First shots with the 500mm f/5.6 ED PF.

[Ashlandish]

I spoke with Krzysztof at Hejnar Photo Corp. He said that if there's trouble ordering it is usually ether the browser or the credit card and that changing one or the other usually resolves the issue but that if trouble persists to email him at info@hejnarphotostore.com. He said shipping the foot to France wouldn't be much more than $20.

[rosko]

Hi, Tim.

I could  finally order it!

It's now on its way to UK, (where I am living at the moment).

Total cost : $96 USD (£72.25) which is a very decent price.

I am using the lens hand held until I get le foot. No nice pics so far, as birds of prey are flying very far (or very high).

Thanks again.

Francis

[Ashlandish]

Francis,

Glad you were able to order--looking forward to hearing how the replacement works out, and of course to more images  .

Tim

[PeterN]

The 500 PF looks like a very capable lens! It must be a treat to use the lens for photographing wildlife.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful images.
I used to own the 300 PF which I liked very much. I still regret selling it.

[rosko]

Thanks, Peter!

Just coming back from the New Forest (South UK)
Used the Z6+FTZ adapter this time.
Took some little birds, but still can't control the AF, I have to find the right settings...
Images will follow.
Francis.

[rosko]

Got the new foot from USA (more than 2 weeks ago...)

I wasn't charged for customs which was a good surprise !

It's really something different : longer, wider, sturdier with a screw to secure it instead a knob.

This Hejnar Photo item is similar to the Kirk one.

I advise any user to adopt it without worries : great accessory decently priced ( about £72 net)

I put a pic for comparison.
Francis.

[rosko]

More birds, with the Z6+FTZ.

first and second pics : juvenile Starling;
3, unknow
4, aigret
5, black Swan.

[Ashlandish]

Really glad the Hejnar Photo foot is working out well.

Looks like you’re enjoying and putting that lens to good use 

[rosko]

I do, but I have to find the right settings to catch birds in flight. So far nothing sharp, and the culprit isn't the lens...

Next job to do : clean the sensor !

[ThomasAdams]

Rosko,

 Glad to see you are enjoying the new setup. I've been working on birds as well (currently working with my backup camera D3). I haven't been really happy with most of my shots but it's fun and I get pretty happy when I catch something unique! So that keeps me going back for sure. I plan on some gear testing to eliminate some issues. I also picked up a monopod and already see improvements in photographs due to a decrease in motion blur and reduction in noise as I'm able to reduce the shutter speed. The consistency is nice for sure! I need way more practice and hopefully one day my D3x will arrive in the mail.

 I have found a few new friends out birding as well. They have been extremely helpful in understanding bird habits, migration patterns and names for them... the names, there are so many!  Keep your photos coming, I enjoyed them and look forward to seeing more.

Regards,
Tom

[rosko]

Thanks for your kind words, Tom !

I use a monopod when I have to approach a subject like deer. I can eliminate some blur, mostly up/down motions, however, not the lateral ones. So I am planning to make a ''bipod'' to solve the problem, even if it will be more complicated to handle...

Otherwise, attaching the monopod just behind the hood instead  the gravity center of the lens (where the foot is) would reduce the ''pivot effect'', but it would be less easy to carry in the field.

Have fun with your D3x.