White Faced Herons at the Pond

[Mongo]

Some recent grey herons with D800E and Nikon 200-500. Data shows distances were 24 and 30 metres for these shots. Mongo has included #5 just for those interested in how the 200-500 performs with a 14 EII converter. That shot was effectively at 700mm , f10, ISO 400, 1/800th and cropped down.

[Peter Connan]

Really nice shots!

I can't really see any difference at this size, are the shots without TC cropped more heavily?

[Mongo]

Really nice shots!

I can't really see any difference at this size, are the shots without TC cropped more heavily?

thanks Peter. the non TC shots were cropped between 33% and 40%. These shots had less magnification and accordingly, were cropped a little more than the one with a TC.

[Frank Fremerey]

love the reflection in 7365

[Peter Connan]

Thank you.

[John G]

Hi Mongo
              I,ve studied these images over two days, and I find them full of attraction, in the Nature context and the knowing of a very good
              set up for the equipment used.
              I have found the Heron in the UK, to be a very aloof bird, that does not hang around and pose, if your presence is known, usually
              they seem to allow you about 50 metres minimum as a separation from them. Too much directed attention and they gracefully
              move on.
              Your images offer the Heron in a very settled state, oblivious to your presence. 
               These are some of the most enjoyable 200 - 500mm images I have viewed, the fact a TC is a attachment as well, is
               very interesting, as a  TC 14e will get the lens up to 700mm focal length. With the crop capability of the D800E, it is a
               great combo.
   
                 

[Mongo]

thank you John.

remember that only #5 image was taken with the converter on.

Yes, some of our herons appear quite used to humans. The heron in the images was on a very quiet river in a national Park. More recently, Mongo managed to photograph another heron on an ocean beach. This time Mongo was only between 5 and 6 metres away ! At times, as the heron came closer, Mongo even had to step back to keep it wholly within the frame and not let it get too close. On this occasion  D4S and a AFS 300MM F4 with 14EII converter was used. So, yes, they can in fact be too friendly !

Here are just two of those images.

[David Paterson]

These are all very nice and of the original posting, #2,3, and 4 are my favourites.

I'd be interested to hear your views on the bokeh of his lens. On another thread, Frank made severe criticism of this aspect of the lens and posted at least one image to show how bad it could be. Are your findings any different?

[Mongo]

Interesting question David and thanks for looking in.

Honestly, Mongo has never concerned himself with bokeh in relation to this lens or any long lens. Bokeh is only of interest to Mongo in relation to portrait and sometimes, even macro lenses. With long lenses shooting small subjects (e.g. birds) and usually having to crop somewhat, you might imagine how the surrounds are not so critical in that situation. Also, with the 200-500mm, Mongo has almost never used it at less than 500mm and for the above purpose. However, Frank seems to photograph more general subject matter where he might use the lower focal lengths of this lens including, say, 200mm. In those instances, Mongo can understand how bokeh may well be far more important.

The first 4 images posted here have some degree of open background to try and judge the bokeh but Mongo admits they are not good samples to try and do that with. Perhaps someone else who has this lens and uses it differently to Mongo could better answer your question. In the interim, Mongo will have a quick look through images taken with this lens that might give a better idea of how its bokeh performs and PM you if he finds any useful samples. Failing that, you also have Frank’s very experienced opinion on this question to guide you. Mongo hopes you get some further answers for your question somehow.