NikonGear'23

Images => Nature, Flora, Fauna & Landscapes => Topic started by: elsa hoffmann on September 03, 2016, 18:57:45

Title: Non-bird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on September 03, 2016, 18:57:45
Seen on a Bird tour today... I would never have thought the mongoose could look this ferocious.
Sadly I got a bit ahead of myself and decided to try the D3200 & 200-500. Missed about 90% of my shots of birds. seriously
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Mike G on September 03, 2016, 19:34:19
That looks like a really pissed off mongoose, well caught!

Was it you the mongoose was threatening?
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on September 03, 2016, 19:38:12
Mike - I actually think it was yawning to be honest.
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Peter Connan on September 03, 2016, 20:35:33
Great shot Elsa.

Now you know why I was complaining so much about the D610, although I am sure the D3200 is even worse in that respect.
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Mike G on September 03, 2016, 20:45:22
No wonder it was pissed off if you woke him/her up
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on September 03, 2016, 20:48:12
Peter - that was exactly what I was thinking about the whole time I used the D3200. I cant even imagine how fast the D750 must lock on and perform in comparison with the D800 which is kind of a bus itself.
IQ is rather poor also. I got 1 "keeper" out of about 10 pics - the rest I just missed completely - and believe me - the opportunity was there. The keeper is shitty as you can see.
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on September 03, 2016, 20:49:05
No wonder it was pissed off if you woke him/her up

Mike  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Jakov Minić on September 03, 2016, 20:54:40
The devil from South Africa and not Tasmania :)
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Matthew Currie on September 03, 2016, 21:22:26
Hmm.  So you meet a critter that EATS COBRAS for lunch, and you're surprised he's mean?

Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on September 03, 2016, 21:32:01
Matthew - I have never thought about what they eat! But I since googled it - maybe it also eats snakes?

The water mongoose mainly eats aquatic prey such as crabs, prawns, fish and frogs. They are also known to take terrestrial prey such as mammals, birds, insects, reptiles as well as plant material. They are able to open mussels and crabs by hurling them down against a rock from a standing position.
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on September 03, 2016, 21:33:27
oh and I have had one wonder into my house before. The cat didnt fancy it one bit - so it left.
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Anthony on September 03, 2016, 23:40:30
So why bother with the D3200?
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on September 03, 2016, 23:53:06
Anthony - it is the only DX body I have - my other 2 are D800's. I wanted to see what the extra bit on the Dx would give me.
The D3200 does have a use though - I find putting my 300 f4 on it gives me nice close ups.
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Anthony on September 04, 2016, 00:08:35
But DX does not give extra reach.
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Frank Fremerey on September 04, 2016, 00:36:54
a Dingo?. WHAT A BEAST! Eats snakes like crisps...
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: tommiejeep on September 04, 2016, 05:58:53
Elsa, that is a unique image of a Mongoose. It is what shooting wildlife is all about, getting the unusual image.  I shoot many and have never had one give me that reaction.  Even when a Mongoose and I come eye to eye at very close range the reaction is normally surprise and "what do I do now".  I keep thinking that some day I will come across one with a snake.
Many thanks for posting.
Tom
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Mike G on September 04, 2016, 08:29:12
An awful long time(1960s) ago in Bombay/Mumbai in the hanging gardens a snake charmer whose palm had been crossed with a few Rupees set his mongoose loose on a snake, which took very little time to dispatch the poor old snake!

He also charmed a Cobra from a basket, but he did not let the mongoose anywhere near the Cobra!!!
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: Peter Connan on September 04, 2016, 16:35:04
Elsa, I must agree with Tommie, the original image is definately a stunner.

With regard to the glossy, I must confess a great fondness for these birds. They can make stunning images, and had you used the D800 this particular one would have been the most stunning one I have yet seen. It just lacks that little bit of extra dynamic range to lift the shadows on the back a bit...

I know we have discussed this before, but Albert Froneman who is probably one of SA's best specialist bird photographers says that full-frame is much better for birds, and I think this is why he feels that way.

The only possible exception is the D500, but only because no one I know can afford a D5...
Title: Re: Non-bird
Post by: elsa hoffmann on September 04, 2016, 18:35:02
Thank you guys. Every day is a learning curve for me - and every time I go out - I get something different. Thankfully - otherwise - had I know everything - it would have been darn boring!