Quote:
Originally Posted by Joel Eade
This cliff is Troup Head in Aberdeenshire. It is the only gannet colony in mainland Scotland.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joel Eade
This cliff is Troup Head in Aberdeenshire. It is the only gannet colony in mainland Scotland.
Haha thats why most were vertical actually, I was getting portraits of the girls when I'd catch the gulls getting into view. I was more concerned with exposure and focus and wanted to try vertical oriented shots. Next time though!Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Lane
Mike
Wow .... my brothers and I have been planning a golf trip to Scotland for the last 4 years ... we are going in June but will be quite a bit south of Aberdeen. The way our agenda is planned I doubt I can get there but I would love to get some in flight shots of those beauties.
Here's what was around the yard today.....
Eastern Towhee
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Purple Finch
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Goldfinch
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Very nice shots Andy, I would guess that ISO 1600 should be no problem for your 1D IV to get the shutter speed you need. Unless you got away with that shutter speed.
John.
Great Shots as usual Joel, ---Love the purple finch. Here is what I had around the yard this afternoon----Put out some more bird feeders this weekend, hoping to attract some birds with more color.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Lane
Rich:
Thanks for taking the time to help out a rookie.
The picture above has a half way decent background, but only after a lot of PP work to blur it. That shot was in mud field thatwas a little easier than a cut down corn field, but it was still difficult to focus.
The camera was semi-supported ( I had it resting onthe car window). Not the best support, but not totally hand held eather. I was set to spot focus with the center point. The single spot is bigger than the head of the bird... so it keeps picking up on the background because there is considerably more detail in the background than with the bird. I have tried "One Shot", but could never get it to lock on the head of the bird. I endedup using AI Servo and waiting for the head to come into fucus (best I could tell through the view finder) and then snapping a few shots. The problem is it is hit and miss and you never get real sharp focus at the eyes.So I ended up closing down the apiture to increase my depth of field and focused on the body, but the head was still not very sharp, and there was a lot of motion blur. Unfortunately, these cranes are pretty spooky, and are always moving.
These cranes have been showing upin the cut down corn fields by our house every spring, and this year there are more than ever. I have been trying to get a decent shot for a while now, but I have not had a lot luck with these birds.
Pat
Hey Pat,
It sounds like you have a very good approach for getting the shot.
I'm not sure what focal length you used (since it's a zoom), or the ISO ,or Camera Mode that you used?
I understand your idea of a narrower aperture to increase the DOF in order to hope for the eyes to be in focus, it seems logical and I've done this too at times! You said that you focused on the body, and the body looks a little soft too. You could also test the lens and 7D to see if your 100-400mm needs an AF Micro Adjustment. There are many threads on this. Also, if you lean on the car, then make sure that the car is off to eliminate vibrations.
But, as you are aware if you think the background was busy at f/7.1 then maybe you want to try a wider aperture to blur out the background more. Although the f/7.1 is trying to increase DOF, but it may be causinga nervous background. The wider aperture will also allow the AF system to work faster, since it is letting in more light. If these guys are moving quickly or their heads are bouncing around, then also try raising the ISO, which will allow you to raise the shutter-speed. Just be aware that opening the aperture and raising the ISO will over expose the photo, so make sure that you raise the shutter-speed enough so that the in camera light meter is in the middle if you shoot in Manual Mode, otherwise try Aperture Priority with Auto ISO and if that doesn't achieve a fast enough shutter speed (of approx. 1/800 sec) then just raise the ISO manually.
The fact that neither one of the birds heads or bodies are in the center/middle of the frame tells me that you may have missed the center AFpoint, so check the red AF mark of your images.
Also try to focus on the head of the one that is closest to you as this usually looks better if the camera nails the focus.
Do you use AF-ON back button to focus or the half-press shutter button? I like the AF-On button for moving subjects in AI servo and then I just hold that down while firing away in short bursts. Try to stay calm, support your elbows,take a deep breath,and then squeeze the shutter gently.
You won't get the focus lock confirmation beep in AI Servo. You could also use the AI Servo as a one press and then recompose. If you burst with AI Servo tracking with center-point focus, then all of your subjects will be centered in the frame and that is not always desirable. So, I try and switch my single center point to the left, right, or up or down of center, so that all my subjects are not always centered in the middle of the frame (this probably works better with f/2.8 lenses). Also be aware that if you hold down the AF-On button with center focus only and you are focusing on such a small object, then the center AF could grab the background by accident. I would also switch from spot AF to standard center or partial zone AF, since spot may be too small to track their narrow moving neck or head. If you do use AI Servo then let go of the button if you think you have aquired focus in order to avoid locking on the background. Spot AF is good for avoiding branches in a tree while hitting your small target (bird) or focusing on someones eyes inside of a helmet or between a facemask, things like that.
I hope you find this constructive, as it was intended!
Just let me know if you have any questions about any of this.
Rich
Bob, I like catch lights in the shots. Did you use a flash? Joel uses the better beamer and also gets a nice catch light too!
I like the exposure on the first one and the background is real creamy too, but I like the head angle and eye contact on the 2nd one better.
Nice shots!
Rich
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Lane
Rich, no flash on these shots, I just set up my bird feeders and perches to take advantage of the setting sun.
Thanks,
Bob
ISO 1600 would have been tolerable for the gannets on their nests, but no use for shots of them landing or taking off, which needs 1/1000s or faster. This would have pushed me to use ISO 5000, which is far from ideal. I was under-exposing by 1.3 stops already, with some fill light added in Lightroom.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Glass
The trip was really just to scout out the site ready for a return visit when the chicks arrive. I will be back there when we get some clear blue sky and bright sunlight (no idea which year that might be).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Lane
Rich:
I never thought you were doing anything but being constructive, and I appreciate the time you have taken to help me out.
I was shooting with a 7D and the lens was at 400mm (ISO 400, I usually do not go above 800). I usually do not have a problem getting focus when I am shooting around water or even in a wooded area, but is this case I am shooting with a background that is close to the same color, and higher contrasting shapes than the subject. When I can get the time I will take a couple of sample shots to show you what I am talking about. I took a few shots today in good light with the center spot on the head - I pulled it up on DPP to show the focus point was on the head, but every shot was totally blurred unless I focused on the body (so none of the spot can pick up the background). However, you do make a lot of good points that I will try out.
Again, thank you for your time... I do appreciate the comments.
Pat
My Pleasure!
Good Luck,
Rich
Hi Rich
The aperture stays open during auto focus, so you don
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Glass
Yes John, you're right thanks for catching that.
I should have said a wider faster aperture lens and not opening up the aperture on the current lens.
While we're on that topic.., I have a question about variable aperture lenses that I'm not familar with, since I mainlyuse fast/fixed aperture lenses.
This question is open to anybody.
If you are using a variable aperture lens, does the lens open to the widest aperture that the lens offers or the widest aperture at the current actively used focal length, letsuse the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L as the example.
In other words, if I'm at 400mm with that lens, will itopen to f/4.5 for AF or f/5.6?
Thanks,
Rich
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Lane
It will use the widest available aperture at that focal length (e.g. f/5.6 at any zoom setting of 260mm or longer). It's a physical thing - at 400mm, the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens cannot open to f/4.5 because the optical elements are not large enough in diameter. That's also the reason the 100-400mm is ~$1500, while the forthcoming 200-400mm f/4 will be in the high thousands - the extra glass needed to open that wide at the long end.
Thanks John (Neuro), that
What better way to celebrate 1500 posts of bird pictures than to post a picture of 1500 birds?
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/...49aa1f99_b.jpg
5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L USM @ 17mm, f/8, 1/1600s, ISO 100
Joel....nice shots, in particular the Tohwee....I haven't had the good fortune...yet.
Hey Bob....getting the hang of the 500...nice captures. You better be ready for your HBs.
Here is today's capture...a Northern Saw-whet owl....I stood on a pond for over 3 hours trying to get as many open eye shots as possible. The ice will be gone this wkend and if s/he stays on the same roost, it will end the photo op. You need to be out on the ice for a clear shot.
7D, 500 on a tripod w/cable release; ISO 1000, f4, 1/400th
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Thanks for looking
Bill
Andy, did you count them? [:P] Nice picture. [Y]
Bill. Talk about patience. But it paid off.Great shot! And you might not want to be standing on too many "frozen" ponds from here on out. That ice has to be getting a little thin!
Bill, great shot of the owl, patience really paid off on this one, but dont stay on the ice too long, Spring is upon us[:|]. As far as the 500---I havent had much time with it, still trying to get the yard right for the summer----lots of trimming, planting etc. I have taken Joel's lead and set up some perches and extra bird feeders in one area of my yard that benefits from the warm light of the setting sun, but haven't had a lot of time to shoot. However, this afternoon is calling me, so maybe I'll park myself behind the camera in a little while, when the sun gets lower. Other than it's size, there isn't much to get used to with the 500, just point it in the right direction and it seems to take great shots almost every time----Now I have to do my job, which is another story.
Again, Nice owl shot
Bob
Sorry to burst your bubble, but the 200-400 f/4 that was advertised is simply a model. A close relative of mine who spoke with some Canon higher-ups found out that the lens is only in design phase, no where near production and won't be in production for a long time, if at all. Its heart-breaking news and I almost hope they lied to him. But it does explain why no one was able to handle the lens when it was shown off.Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
Guess the 100-400 will have to suffice for a while longer.
Mike
Then why did Canon announce that it was scheduled for delivery in 2011?Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeG2012
We all understand that recent events may have delayed the planned launch date, but surely the design is sufficiently advanced to go into production when the supply chain and assembly plant are back to normal.
This info was found before the events in Japan actually. I don
Bill, that's a beautiful picture. I know what it's like spending hours on ice to get pictures, so you have my admiration for your patience. Your results were well worth the effort. Keep posting, because it helps to keep me focussed on saving for a 500mm lens.
wow-an- owl, Bill!, very very nice!
Bill! Get off the ice! You
Ran across this red-bellied woodpecker just after sunrise this morning...
[url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr_brain/5575038262/lightbox/]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/...52a3fcd6_z.jpg[/url]
EOS 7D, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6<span style="color: #ff0000;"]L IS USM @ 400mm, 1/500 s, f/5.6, ISO 2000
Nice one, John. I like the composition of the branch through the frame and the blurred branches in the background. Plus the touch of color in the bird is just right.
Very well done John!
I love it!
Rich
Thanks, Jon and Rich. I'm just happy that Spring is finally springing around here...although we're expecting a few slushy inches on Friday. [8o|]
Wonderful photo, John! Exposure and composition are perfect!
I kept hearing a woodpecker when I was in my backyard this morning but never did zero in on where he was at!
Denise
I can't say I have ever seen one of these and actually known that is what it is.,,,until today
A Yellow Belly Sapsucker
[View:http://community.the-digital-picture...neric/utility/http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/...6112ba96_z.jpg]
And a few other woodpeckers
[View:http://community.the-digital-picture...neric/utility/http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/...849b03b3_z.jpg]
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Hi John:
You don
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
Rick, this is an interesting shot. I see two different kind of blur here, the motion blur (wing tips) and the out of focus blur. it needs very fast shutter speed to freeze the wing tips of a small bird. I'v been trying to get a good BIF shot of a small bird with the 500mm without any luck. small birds move too fast. your focus point seems on the tree, but the bird's eye looks still in focus, that's pretty good. guess you set up your f stop to around 7.0?( don't think it's because the nice Al Servo AF of your 1D IV,, especially the bird is flying towards you, but what do you think?) what's the shutter speed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by JJphoto
JJ This shot is the 5th shoot in a burst of 7. The other shot of the same bird was the 3rd shoot in the burst. I should post all 7 shoots to show how fast these guys move. In less than 1/10 of a second the bird is on the tree then its gone out of the frame. On the LCD it looked sharp, if it had been when I put it on the computer it would have been like hitting a jackpot on a slot machine.
Here were the settings: 1D IV in High Speed, AI Servo with the single point and assist points enabled. Flash enabled, and it only fired on the first shoot. 700mm, 1/1600, F 5.6, ISO 320 (Set to auto and <span style="font-size: small;"]limited to 200-800) off my gitzo monopod.
<span style="font-size: small;"]None of these shots were really sharp in my opinion. I was struggling with overcast lighting and it seemed like I just couldn't nail a great picture. But, these guys were coming in groups the last few days in the trees behind work. I am going to try again today.
<span style="font-size: small;"]I have been working at getting stop action shots of birds taking off and landing, but it is tough. (although I wasn't on this one, it was a static bird that took off during a burst) The AF mode in AI Servo is not fast enough to pick up the movement of the bird as it comes off. I am thinking now the only way to catch a shot like that is to focus on where the bird might be in manual focus, guess when its taking off and fire away. Then have some good luck, the camera AF just isn't fast enough to catch this action.
<span style="font-size: small;"]Rick
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
I have been thinking the same way, set the focus manually, hopping the bird fly in and not fly away from the focus too fast, use the fastest speed you can and fire a burst and see if you get a lucky one.
i guess a flash should help,but have no any idea especially with a burst. good luck, Rick!
Quote:
Originally Posted by JJphoto
It only fires on the first shot of the burst.
Now if someone knows if there is a battery pack that can recharge fast enough to do multiple shots in the burst, I would like to know what it is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
My 430EX II fires through 5-6 shots of a 7D burst. That's partly because 8 fps is slower than 10 fps, but also because both flashes use 4 AA cells, but the 580 has a larger capicitor to fill than the 430, meaning more time to recycle. What batteries do you use? NiMH's like eneloops recycle the flash significantly faster than alkalines (2-3 times as fast).
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
I am using Energizer Recharable, so the eneloops will give mequicker fire power?
I did notice that the 430ex, I used it off camera remote at the bird feeder last week and I could get several shots with it. It seems to have a better recycle time than the 580ex II. But I can tell that the 430 doesn't throw as much light as the 580. This was important yesterday, it was overcast and I had the 580ex at +1 and +2 several times trying to get enough light to fill.
I did order the better beamer yesterday to see if that helps.