I am still trying to get the hang of using my 300/2.8 with the 2xTC, and I am using small, perching birds as my test subjects. The sun finally came out in Atlanta today, so out I went and here are three small birds I happened to capture ...
Herderdog wrote:
Looks great to me, Chris!
These are nice a sharp. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Bonnie. You know that I view your frequent posts as the standard to which my pictures must aspire, you are just turning out such consistently great shots with the 300/2.8 and TCs. Thank you for looking!
Dave In La wrote:
Chris, yours and Bonnie's work with the 300 plus 2x is very very good.
That seems to be a killer combo and much bang for the $$.
Mockers are great subjects to practice on, they are curious and will follow, coming quite close
Thanks Dave. Coming from you these comments mean a lot to me. I am really pleased with the 300 -- I chose it over a 500 mainly for travel-related convenience issues, figuring it would be easier to travel overseas with the smaller lens. So I view it as a compromise, but I am happy enough with the results. And thank you for mentioning me in the same sentence as Bonnie, although I don't think I am anywhere near her level, but I am definitely working on it!
MaggieBee wrote:
You seem to have the hang of it, Chris. #3 then #1 are my picks
Thanks Maggie. I was so excited about that nuthatch, but immediately after he flew off, I was worried that he might have been too close because I was using the focus limit switch. I was steaming that I might have missed such a great opportunity, but then pleasantly surprised when I got home and the shots were actually in focus after all! I find I have to use the limit switch with the 2xTC or the AF just hunts too much and focuses too slowly.
These are super shots. I especially enjoyed the brown-headed nuthatch. I've never seen one before.
Nice job with the 300 and 2.0 extender. Are you using a tripod? These look nice and sharp.
Thanks Cris! Yes, the brown-headed nuthatch only lives in the southeast. It's little consolation, though, when you have so many bald eagles up where you are!
These shots were taken using a monopod, Manfrotto 3232 tilt head, and a RRS clamp and plate. My primary reason for getting the 300 over a 500/4 was portability, so I am trying out this rig to see if it works. So far, with my limited experience, I am finding that I have to keep the shutter speeds at or above 1/800 to get sharp shots, although I can get a few at lower speeds, but much less reliably.
Shasoc wrote:
These pics show a very good exposure, very nice detail and good color. So I would say that you did a very good job with that combo, Chris.
Socrate
Thanks, Socrate. The 40D is really making it a lot easier on me -- I can now see how much the AF system on my old Rebel XTi was hindering me. Now I just need to grow into to the new camera and the 300.
alameda wrote:
Nice set, sharp with good color! I think you are right about 2 being a RWBB. Steve W
Steve, thanks for the comments and thanks for confirming the ID on that one. There was a male RWBB hanging around too, and I got several decent pictures of him, but all were obstructed by branches in the way, so I will have to wait for another opportunity to get a good picture of one of the males.
Mr Zoom wrote:
All three are great, Chris, but that nuthatch is more betterer than the rest
Ken
Thanks Ken, I really appreciate it. I am always inspired by the pictures you post here. And I agree, the nuthatch is definitely the best effort for the day. Frankly, if I can get one picture like that every time I go out, I am happy!
Great nice and sharp, nice backgrounds. Hmm, I thought 2x were not supposed to be sharp, ha. How did you get the nuthatch to sit still? Those guys never sit still. I also agree 2 is a female RWB.
#3 then #1 are my picks