Thanks, I really appreciate it! At least now I know that when I get soft pictures, it is my technique and not the equipment -- won't that be comforting!
Tim Kuhn wrote:
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.
Tim, the 2x definitely does affect the sharpness of the lens, but with the image bigger on the sensor, the detail is still there. The bigger problem is the loss of 2 stops of light -- which forces me up to higher ISOs more than I would prefer and makes the 2x usable only when the light is really good.
How to make a nuthatch sit still? I have no idea, they are so hyperactive most of the time. I figured this one's gift of a few stationary seconds was just dumb luck!
jakita33 wrote:
Great shots Chris! I really like #2 - the colors on the bird and the background really blend together wonderfully. Always enjoy your series!
J
Jason, thank you so much. I am hoping to get out and shoot as much as I can this year -- maybe I will get a shot of a male RWB to go with the female... my regular haunt has a big swampy area that the RWBs love!
Chris, I continue to be amazed at the excellent results that some folks (like yourself) have obtained with a 2x TC attached to the 300 2.8. I have never used this lens (outside of my dreams) and am aware of it's reputation for being very sharp, but merit must be given here for good technique. These are really nice, and that nuthatch is simply fantastic.
suemcc wrote:
Terrific, great detail and color - that combo works beautifully!
Susan
Thanks Susan! I can't wait to try it out on some birds that actually cooperate by sitting still and letting me approach more closely -- I hope the Baylands in May will fit the bill (no pun intended)!
David Israel wrote:
Chris, I continue to be amazed at the excellent results that some folks (like yourself) have obtained with a 2x TC attached to the 300 2.8. I have never used this lens (outside of my dreams) and am aware of it's reputation for being very sharp, but merit must be given here for good technique. These are really nice, and that nuthatch is simply fantastic.
Dave I.
Dave, that is a really nice thing to hear, so thank you. I will definitely say that the 40D AF system makes a giant difference with the 2xTC on the lens, and using the focus limit switch also really makes a difference. The funny thing is, I have taken a lot more pictures with the 2xTC than the lens by itself, so I need to find a larger subject so I can see how the lens performs when it isn't being compromised by the TC...
