & suggestions are most welcome
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 16, 2020, 11:26:33
Here is my try on common sparrow that’s everywhere here :)
Z50 300/4 AF-S
Post by: Erik Lund on August 16, 2020, 23:02:58
Post by: elsid on August 17, 2020, 11:11:29
I am posting 2 photos of Hirundo daurica. The bird could not take off because a claw was caught in the barbed wire. Eventually, it managed to fly away
(second image).
Post by: elsid on August 17, 2020, 11:42:05
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 17, 2020, 13:46:19
AF-S 300/4 is a very nice lens and I used to couple with an 1.4X teleconverter but when I used it with Z50 I removed the teleconverter and now I have smaller birds but better overall picture
I thing z50 with 300 PF will be an ideal and very light combination
Elias Eagle has always a glory in its flight!
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 19, 2020, 23:00:58
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on August 19, 2020, 23:21:27
Post by: elsid on August 20, 2020, 11:41:58
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 21, 2020, 14:19:03
Post by: Hugh_3170 on August 21, 2020, 14:52:00
I agree with Bent
Post by: elsid on August 21, 2020, 19:34:20
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on September 11, 2020, 20:27:49
Post by: elsid on September 17, 2020, 18:39:46
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on September 17, 2020, 22:46:02
Post by: elsid on September 18, 2020, 07:52:01
Post by: beryllium10 on September 18, 2020, 08:21:10
Taken with the AF-S 300 mm f/4 and TC-1.4, ISO 640 1/2000 at f/8. Even with the D850's autofocus (I use AF-C, d9) I find I'm lucky if I get every second or third frame in focus when a bird is flying towards me and up close. It's mostly my inability to follow the bird's motion with the focus point as it rides up and down with each wing beat, but I also find that this is the hardest scenario for the AF system to understand and react to - I tend to get a lot more focused claws and tail-feathers than beaks and eyes. So this is a fortunate one.
One fun thing for Nikon folk is to notice is that his eye seems to have a six-bladed iris - like some of those really old, classic Nikkors! (Interestingly this shape, and the brown flecks in his iris, are real and persistent, a distinguishing feature of this particular bird).
Cheers, John
Post by: ColinM on September 18, 2020, 17:52:47
his eye seems to have a six-bladed iris - like some of those really old, classic Nikkors!
I love it!
Post by: beryllium10 on September 19, 2020, 05:45:21
Post by: ColinM on October 02, 2020, 19:43:05
Post by: ColinM on October 02, 2020, 19:45:01
In the end I worried that some of the detail of the bird would be lost (so have included a crop) but for me the widescreen version is what I wanted.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 04, 2020, 14:28:44
Do you thing it’s better VR Off in less than 1/1000 sec?
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on October 04, 2020, 16:18:49
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 04, 2020, 21:26:36
The issue is that just before the shot it’s very clear and in the image review it’s almost not focused
I used VR on at the speed 1/2000 sec, maybe is VR blurr?
I never had this issue with Tamron 150-600 G1
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 04, 2020, 21:49:11
JPEG from camera with crop
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on October 04, 2020, 23:50:59
Saw this recommended by “Ricci Talks” a Nikon YouTuber
Post by: ColinM on October 05, 2020, 14:45:38
I would have thought that by 1/1000th or faster the benefits will be reducing quite a lot.
Do you mainly take photos of birds at rest, or are you after birds in flight too?
I'm slowly finding out that once they start moving, 1/1600th seems the minimum and its often worth trading higher ISO to go to 1/2000th if you can.
Plus even birds sat on a twig can move their head or a wingtip that can give you some blur. I'm not sure that VR is going to help you with any of that - just movement cause by handholding etc
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 05, 2020, 18:40:12
I check it again and there is no VR issue
There is an image degradation from the center to the corners that can be seen on 100% at infinity focus and at 500mm. At 300,400mm there is no issue
The issue is described here
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr/3 (https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr/3)
and is sample variation, unfortunately I got a but copy
The lens is 3years old and has 15.000 actuations I doubt if this has to do with the issue
Otherwise the lens is very good and I like it very much all except for the weight and bulk
When I made some tests shots a pigeon stand in front of me and I couldn’t resist
The details on the feather is remarkable to me ( standard JPEG from Z50)
Thank you
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 06, 2020, 06:47:15
Wilson's Snipe winnowing, making this strange sound during steep rapid dives with its tail feathers. They were frequently active around here in June at dusk during cloudy weather by some reason. They were very high in the sky and hard to spot and keep in the frame. TC-14 + a 100% crop came to the rescue with the 300PF. The species is very similar to the Common Snipe in Europe, distinguished as different species by the number of tail feathers.
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p4005852040.jpg)
Post by: ColinM on October 07, 2020, 21:34:25
Wilson's Snipe winnowing,
What a beautiful bird Ovind, never see anything quite like that.
And thank you - I hadn't considered VR and AF.
Post by: Brute on October 08, 2020, 00:46:39
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 08, 2020, 07:25:07
What a beautiful bird Ovind, never see anything quite like that.Thanks, Colin. I was rather pleased when I got those tail feathers too, considering that all I could see with my eyes, if I was lucky, was a fast moving dot in the sky - the difficulty of locating and spotting it makes it a bit "mysterious". I have always from my early days back in Norway been fascinated with that courtship display, but never got the view of it that my D500 with 300PF+TC-14E gave me now. Here is a link to a YouTube clip were someone recorded that sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImGcEaQ7As4&ab_channel=Kepe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImGcEaQ7As4&ab_channel=Kepe)
And thank you - I hadn't considered VR and AF.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 10, 2020, 18:40:44
Z50 200-500 5.6E 1.4x
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on October 12, 2020, 09:22:10
Post by: elsid on October 12, 2020, 12:06:09
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 12, 2020, 12:20:32
No sharpening just a color preset in Lightroom
This is much better than previous Tamron and is the lens with the best fit on my 1.4x Kenko teleconverter ;)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 26, 2020, 09:29:02
Post by: elsid on October 27, 2020, 13:55:00
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 27, 2020, 20:20:38
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 27, 2020, 22:28:23
Very cute singing Robin, elsid!
Post by: Akira on October 27, 2020, 23:42:12
Post by: elsid on October 27, 2020, 23:44:56
Post by: elsid on October 28, 2020, 00:26:16
Post by: Anthony on October 28, 2020, 09:34:36
Post by: elsid on October 28, 2020, 11:52:35
Post by: elsid on November 01, 2020, 12:37:05
Post by: Brute on December 05, 2020, 05:46:39
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on December 06, 2020, 09:42:53
Post by: ColinM on December 06, 2020, 19:45:56
European Greenfinch.Beautiful bird and nicely captured Kim
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 10, 2021, 22:04:33
Chasing small birds in the park Z 50 200-500E
Post by: Brute on January 20, 2021, 02:48:15
Post by: elsid on January 25, 2021, 18:42:49
Post by: elsid on January 25, 2021, 18:45:05
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 25, 2021, 19:14:16
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 25, 2021, 20:53:47
Nice birds Elias :)+1
colorful Brute
Post by: elsid on January 26, 2021, 00:03:35
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 07, 2021, 21:45:41
1,2,3,5 Shot with afs 300/4 plus 1,7x TC on Z50
4 shot with 200-500 5.6 on Z50
The last Motacilla is a bonus :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 09, 2021, 19:28:22
same setup
Post by: ColinM on February 09, 2021, 21:19:16
Flying away!
same setup
Lovely image Nasos.
Great combination of detail and blur.
(That 300mm afs is still holding up well isn't it!)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 10, 2021, 14:14:40
For some reason I mainly shot with this combination of lenses but the absence of VR gets the iso to 1600 for hi shutter speed so the outcome isn’t so pleasant
Nikon 200-500 has better overall IQ and VR but is heavier and bulkier
What about 300PF did you show any difference with various TCs compared to AF-S 300?
Post by: ColinM on February 10, 2021, 21:59:02
Especially if they don't have to hand hold, or hike with it for many hours.
What about 300PF did you show any difference with various TCs compared to AF-S 300?
I haven't done any detailed comparisons, though I have used it with a TC14.
VR may let you drop shutter speeds enough to get wing blur, but for me I've been increasing my shutter speeds in an attempt to get sharp images!
You'll know much of this already, but here's Tom's view on VR
https://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-articles/lens-technique/all-about-nikon-vr.html
Post by: elsid on February 10, 2021, 23:17:55
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 11, 2021, 13:03:58
Apart from any kind of comparison are you satisfied with the move to 300PF in terms of IQ?
Elsid great shots! I do like your small birds but I do not have the opportunity to visit interesting places for bird photography :(
let me comment about the name: Sylvia melanocephala is Sylvia the black Head in Greek :D
Post by: elsid on February 11, 2021, 14:44:29
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 11, 2021, 17:03:20
Sylvia melanocephalaVery nice :)
Post by: chris dees on February 11, 2021, 18:21:38
D500 + 500PF + 1.4xTCIII
Post by: elsid on February 11, 2021, 19:28:28
Post by: elsid on February 11, 2021, 19:34:43
Post by: ColinM on February 11, 2021, 21:10:19
Thank you Colin for the link and reply :)
Apart from any kind of comparison are you satisfied with the move to 300PF in terms of IQ?
Since I didn't own both lenses concurrently, I didn't do any side by side comparisons.
My feelings are that
- I didn't personally notice a dramatic step change in image quality
- there are several usability benefits in moving to the PF version
- these all mean you're more likely to take the lens with you on trips, walk around with it, be less reliant on tripods or monopods. These can all lead to using it more or being ready to catch fleeting wildlife opportunities.
Post by: golunvolo on February 12, 2021, 01:15:58
I don´t usually shoot birds but this one posed for me today, just a little bit, enough for a couple of images with the 200mm f4 ai
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 12, 2021, 16:13:49
Since I didn't own both lenses concurrently, I didn't do any side by side comparisons.Thank you :)
My feelings are that
- I didn't personally notice a dramatic step change in image quality
- there are several usability benefits in moving to the PF version
- these all mean you're more likely to take the lens with you on trips, walk around with it, be less reliant on tripods or monopods. These can all lead to using it more or being ready to catch fleeting wildlife opportunities.
Post by: rosko on February 13, 2021, 00:39:04
Fieldfare in my backyard, shoot through the window.
D500 + 500PF + 1.4xTCIII
Nice shot, Chris !
When you see flocks of these thrushes coming, (Fieldfare. Turdus pilaris), prepare a warm coat... ;D
Post by: chris dees on February 13, 2021, 14:31:10
I've seen them before, but never in my backyard (there were 6). And yes, it's pretty cold nowadays. :-)
Post by: Fons Baerken on February 15, 2021, 14:21:53
Black swan
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 15, 2021, 15:50:38
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 15, 2021, 15:55:14
Just after it had a fall on the ice.
Post by: Gunver Hjarbo on February 15, 2021, 16:00:49
D5300, AF-P 70-300 f4.5-6.3 DX @f9.0
Post by: Fons Baerken on February 15, 2021, 17:08:15
Common Kingfisher
D5300, AF-P 70-300 f4.5-6.3 DX @f9.0
Great catch Gunver!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 15, 2021, 17:28:03
Kingfisher is very nice with matching colors everywhere!
I've got this 70-300 DX lens its light, low cost and very good ;)
Post by: rosko on February 15, 2021, 17:40:53
Common Kingfisher
D5300, AF-P 70-300 f4.5-6.3 DX @f9.0
That's a superb shot, Gunver ! 8)
Well done !
I would, however reduce slightly the saturation. But this could be my new screen, not sure.
Francis.
Post by: Akira on February 18, 2021, 16:16:47
Post by: elsid on February 18, 2021, 17:17:10
Post by: elsid on February 18, 2021, 18:38:41
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 19, 2021, 10:49:05
Elsid excellent shots especially the first one with the out of focus area behind the bird!
I thing I have one photo of your last bird posted elsewhere here
Post by: Akira on February 19, 2021, 11:26:16
Beautiful shot Akira
Very nice Akira even with hi crop :)
Thank you, Elias and Nasos! I don't have any right lens for shooting birds, but this Japanese plum tree growing right below the balcony of my place offers some chances to try. :)
Post by: Brute on February 27, 2021, 00:38:01
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 27, 2021, 15:23:27
D500 300PF f4
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 05, 2021, 18:11:17
This little bird stud in front of me when i was checking my z50/200-500 combo so i couldn't resist :)
NEF conversion and PP on NX studio
Post by: elsid on March 05, 2021, 19:34:14
Post by: elsid on March 05, 2021, 19:38:39
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 05, 2021, 20:19:18
Post by: elsid on March 05, 2021, 23:38:02
Post by: Brute on March 12, 2021, 07:19:24
It's always great to see your additions also :)
Post by: chris dees on March 12, 2021, 10:43:18
Never seen this before. The rat was fighting back, but no chance.
The heron went behind the read, so I couldn't see him swallowing it.
Nikon D500 + 500PF + TC1.4 III
ISO3200, F8, 1/1600
Post by: Brute on April 04, 2021, 06:30:13
Post by: Akira on April 04, 2021, 10:37:26
Some Hummingbirds hovering around their feeders today.
Amazing portraits of humming birds. Thank you for sharing, Ken!
Post by: Brute on April 05, 2021, 05:38:34
It's a lot easier when they are sitting.
Post by: beryllium10 on April 05, 2021, 07:30:08
Post by: beryllium10 on April 05, 2021, 07:32:50
Post by: Randy Stout on April 05, 2021, 16:58:54
Thanks for sharing.
Randy
Post by: ColinM on April 08, 2021, 21:58:55
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/171542790.jpg)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 10, 2021, 22:18:42
Lucky today a lot of birds to shot and the whether was excellent!
all shots Z50 200-500 5.6E
Post by: Tom Hook on April 19, 2021, 03:45:13
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 19, 2021, 21:10:56
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 19, 2021, 21:25:15
Post by: Tom Hook on April 20, 2021, 01:10:34
Here is a Little Grebe swimming in a small forest lake. The bird is actually in the shade, but the lake mirrors the morning sunlight shining on the surrounding trees.
Grebes are beautiful birds and you have captured this one beautifully. From the water’s early morning light to the complementary colors of the bird, you got it.
Post by: ColinM on April 23, 2021, 19:34:06
300mm + TC14 + D500 handheld.
Sadly I never got time to check the exposure in the second shot and in despite my attempts to recover in PP, flare seems to have washed a lot of the colours out.
Amazing talons to help this bird live up to its name!
Post by: Øivind Tøien on April 24, 2021, 10:08:09
Colin, those Tree creepers can be really hard to spot.
A Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) posed willingly at the house I am looking after these days, in spite of having the dog of the house at my side.
Post by: Airy on April 24, 2021, 23:03:17
Df, Nikkor 300/4 PF, 100% crop.
That's the wise thrush; he sings each song twice over,
Lest you should think he never could recapture
The first fine careless rapture!
(Robert Browning)
Post by: ColinM on April 24, 2021, 23:16:47
I've never seen a Ruffed grouse Øivind. Your hound must be well trained
Post by: Øivind Tøien on April 24, 2021, 23:46:24
Post by: Brute on April 29, 2021, 04:26:17
Post by: beryllium10 on April 29, 2021, 05:02:06
Post by: rosko on April 29, 2021, 14:25:52
Turdus philomelos
One of my fav birds : I enjoy to see, I enjoy to hear... ;)
Great shot !
Post by: ColinM on April 29, 2021, 18:05:31
Last Friday, I searched for the Peregrines and found they had been pushed out by these Canada Geese.
Having seen the care with which birds of this size take when coming in to land on water, or on solid ground, I'd have loved to see how they managed to get into these spots.
There are no horizontal ledges with easy access anywhere nearby. Also I don't think I've ever seen geese of this size hover, or glide slowly in a way which would have made landing here easy.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Post by: golunvolo on April 30, 2021, 21:31:45
D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 30, 2021, 21:46:27
Post by: Zang on May 05, 2021, 04:44:09
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 05, 2021, 09:34:50
Did you have your camera in the other hand?
Post by: chris dees on May 05, 2021, 22:50:07
Nikon D500 + 500PF and some cropping.
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 05, 2021, 23:42:09
NightingaleVery beautiful, colors, bird :)
Nikon D500 + 500PF and some cropping.
Post by: golunvolo on May 06, 2021, 00:21:53
Post by: elsid on May 06, 2021, 13:20:56
Post by: elsid on May 06, 2021, 13:28:56
Post by: elsid on May 06, 2021, 13:36:56
Post by: ColinM on May 16, 2021, 19:25:44
But (very wrapped up in feeding their brood) these were a bonus
Post by: Brute on May 23, 2021, 01:14:30
Ken, Three beautiful photos! The saturated colours really work and the timing is perfect on the first one. Cheers, John
Thank You
Post by: David H. Hartman on May 23, 2021, 03:16:21
Death From Above! Great Horned Owl! :o
Dave
Which reminds me of James Thurber's The Owl Who Was God.
To Wit...
To Woo... (https://www.alisonpask.de/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/thurber-the-owl.pdf)
Post by: golunvolo on May 30, 2021, 19:22:39
D300, 17-35mm 2.8 that I no longer have... sooc jpg
Post by: Hans_S on June 04, 2021, 05:08:56
Post by: ColinM on June 04, 2021, 08:44:48
Blue Winged Kookaburra, our largest Kingfisher. Z50, 50-250Z
What a character Hans!
Post by: Hans_S on June 05, 2021, 01:57:06
Post by: Brute on June 06, 2021, 18:29:12
Post by: Hans_S on June 08, 2021, 06:15:29
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 08, 2021, 08:05:32
Ken amazing yellow! What is your set up, 500Pf?
Post by: Hans_S on June 08, 2021, 09:17:29
Not a 500pf but the 50-250Z on a Z50...at 250mm, f8, 1/1600 in this case.
Yes, that is a rather pure yellow! The little beastie is a New Holland Honeyeater, quite common around here including in the urban areas.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 08, 2021, 21:18:02
I am thinking for 50-250 what is your experience with the lens?
Post by: Hans_S on June 09, 2021, 03:20:37
Edit...oops, looks like I responded to your comment to Ken , my appologies.
Post by: Brute on June 09, 2021, 03:54:29
very nice Hans!
Ken amazing yellow! What is your set up, 500Pf?
Thank You
Yes the 500 5.6 PF on the D 500.
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on June 13, 2021, 09:50:17
Nikon Z7II + FTZ + TC-20EIII + AFS 500/4 G IF-ED VR on tripod; processed in NX Studio.
Post by: chris dees on June 13, 2021, 16:01:33
Z6II + 500PF + 1.4x TCIII
ISO18.000, F8, 1/60 (on tripod)
Got one of the/his female as well, but at ISO25.600 and not as nice.
Post by: Netr on June 16, 2021, 07:38:19
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 16, 2021, 07:55:32
NZ falcon, Maori name Karearea. This bird features on the NZ $20 note.
Post by: Akira on June 17, 2021, 12:13:59
(Hope it doesn't violate the rule here.)
Post by: Akira on June 17, 2021, 12:15:08
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 18, 2021, 00:05:55
Lucky this day a lot of different birds and a white first time so close and taking breakfast too!
Z50 200-500
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 18, 2021, 06:26:29
Wannabee flamingo.
Post by: Hans_S on June 18, 2021, 08:18:29
Great flamingo Akira!I like that third one Naxos, a seagull dipped in chocolate! ;D
Lucky this day a lot of different birds and a white first time so close and taking breakfast too!
Z50 200-500
Post by: Akira on June 18, 2021, 12:29:11
Great flamingo Akira!
Thank you, Nasos!
Nah mate - it is not a flamingo - it is lunch! :P
Oh, boy, I feel sympathy for him...
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 25, 2021, 17:53:46
Sparrow with a seventies look
Post by: ColinM on June 25, 2021, 21:09:14
Red-necked Grebe.
I've not seen this variety of Grebe before Kim. What wonderful smooth feathers down its neck.
Are you finding NX Studio much of an improvement over earlier Nikon s/w?
Common Kingfisher (male)
ISO18.000, F8, 1/60 (on tripod)
Initially I was surprised you'd set the ISO so high Chris....until I saw what shutter speed you were working with.
I've not seen many Kingfishers stay still enough for long enough to allow this - even using a tripod!
NZ falcon, Maori name Karearea.
That's a really appealing pose you've caught this one in Netr.
Almost Peekaboo style!
By the way, can I just say how jealous I am of those of you using the 500PF - especially on a D500
Life's been too busy recently, but when get more time I may rent one for a few weekend trips to see if I'm worthy of one :)
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on July 05, 2021, 22:43:28
Nikon D500 + 300mm f/4 PF + TC-17 E-II, 1/500s, f/6,7, ISO 200
Post by: beryllium10 on July 15, 2021, 19:16:01
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 19, 2021, 15:43:58
Kim - Unusual photo! I had to look twice - neat how the markings on the beak and even some of the feather patterns mimic the rippling pattern in the background. Cheers, JohnNice, it happened to me also!
Post by: Brute on July 23, 2021, 02:36:19
Post by: Brute on August 15, 2021, 02:36:59
Kept flying away. Never got to see it finish it's meal.
Post by: Andrew on August 27, 2021, 17:00:57
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on September 03, 2021, 18:28:05
Post by: Hugh_3170 on September 04, 2021, 09:19:28
Post by: golunvolo on September 05, 2021, 12:27:00
Z6, 24-70mm f4s
Post by: golunvolo on September 30, 2021, 23:34:03
Post by: golunvolo on November 01, 2021, 21:54:22
There are some people living in the beach, under the protection of the building. One of them came to see what I was doing -here in the picture- making the birds fly away. It took some time for them to get close to me again. I had the aid of another woman living there that comes to feed with bread the seagulls. That helped.
Z6, 58mm 1.4g
Post by: Zang on November 03, 2021, 00:50:03
Post by: Brute on November 03, 2021, 01:09:51
Post by: mxbianco on November 04, 2021, 00:29:25
Poecile palustris, Livigno, Oct.2021
Nikon Df, AFS-VR Nikkor 28-300mm/3.5-5.6 @300mm. Uncropped, focusing distance 2.2 m
Flew very near to inquire on my traversing its territory.
Ciao from Massimo
Post by: ColinM on November 07, 2021, 21:23:03
Post by: Tom Hook on November 07, 2021, 23:27:18
Post by: ColinM on November 08, 2021, 12:35:10
The Choughs were really playful.
In the past I've also watched a pair of Ravens playing in the updraft by a cliff, diving, rolling, tumbling and soaring, just for the sheer hell of it.
Post by: rosko on November 08, 2021, 14:55:06
Nice one Kim. Nice lighting, reflections, and bird in mid-step.
+1
Post by: rosko on November 08, 2021, 14:58:38
Yes there was tons of deep, guttural croaking
The Choughs were really playful.
In the past I've also watched a pair of Ravens playing in the updraft by a cliff, diving, rolling, tumbling and soaring, just for the sheer hell of it.
Great serie, Colin !
Post by: Tom Hook on November 10, 2021, 03:28:39
Post by: beryllium10 on November 10, 2021, 06:30:16
Post by: Brute on November 21, 2021, 02:01:33
Post by: Brute on November 25, 2021, 17:03:51
Post by: rosko on November 28, 2021, 12:21:37
Post by: golunvolo on November 28, 2021, 12:24:21
Post by: elsid on November 28, 2021, 14:01:33
Post by: elsid on November 28, 2021, 14:06:04
Post by: Brute on November 29, 2021, 04:32:57
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 29, 2021, 17:34:23
Post by: elsid on November 29, 2021, 18:26:20
Post by: rosko on December 01, 2021, 14:04:13
That goldfinch has attitude!
Paco, Nasos, thanks for commenting !
Post by: Jan Anne on December 11, 2021, 18:15:29
Not the sharpest as they were hastily shot trough my kitchen window at ISO6400 while working from home.
Post by: ColinM on December 11, 2021, 23:41:07
Not the sharpest as they were hastily shot trough my kitchen window at ISO6400 while working from home.
Both nice and the Robin is pretty sharp and caught at a nice angle.
Were these at the long end of the 200-500mm we've been talking about?
Post by: Hans_S on December 15, 2021, 00:50:21
Post by: Jan Anne on December 15, 2021, 10:23:41
Both nice and the Robin is pretty sharp and caught at a nice angle.Thanks and yes, the pheasant is as shot and the robin is a slight crop.
Were these at the long end of the 200-500mm we've been talking about?
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 25, 2021, 21:15:14
Be the right time and right moment is very important
Z50 200-500
Post by: Jan Anne on December 25, 2021, 22:57:01
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 25, 2021, 23:42:54
I was out with a friend for two hours before lunch and after making a lot of photos with birds staying far from us
It was the lucky hour finding this bird fishing near us
We made some photos from inside the car not disturbing it and after some time we continue outside, then it decided to leave to find a quieter place 8)
I also upload some photos from the same hike
Last one z6 24-70 f4
Post by: Jan Anne on December 26, 2021, 00:19:43
Thank you Jan Anne :)Happy that at least one of us got some amazing images of this amazing bird :)
I was out with a friend for two hours before lunch and after making a lot of photos with birds staying far from us
It was the lucky hour finding this bird fishing near us
We made some photos from inside the car not disturbing it and after some time we continue outside, then it decided to leave to find a quieter place 8)
Post by: Brute on December 28, 2021, 22:42:34
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 07, 2022, 22:07:10
Yesterday’s photos z50 Nikon 200-500
Post by: golunvolo on January 10, 2022, 00:50:59
D200 ir, 70-300mm vr
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 16:09:54
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 17:47:08
Post by: HCS on January 10, 2022, 20:46:43
Gyps fulvus
Wowsa! That is one formidable bird. Vulture, i presume?
Nice images.
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 21:22:58
Shot with the D850+TC 1.4 III+300mm PF.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 10, 2022, 21:54:11
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 22:42:27
Post by: golunvolo on January 10, 2022, 22:45:36
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 22:58:59
Post by: Andrew on January 11, 2022, 10:04:59
Post by: elsid on January 11, 2022, 18:08:03
Post by: Jan Anne on January 11, 2022, 18:10:42
Whipped out the Sony a7IV with the 200-600mm and let it rip. Got some decent shots but the lesson of today is that I really need to have the camera ready to go BEFORE I move into position as a large bird like an egret can become small in the frame very quickly, even though it was shot at 600mm.
4K crop from a 7K file, downsized to 2K.
Post by: ColinM on January 12, 2022, 19:34:12
Though this is a dangerous vantage point (you've captured one droplet, but it could have been worse!)
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 12, 2022, 20:48:32
D500 500/5.6 PF
Post by: beryllium10 on January 15, 2022, 04:47:44
Cheers, John
Post by: elsid on January 15, 2022, 07:12:11
Post by: elsid on January 15, 2022, 07:19:45
Post by: fentriss on January 15, 2022, 11:40:44
Robin after taking a bath.Oh! how cute is that!? and, the name is Robin? ..no more words.. bye bye,richard
Post by: elsid on January 15, 2022, 14:44:57
Post by: golunvolo on January 18, 2022, 15:00:27
D5, 300mm 2.8 vr II
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 18, 2022, 15:17:40
From my last birding walk, all z50 200-500 and 300pf
Post by: elsid on January 18, 2022, 19:18:55
Post by: elsid on January 18, 2022, 19:21:53
Post by: Matthew Currie on January 19, 2022, 04:00:50
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on January 19, 2022, 09:34:37
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on January 22, 2022, 22:45:46
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 22, 2022, 22:51:03
fowl
D3s, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 23, 2022, 02:13:16
From the outdoor studio today - European robin:
Post by: elsid on January 23, 2022, 12:12:14
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 23, 2022, 18:47:42
Nice Buzzard too, I never had the chance to see such birds :o
Z50 with 300pf +1.4x first two , others 200-500+1.4x
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on January 24, 2022, 19:52:44
Nice Robin did you used a flash?Yes, 3 SB-5000: one high to the left and one low to the right both with transparent white umbrellas; and the third was used to lighten the background. In addition, I shot against the sun.
Post by: Matthew Currie on January 24, 2022, 20:10:27
Post by: Brute on January 25, 2022, 17:45:58
Post by: beryllium10 on January 26, 2022, 16:16:04
Cheers, John
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 28, 2022, 17:51:42
Today’s photos, same bird with z50 300pf+ 1.4x kenko DG300
Much more lighter setup than with 200-500 and about the same IQ with less reach
Post by: elsid on January 29, 2022, 19:58:18
Post by: Jan Anne on January 29, 2022, 22:32:35
I was shooting stationary birds at low shutter speeds, low ISO and single point AF when this seagull swooped in, simply moved the thumb over to the other AF-ON button and the camera switched gears to 1/3200th, aperture wideopen, center weighed auto ISO, continues drive and wide area AF with tracking on the stickiest setting.
Played around with different crops but somehow the image looked best as shot to keep as much of the dark clouds in the frame.
Post by: Jan Anne on January 29, 2022, 23:14:37
I met the warden on my last visit though and he is going to show me around a bit so hopefully we can find a location with better light at the end of the day.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 30, 2022, 20:59:43
Nice seagull Jan Anne with beautiful dark clouds
I was lucky today, I took an hour trip and while entering another town by the sea I sow this beautiful bird ;)
I dint miss the change and hit from the car window 8)
In order to not disturb the bird I jumped to my photo bag from the inside of the car :o
Z50 200-500
Post by: golunvolo on January 30, 2022, 23:40:55
Z6, 135mm 2.8 ai
Post by: elsid on January 31, 2022, 07:20:36
Post by: elsid on January 31, 2022, 08:21:27
Post by: golunvolo on January 31, 2022, 11:03:51
Very nice image Paco (composition, coloring)
Thank you. With the 135mm 2.8 ai it was an experience
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 31, 2022, 12:08:20
They were circling for some time around that same spot.
Z6, 135mm 2.8 ai
Excellent composition!
Post by: golunvolo on January 31, 2022, 14:02:00
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 31, 2022, 19:47:03
Thank you. With the 135mm 2.8 ai it was an experienceSome years ago I was a manual lens fun
Now all manual focus lens are sitting on the shelf, I can understand your "experience"
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 31, 2022, 19:50:44
Post by: ColinM on January 31, 2022, 20:29:40
The Seagull posted above was a nice warm up for the tracking skills but the real treat is the colony of cormorants
..... the low winter sun is a bit of a struggle though
Hi Jan, I've not been keeping up recently, but assume these were taken with the new'ish x-600m zoom on your Sony?
I'm interested to know the shutter speeds you used and how much you cropped (not much on the seagull it seems)?
I'm sure my results would be no better, but to my eye it seems like the seagull isn't as sharp as the wonderful shot of the cormorants? I'm guessing tracking BIF introduces additional challenges etc.
It would be lovely to hear any other findings from your early use of this combo, ergonomics, balance during a long days shooting etc
Post by: Jan Anne on January 31, 2022, 20:53:16
Post by: elsid on January 31, 2022, 21:13:41
Post by: Jan Anne on January 31, 2022, 21:15:14
Hi Jan, I've not been keeping up recently, but assume these were taken with the new'ish x-600m zoom on your Sony?The images were indeed taken with the Sony a7IV and 200-600mm lens. The Seagull is uncropped, the first cormorant is a 6K crop from a 7K file and the second was cropped at 5250 pixels by 3500. But somehow I loose a lot of sharpness when exporting these pics from Affinity at 2160 pixels on the long end, I am kind of used to apps which resharpen on export so need to look into that a little more.
I'm interested to know the shutter speeds you used and how much you cropped (not much on the seagull it seems)?
I'm sure my results would be no better, but to my eye it seems like the seagull isn't as sharp as the wonderful shot of the cormorants? I'm guessing tracking BIF introduces additional challenges etc.
It would be lovely to hear any other findings from your early use of this combo, ergonomics, balance during a long days shooting etc
That said, the “VR” on the Sony 200-600mm is not as good as the 200-500VR with the D500 which doesn’t help with an even longer lens, the consensus seems to be to switch OSS off for most situations above 1/1000th or so whereas the 200-500VR never gave me blurry images at high speeds and also did a better job at better stabilizing the image at low shutter speeds.
But these are early days, there’s so many more AF options and setups to figure out than on the D500 and some can really ruin the outcome.
Post by: Tom Hook on February 01, 2022, 22:36:14
The images were indeed taken with the Sony a7IV and 200-600mm lens. The Seagull is uncropped, the first cormorant is a 6K crop from a 7K file and the second was cropped at 5250 pixels by 3500. But somehow I loose a lot of sharpness when exporting these pics from Affinity at 2160 pixels on the long end, I am kind of used to apps which resharpen on export so need to look into that a little more.
That said, the “VR” on the Sony 200-600mm is not as good as the 200-500VR with the D500 which doesn’t help with an even longer lens, the consensus seems to be to switch OSS off for most situations above 1/1000th or so whereas the 200-500VR never gave me blurry images at high speeds and also did a better job at better stabilizing the image at low shutter speeds.
But these are early days, there’s so many more AF options and setups to figure out than on the D500 and some can really ruin the outcome.
Jan Anne,
I have the same problem with the loss of sharpness. NX Studio looks fine until export. Here's a shot I took today and it looks flat and indistinct when compared to its pre-export version. I have tried various adjustments and nothing seems to resolve the problem. I would appreciate you sharing any solutions you might discover.
Thanks, Tom
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 03, 2022, 12:18:53
D500 500/5.6PF
Post by: golunvolo on February 03, 2022, 12:45:40
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 03, 2022, 19:25:55
It looks unreal. What a characterI do agree, unreal
The metal tower seems to be spot for birds
Tom very nice robin
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 03, 2022, 22:50:51
Post by: Snoogly on February 04, 2022, 08:31:52
The video is legend!
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/04/kleptomaniac-new-zealand-parrot-steals-gopro-films-airborne-escape
Post by: Snoogly on February 04, 2022, 08:32:34
Thanks, guys. With more context:
Mad Max!
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 05, 2022, 21:41:23
Mad Max!So true :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 05, 2022, 22:00:25
Although this is going off topic somewhat, I wanted to post it here as a warning to you all to keep an eye on your camera while birding.Very funny story I can’t imagine a bird take my Nikon 200-500 2,3kg lens away ;D
The video is legend!
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/04/kleptomaniac-new-zealand-parrot-steals-gopro-films-airborne-escape
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 05, 2022, 22:18:21
There is a story behind these photos, we were walking very carefully with a friend for birding when we show a buzzard near by a dead ship :o
The bird flew away and stood on a tree for a while
We were so shocked that was not so easy to help the camera to find best focus behind the tree >:(
Z50 200-500
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 06, 2022, 22:12:04
Post by: ColinM on February 07, 2022, 20:29:55
My first Hawk :)To my eyes, this looks like a buzzard (though I am not familiar with the hawks of Greece)
I saw quite a few of these, plus some Red Kites yesterday.
I've yet to review the shots, but don't think any were as close or as clear as these.
Nice work Nasos.
Post by: ColinM on February 07, 2022, 23:06:07
Though I was closer than I've managed on many occasions, the ratio of keepers wasn't very high.
This is a crop of about a quarter of the frame, D500 300mm PF & TC14 bright direct winter sunlight
I think I need some more time practicing technique when the birds are almost directly above me & moving fast.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 08, 2022, 00:03:38
You may be right after a search for the Greek name I found to be a buteo buteo so it’s a buzzard
My little, light and quiet z50 is not good for BIF but it’s not easy for me to go back to DSLR 8)
I do many shots with a few keepers >:(
300pf + 1.4x it’s a nice combination but I use 200-500 for reach
I attach the full crop frame shots for reference
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 08, 2022, 08:04:48
I watched some Red Kites Wheeling & swooping in the high winds on SundayThat’s my problem I always thing that the bird is near and OK to shot but later I discover the opposite ;D
Though I was closer than I've managed on many occasions, the ratio of keepers wasn't very high.
This is a crop of about a quarter of the frame, D500 300mm PF & TC14 bright direct winter sunlight
I think I need some more time practicing technique when the birds are almost directly above me & moving fast.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome
I also need practicing for Birds in flight, my technique simply not exist ;D
Post by: ColinM on February 08, 2022, 08:31:36
300pf + 1.4x it’s a nice combination but I use 200-500 for reach
I understand and believe you're correct. Its not the latest version of the TC
Before this summer, I plan to rent the 500mm PF (ill never be able to afford to buy one)
I also want to try the 200-500 as I've seen so much good work with it.
However, I believe the zoom option adds more weight, also I don't know how often I'd use the 200mm end of the range.
I attach the full crop frame shots for reference
Thanks
Actually this is an example of the drawbacks of cropping.
The view of the buzzard in flight looks pretty good initially, but when you zoom in, you can see details are not (quite) as sharp as they could be.
After experimentation I've changed to AF Area Mode: Dynamic Area (25 points) for my BIF as I realised I wasn't able to keep them in the centre of the frame accurately enough when in flight.
Despite shooting at 1/1250 and using f6.3 to get the best out of the TC combination, most of my shots on Sunday lack critical detail.
The EXIF readout says
"AF-C, at 32m, with a depth of field of about 1.4m, (from about 69cm before the focus point to about 72cm after)"
This bird was gliding. I wonder if my unsharp other shots (with more unpredictable flight) were just the AF just not being able to lock in accurately?
Post by: Ethan on February 08, 2022, 10:09:57
Matshona Dhliwayo (paraphrased)
(https://i.imgur.com/PYDlrZl.jpg)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 08, 2022, 18:54:04
Colin which exit data program you use? I checked exif data from Z50 and distance data was zero
Post by: ColinM on February 08, 2022, 20:33:11
Colin which exit data program you use? I checked exif data from Z50 and distance data was zero
I haven't used a locally installed EXIF reader for years.
This time I just used the first online one that came up on Google
Jeffrey's Image Metadata Viewer
http://exif.regex.info/exif.cgi
I don't know how reliable it is. There was an intriguing section about depth of field which I wasn't expecting
Post by: ColinM on February 10, 2022, 16:42:00
Including a British Buzzard, to say hello to the one Nasos posted
This was an interesting exercise in using NX Studio (I'm still learning the menus) and dealing with high contrast in the originals
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 10, 2022, 23:27:57
Today I tried out 300pf + 2x on z50 in the field and I was amazed :)
I had the chance to meet a Falco naumanni that was standing up and made some shots from 30-40m away, that was the distance that the bird allow me to approach two times
The drawback is that the system is very slow for BIF
Phoenicurus ochruros Also pose for me multiple times
My 200-500 will stay home for long 8)
Post by: golunvolo on February 11, 2022, 00:59:19
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 11, 2022, 22:55:41
I got them!
Kestrel couple, female on the right and other two photos
This time the bird allow me to shot from 20-25m
Amazing bird , I am hooked 8)
Same setup z50 300pf+tc 2x III
Ps: I know there was a piece of dust on my sensor
Post by: John Geerts on February 12, 2022, 08:06:16
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 12, 2022, 18:29:39
Almond tree with bird may be a chaffinch
Z6 300pf
Post by: beryllium10 on February 14, 2022, 17:13:59
Cheers, John
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 14, 2022, 18:37:29
Nasos - beautiful photos! Glad to hear you're hooked. It's addictive, but totally rewarding.Very true!
Cheers, John
Thank you
Post by: rosko on February 14, 2022, 22:08:28
Well done! ;)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 15, 2022, 20:04:05
Some more little birds z50 200-500
Two Sparrows , Chloris chloris and Phoenicurus ochruros
Post by: ColinM on February 15, 2022, 21:44:39
Nice buzzard Colin! And you pull out colors, it’s nice like this :)
Today I tried out 300pf + 2x on z50 in the field and I was amazed :)
Thanks Nasos.
Actually between the different birds flying that day, the colours of their plumage varied a lot.
From some angles, the harsh winter sun made it hard to handle both shadow & highlights areas and I had to pull up the shadows a lot in PP
But with the second bird, the sun just made his bronze plumage glow :)
And its fascinating to hear you & other photographers getting good results & usability with the latest versions of Nikons TC2.
Like the latest pictures you've shared too: your 200-500mm is still locking focus well
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 16, 2022, 21:51:58
The tc 2x III is a very good performer but the it’s the lens in front of it that takes the prize
And its fascinating to hear you & other photographers getting good results & usability with the latest versions of Nikons TC2.
Like the latest pictures you've shared too: your 200-500mm is still locking focus well
The 300pf is an excellent lens if focuses right and no VR issues
It over-resolves z50 sensor and the fact that can work on 2x tc so well means that if we had a double Mpix sensor it would still be Fine, in the limits but OK
On the other hand 200-500 is almost in the limits on z50
200-500 is very good when the subject is near and I had no issues, almost all my shots was OK on these little birds, I was inside the car and I could go near the action
If you compare shots from 200-500 on 500mm and 300pf + 2x you may see more details on 600 but the contrast is excellent on 500
Anyway the two solutions are about equal, if you want to make a difference you must step up to 500pf +tc
I post some more little birds shots
The two in the middle is Crested Lark
Post by: elsid on February 16, 2022, 22:43:09
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on February 17, 2022, 09:44:06
red-crested pochard (Netta rufina)Beautiful images!
Post by: ColinM on February 17, 2022, 12:31:09
Oh, tell me if you ever want to sell the 200-500mm :)
Elsid, your Pochard is wonderful too
Post by: elsid on February 17, 2022, 12:39:26
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 17, 2022, 17:42:06
Great color too!
Post by: elsid on February 17, 2022, 19:50:16
Post by: elsid on February 17, 2022, 20:25:37
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 19, 2022, 22:36:00
No little birds today but lucky to see a Little Egret fishing by the sea side
I used -1.7 stop for the whites and 200-500 + 1.4x kenko for a bit of lower contrast comparing to 300 pf
Z50 f11 iso100 no crop
Post by: Tom Hook on February 20, 2022, 00:50:37
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 20, 2022, 18:03:11
I do like this colors combination also and it could be better if I could take the shot in the sea level to see the surface of the blue sea as it was a very nice and sunny day :)
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on February 20, 2022, 22:18:04
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 23, 2022, 00:14:37
I got hooked by the Kestrel couple, here is the male with a little help of AI
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 25, 2022, 20:35:39
Post by: beryllium10 on February 26, 2022, 05:56:23
Cheers, John
Post by: Jan Anne on February 26, 2022, 10:59:35
Post by: golunvolo on February 26, 2022, 15:17:02
Love the crow image, very well exposed with a lovely and interesting background.Ditto. Love the action too.
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 26, 2022, 16:14:56
So often a crow is just a hole in your photo. Today some nice afternoon light to give them some definition.Very nice, lightning and action, well done.
Cheers, John
Post by: beryllium10 on February 26, 2022, 19:07:02
Cheers again, John
Post by: Tom Hook on February 26, 2022, 22:42:43
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 27, 2022, 10:08:28
The prize is worth the try Tom :)
Z50 200-500 for reach on these European Serin and Common chaffinch female and male
Post by: golunvolo on February 27, 2022, 16:05:31
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 28, 2022, 20:05:09
flying Kestrel and a male European greenfinch same setup
Post by: ColinM on February 28, 2022, 20:51:14
So often a crow is just a hole in your photo. Today some nice afternoon light to give them some definition.
This is superb John.
Great exposure plus a complementary background
Post by: chris dees on March 02, 2022, 14:22:04
These are shot at a green spot in the city.
Male and female Common Kingfisher.
Z6II, 500PF, 1.4x TCIII, heavy cropped.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 02, 2022, 15:17:30
Kingfisher is one of my favorite birds that I didn’t had the chance to have a good shot like these!
Lens?
Post by: beryllium10 on March 02, 2022, 18:23:06
Cheers, John
Post by: ColinM on March 02, 2022, 22:09:50
A few from this morning.
These are shot at a green spot in the city.
Male and female Common Kingfisher.
Lovely kingfishers Chris.
Can you tell us what you used to capture them?
I've only ever encountered them whilst walking along riverbanks so usually just yet a fleeting glimpse
Post by: chris dees on March 03, 2022, 09:44:42
Colin, I updated the post with the used gear.
They are very shy and you have to sit very still not to disturb them. They breed in the riverbanks.
These two were preparing their nest.
The males are a bit more colorful than the females. Their blue is "blue-er" :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 03, 2022, 17:57:01
The males are a bit more colorful than the females. Their blue is "blue-er" :)That blue I like the most :)
Female Phoenicurus ochruros under the early morning light
300pf + 2x III Z50 std profile jpeg with a little crop no other edit
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 06, 2022, 13:48:30
200-500 plus tc20eIII on DX no crop
Post by: golunvolo on March 06, 2022, 14:38:18
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 06, 2022, 19:46:25
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 06, 2022, 20:28:45
I use to down scale images in LR on an IPad thus I used a vivid profile for color and some 0,5 stop plus on a cloudy day
AF is OK even with F11 on Z50, I use pin point AF-S for perched birds but not for BIF It’s very difficult with an 2x TC
Data 1/400 f16 1250iso handheld
Post by: golunvolo on March 06, 2022, 21:07:35
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 08, 2022, 22:42:38
Post by: beryllium10 on March 09, 2022, 06:34:43
Post by: Matthew Currie on March 09, 2022, 17:01:21
Post by: Brute on March 11, 2022, 18:10:24
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 13, 2022, 12:27:07
Nasos, your small birds are splendid. You must be both patient and stealthy! I tend to confine myself to the larger ones, like the herons now gathering in our local park. There are about 40-50 so far, but the colony will likely grow to its usual size of about 50-55 pairs in the next few weeks. They're starting to settle into last year's nests, but there will be plenty of squabbling over mates and real estate for a while yet. Nice light this afternoon, with a bit of veiled sunlight making its way through scattered clouds. This with the 500 mm PF at f/5.6.Thank you John I mostly shoot small birds that.. available round me :)
Yesterday we spend some time into a local park and it was a good choice as we show a lot of different birds :)
Among them we had the chance to see early coming swallows, I now realize how difficult is to shoot them if you don’t own a Z9 ;D
Barn swallow Z50 with 300pf in flight and 200-500 standing
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 13, 2022, 13:28:02
Post by: Tom Hook on March 17, 2022, 20:56:29
I love ducks almost as much as I love warblers.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 22, 2022, 20:48:42
Here is a Sylvia melanocephala calling for a mate, in the series of “imprisoned” birds ;D
Z50 300pf TC 20e III
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 23, 2022, 21:25:03
Z 50 200-500 plus 1.4x
Post by: Brute on March 23, 2022, 23:31:39
Post by: Tom Hook on March 24, 2022, 01:41:41
Tis the season.
Post by: ColinM on March 24, 2022, 21:51:48
Cowbird....!The hulk is impressively sharp & moody, the bird less so,
but you get bonus points for lateral thinking Brute :P
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 24, 2022, 22:12:05
Here is a black redstart like my last previous shot, same setup :)
Post by: chris dees on March 26, 2022, 09:54:53
It looks like they are breading now. There's always one in/on the nest.
Normally the change is in a fraction of a second, but this time I was lucky and the female stayed 1-2 seconds at the opening. ;D ;D
Z6II + 500PF
ISO2200, F5.6, 1/2000
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 26, 2022, 11:58:08
Speaking for Kingfishers here is my try in this very suspicious bird, I was behind a bush trying to hide myshelf but not lucky for a good shoot :(
First two is the same bird With 200-500 plus 1.4e, third is another I used TC 20e III for this it was more far for my usual set up
I see some change in color and shape can you help me identify male or female?
Thanks
Post by: Brute on March 26, 2022, 16:17:58
The hulk is impressively sharp & moody, the bird less so,;) lol Thanks Colin
but you get bonus points for lateral thinking Brute :P
Maybe this Mule Deer and Magpies are a little better.
Post by: Randy Stout on March 26, 2022, 21:26:19
This common loon had just surfaced and was adorned with delicate strands of water drops. I am so looking forward to them returning to Michigan.
D4. 600 f/4. Taken from my boat.
Cheers
Randy
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 27, 2022, 09:50:33
Post by: Birna Rørslett on March 27, 2022, 13:41:02
Post by: Hugh_3170 on March 27, 2022, 13:58:33
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 27, 2022, 16:54:39
You do a great job with your setup on the boat and that’s 100% for that kind of shooting in the lake!
Keep on raise the bar and give us great shots and shooting inshights :)
Post by: Randy Stout on March 27, 2022, 17:01:24
I am really looking forward to using the Z9 this season. Most of the time loons don't require a high frame rate, but when you get the relatively rare chance to capture a take off or landing, or a territorial battle, 20 fps sounds like a great option. Plus I am curious to see how the TCs will work with the Z9 on my 600 VR.
Randy
Post by: beryllium10 on April 07, 2022, 09:05:42
Herons here have mostly paired up and are busy with nest repairs and renovation. Here, some impressive - and unimpressive - timber en route to the treetops. The second heron (carrying the small stick) obliged by flying past a backdrop of rhododendron/azalea colours. I quite like the way they're rendered by the 500 mm PF, but I think they'd have been magical at f/4 on the conventional 500.
Our local ospreys are due back from winter holidays on the 12th - lots of work ahead for them to get their nest back in shape. They're as industrious as the herons and have some quirky tastes in nest material - always amusing to watch.
Cheers, John
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 07, 2022, 18:37:32
Lucky to see a kestrel by the nest, it was impressive, we even heard the chicks squizing for food :)
Z6 200-500 plus 1.4e
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 07, 2022, 18:56:49
I know is not a kind of special but is my first :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 10, 2022, 16:33:02
Z6 200-500 tc 20e III first one no crop
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 10, 2022, 19:11:23
Post by: Tom Hook on April 10, 2022, 20:42:05
Woodchat shrike is a new comer :)Nice shots of the Shrike, it reminds me the species we have here, most particularly that hooked bill. Do yours hang their prey on such things as barbed wire and thorns to then eat? Literally a killer bird!
Z6 200-500 tc 20e III first one no crop
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 10, 2022, 22:15:29
The first time I show such a bird about three weeks ago, it had a strange behavior, normally standing on a wire and from time to time goes down to some bushes stays some seconds and come back to about the same place ;)
It stayed for a while on the wire up until I had time to reach and see the red head and the big eye and then I realized thats a new bird for me ;D :o
I am at the beginning of this learning curve
Post by: golunvolo on April 10, 2022, 23:02:51
Post by: beryllium10 on April 11, 2022, 05:16:00
Our local ospreys came back early this year. I wasn't expecting them until Tuesday, but both were back at their nest on Saturday morning. Winter storms are hard on the unattended nest, and there's always a lot of repair work to be done when they return. Sticks come from the woods across the bay - they never pick up and re-use the old ones scattered on the ground below - and they bring grass, moss and water-weed for carpeting. Weeks of enjoyment watching them ahead.
Rain squalls, cold winds and hail on Saturday to welcome them back, but a few nice pictures from the intervening sun-breaks. All cropped, the first very heavily. All taken with a D850 and the miraculous 500 mm PF.
Cheers, John
Post by: elsid on April 11, 2022, 13:27:51
A Clamator glandarius taking off.
Post by: Luc on April 11, 2022, 21:07:20
Nikon Z6 + Nikkor Z 24-70mm f4 S
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51997902466_bc9a19c1c8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ndSQPL)Z6_DSC9051 (https://flic.kr/p/2ndSQPL) by Luc de Schepper (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lucdeschepper/), on Flickr
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 12, 2022, 10:52:41
Excellent shot of Ospreys lucky to have them in your area and you are right 500 pf is miraculous, I am searching for a copy, I believe now with the 800pf it will be easier to find ;)
Elias very good use of the new Z9
Luc the photo is very cute and the little bird also
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 12, 2022, 13:06:16
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10387.0;attach=53435;image)
Thanks to Birna for help with editing the photo for upload.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 12, 2022, 16:25:28
I really enjoy this photo of the rare birds..
End of January after a snow storm-yes it happened in a part of Greece and Athens also - thirty birds like these was “escaped” from a local park and spread across the area
Many local birders spot them as I read on fb, I don’t know if some of them found as it’s not easy to survive there born and raised in the this park
Post by: beryllium10 on April 13, 2022, 07:14:42
Luc - how does he (or she) choose which house to nest in? Elias - fine little bird.
Nasos - good luck with your search for a 500 PF. For years I used the 300 mm f/4 with TC-14II (hence 420 mm f/5.6) very happily. The 300 mm f/4 is a superb lens and there is hardly any loss of image quality with the TC. They're going very cheap nowadays.
Cheers, John
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 13, 2022, 22:34:22
Nasos - good luck with your search for a 500 PF. For years I used the 300 mm f/4 with TC-14II (hence 420 mm f/5.6) very happily. The 300 mm f/4 is a superb lens and there is hardly any loss of image quality with the TC. They're going very cheap nowadays.John thank you for your suggestion, thanks to Elias I’ve got one and enjoy with all kinds of Nikon tcs :)
Cheers, John
Combined with my z50 and 20 tc III is a powerful and light compo I call it “my 600 PF” ;D
Post by: ColinM on April 15, 2022, 19:50:58
John thank you for your suggestion, thanks to Elias I’ve got one
Got a 500PF Nasos?
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 15, 2022, 21:56:03
Got a 500PF Nasos?No Colin I speak for 300pf :D
Otherwise I could said “ my 1000 PF “
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 18, 2022, 09:04:52
Post by: Andrew on April 18, 2022, 10:17:11
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 18, 2022, 20:29:57
An Anthus campestris shot on z6 200-500 plus 1.4e
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 19, 2022, 08:58:52
Post by: ColinM on April 19, 2022, 13:12:17
Iberian magpies loving corn seeds.
Superb Kim
I love the clarity & beautiful sense of action
Plus I've never seen this type of magpie before
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 20, 2022, 08:24:51
These species is mainly found in southern Spain and Portugal (a close relative is widespread in China). The actual place was a picnic area near El Rocio close to the nature reserve Coto Donana, southwest of Sevilla.
Post by: fentriss on April 23, 2022, 20:57:05
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 23, 2022, 21:26:54
Nice bird Richard and you managed to keep it near you the easiest way :)
Just the opposite for me I used 200-500 plus tc 20e III on Z6 iso2500 (50% crop) to bring it near from 25-30m
Spatula querquedula Female in front male in the back
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 23, 2022, 21:47:37
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 08:32:12
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 08:38:16
Post by: fentriss on April 24, 2022, 08:51:23
Aegithalos caudatus (long tailed tit) taking a bath.Hello Elsid: The 2nd one is phenomenal. Thanks for sharing those cute looking bird photo images. byebye richard
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 09:30:58
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 09:34:38
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 09:42:23
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 24, 2022, 10:59:25
How often you see an owl like this in broad daylight? I think it’s very seldom
And the Sylvia is among my favorite small birds!
Καλό Πάσχα!
Post by: golunvolo on April 24, 2022, 12:32:10
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 13:03:24
Post by: Dogman on April 24, 2022, 14:58:11
Post by: ColinM on April 26, 2022, 10:37:01
As a contrast, I will offer up a parking lot grackle--a source of endless entertainment for simple minds in a concrete environment. D700, 35/2D lens.
Nice one Dogman.
I once stopped at a UK motorway service station to grab a sandwich.
These places are usually full of seagull trying to steal food.
But this time, the car park was full of rooks.
One even came and sat on the open car door right next to me...
Post by: Dogman on April 26, 2022, 15:00:23
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 29, 2022, 22:30:50
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 29, 2022, 22:38:34
Post by: Tom Hook on May 02, 2022, 06:22:12
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 02, 2022, 08:30:04
Here in Greece the migration starts early March and I am lucky to see some spices of small birds earlier
As I am new in birding I am not so well informed about spices and numbers in my area :(
Here is a new spice for me : Northern wheatear- Oenanthe oenanthe , lucky to see and approach enough for some shots
Z6 200-500 at 700mm
Post by: Tom Hook on May 02, 2022, 12:54:15
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 02, 2022, 17:21:39
"The Alaskan birds travelled almost 15,000km (9,000 miles) each way - crossing Siberia and the Arabian Desert, and travelling, on average, 290km per day. "This is the longest recorded migration for a songbird as far as we know," said Dr Schmaljohann.
This is incredible flying machines where did they find such an energy to do so?
Speaking of songbirds I also shot this European robin singing on the top of a tree, I’ve got video also I must find a way to post
Post by: Tom Hook on May 04, 2022, 03:42:22
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 04, 2022, 21:42:46
There are different than the spices you can find here
Here is a male European serin and a male cirl bunting, same place and setup
Post by: Tom Hook on May 05, 2022, 05:58:57
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 07, 2022, 22:08:13
Here is a flycatcher new spice for me :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 07, 2022, 22:19:19
Post by: Tom Hook on May 10, 2022, 03:41:32
Post by: Tom Hook on May 10, 2022, 03:44:13
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 10, 2022, 10:02:41
Lucky to find an Ardeola ralloides today :)
You must be a regular visitor of a birdsanctuary, thank you Nasos.
Post by: Akira on May 10, 2022, 13:52:40
Lucky to find an Ardeola ralloides today :)
Very characteristic look. Thank your for sharing!
Triptych of a Yellow Warbler taking off in less than a second.
Beautiful series!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 10, 2022, 20:37:40
Ardeola Ralloides looks like the Green Heron found in these parts. The white wings are beautiful.I wiki Green Heron and yes the shape and size looks the same only the colors are different, thank you Tom
Fons you are right I go to a local park where there are many birds that was born and live there among other seasoning birds
Thank you Akira I find birds colors very beautiful :)
Post by: chris dees on May 10, 2022, 22:28:04
The parents are feeding the chicks now and looking at the fish they are going fast. :)
Z6II, 500PF
First: ISO14400 1/1000
Second: ISO4500 1/320
Post by: Tom Hook on May 11, 2022, 02:14:58
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 11, 2022, 18:55:20
Post by: ColinM on May 11, 2022, 20:32:17
Did you use some flash to help with shutter speed etc?
Triptych of a Yellow Warbler taking off in less than a second.
I love the way you've caught the Warbler in flight Tom.
That middle picture conveys the energy & burst of speed that was happening in front of you so well.
I'm not sure I've ever seen one of these (or if they're common in the UK)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 11, 2022, 21:38:48
Post by: chris dees on May 11, 2022, 22:34:19
The Kingfishers have their nest in a small local Parc in Amsterdam. ;D
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 11, 2022, 22:47:06
Lucky man you found the nest ;)
The Kingfishers have their nest in a small local Parc in Amsterdam. ;D
Here is a remake of #1196 Topaz Gigapixeled :o
no 800 Pf need...
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 11, 2022, 23:27:15
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 12, 2022, 00:07:48
Post by: ColinM on May 14, 2022, 20:03:20
Here is a remake of #1196 Topaz Gigapixeled :o
no 800 Pf need...
This is an excellent result Nasos.
The source file must have been pretty good to start with
(care to share an equivalent crop showing before & after Topaz GP?)
Post by: Tom Hook on May 16, 2022, 02:56:39
Nicely captured Kingfisher Chris.Thanks Colin, glad you liked it. The Yellow Warbler is a common Wood-Warbler here in the US . I don't think they show up much if at all in the UK. Being a completist when it comes to information on subjects I am interested in, I consulted my "Birds of Europe Second Edition" (Princeton Field Guide ISBN 978-0-691-14392-7) and there was no mention of the Yellow Warbler in their very extensive index. So, we stateside birders seem to have the pleasure of enjoying this fine little bird exclusively.
Did you use some flash to help with shutter speed etc?
I love the way you've caught the Warbler in flight Tom.
That middle picture conveys the energy & burst of speed that was happening in front of you so well.
I'm not sure I've ever seen one of these (or if they're common in the UK)
But then, we have no Nightingale :-\
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 16, 2022, 21:43:23
This is an excellent result Nasos.
The source file must have been pretty good to start with
(care to share an equivalent crop showing before & after Topaz GP?)
Here are the crops, I see some artifacts in the background I have to work on it 8)
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 18, 2022, 11:41:17
Eurasian blue tit, (Cyanistes caeruleus).
The damage on the birdnest is caused by the hammering of a lesser spotted woodpecker,
we had to chase off.
Z fc, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 18, 2022, 18:23:26
This is before and after for Colin :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 18, 2022, 18:35:47
May 18Very cute Fons and nice story :)
Eurasian blue tit, (Cyanistes caeruleus).
The damage on the birdnest is caused by the hammering of a lesser spotted woodpecker,
we had to chase off.
Z fc, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E
Just making some BIF attempts when spot a gull, but when I reviewed the shots I show this small fish on his mouth 8)
z50 300 PF 420mm f 7.1 1/3200 sec ISO 5000 with a help of AI
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 18, 2022, 19:32:04
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 18, 2022, 20:45:36
This is the next gull shot, full crop frame and if you see the prototype very blurry and unusable >:(
Thanks to AI I can use it
Post by: Tom Hook on May 19, 2022, 01:11:43
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 19, 2022, 11:34:39
Fons, Love your grumpy tit looking out from the Woodpecker-riddled entrance to its nest. Good detail on the bird.
Thank you Tom
Post by: ColinM on May 19, 2022, 21:06:46
The second one is very striking.
But though the wing detail seems much clearer, I wonder if the upper body now looks rather unreal?
Just making some BIF attempts when spot a gull, but when I reviewed the shots I show this small fish on his mouth
Wonderful :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 19, 2022, 22:08:37
You have to apply the minimum settings otherwise you get something like a very good painting..
But any way is a nice tool just need a wise use 8)
Post by: Bruno Schroder on May 22, 2022, 18:22:39
The Dipper is still there. It was heavily raining, the waterfall was creating a lot of fog and the Dipper stayed put to 25 minutes under a bridge before disappearing. I guess either it did not succeed in nesting, or the eggs have not hatched yet. We'll go back later this week.
I've posted another picture in the 2022 Scotland thread.
Post by: Snoogly on May 28, 2022, 10:22:01
I wanted to kill him back then, as my life was a misery - but now we are best buddies.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 13, 2022, 11:53:48
Lucky to shoot this Emberiza cirlus from a short distance just before lunch ;D
Z50 200-500 E f5.6 at 700mm
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 13, 2022, 12:22:29
pallid swift Z50 with 300pf plus 1.4x
Post by: ColinM on June 13, 2022, 22:03:17
After many many shots I got a good one ;)Given their speed and unpredictable flight paths, this is a great result Nasos
pallid swift Z50 with 300pf plus 1.4x
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 14, 2022, 23:13:03
Given their speed and unpredictable flight paths, this is a great result NasosThank you Colin I've got three sessions with more than 1000 shots and this is among the best
For Shure a quicker system is need to have better results
I also used z 24-70 f4 thats quicker but less reach
200-500 is even slower than 300 pf
Apart Z9 other mirrorless Nikons have not good performance for BIF, I started to think other systems than Nikon 8)
Post by: ColinM on June 15, 2022, 17:24:00
Time was when you pulled into a motorway service station for coffee, seagulls would fly down any try to steal your lunch.
But things have changed.......
(taken on my phone with no time to get the exposure right as they were sat right next to me)
Post by: Asle F on June 16, 2022, 18:44:11
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52151229628_febe11ca60_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nsqFDw)
fjellrupe (https://flic.kr/p/2nsqFDw) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: Øivind Tøien on June 17, 2022, 04:53:52
I like the inclusion of the rock, in spite of it likely not being a rock ptarmigan ("fjellrype") but a willow ptarmigan. :)
[...with reservation that behavior might have shown otherwise - hard to judge at this transition stage.]
Perhaps upload the image as attachment instead of just providing link to a page on the hosting site when direct linking does not work?
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 26, 2022, 11:57:58
This is Alectoris graeca that found in a rocky place an old abandon quarry
z50 200-500 plus some AI to enhance details on the feathers mostly on the second shot that's a high crop
Post by: Fons Baerken on June 26, 2022, 12:37:35
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 26, 2022, 15:24:34
What software are you referring to Nasos, execellent images btw ;)Thank you Fons :)
I am using Topaz Gigapixel, Denoise and Sharpen occasionally
Post by: Brute on July 04, 2022, 05:56:39
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 07, 2022, 22:09:09
Finally I joined the club of the 500pf owners :)
Not a big change from my 200-500 but I have better distance shots, a little higher contrast, excellent image from f 5.6 and 0,8 kg lighter ;)
Here are some Kestrel shots with significant crop, z50
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 07, 2022, 22:57:54
better definition and colors.. same day and time as 9215 shot
Post by: Brute on July 08, 2022, 06:11:59
Ken very nice birds!Thanks.
Finally I joined the club of the 500pf owners :)
Not a big change from my 200-500 but I have better distance shots, a little higher contrast, excellent image from f 5.6 and 0,8 kg lighter ;)
Here are some Kestrel shots with significant crop, z50
Nice shots of B I F.
Congratulations on the new lens. You are going to enjoy it :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 08, 2022, 16:04:35
Thanks.Thank you, I guess you already have the lens :)
Nice shots of B I F.
Congratulations on the new lens. You are going to enjoy it :)
Post by: ColinM on July 08, 2022, 17:35:55
Cinnamon Teal June 2022
Lovely preening shot Brute
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on July 08, 2022, 18:28:02
Post by: Brute on July 09, 2022, 04:26:02
Thank you, I guess you already have the lens :)
Yes a couple years now.
Lovely preening shot Brute
Thank You.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 09, 2022, 10:00:26
I don’t know if you ever used Z7, is Z7II much better for BIF, is there eye AF?
Regarding BIF I am not satisfied with the tracking my z50 and z6 have even in a blue sky as a background :(
I don’t use wide area L I find it very small to track a bird, I use afc with all Af area
With the use of 500pf it’s a little better but not good
It’s some time now I am thinking D500 but I don’t want to go DSLR again,
Canon released R7 with lots of specs -let’s wait to see it in real - but I don’t like picture quality it’s harsh and need to switch all my gear >:(
Been with Nikon since the beginning I think I have to wait 8)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 10, 2022, 22:21:18
Z50 500pf
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 10, 2022, 22:32:30
First is full frame second is crop, late afternoon light
Z6 500pf 700mm
Post by: golunvolo on July 10, 2022, 22:58:29
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 12, 2022, 07:22:42
Such beautiful portraits. The light and iq....Thank you Paco :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 16, 2022, 18:38:51
500pf, Nycticorax nycticorax
Second shot no crop
Post by: ColinM on July 16, 2022, 22:30:45
That lens is a marvel :)
500pf, Nycticorax nycticorax
Second shot no crop
Lovely, I can feel the swoop of its flight in these shots
The 500PF is growing on you Nasos
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 16, 2022, 23:01:28
Lovely, I can feel the swoop of its flight in these shotsThank you Colin :)
The 500PF is growing on you Nasos
Lucky to find this bird flying several times in the local park :)
Here are some other BIF with z50 500pf :)
Post by: ColinM on July 18, 2022, 18:38:34
I'm curious Nasos:
Would you say in images 1 & 3 that the body & trailing feet were sharper than the head?
I see detail in the feathers where the legs dissappear into the body that are sharper than on the head.
Of course this can happen for a variety of reasons, inc direction of flight, AF mode used etc etc.
I've had similar results (admittedly only with the 300mm PF + TC14 on the D500)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 19, 2022, 21:01:27
I checked with row files and I see no difference on these areas
Would you say in images 1 & 3 that the body & trailing feet were sharper than the head?
I see detail in the feathers where the legs dissappear into the body that are sharper than on the head.
Of course this can happen for a variety of reasons, inc direction of flight, AF mode used etc etc.
I've had similar results (admittedly only with the 300mm PF + TC14 on the D500)
But I do see on some shots a little blurry some times even on 1/4000 maybe the AF system is slower than the bird >:(
Anyway there is a long time until a mini z9 8)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 19, 2022, 21:42:29
Firstly we show this bird with food on mouth but we couldn’t understand the reason ;D
Later on we show a couple of epops feeding the chicks in the nest that was done in a hole of a tree 8)
That was new to me!
Post by: Akira on July 20, 2022, 00:56:37
Post by: John Geerts on July 20, 2022, 07:06:18
Post by: Bob Foster on July 27, 2022, 11:25:42
Image rather soft probably due to 40°C temperature and resultant convection current on this slope. D850, AF-S ED 500 D. 1/200, f5.6.
In addition to the usual diet of this species (seeds, beetles, bugs, larvae and so on) this individual appears to find paper wasps delicious.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 29, 2022, 17:24:48
Thank you Akira and John!
Post by: Bob Foster on July 29, 2022, 23:33:17
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 05, 2022, 16:55:01
I see now 200-500 is a very good lens :)
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 06, 2022, 15:15:15
Nikon 1 V3 + 300mm VR f/4E + TC 17E II @ 1/1000s f/10 ISO 800, handheld, processed in NX Studio.
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 06, 2022, 15:20:09
A little story about Upupa epopsVery nice series of the hoopoes!
Firstly we show this bird with food on mouth but we couldn’t understand the reason ;D
Later on we show a couple of epops feeding the chicks in the nest that was done in a hole of a tree 8)
That was new to me!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 06, 2022, 20:05:03
Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) juv.Thank you Kim, you manage to shoot a very nice little bird :)
Nikon 1 V3 + 300mm VR f/4E + TC 17E II @ 1/1000s f/10 ISO 800, handheld, processed in NX Studio.
How you find your little v1 shooting birds? Is there an evf?
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 06, 2022, 22:16:34
Thank you Kim, you manage to shoot a very nice little bird :)Thanks Nasos,
How you find your little v1 shooting birds? Is there an evf?
The Nikon 1 V3 is quite good for birds if the light is sufficient (i.e. high shutter speed and not too high ISO). I have the optional EVF.
Post by: Brute on August 10, 2022, 16:48:22
Post by: ColinM on August 11, 2022, 14:41:30
A Monticola Solitarious female back in June with z50 and 200-500 f 5.6 lens
I see now 200-500 is a very good lens :)
You always showed it at it's best
Is it sold yet Nasos?
Quote from: Kim
Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) juv.
I've seen plenty of amazing moon shots with the Nikon 1, but this is one of the best wildlife shots I've seen with it.
For portability & results, why did they never develop this product line further???
Compared to the Z series, these were usably compact
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 11, 2022, 23:36:04
You always showed it at it's bestNot yet Colin, I didn't try its vacation time
Is it sold yet Nasos?
I've seen plenty of amazing moon shots with the Nikon 1, but this is one of the best wildlife shots I've seen with it.
For portability & results, why did they never develop this product line further???
Compared to the Z series, these were usably compact
Nice Heron Ken
Great Egret with 500 pf plus 1.7 TC on Z50 with Topaz denoise
Post by: ColinM on August 12, 2022, 08:59:34
Great Egret with 500 pf plus 1.7 TC on Z50 with Topaz denoise
Nice captures Nasos.
I love the shape in the second image (plus a hint of something in its bill?)
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 12, 2022, 09:19:31
I've seen plenty of amazing moon shots with the Nikon 1, but this is one of the best wildlife shots I've seen with it.
For portability & results, why did they never develop this product line further???
Compared to the Z series, these were usably compact
Yes, it's a shame they didn't develop the Nikon 1 series further. Sony has quite some success with the RX10 III, which has the same sensor, although in an upgraded version (same as in Nikon 1 J5).
One can wish for a Z series camera with a new high resolution crop sensor.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 14, 2022, 09:38:12
Nice captures Nasos.Thank you Colin, yes I see something on its beak cant say what is
I love the shape in the second image (plus a hint of something in its bill?)
Yesterday we spend some time on a place with some friends but the birds was far away so I used 1.7x TC on 500pf with very good results :)
Despite the TC the tracking with the z50 was good
here is a grey heron in flight with Topaz Denoise
Post by: ColinM on August 14, 2022, 16:17:11
I particularly like #1
Post by: Hugh_3170 on August 15, 2022, 04:16:10
Great result Nasos.
I particularly like #1
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 15, 2022, 22:02:35
two other shots from the same day, sparrows in flight with 500pf and dragonfly with 500+1.7 TC on Z50
Thank you for watching :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 17, 2022, 23:02:09
same place and setup
Post by: Tom Hook on August 19, 2022, 03:41:05
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 19, 2022, 14:04:32
I just realized that these beautiful birds does not exist here, only in America 8)
Post by: Tom Hook on August 19, 2022, 17:36:40
Very nice Tom :)
I just realized that these beautiful birds does not exist here, only in America 8)
Thanks Nasos.
Hummingbirds are fierce little birds. I have three or four of them in my yard and they zoom around chasing each other for access to the sugar water I put out for them. I once saw one chase a Kestrel through the sky for some unknown reason. I imagine their pointed bill would be an uncomfortable reminder that potent things can come in small packages.
I am returning to a favorite pastime this summer of taking pictures of these tiny birds outside my window. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be and sharpness sometimes suffers even with the quality of equipment I am using. I'm not sure that's a bad thing.
Post by: golunvolo on August 24, 2022, 19:20:12
Ruby-throated Hummingbird approaching feeder. I tried to erase feeder in post but the results always looked processed. So, I left the feeder in the picture as is. Bokeh is hard for me to duplicate in post processing. Happily, I am learning to appreciate this as is. :-*
For my eyes it becomes even more interesting, no need to remove it. In the green bokeh ambiance, that little reference works to take the image to another place, story telling wise, plus it is more visually appealing.
Lovely little thing
Post by: Tom Hook on August 24, 2022, 21:12:54
For my eyes it becomes even more interesting, no need to remove it. In the green bokeh ambiance, that little reference works to take the image to another place, story telling wise, plus it is more visually appealing.
Lovely little thing
Well reasoned, I think you’re right and thanks for commenting. As the bard wrote: “All’s well that ends well.”
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on September 09, 2022, 21:36:57
With 300pf
Post by: Hugh_3170 on September 10, 2022, 08:12:52
I am very tempted by the 300PF (and the 500PF) and this image does nothing to dissuade me! :).
Sorry its not a bird but is nice framed and the background is stunning :)
With 300pf
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on September 10, 2022, 13:37:21
Here is 500pf with same settings a little different light and background cause the wind make them swinging around
The two lenses in MFD on Z50 camera
For some reason I prefer 300pf in this subject distance
Next stop could be a 105s macro lens :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on September 10, 2022, 16:02:27
500pf+TC 1.4 III on Z50
Post by: Øivind Tøien on September 12, 2022, 10:43:15
So many nice images in this thread. Here are some urban ravens in Anchorage that let me get quite close. All with 300PF on D500.
#1
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p713092297.jpg)
#2
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p967034964.jpg)
#3
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p539568926.jpg)
#4
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p720044632.jpg)
#5
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p855297166.jpg)
#6
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p945426020.jpg)
#7
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p981985900.jpg)
Post by: golunvolo on October 03, 2022, 01:01:32
Post by: aerobat on October 03, 2022, 07:29:36
Post by: ColinM on October 03, 2022, 15:46:53
So many nice images in this thread. Here are some urban ravens in Anchorage that let me get quite close. All with 300PF on D500.
Somehow I missed these first time around Øivind
I really like them
I've been getting more and more fond of Corvids and saw several Ravens whilst I was visiting Wales
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 03, 2022, 20:17:21
Thanks Colin, they are very smart and extremely tough birds. I have seen them flying and perching for short periods in stormy weather at the North Slope in Alaska at wind chills that were probably at minus 60°C.
Post by: golunvolo on October 04, 2022, 00:05:26
what lovely street scene Paco
Thank you Daniel. It took some time to get the one flying in front :)
Post by: Brute on October 07, 2022, 03:52:23
Post by: Robert Camfield on October 09, 2022, 02:08:32
Good photos...Thanks, Robert
Post by: fentriss on October 09, 2022, 09:31:10
Just curious...could you please provide exposure details and identify the equipment (lens/camera) used to capture the photos of the humming bird and sparrows.
Good photos...Thanks, Robert
From my point of view, he is acting like a humming bird, he is a humming bird with a camera. So he can create photos like this. There is no other way, i think. ... bye bye,richard
Post by: Brute on October 09, 2022, 18:35:01
Just curious...could you please provide exposure details and identify the equipment (lens/camera) used to capture the photos of the humming bird and sparrows.
Good photos...Thanks, Robert
It was a cloudy morning.Right place at the right time.
Aperture.F/8, 1/400 sec., single focal point, 200mm.
D500 , 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR.
Thank You
From my point of view, he is acting like a humming bird, he is a humming bird with a camera. So he can create photos like this. There is no other way, i think. ... bye bye,richard
Haha ;)
Post by: Tom Hook on October 19, 2022, 19:59:19
Post by: ColinM on October 19, 2022, 21:01:24
Downy Woodpecker feeding in my front yard. Z9 70-200S at 185mmWhat a lovely visitor Tom
Post by: Tom Hook on October 19, 2022, 22:23:22
What a lovely visitor Tom
Thanks Colin, I love Woodpeckers. There are six species that I have in my yard and they pretty much have their way with the other birds (except of course the raptors).
Post by: Dogman on October 20, 2022, 00:51:47
Post by: Tom Hook on October 22, 2022, 06:09:36
Post by: Brute on October 22, 2022, 18:54:49
Post by: Tom Hook on October 23, 2022, 03:54:53
Post by: Tom Hook on October 24, 2022, 04:59:24
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 14, 2022, 19:19:53
Two shots from the local park, Young Eurasian Jay and a Little Egret on breakfast
Z50/500pf
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 17, 2022, 19:28:22
Later on, stand for a while for some shoots before searching for the next prey
z50 with a 500 PF
Post by: ColinM on November 18, 2022, 11:20:34
Lucky to see a common Kestrel -Falco tinnunculus- catching a small insect and eating on a wooden pillar 8)Beautiful sight & wonderful results Nasos
Later on, stand for a while for some shoots before searching for the next prey
z50 with a 500 PF
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 18, 2022, 13:07:21
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 18, 2022, 19:43:03
Black redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) with 500pf + 1.4III
Its a hi crop (75%) enhanced by Topaz :)
I noticed that shots from 500pf can be enhanced very successfully compared to my previous lens, maybe because the image its much more clear and can accept all that processing
Thank you
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 19, 2022, 03:54:14
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 19, 2022, 09:34:07
Birna, I often scroll back through the start of this thread and numbers 10, 15, and 17 always floor me. Powerful images.You maybe right
I scroll back too and I sow different perspective, I even show this change to my own older photos 8)
Noted
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 22, 2022, 21:23:41
Post by: Brute on November 24, 2022, 07:03:37
Post by: Lars Hansen on November 24, 2022, 12:19:44
.
Nice pack of turkeys Ken - did you bring a big one home for today's dinner :-)
Post by: Hugh_3170 on November 24, 2022, 12:53:59
Nice pack of turkeys Ken - did you bring a big one home for today's dinner :-)
Post by: Brute on November 24, 2022, 15:48:54
Nice pack of turkeys Ken - did you bring a big one home for today's dinner :-)
My thoughts exactly! ;D
Thanks
Haha. Nothing was hurt at that time :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 24, 2022, 18:07:12
ThanksYou mean was heart by the eagle in a later state :o
Haha. Nothing was hurt at that time :)
Post by: Brute on December 03, 2022, 01:16:17
Post by: Øivind Tøien on December 03, 2022, 03:27:31
The adorable Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) keeps showing up at my cabin each day lately. A special treat has been watching it at a one-foot distance when it perches in the sigmoid slot of my outhouse door, taking a peek inside and with me sometimes occupying it. There is this two-second moment when we watch each other, and then it is gone - has happened 4 times up to now. It is extremely fast and only present at my locality for a few moments each time, so the images below were captured while house-sitting at a different location with a bird feeder. Distribution maps indicate they are not supposed to be in interior Alaska, but with global warming and milder winter we see new arrivals.
#1
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1289481634.jpg)
#2
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1289481632.jpg)
#3
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1289481637.jpg)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on December 04, 2022, 01:17:55
Today I finally got to capture the Red-breasted Nuthatch at the home location described above. Warm weather allowed for a little patience in waiting for it to show up again. It appears almost like clockwork at noon these days with a flock of Black-capped Chickadees. However none of the Chickadees ever uses the door of my outhouse as a perch.
#1
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1291686379.jpg)
#2
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1291686369.jpg)
#3
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1291686381.jpg)
Interestingly I noticed several cases in my images where it seemed to scoop through the snow with its beak wide open, possibly to catch bugs hidden in the snow.
#4
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1291686398.gif)
Post by: Ian Watson on December 06, 2022, 20:23:49
This was my first attempt at photographing birds in flight and I thought that it went quite well. It certainly gave me even more respect for those who do it regularly.
Nikon Z6, 85mm f/1.8S.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 10, 2022, 12:18:11
Speaking for 500pf on the other thread I thing its time to post some photos with this lens on z50
Some with 1.4x III , last with 2.0x III all hi crops enhanced with topaz software
Accipiter nisus, Sylvia melanocephala, Kestrel, common kingfisher
Post by: Tom Hook on January 09, 2023, 02:24:46
Post by: golunvolo on January 19, 2023, 00:56:33
D300, 80-200mm 2.8 ed
Post by: golunvolo on January 20, 2023, 00:19:19
D300, 300mm vrII
Post by: Brute on January 29, 2023, 06:25:35
Post by: Ian Watson on January 29, 2023, 15:48:50
Post by: golunvolo on February 02, 2023, 18:48:23
D200 ir, 70-300 3.5-5.6 vr
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 03, 2023, 18:05:53
Post by: golunvolo on February 03, 2023, 22:03:01
Post by: Hugh_3170 on February 04, 2023, 13:41:47
Nice shot BTW.
The couple.
D200 ir, 70-300 3.5-5.6 vr
Post by: golunvolo on February 04, 2023, 16:12:03
Paco, I would be most careful hanging out with storks - I assume that you know what they herald? ;D;D ;D ;D
Nice shot BTW.
Thanks!
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 10, 2023, 03:04:20
Post by: Brute on March 10, 2023, 06:03:35
Beautiful light, the symmetry from the reflection and the pattern on the surface balancing the composition. I love it! Well done!
Thank You
Post by: Erik Lund on March 10, 2023, 11:37:46
Hummingbird in flight (Magenta-throated Woodstar):Really clean capture! Wonderful bird image, saturated and sharp. Perfect
Post by: Andrew on March 10, 2023, 14:37:00
Post by: ColinM on March 10, 2023, 19:17:59
Thank You
Hi Ken, can you tell is what species the bird with the bold red/orange throat markings is?
It's beautifu and I've never seen one like it before
Post by: Brute on March 10, 2023, 21:34:10
Hi Ken, can you tell is what species the bird with the bold red/orange throat markings is?
It's beautifuland I've never seen one like it before
Northern Flicker
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Flicker/overview#
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 14, 2023, 19:56:28
Post by: Brute on April 04, 2023, 17:28:21
Post by: Brute on April 16, 2023, 04:44:14
Post by: Akira on April 16, 2023, 06:16:09
.
Nice series of various birds attracted by the same flowers!
Post by: ColinM on April 18, 2023, 22:22:50
esp the ones among the blossom which are excellent in their own right, even for people not very into birds.
Post by: Fons Baerken on April 19, 2023, 01:36:04
Stork on a medieval prison tower
D850 300mm f/2.8
Post by: Tom Hook on May 05, 2023, 01:00:09
Note: I edited this post when I found out more information about this bird's nesting habits.
Post by: Akira on May 05, 2023, 02:34:07
The Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher is one of my favorite birds, it comes and stays only for a short while in Connecticut before moving further north where they nest. Here is one of these delightful little creatures as they set to work on a nest of spiders (or gypsy moths, I don't know which) for some momentary nourishment followed by a satisfied pause.
Wow, you captured decisive moments! Thank you for sharing!
Post by: Tom Hook on May 05, 2023, 04:00:34
Wow, you captured decisive moments! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Akira.
Post by: John Geerts on May 05, 2023, 07:42:22
Post by: Tom Hook on May 05, 2023, 18:36:19
Lovely and detailed shots, Tom
Thanks John.
Post by: Tom Hook on May 12, 2023, 18:58:50
Post by: ColinM on May 12, 2023, 20:05:20
Green Heron (Butorides virescens) seen yesterday signaling its return for the mating season.
That's stunning Tom
We're pretty much limited to grey herons in the UK, so seeing this is a bit of a treat
Post by: Tom Hook on May 13, 2023, 01:09:19
That's stunning Tom
We're pretty much limited to grey herons in the UK, so seeing this is a bit of a treat
Thanks Colin. I'm partial to Green Herons, and it's always a pleasure to see them. This one was in a neighborhood pond where I have seen them before, but not recently.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 02, 2023, 22:48:49
Kestrel ready 2fly!
I moved back to dslr for BIF and I am happy ;)
Nikon D500 , 500 Pf plus 1.4x III Tc
Post by: Brute on August 03, 2023, 01:56:01
Crow
Post by: ColinM on August 03, 2023, 10:51:30
I moved back to dslr for BIF and I am happy ;)
I was just reading your posts about this on the 180-600mm discussion.
Its so useful to have real world reports from people using different kit out in the field.
Lets live up this post :)
Kestrel ready 2fly!
Beautiful poise and lighting Nasos.
Brute, I like your Corvids too
They look robust and not-to-be-messed with
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 03, 2023, 14:00:24
D500 give me advantages over z50,Z6 for BIF, AF for moving objects is very good, I just got tired to loose shots when the camera didn't focus on time ;D
That’s for now, sooner or later I will take the Z8 or any Z new model road 8)
Post by: Fons Baerken on August 04, 2023, 14:33:12
Z7_2, 400mm f/5.6 ai-s
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 05, 2023, 12:06:02
Here is a young Lanius minor in the same outing and set up as previous post
thank you
Post by: knb on August 05, 2023, 17:38:26
Post by: Brute on August 14, 2023, 01:19:13
Post by: Tom Hook on September 18, 2023, 05:24:20
Post by: elsid on September 18, 2023, 15:00:01
Post by: chris dees on September 18, 2023, 15:18:05
Looks like a gopher to me. :)
Post by: golunvolo on September 18, 2023, 16:02:18
Z6, 85mm 1.8S
Post by: golunvolo on September 18, 2023, 16:04:14
Post by: elsid on September 18, 2023, 16:30:55
Post by: chris dees on September 19, 2023, 20:54:15
Thank you Chris for your comment.
Sorry Elsid, something went wrong with my reply. It was ment for Tom Hooks Heron image.
Post by: Tom Hook on September 20, 2023, 05:30:22
Sorry Elsid, something went wrong with my reply. It was ment for Tom Hooks Heron image.I guessed it was a turtle based on its shape and where the Heron was standing deep in a marsh, but it was covered with mud so it was hard to tell. Not very appetizing no matter what it was! Thanks for commenting.
Post by: ColinM on September 21, 2023, 14:10:47
Post by: golunvolo on October 01, 2023, 22:45:05
Post by: elsid on October 02, 2023, 15:26:28
Post by: elsid on October 02, 2023, 15:31:31
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 02, 2023, 18:33:07
Pied kingfisher (ceryle rudis) in Chobe river, Botswana. With Z8+ Z 400/4.5Nice one!
Post by: elsid on October 02, 2023, 20:25:25
Post by: ColinM on October 02, 2023, 20:54:46
Pied kingfisher (ceryle rudis) in Chobe river, Botswana. With Z8+ Z 400/4.5
I especially like the combination of # 1 and 2 Elsid
They make a nice sequence
Post by: elsid on October 02, 2023, 22:16:05
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 15, 2023, 19:27:32
D500/5.6 PF
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 15, 2023, 19:32:31
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 15, 2023, 21:02:55
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 15, 2023, 21:36:36
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 16, 2023, 19:08:27
D500 500/5.6 PF
Post by: Anthony on October 19, 2023, 11:37:16
Post by: Hugh_3170 on October 19, 2023, 13:31:13
A couple of herons from last Saturday morning in Battersea Park, London.
Post by: Anthony on October 20, 2023, 11:46:28
Nice work.
Thank you, Hugh.
Post by: ColinM on October 20, 2023, 13:22:42
A couple of herons from last Saturday morning in Battersea Park, London.
Nice Anthony.
(I was in London last Saturday too :) )
Post by: Anthony on October 21, 2023, 11:20:21
Nice Anthony.
(I was in London last Saturday too :) )
Thanks, Colin, after the rain of the previous days it was a lovely morning, if a little chilly.
Here is a running coot from the same visit. A lower viewpoint would have been better, but was not possible.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 01, 2023, 21:05:58
I love this, its like shooting on another plannet :)
D500/500pf on 700mm
Post by: Bruno Schroder on December 01, 2023, 22:13:38
Post by: ColinM on December 03, 2023, 06:02:12
Eurasian Blue Tit edit with swap colors 8)
D500/500pf on 700mm
Totally brain scrambling Nasos!
Given the flurry of long lenses released in the 'Z' mount range in the last year, that "700mm equivalent" note is a useful reminder of what's needed for some situations
Post by: golunvolo on December 03, 2023, 11:50:31
Eurasian Blue Tit edit with swap colors 8)
I love this, its like shooting on another plannet :)
D500/500pf on 700mm
This new planet is rich visually!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 04, 2023, 22:52:59
here are the other swap color options-also interesting- along with the original photo
Thanks again :)
Post by: Hans_S on January 12, 2024, 00:47:20
Post by: David H. Hartman on January 12, 2024, 06:10:55
Post by: Ann on January 12, 2024, 06:27:47
Post by: Ashlandish on January 12, 2024, 06:39:08
Post by: Snoogly on January 12, 2024, 06:47:01
Post by: John Geerts on January 12, 2024, 07:29:02
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 12, 2024, 13:19:25
Post by: Hans_S on January 12, 2024, 22:20:00
The flash of color on the wings is so unnecessary. So vain and garish :-)Richard, to quote the great Zero Mostel "Baby, if you've got it, flaunt it" !!
Interesting flowering shrub looks like vetch!Fons, according to our resident "expert" it's Duranta Erecta, known commonly here as "Geisha Girl".
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 17, 2024, 19:23:28
Post by: ColinM on January 18, 2024, 23:00:56
I finally did see some, but the first day was largely fruitless for photo opportunities....
...apart from a few times, such as when this Jay flew right in front of me!
I had barely enough time to frame and press the shutter, much less to check the exposure (sadly, overexposed)
One shot came out a little better than the others though
Post by: ColinM on January 22, 2024, 16:21:28
Post by: Hans_S on January 23, 2024, 05:23:50
Great captures Hans :)A belated thank you Nasos. :)
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 23, 2024, 12:10:38
Post by: ColinM on January 23, 2024, 19:09:57
So nice, Hans, and great jay, Colin.Thanks Bruno
Post by: Hans_S on January 24, 2024, 10:24:59
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 24, 2024, 15:59:14
I spent the first two days of this week hoping to catch murmurations of Starlings at Ham Wall nature reserve in Somerset, UKVery nice :)
I finally did see some, but the first day was largely fruitless for photo opportunities....
...apart from a few times, such as when this Jay flew right in front of me!
I had barely enough time to frame and press the shutter, much less to check the exposure (sadly, overexposed)
One shot came out a little better than the others though
Post by: Brute on February 09, 2024, 02:25:33
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 09, 2024, 10:36:22
Post by: rosko on February 11, 2024, 11:20:53
Post by: Brute on February 14, 2024, 04:31:06
Nice capture, Ken.
Thank You.
Post by: ColinM on February 25, 2024, 23:49:58
The River Severn there is usually full of Swans.
When their habitat gets disrupted, they start to take over the town!
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 22, 2024, 10:10:06
Post by: Erik Lund on March 22, 2024, 10:11:11
Post by: Ashlandish on April 05, 2024, 00:27:12
Post by: Brute on April 07, 2024, 06:08:08
Post by: Ian Watson on April 07, 2024, 16:49:53
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 23, 2024, 21:41:55
Z8 changed my technic and I can do Birds In Flight with much better success :)
Here is a Merops apiaster uncropped, the only frame with the whole bird captured ;D
with 500pf and 1.4III TC
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 26, 2024, 15:33:13
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on April 26, 2024, 19:16:22
Nice captures here!Nice. I have experienced the same :)
Z8 changed my technic and I can do Birds In Flight with much better success :)
Here is a Merops apiaster uncropped, the only frame with the whole bird captured ;D
with 500pf and 1.4III TC
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 26, 2024, 21:06:28
Nice catch Kim!
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 02, 2024, 10:08:40
Really adorable Grebes and very nice light, Kim! The rain drops add to the effect. Looks like a 1.4x TC was used on the 800PF ? Must be really challenging to frame with that long focal length.
Nice catch Nasos, it looks like a quite small and fast bird!
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 02, 2024, 10:16:27
Really adorable Grebes and very nice light, Kim! The rain drops add to the effect. Looks like a 1.4x TC was used on the 800PF ? Must be really challenging to frame with that long focal length.
Thanks Øivind. Yes, I used the 800PF with the 1.4x TC, so the resulting focal length was 1120mm; the recorded distance was 75m. The camera was of course mounted on a tripod, and yes, it is a challenge to find the target with such a long focal length. I have experimented with a dot sight, but I did not use it on this occasion.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 02, 2024, 12:43:47
I used the 800PF with the 1.4x TC, so the resulting focal length was 1120mm; the recorded distance was 75m. The camera was of course mounted on a tripod, and yes, it is a challenge to find the target with such a long focal length. I have experimented with a dot sight, but I did not use it on this occasion.The narrow depth of field on 75m is remarkable Kim!
800 pf is a very good lens, next target after 500pf :) :D 8)
congrats!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 02, 2024, 13:02:38
Last time I tried with z50, it was a tragic :( , most of the photos out of focus or just the sky with no bird in the frame ;D
this time the success rate was higher with very satisfactory results Z8/500pf
The frames with the bird on the lake are 1/20 sec apart (20 fps raw)
I also checked 30 fps jpeg but I noticed a slight frame rate delay on the EVF that didn't like
Post by: Akira on May 02, 2024, 13:26:13
The ultimate test for a camera/lens compo is tracking fast moving birds like swallows 8)
Last time I tried with z50, it was a tragic :( , most of the photos out of focus or just the sky with no bird in the frame ;D
this time the success rate was higher with very satisfactory results Z8/500pf
The frames with the bird on the lake are 1/20 sec apart (20 fps raw)
I also checked 30 fps jpeg but I noticed a slight frame rate delay on the EVF that didn't like
Amazing capture, Nasos! Especially the second one (for me)!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 02, 2024, 13:58:24
Amazing capture, Nasos! Especially the second one (for me)!Thank you very much Akira ! this is my favorite too :)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 02, 2024, 20:18:03
Amazing capture, Nasos! Especially the second one (for me)!
+1 to this! It is interesting how the walls of water sprout remains after the swallow has moved well afar.
Post by: Akira on May 02, 2024, 23:04:23
+1 to this! It is interesting how the walls of water sprout remains after the swallow has moved well afar.
Yep, that's exactly the point!
Post by: Anthony on May 03, 2024, 12:34:25
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 03, 2024, 13:15:46
The ultimate test for a camera/lens compo is tracking fast moving birds like swallows 8)
Last time I tried with z50, it was a tragic :( , most of the photos out of focus or just the sky with no bird in the frame ;D
this time the success rate was higher with very satisfactory results Z8/500pf
The frames with the bird on the lake are 1/20 sec apart (20 fps raw)
I also checked 30 fps jpeg but I noticed a slight frame rate delay on the EVF that didn't like
Very nice series with the swallows! I have yet to explore these great possibilities of 20 fps.
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 03, 2024, 13:17:14
Grebe family last week.
Very cute!
Post by: Anthony on May 04, 2024, 12:35:11
Very cute!
Thanks, Kim. Here is the same parent a few minutes later. Turns out it was carrying two chicks, one of which was hidden in the earlier shot.
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 04, 2024, 12:40:00
Fascinating camouflage patterns on the little cute ones, thanks for posting!
Post by: Anthony on May 04, 2024, 18:11:22
Here is another aspect of grebe behaviour. Sadly for the hunter, the fish was too big and escaped.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 04, 2024, 21:16:42
Anthony these are great captures, very sensitive moments for the grebe family!
Post by: ColinM on May 04, 2024, 22:46:30
800 pf is a very good lens, next target after 500pf
Ha!
Spend another month or two with the 500PF Nasos :)
Some of those Swallow pics are quite special, especially taken not far off head-on so the AF challenges are higher.
I remember watching swallows swooping along the surface of a swimming pool in Tuscany a few years ago. It was amazing to see their skill as they timed the point to dip the lower part of the beak into the water without any accidents.
Seeing it captured in your Z8 images brings it all back Nasos
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 05, 2024, 13:16:41
:)Ha!Colin I am still laughing, excellent sense of humour :) ;) :o
Spend another month or two with the 500PF Nasos :)
This is a long term wish 8)
Post by: Anthony on May 05, 2024, 15:02:32
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 07, 2024, 23:01:22
In the first photo two birds are on the same branch start mating
Second photo is the power of Z8, it tracked the bird for 27 frames even on a busy background 8) high crop with a little help with Topaz, all with 500Pf
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 10, 2024, 23:14:55
I was on a bridge and the birds were flying under, over a river at a distance of 8-12 meters
Looking at the pictures on the PC I realized that 1/3200 sec was not enough for these captures :o
5545-5546 photos are 1/20 sec apart
Z8/ 500pf
Post by: ColinM on May 11, 2024, 11:15:22
I was on a bridge and the birds were flying under, over a river at a distance of 8-12 meters
Looking at the pictures on the PC I realized that 1/3200 sec was not enough for these captures :o
I'm guessing you're panning too Nasos?
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 11, 2024, 11:58:35
I'm guessing you're panning too Nasos?Yes Colin, they show up for 2-3 sec and then the same cycle under the bridge, it was difficult to keep them in the frame
The nesting material changed my mind, at first I thought there all garbage ;D
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 11, 2024, 12:08:51
Well done, Nasos. Did you try pre-capture for any of these?
Post by: ColinM on May 11, 2024, 16:57:32
I'm pretty sure many people take a while to tune into the parameters to get the results they want.
"I realized that 1/3200 sec was not enough for these captures"
Perhaps our resident sports car specialist MFloyd will have some views on this?
Meanwhile, here's something taken on an M/F lens at a much slower shutter speed
I had the advantage that I could pre-focus on the track before the bikes appeared.
Also the distance from subject was not changing as much (but remember, no A/F)
The bike was probably still going over 100mph, decelerating towards the first turn at the UK Silverstone track
Pentax MX Kodachrome 300mm f4 M* lens, 1984 (when I had steady hands and could operate the gear without having to look). This is a crop.
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/27568756.jpg)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 13, 2024, 10:46:24
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 13, 2024, 10:50:21
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 13, 2024, 11:03:59
Post by: John Geerts on May 13, 2024, 14:11:57
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 13, 2024, 16:23:10
Beautiful shots, Øivind.Indeed
Post by: Anthony on May 13, 2024, 17:56:00
Indeed
+1.
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 13, 2024, 20:48:22
Thanks for the enthusiastic comments, John, Ben and Anthony! it is certainly rewarding catching the details that goes too fast for the eye in the heat of the moment.
Post by: elsid on May 13, 2024, 20:55:24
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 13, 2024, 22:06:08
My first photos with the Z 600/6.3 (Z8). Regulus Ignicapilla.Nice, the last one is outstanding
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 13, 2024, 22:23:35
Nice, the last one is outstanding
+1 to this!
Post by: Ian Watson on May 14, 2024, 00:12:05
Post by: Akira on May 14, 2024, 03:18:05
The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is a common bird but they can sometimes be pretty evasive. I was trying to locate them singing in the trees the days before without any luck. Then this one appeared to make a show, first chasing a rival (too fast for me to get the shot), and then taking a good bath before drying off in a nearby tree.
Øivind, your learning curve is steep!
Nice, the last one is outstanding
Ditto!
Post by: ColinM on May 14, 2024, 10:45:56
My first photos with the Z 600/6.3 (Z8). Regulus Ignicapilla.
Ohh elsid!
Great results
Is this the first time we've had images taken with the 600mm f6.3 here?
Post by: Anthony on May 14, 2024, 12:51:03
Some great images Øivind
Ohh elsid!
Great results
Is this the first time we've had images taken with the 600mm f6.3 here?
My grebes a few days ago were shot with this lens.
Elsid's shots are beautiful.
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 14, 2024, 13:07:52
Øivind, your learning curve is steep!
Some great images Øivind
Thanks Akira and Colin. I had another similar session today, this time I got the whole Yellow-rumped warbler in the frame (by stitching two frames!) , singing instead of foraging .
Post by: elsid on May 14, 2024, 13:20:19
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 14, 2024, 22:17:00
Well done, Nasos. Did you try pre-capture for any of these?Yes I tried and its good but it’s working on 30fps and up that’s is only jpeg
I tried 30fps and noticed a little delay on the EVF unlike 20fps raw
Great captures Oivid and Elsid :)
Here is another capture with 300pf, this lens is more easy for panning and quicker AF, smaller image onto the sensor and less subject isolation ;)
Two Barn swallows in flight 8)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 14, 2024, 22:44:14
The names of the spices
1. Ardea cinerea
2-3. Emberiza caezia
4. Luscinia svecica
5.Clamator glandarius
6.Sylvia cantillans
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 14, 2024, 23:33:28
Thanks Nasos - intersting info about the viewfinder delay and great captures. The backlight in #6 from the top makes it special.
Post by: ColinM on May 15, 2024, 11:36:34
My grebes a few days ago were shot with this lens..
Apologies Anthony
I loved the images but had forgotten what you took them with.
Any general findings you'd like to share now you've had the lens a bit longer?
Ergonomics?
Quirks?
Things you really like?
Elsid & anyone else with this, feel free to chip in too.
Post by: ColinM on May 15, 2024, 11:39:05
Here is another capture with 300pf, this lens is more easy for panning and quicker AF, smaller image onto the sensor and less subject isolation ;)
Two Barn swallows in flight 8)
Nice work Nasos.
Out of interest, is this image cropped or are we seeing the full frame?
In your most recent set, I thought this one was beautiful aesthetically and from a technique & timing point of view
NK2_9860-1 Kissokoukos Spata Web.jpg
Post by: elsid on May 15, 2024, 20:25:10
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 15, 2024, 20:46:20
Nice work Nasos.
Out of interest, is this image cropped or are we seeing the full frame?
In your most recent set, I though this one was beautiful aesthetically and from a technique & timing point of view
NK2_9860-1 Kissokoukos Spata Web.jpg
Thank you Colin :)
The images are cropped, I attached the uncropped images
I update the post with the names of the birds
As for no 6. Clamator glandarius -Great Spotted Cuckoo you pointed, yes its something I like to master :technique & timing point of view
I also like 1. Ardea cinerea for the same reasons
Forgot to mention photo of the two shallows is 1/5000 sec
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 15, 2024, 21:33:01
Thanks Nasos - intersting info about the viewfinder delay and great captures. The backlight in #6 from the top makes it special.Thank you Oivid :)
I need someone to confirm this :
Z8 or Z9 users, do you notice any EVF refresh rate delay on 30FPS with pre-capture ? ( High fps viewfinder display is ON)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 15, 2024, 21:40:13
Hi Colin, I have used the 600/6.3 pf twice so far. I can say that sharpness and usability are its characteristics. Considering the alternative (for me the 600/4 TC) it is worth every penny. I got the lens from a friend who has a lot of money and buys most primes Nikon produces. He, usually, keeps the most expensive ones. It cost me 3950 eu. I consider myself lucky. If you need the mm buy the lens, you will not regret it. AF is fast.Thank you Elsid for the info :)
600/6.3 pf is in a higher price range, 180-600 is on my radar now if it can replace my 500pf in terms of AF and resolving power.
All reviews say that its a small step under 500 pf but I have to try
Post by: Anthony on May 17, 2024, 14:06:35
Apologies Anthony
I loved the images but had forgotten what you took them with.
Any general findings you'd like to share now you've had the lens a bit longer?
Ergonomics?
Quirks?
Things you really like?
Elsid & anyone else with this, feel free to chip in too.
Thanks, Colin, I agree with Elsid's comments. The lens is easy to handhold, and balances nicely on the Z8 and Z9. The AF is fast and accurate. I have not conducted any scientific tests, but my subjective impression is that the lens is very sharp. I never dreamed of being able to own any of the other Nikon 600mm primes and I feel fortunate that Nikon has brought out this lens. I have not yet tried it with the 1.4 t/c.
Post by: Bruno Schroder on May 18, 2024, 20:44:59
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 18, 2024, 23:50:55
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 19, 2024, 08:54:16
Another beautiful one and very crisp!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 19, 2024, 21:36:22
Another beautiful one and very crisp!+1 from me Kim :)
Thank you Bruno :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 19, 2024, 23:00:29
Post by: ColinM on May 21, 2024, 16:08:10
From todays walk, Merops Apiaster with a catch :)
...then I saw this.
So firstly, I've never seen this species in real life and it looks rather amazing.
Catching this with such clarity seems an excellent result. Even the insect it caught for dinner is sharp!
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 21, 2024, 21:00:55
From todays walk, Merops Apiaster with a catch :)
Very nice captures, Nasos!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 21, 2024, 23:14:29
Merops apiaster is European bee eater a bird that never show (actually noticed ) before till last year 8)
It comes to Europe from Africa on April- May, stays until September with growing family and come back then
It’s an amazing colourful creature I love to shoot for hours with camera!
The last is a last years capture with Z50 ;)
Post by: Dogman on May 22, 2024, 01:40:56
Post by: Bruno Schroder on May 22, 2024, 11:43:18
I keep hoping to see them around here. They started showing up in Belgium about 15 years ago but still no sighting in my area.
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 22, 2024, 15:30:04
What a beautiful bird!+1, and very nice photos.
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 22, 2024, 15:33:43
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 23, 2024, 17:14:09
Thank you Dogman, Bruno and Bent :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 26, 2024, 18:35:35
Great one of the couple, Nasos, great colors.Bruno these birds are not in the already known places around Athens
I keep hoping to see them around here. They started showing up in Belgium about 15 years ago but still no sighting in my area.
I found them 100km north as we search for new birding places, so it needs a little search and help from local birding clubs :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 26, 2024, 22:36:00
Z8 500pf +1,7X TC for the cuckoo and 1,4X III for the others. There was a strong heat distortion for the last two photos >:(
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 26, 2024, 23:03:55
here is a Great spotted cuckoo sitting lazy on a wire :o and a Great reed warbler calling 8)
Z8 500pf +1,7X TC for the cuckoo and 1,4X III for the others. There was a strong heat distortion for the last two photos >:(
Surprisingly good performance with the 1.7x TC, nice shot.
Along the same line ( :) ), here is an American robin with the catch of the day, just the 500 PF wide open without TC, very heavy crop (100% view if opened in new tab and viewed large). ;)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 26, 2024, 23:43:00
Surprisingly good performance with the 1.7x TC, nice shot.
Along the same line ( :) ), here is an American robin with the catch of the day, just the 500 PF wide open without TC, very heavy crop (100% view if opened in new tab and viewed large). ;)
Great colors Oivid, did you upgrade to Z8? is this Rich Tone Portrait profile?
Yes on Z8, 1.7x has surprisingly good performance with 500pf I use it when I need maximum reach with very low loss in sharpness
How do you find difference in sharpness between Z8-D500?
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 26, 2024, 23:58:23
For once I broke my principle to check out the hand feel of a more expensive camera in a store before purchasing, but in line with forum statements I find the size and feel on par and quite similar to D500 (which is perfect!) and not any bulkier in spite of having slightly larger and heavier specs. It also helps that the Leofoto L-bracket I got is slightly lighter than the RRS one I use with my D500 (ca. 90 g vs 120g).
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 27, 2024, 07:12:09
I also find standard profile too contrasty and use RTP but still can make changes with studio NX
As I also used D500 before, the handling looks similar
This camera is a beast and needs a lot of time to explore and proper set up :)
Post by: ColinM on May 27, 2024, 07:41:59
Yes on Z8, 1.7x has surprisingly good performance with 500pf I use it when I need maximum reach with very low loss in sharpness
Am I right in thinking that (unlike the 1.4 and 2x) Nikon haven't updated the 1.7x for a few years?
I used to use one and got some fair results with it, but later sold and moved down to a newer 1.4
This was taken in 2010 with the 1.7x plus a D300 and the older 300mm AFS
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/123496081.jpg)
Post by: Hugh_3170 on May 27, 2024, 09:30:02
I have been eyeing off this weapon for a while now, so this thread with the new Z8 users has really captured my attention.
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on May 27, 2024, 10:58:05
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 27, 2024, 12:27:41
Thanks Nasos, Colin and Hugh. With the May discounts that have been on now, it became way too tempting, it seems unlikely that costs will go lower for quite a while. However I will hold on to the D500 - the instantaneous readiness during hikes for sudden happenings without drawing on the battery does not seem matched by the Z8.
Post by: Bruno Schroder on May 27, 2024, 18:26:28
Turtledove. Photo with F2, 24mm lensNice composition, Arturo, and with a 24mm! Did you crop the picture ?
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on May 27, 2024, 19:14:01
Nice composition, Arturo, and with a 24mm! Did you crop the picture ?I'm glad you like it. The photo is not cropped or retouched; It is a dove that comes to my garden, where I have the chickens, and has become my friend. The photo is shot at half a meter, I seem to remember, or less, with a Nikkor NC Auto 2.8, a 24 mm
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on May 27, 2024, 19:18:31
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 27, 2024, 21:18:23
This was taken in 2010 with the 1.7x plus a D300 and the older 300mm AFS
300 f4 AFS is a nice lens and as I see fits 1.7x nicely
The same is happening with 500pf and Z8 :)
On my testing 1.7x was the worst performer between 1.4x III and 2.0x III but on Z8 this is changing for good :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 27, 2024, 21:22:38
This is the same turtledove that sometimes comes looking for me in the garden so I can give it water or something to eat. She is very nice. This photo is also with the 24 mm. The bird is on a perigallo, a wooden ladder that is used to pick fruit from the trees.Nice mood :)
Arturo we use this perigallo to gather olives from olive trees.
Post by: Hans_S on May 29, 2024, 02:08:33
From todays walk, Merops Apiaster with a catch :)Just beautiful Nasos. I'll have to make an effort to find our local one Merops Ornatus.
Post by: Hans_S on May 29, 2024, 02:13:28
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 29, 2024, 16:43:02
Beautiful little birds on this part of the world!
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 30, 2024, 07:01:17
I had my first training run with the 500PF+TC-14E III on Z8 at Creamers Field after doing some read-up on the focusing modes so that I got controls set up for quick switching. I was so fascinated by the performance of the Bird Tracking (with different area modes) in the beginning that forgot to push the AF-on button to get things in focus! :o For a start here are my more challenging subjects, the Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and the Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). In the heat of the moment I had too much focal length when the two copulated on the fence near me and I did not remember that I could quickly switch from DX to FX mode with the Fn2 button. I tracked in flight both in full frame and DX mode. They are pretty heavy crops. Continued in next post...
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 30, 2024, 07:11:48
Post by: Chip Chipowski on May 31, 2024, 04:52:49
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 31, 2024, 09:13:39
Duck
Your friend, nice!
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 31, 2024, 09:30:21
Very refreshing to see these beautiful unfamiliar species, Hans!Congratulations with your Z8, you have got some very good images.
I had my first training run with the 500PF+TC-14E III on Z8 at Creamers Field after doing some read-up on the focusing modes so that I got controls set up for quick switching. I was so fascinated by the performance of the Bird Tracking (with different area modes) in the beginning that forgot to push the AF-on button to get things in focus! :o For a start here are my more challenging subjects, the Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and the Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). In the heat of the moment I had too much focal length when the two copulated on the fence near me and I did not remember that I could quickly switch from DX to FX mode with the Fn2 button. I tracked in flight both in full frame and DX mode. They are pretty heavy crops. Continued in next post...
What was the AF settings? It would be good to learn from your experience, as the pictures you have taken is very good.
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 31, 2024, 10:30:27
I also have fn2 set to switch between FX and DX mode. If frame coverage of the subject is too small, detection might not work. No control wheel needed for any of these switches so it is very fast. I think for BIFs I mostly used Wide area (L), but things happened so fast and I experimented a lot, also with Auto-area. I have not scrutinized the EXIF to see what was most successful. I also have a setting for focus handover active. I limited drive mode to 10 fps, and used HEF raw to not go crazy on disk space. The biggest challenge was to preset focus so that the bird would become visible enough for the Bird detection, and actually aiming so that this could happen. If AF-on was pressed to early, focus go way off and one would have to repeat the preset.
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 31, 2024, 11:09:35
Thanks Bent, I am just a learner, and found some useful tips in the following thread: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67691713 (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67691713). There is mention of a video by Steve Perry. I limited focus modes to Back button focus with AFC mode of course and under controls (f2) I currently have video record button programmed to cycle though AF area modes limited to Dynamic area (S), Wide-area AF (S), Wide-area AF (L), 3D and Auto Area. (I left all of them available in the shooting menu, as the selected ones need to be selected both places for the switching to work.) This allowed changing AF area mode on the fly so to speak. Subject detection of course to Birds, and with a note that it is not active for Dynamic area, so that would if anything be used for stationary birds.Thank you, I will try to learn from this.
I also have fn2 set to switch between FX and DX mode. If frame coverage of the subject is too small, detection might not work. No control wheel needed for any of these switches so it is very fast. I think for BIFs I mostly used Wide area (L), but things happened so fast and I experimented a lot, also with Auto-area. I have not scrutinized the EXIF to see what was most successful. I also have a setting for focus handover active. I limited drive mode to 10 fps, and used HEF raw to not go crazy on disk space. The biggest challenge was to preset focus so that the bird would become visible enough for the Bird detection, and actually aiming so that this could happen. If AF-on was pressed to early, focus go way off and one would have to repeat the preset.
Post by: Hugh_3170 on May 31, 2024, 17:43:12
I love the colours (and the reflections) of this guy.
Duck
Post by: rosko on May 31, 2024, 20:07:43
Below , some bee-eaters, returning from Africa to France for mating.
Very social birds, using to come in the same location each year.
They use to nest inside burrows in sand cliffs.
Thanks for watching.
Post by: ColinM on June 01, 2024, 11:46:42
Beautiful birds, here !
Below , some bee-eaters, returning from Africa to France for mating.
Very social birds, using to come in the same location each year.
They use to nest inside burrows in sand cliffs.
Thanks for watching.
What beautiful birds Francis.
Can you tell us what you used to capture these images?
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 01, 2024, 13:59:16
What beautiful birds Francis.Indeed beautiful
Can you tell us what you used to capture these images?
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 01, 2024, 14:00:02
This is a duck ;)
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 01, 2024, 16:07:29
Quite a spectacular manoeuvre on the duck's part and likewise capturing it on your part.
A duck making a touch and go.
This is a duck ;)
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 01, 2024, 16:39:29
Sure is Bent. ;DThank you, a bit of luck is needed ;)
Quite a spectacular manoeuvre on the duck's part and likewise capturing it on your part.
Post by: rosko on June 01, 2024, 20:27:04
I've used my old Df with the 500mm PF.
Post by: rosko on June 01, 2024, 20:29:35
Thanks for passing by... ;)
Post by: Fons Baerken on June 01, 2024, 21:11:37
'oystercatcher', no oysters around here ;)
Z fc - afp 70-300mm f/4.5-.5.6E
Post by: Bruno Schroder on June 02, 2024, 09:58:25
Post by: ColinM on June 19, 2024, 00:21:52
I saw some by chance on Sunday and Monday evenings.
Tonight I was prepared with a D500, 300mm PF and AutoISO
There was a wonderful red sun setting during my time there, but finding an AF setting that coped with the bird flying amongst tree branches etc was a challenge
In amongst the images are ones showing the size rodents (rats?) the birds were bringing back.
Plus a Sparrowhawk that perched hopefully outside the Barn Owls' nesting box, till the owls kicked him out
The noise coming from the chicks hidden inside (hissing etc) was spectacular
Post by: Øivind Tøien on June 19, 2024, 00:46:53
Very nice series, Colin. That is a big catch!
Post by: Akira on June 19, 2024, 05:05:49
Post by: ColinM on June 19, 2024, 08:49:44
It was wonderful to just watch them flying and hunting
A first for me
Now, I just need to decide when/if to use 3D, group or single point AFC.....
Post by: Øivind Tøien on June 19, 2024, 11:12:09
Also try dynamic 25 point, which differs from single point. I use it the whole time with D500, except when it is too cold/too thick mittens to reliably operate the subselector to place the focus point, then I use 3D with focus point locked to the center and reframing.
Post by: ColinM on June 19, 2024, 18:09:36
Also try dynamic 25 point, which differs from single point. I use it the whole time with D500, except when it is too cold/too thick mittens to reliably operate the subselector to place the focus point, then I use 3D with focus point locked to the center and reframing.
Can you tell us how these various setting fare when birds are flying through
- groups of trees,
- branches,
- past structures etc?
When I switched to groups and 3D, I lost many shots because the AF was latching onto other things nearby
(much of the time, the owl was flying almost directly towards me, but through branches etc)
Even in open sky when it was flying on a path parallel to me, I got worse results with 3D and groups than I did single point AFC
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 23, 2024, 22:08:15
I just remembered this owl I got some weeks ago ;D
Post by: ColinM on June 25, 2024, 20:47:47
Very nice catch Colin Wellcome back to action :)
I just remembered this owl I got some weeks ago ;D
Thanks Nasos
I went to this site twice last week, but on the second night the birds didn't appear until it was much darker.
I like your image.
In the UK we have one like this that is locally known as a Little Owl.
When I Google this I find its Latin name is Athene Noctua, and its also known as the owl of Athena or owl of Minerva :)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on July 01, 2024, 09:05:21
Can you tell us how these various setting fare when birds are flying through
- groups of trees,
- branches,
- past structures etc?
When I switched to groups and 3D, I lost many shots because the AF was latching onto other things nearby
(much of the time, the owl was flying almost directly towards me, but through branches etc)
Even in open sky when it was flying on a path parallel to me, I got worse results with 3D and groups than I did single point AFC
Contrasty backgrounds are always a challenge, grabbing the attention of the focusing system. It helps a little to have costom setting a3 set to maximum delay. I have subject motion set to the mid value.
Post by: Øivind Tøien on July 01, 2024, 09:33:59
While looking for dragonflies, the local Herring Gull (Larus argentatos) at my little nearby lake got a very luck catch! The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout each spring, as it is too small for anything but the Blackfish to survive the anoxic conditions under the ice. Lucky captures with 500PF on the Z8. The shutter speed was 1/1000s, really way to long, but no time to change settings!
#1 Looking for pray
#2 Spotted
#3 Got it!
#4 -9 Taking it away
#10 In-flight meal
Post by: golunvolo on July 01, 2024, 16:01:49
Post by: Hugh_3170 on July 01, 2024, 16:42:01
A wonderful sequence Øivind (except for the wee rainbow trout that is!).
Excellent action. The calm pond reflections are the icing.
Post by: ColinM on July 01, 2024, 17:18:38
Post by: Birna Rørslett on July 01, 2024, 20:34:48
Post by: Øivind Tøien on July 01, 2024, 21:59:33
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on July 01, 2024, 23:13:53
Post by: Øivind Tøien on July 01, 2024, 23:35:37
No just keep pressing. I did this at a sports event at 30 fps, but didn’t realise that I was only getting JPEGs.Yes, that is for sure part of the learning curve transitioning from D500. There is need to keep a close watch on the drive mode settings. I wish they could be linked to the shooting bank. I have 30 fps permanently activated for pre-captures and only use that frame rate when that is needed. In the above case I am not sure if I was at 10 or 20 fps as I was looking for dragonflies - I usually have low set to 10 and high set to 20. But since I got 17 frames that bridged two following second-timestamps, it was likely at 20fps.
Post by: ColinM on July 02, 2024, 20:10:23
Plus lots of different types of seagull, cormorants etc
This pair of Razorbills are desperately trying to protect their chick from a seagull (who's trying to look like he's really not interested)
The decision about when one of them goes off to find food can't be easy - the gulls are quick to spot an opportunity
D500 300mm PF plus TC1.4 handheld
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 03, 2024, 22:12:52
I always use 20 fps to capture action but I also used 30fps with pre capture of 1 sec and have a lot of birds flying just after perch 8)
Colin your photo is a kind of documentary Razorbills don’t have an easy task, very nice!
Post by: Øivind Tøien on July 03, 2024, 23:57:37
Very nice sequence Oivid :)
I always use 20 fps to capture action but I also used 30fps with pre capture of 1 sec and have a lot of birds flying just after perch 8)
Colin your photo is a kind of documentary Razorbills don’t have an easy task, very nice!
Thanks Nasos, yes I need to adapt to the new capabilities of the Z8, I think 20fps is going to be standard for action looking forward.
And very nice documentation on the difficult time of the Razorbills, Colin.
Post by: Ashlandish on August 01, 2024, 20:36:03
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 01, 2024, 21:14:26
The Green Herons nesting by a small lake in my neighborhood park now have four chicks. They're hard to see through the foliage, but once in a while we catch a glimpse of one or more.Nice capture Tim , beautiful :)
Post by: Ashlandish on August 01, 2024, 21:47:35
Post by: Hans_S on August 14, 2024, 06:14:31
Post by: Hugh_3170 on August 14, 2024, 08:16:44
Yes, the one in your second photograph looks exactly like the !@#$'s that got into our apples last year.
The annoying thing for us was that the apples became riddled with lots of triangular shaped bite marks that spoilt the apples, yet the birds ate very few of the apples as such.
Wish I still had my cat....
The almond trees are in full blossom with the promise of a bumper crop...but the reality, every year, is that the !@#$ parrots get them first!!
Post by: Hans_S on August 15, 2024, 01:43:03
Post by: Hugh_3170 on August 15, 2024, 03:27:57
Thank you Hugh. I wedge the spray head of the garden hose in a fork of the apple tree pointing upwards. A blast of water up their technicolour khybers instantly has exiting the tree in all directions. ;D ;D
Post by: Ashlandish on August 15, 2024, 16:56:12
Post by: golunvolo on November 21, 2024, 12:45:18
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 22, 2024, 17:00:27
Use 2x TC III holds well with this excellent lens
Post by: ColinM on November 24, 2024, 05:29:12
Z9 on dx mode. 70-200mm 2.8fl. If I'm going to shoot more birds, I'm going to need more reach...
Since you're using a Z9 you can fast forward straight to a 500PF
(I'm guessing you had a chance to play with Birna's 400mm Z lens back in 2023 too?)
Post by: golunvolo on November 24, 2024, 10:29:49
Since you're using a Z9 you can fast forward straight to a 500PF
(I'm guessing you had a chance to play with Birna's 400mm Z lens back in 2023 too?)
I did try Birna's 400 and I like it a lot. That lens... but I have never try the 500pf
Post by: Brute on December 22, 2024, 04:31:34
Post by: Øivind Tøien on December 24, 2024, 11:34:50
Post by: senecaman on December 24, 2024, 12:17:44
Post by: Asle F on January 10, 2025, 16:05:45
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252728006_61a230191a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qE8pUb)
tiur (https://flic.kr/p/2qE8pUb) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 10, 2025, 16:18:30
Seen in the snowy weather
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252728006_61a230191a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2qE8pUb)
tiur (https://flic.kr/p/2qE8pUb) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
The famous grouse?
Post by: golunvolo on January 11, 2025, 01:21:00
Seen in the snowy weather
Love every choice here.
Thanks for sharing it
Post by: Øivind Tøien on January 11, 2025, 04:17:31
The famous grouse?Nice one, but a western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) not the famous Lagopus lagopus (ptarmigan).
The dogs keep getting teased by an American grouse variant, the Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus).
(Z8, 300mm PF)
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on January 13, 2025, 13:20:24
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on January 14, 2025, 11:13:56
Nikon Zf, 105mm 2.8
Post by: senecaman on January 14, 2025, 12:45:02
This pair moved onto our local lake a couple of months ago. They don't mix with the white swans and are somewhat elusive.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 14, 2025, 19:20:38
traces of feral pigeon trying to enter closed window. There was no body on the ground. I think she got away with a bad headache.One photo better than thousand words, your capture tell the story, very nice :)
Nikon Zf, 105mm 2.8
Nice captures here Andrew, Arturo, Oivid, Bruno :)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on January 14, 2025, 22:24:23
Thanks Nasos, I also think that Jürgen's pigeon imprint is very special.
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on January 15, 2025, 09:31:08
The honor goes to my wife. She discovered the imprint early in the morning in flat sunlight. I was the photo technician who took the picture.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 15, 2025, 10:52:55
Thanks Nasos and Øivind,
The honor goes to my wife. She discovered the imprint early in the morning in flat sunlight. I was the photo technician who took the picture.
Congrats to both of you, is not an every day photo :)
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 15, 2025, 11:18:20
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on January 16, 2025, 13:49:57
Post by: ColinM on January 19, 2025, 22:02:09
Almost like he was deciding whether to let me go further up the path :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 20, 2025, 23:18:11
Since I have no laptop for the next couple of weeks, here are some remaining photos on my IPad
Full frame and crop: some tests with z8/ 180-600 unedited just cropped.
Post by: ColinM on January 21, 2025, 21:28:41
Nice shots Juergen and Colin :) (is it D500/ 300pf?)
Thanks Nasos, yes that's what i used.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 21, 2025, 22:20:56
One of the first shots with Z8/500pf plus 1.4 III TC, wrong shutter speed 1/320 sec makes this shot interesting 8)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on January 22, 2025, 04:33:10
Thank you Colin
One of the first shots with Z8/500pf plus 1.4 III TC, wrong shutter speed 1/320 sec makes this shot interesting 8)
Very lucky shot! Were you able to identify the prey?
Post by: ColinM on January 22, 2025, 13:10:35
One of the first shots with Z8/500pf plus 1.4 III TC, wrong shutter speed 1/320 sec makes this shot interesting 8)
What a beautiful image Nasos
Whether the settimgs were "wrong" or the timing unexpected, you've produced an amazing result.
A great example of nature photography and artistic impression, plus you've conveyed the speed of the wing movements nicely
Post by: senecaman on January 22, 2025, 16:55:18
Post by: senecaman on January 22, 2025, 16:56:37
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 22, 2025, 21:12:46
Very lucky shot! Were you able to identify the prey?Thank you Øivind :)
Don’t know about the pray, I have series of photos at least I will try to identify the bird
Thank you Colin and Andrew just got lucky with this shoot
Andrew very nice captures, very realistic moment!
Post by: senecaman on January 23, 2025, 00:19:40
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 23, 2025, 11:36:29
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 31, 2025, 14:07:29
Here is a Flamingo Ballet trying to find a place to feed and to be far from the human activity
Ζ8/ 500 pf last February
I feel blessed that I can take a walk and see such a beauty taking place in front of my eyes 8)
Thank you
Post by: Akira on February 10, 2025, 08:43:16
SIGMA fp with Panasonic Lumix S 50mm/f1.8@f2.8. The bird image is a crop from the raw data enhanced in ACR.
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 10, 2025, 18:34:12
I found it here is it correct?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warbling_white-eye (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warbling_white-eye)
Post by: Hans_S on February 10, 2025, 23:25:52
A Japanese white-eye came to the tree near my balcony.Good spotting Akira. Their olive backs and light bellies makes them hard to separate from foliage. Ours are the very similar Zosterops Lateralis which we now see only rarely as they pass through the area.
SIGMA fp with Panasonic Lumix S 50mm/f1.8@f2.8. The bird image is a crop from the raw data enhanced in ACR.
Post by: Akira on February 11, 2025, 00:23:48
Very difficult to spot It in there!
I found it here is it correct?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warbling_white-eye (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warbling_white-eye)
Thank you for the comment, Nasos! I saw it flying around in this tree. So, I knew it was there at the moment. I was just lucky to capture it! This one belongs to the same Zosterops genus but is Z. jamonicus, not Z. lateralis The color of its entire body is green.
Good spotting Akira. Their olive backs and light bellies makes them hard to separate from foliage. Ours are the very similar Zosterops Lateralis which we now see only rarely as they pass through the area.
Thank you, Hans! As explained in my response to Nasos, I knew it was there. As suggested by its name, Z. japonicus can be commonly seen in Japan, and is often confused with Horornis diphone.
Post by: Akira on February 13, 2025, 00:48:52
Shot with SIGMA fp with Lumix S 50/1.8 wide open. The RAW file was enhanced in ACR and then cropped. The first image shows the entire frame.
Post by: Hans_S on March 07, 2025, 03:27:50
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 07, 2025, 11:03:15
Hans nice environmental/bird photo :)
Post by: Akira on March 07, 2025, 14:15:52
Akira is very interesting how birds look so different in different places of the world :)
Indeed, that's how valuable it is to share the images of the local animals and plants among people from all over the world!
Post by: Akira on March 07, 2025, 14:22:01
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on March 07, 2025, 15:04:28
These images of the Japanese white-eye (Zosterops japonicus) were shot with a 50mm lens. The frames were enhanced in ACR and then heavily cropped.They are insectivorous birds, accustomed to humans.
Post by: Akira on March 07, 2025, 17:36:51
They are insectivorous birds, accustomed to humans.
Could be. But it was still quite far from me, and I had to be careful not to be noticed. The images are cropped literally heavily. In order to capture the bird in this size on a full frame size sensor, I would have needed a 500mm lens. Apparently, it was sucking honey from these Japanese plums in this case.
Post by: Hans_S on March 07, 2025, 23:23:22
Hans nice environmental/bird photo :)Thank you Nasos. Your shot in #1575 inspires me to try and capture our Red Wattlebirds in flight. Wattlebirds perform some amazing aerobatics to catch insects on-the-wing!
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 08, 2025, 12:02:18
Post by: ColinM on March 08, 2025, 21:26:16
Garden visitor
I love Green Woodpeckers Bruno
(and their call is unmistakable!)
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on March 10, 2025, 16:45:50
Nikon Zf, 400mm 4.5 TC 2x
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 10, 2025, 18:18:44
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 10, 2025, 18:22:06
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 26, 2025, 11:54:36
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on March 26, 2025, 12:39:37
Nikon Zfc, 400mm TC2x
Post by: Hans_S on March 27, 2025, 06:26:41
Post by: Hans_S on March 27, 2025, 06:50:32
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on March 27, 2025, 09:56:31
Unexpected garden visitor.I think it's a Booted Eagle, scientific name Hieraaetus pennatus
Post by: Hugh_3170 on March 27, 2025, 16:30:51
A Little Wattlebird concentrating on the nectar part of its diet.
Post by: Hans_S on March 27, 2025, 23:58:34
Well done Hans - very realistic captures of the Wattle bird here. Like the Wren image also.Thanks for the kind words Hugh! Wattles may be a drab colour, but I find the white pattern on the feathers to be special.
...and thank you Nikon for putting a silent shutter option in the Z50, at this close range the mechanical shutter had the birds fleeing on the first press!
Post by: Anthony on March 28, 2025, 15:39:30
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 28, 2025, 16:24:23
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 28, 2025, 16:32:42
I think it's a Booted Eagle, scientific name Hieraaetus pennatusThanks for the comment, Arturo. It looks like one, but unfortunately it is a Common Buzzard. They nest in the nearby wood and for whatever reason have been flying and perching low the last few days. In other pictures, not posted, you see that the tarsi are not feathered, as should be on a Booted Eagle.
I whish it was though.
Post by: Akira on March 28, 2025, 22:06:42
Excellent, Anthony.
Yeah, these are indeed excellent catches!
Post by: John Geerts on March 28, 2025, 22:10:46
Excellent, Anthony.Yes, beautiful !
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 28, 2025, 22:31:57
A Little Wattlebird concentrating on the nectar part of its diet.Very beautiful bird Hans, I never show it before!
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 28, 2025, 22:32:46
Grebe with lunch.Excellent shots Antony :)
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 28, 2025, 22:52:59
Lucky to see again this year, this beautiful bird near Athens :)
A Bluethroat- Luscinia svecica, a rare bird for Greece was found some days ago and many people are searching for it 8)
I was lucky to see and have some shots with Z8/ 180-600
Thank you
Post by: ColinM on March 29, 2025, 11:37:14
This is a last days shot for me :)
Lucky to see again this year, this beautiful bird near Athens :)
A Bluethroat- Luscinia svecica, a rare bird for Greece was found some days ago and many people are searching for it 8)
I was lucky to see and have some shots with Z8/ 180-600
Thank you
What beautiful, delicate tones Nasos
Post by: Anthony on March 29, 2025, 11:59:38
This is a last days shot for me :)
Lucky to see again this year, this beautiful bird near Athens :)
A Bluethroat- Luscinia svecica, a rare bird for Greece was found some days ago and many people are searching for it 8)
I was lucky to see and have some shots with Z8/ 180-600
Thank you
Beautiful bird, interesting contrast between the drab and the delicate colours.
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 29, 2025, 12:13:55
What beautiful, delicate tones Nasos+1. Very nice bird, Nasos. Very elusive here too, unfortunately, I had to go to Finland so see one ...
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 31, 2025, 10:24:13
Yes I see here that prefers places in North
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluethroat (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluethroat)
I upload the last years April 2024 shot with Z8/500 pf
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 31, 2025, 10:30:52
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 03, 2025, 10:38:53
https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=11178.msg206853#msg206853
D500 500:5.6 PF
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 03, 2025, 14:08:12
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 03, 2025, 15:23:13
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 03, 2025, 22:05:15
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 04, 2025, 10:40:55
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 04, 2025, 14:15:04
Well seen, ArturoThanks Bruno, sometimes while I wait for strange birds, curious things appear.
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 05, 2025, 11:06:07
https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=11178.msg206904#msg206904
D500 500:5.6 PF
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 07, 2025, 12:12:12
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 07, 2025, 14:56:29
Arturo very nice shoot!
Post by: Øivind Tøien on April 07, 2025, 20:08:36
Beautiful bird, nice colours Bruno :)
Arturo very nice shoot!
+1 to both of these.
Post by: ColinM on April 07, 2025, 23:26:14
symmetry
Very pleasing to the eye
(a pose you sometimes see when Crested Grebes are doing their courtship)
Post by: ColinM on April 07, 2025, 23:27:15
Common pheasant.I could not convince him to look at me :). Female portrait posted in the April 2025 monthly thread
D500 500:5.6 PF
Your 500PF is earning its keep here Bruno :)
Post by: ColinM on April 07, 2025, 23:29:44
He is very twitchy and flies off if he sees the slightest movement from us.
I've been leaving my D500 & 300mm PF in the kitchen (best vantage point) to try and be prepared
Even then, I'm forced to shoot through a double glazed window.
But the other day, the sun was shining and he was on form:
Post by: ColinM on April 07, 2025, 23:36:25
Two shots showing the nictitating membranes open and closing
Post by: ColinM on April 07, 2025, 23:37:28
Two shots showing the feathers just above the beak smooth, then strangely puffed up
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 08, 2025, 07:46:27
Greater Spotted Woodpecker:Congratulations, I enjoyed seeing it.
Two shots showing the nictitating membranes open and closing
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 08, 2025, 09:59:08
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 08, 2025, 10:02:59
Post by: ColinM on April 08, 2025, 14:22:09
Nice behavioral series, Colin. Do you also see the female ?
Yes, I've seen two quite different sized 'peckers visiting and i think the smaller one was the female
(they have less red on them too)
I was lucky to have these plus Green woodpeckers visit the previous house i lived in.
Some of the pix here show a parent teaching their youngster how to feed
https://pbase.com/celidh/woodpeckers
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 09, 2025, 09:41:30
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 09, 2025, 11:07:05
Post by: ColinM on April 09, 2025, 14:16:46
Colin nice shots, lucky to have these birds on your garden :)
Thanks Nasos and Bruno.
There are enough trees & bushes round the edge to give birds safe access.
The other attraction is the food...(many people dont bother!)
Post by: senecaman on April 14, 2025, 16:02:48
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 14, 2025, 17:30:42
Post by: senecaman on April 14, 2025, 20:34:07
Thanks for your comments
It was taken with a 200 mm lens at a falconry centre so no hide required
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 14, 2025, 21:12:54
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on April 14, 2025, 21:27:41
The tiger's leapI can't stop looking at this Photo. It is unsharp, strangely composed, ill lit - and very funny!! Great shot Arturo!
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 14, 2025, 22:50:28
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 15, 2025, 00:56:32
I can't stop looking at this Photo. It is unsharp, strangely composed, ill lit - and very funny!! Great shot Arturo!Thanks Jürgen and Bruno, I took the photo this morning with a mirror telephoto lens and it's completely natural.
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 18, 2025, 01:56:31
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 19, 2025, 14:36:57
D500 500/5.6 PF
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 19, 2025, 18:58:52
A rare leucistic Turnstone, Ambleteuse, French Opal Coast. I saw it for the first time in the autumn and couldn't wait to see it again. Leucistic birds are more often the target of predators because they stand out from the crowd.Congratulations Bruno, it is difficult to find these mutations,
D500 500/5.6 PF
Post by: ColinM on April 19, 2025, 22:08:38
Swallows preening in Puebla de Mula.
The first sight of these visitors is always a landmark for me.
Post by: Anthony on April 20, 2025, 19:41:20
Post by: Ann on April 20, 2025, 21:02:55
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 20, 2025, 22:08:53
Post by: Hugh_3170 on April 21, 2025, 04:47:03
I agree. Great work Anthony.
I love this set —especially the third image.
Post by: Anthony on April 21, 2025, 14:37:12
I was testing my new Wimberley monogimbal, which really helps with tracking while using a monopod. https://tripodhead.com/products/monopodhead-main.cfm
Post by: ColinM on April 21, 2025, 20:41:59
Sounds like your monogimbal is just part of a wider collection of Wimberly kit - care to share info?
I used to have a "Sidekick" but couldn't tell you where it is now.
I'm not sure how much difference it would have made when this Kestrel flew over my head on Easter Sunday.
It had just dived for its prey and you can just make out it's eating the catch whilst "coasting/gliding" into the headwind
Post by: Anthony on April 22, 2025, 13:19:36
I have had a Wimberley gimbal for many years, but it is heavy and gets little use. For birds and sports I prefer a monopod over a tripod. A tripod is designed to hold the camera still, while a monopod allows a lot of movement but supports the weight of the long lens. The monogimbal is a recent acquisition which is much lighter than a standard gimbal, and provides support and freedom of movement.
Post by: ColinM on April 22, 2025, 14:18:23
Nice kestrel, Colin. I would love to photograph one.
For birds and sports I prefer a monopod over a tripod.
The monogimbal is a recent acquisition which is much lighter than a standard gimbal, and provides support and freedom of movement.
Thanks Anthony
I agree about the tripod, which I'd mainly use for macro & star shooting
I also own a momopod and i found it useful for sports.
If i took any, it might be useful for water fowl. However my main interest is Birds in Flight
With the 300mm PF and 1.4TC hand holding generally works for me and a monopod would restrict me
I've never had a chance to try the 500mm PF and that might change things! :)
I first started getting good results with the earlier 300mm f4 AFS
Several of these shots were taken with birds flying above me, or all around me
(see here https://pbase.com/celidh/birdsofprey)
I tried renting a 300mm f2.8 to see if i could improve results
It was the opposite!
However good the optical quality, the bulk and weight were to much for me to use my previous hand-held technique for more than a few seconds. I took the wimberly and my monopod that day, but came back with few usable shots.
Lots of practice would probably have made a big difference
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 22, 2025, 14:24:06
Nice sequence AnthonyGood shot Colin, you caught him having a snack.
Sounds like your monogimbal is just part of a wider collection of Wimberly kit - care to share info?
I used to have a "Sidekick" but couldn't tell you where it is now.
I'm not sure how much difference it would have made when this Kestrel flew over my head on Easter Sunday.
It had just dived for its prey and you can just make out it's eating the catch whilst "coasting/gliding" into the headwind
Post by: ColinM on April 22, 2025, 14:24:17
With direct sunlight, i struggled to get an exposure that caught enough details of the face without blowing out the fully-lit parts
Post by: ColinM on April 22, 2025, 14:26:19
Good shot Colin, you caught him having a snack.
Thanks Arturo
It looks a small snack though - more like a worm or a slug than a rodent
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 22, 2025, 14:39:16
Post by: ColinM on April 22, 2025, 14:42:33
I hunted this one in November, sometimes it comes close to the dovecote where I have the messengers.
Thats beautiful Arturo
I'm guessing you were able to get a little closer than i was - what equipment did you take the shot with?
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 22, 2025, 14:48:18
Thats beautiful ArturoWell, judging by the circles in the background, it has to be the NIKKOR 1000mm reflex, or the NIKKOR 500mm reflex, I don't remember which one it was, handheld, yes, without a tripod.
I'm guessing you were able to get a little closer than i was - what equipment did you take the shot with?
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 22, 2025, 16:32:52
Post by: Anthony on April 22, 2025, 18:44:55
Thanks Anthony
I first started getting good results with the earlier 300mm f4 AFS
Several of these shots were taken with birds flying above me, or all around me
(see here https://pbase.com/celidh/birdsofprey)
These images are really good.
Post by: Ann on April 22, 2025, 18:51:54
"More shots of the Kestrel hunting above the Malvern Hills"
Colin:
Excellent shots of that Kestrel!
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 22, 2025, 19:35:23
Splashdown.Anthony, the photos of the landing are great, in the second one the shadow of the neck is perfectly drawn
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 22, 2025, 19:40:50
Post by: ColinM on April 22, 2025, 20:30:43
Post by: Øivind Tøien on April 22, 2025, 20:37:26
More shots of the Kestrel hunting above the Malvern Hills
With direct sunlight, i struggled to get an exposure that caught enough details of the face without blowing out the fully-lit parts
Very nicely caught hovering flight, Colin.
Post by: Anthony on April 23, 2025, 16:47:22
Anthony, the photos of the landing are great, in the second one the shadow of the neck is perfectly drawn
Thank you!
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 23, 2025, 22:12:47
Post by: ColinM on April 24, 2025, 21:10:47
NIKKOR 600mm 5.6
I'd love to try one of these.
Is this an older model, or more current AF one?
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 24, 2025, 21:16:37
Thanks ØivindIt's old, a very good lens, but manual, I bought it second hand, it belonged to a German photographer
I'd love to try one of these.
Is this an older model, or more current AF one?
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 25, 2025, 14:49:56
D500 500/5.6 PF
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on April 25, 2025, 17:28:44
Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 TC2x
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 25, 2025, 18:33:43
Jurgen very nice capture! And the story behind :)
Once I show many storks gathering and calling others just before they flight back south in Autumn time.
They go in circles around for a long time before they left, it was an amazing time!
Post by: aerobat on April 25, 2025, 18:40:08
Sometimes the storks carry such large branches that they have trouble getting up into the air. I always hope that none of them crash into the roof of my house. :) :)Love it Jürgen and good to see the good image quality despite people claiming this lens doesn't work well with the TC 2X.
Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 TC2x
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on April 25, 2025, 18:56:53
Love it Jürgen and good to see the good image quality despite people claiming this lens doesn't work well with the TC 2X.
There is some CA and purple fringing with the converter, most of it can be handled in software. The quality is definitely better than just a crop. But beware – when a stork comes to close it no longer fits into the picture :) :)
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 25, 2025, 20:54:23
Sometimes the storks carry such large branches that they have trouble getting up into the air. I always hope that none of them crash into the roof of my house. :) :)Very good, beautiful photo, the storks' nests are prodigious, they build them in a big way.
Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 TC2x
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 25, 2025, 21:14:55
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 26, 2025, 12:13:06
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 26, 2025, 20:43:45
Post by: Lars Hansen on April 26, 2025, 20:58:10
Sometimes the storks carry such large branches that they have trouble getting up into the air. I always hope that none of them crash into the roof of my house. :) :)
Nikon Zf, Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 TC2x
Oh... that is very nice, Jürgen! - hope they're not invading your balcony ;D
Post by: Lars Hansen on April 26, 2025, 21:04:11
territorial dispute
Nice catch Arturo.
Where I live, we have many wood pigeons - they are large and can be very noisy in my backyard when they fight or mate. One day I saw one of them lying in the rain gutter .. thought it was dead, but it had just passed out from exhaustion!
Post by: Jürgen Pfeiffer on April 26, 2025, 21:44:23
Oh... that is very nice, Jürgen! - hope they're not invading your balcony ;D
The balcony is still stork-free, Lars. However, a few years ago I had one in the garden and after a heavy rain the poor thing was completely soaked and a bit confused. After a while he managed to fly away.
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 26, 2025, 22:11:15
territorial disputeGood catch, Arturo.
Post by: ARTUROARTISTA on April 26, 2025, 22:34:13
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 26, 2025, 23:07:37
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 26, 2025, 23:13:57
The balcony is still stork-free, Lars. However, a few years ago I had one in the garden and after a heavy rain the poor thing was completely soaked and a bit confused. After a while he managed to fly away.My cat would go completely berserk :)
Post by: Bruno Schroder on April 28, 2025, 11:16:51
D500 500/5.6 PF