A canoe or a kayak would help, but hip waders are not bad either.
Here are a few Green heron portraits, from good direct light to semi shade. Handheld (#1,2) and monopod mounted (#3,4) 1DsMkII + 800L.
Contrary to what wildlife photography experts on diverse fora preach, I find that even my obsolete FF camera, i.e., 1DsMkII, gives me sufficient "reach" and adequate performance even in shade/ ISO 1600.
Very nice captures there Peter. I especially like the lighting...the shadows give the images a "3-D" effect. Natural lighting always looks better -- I personally never use flash, even for fill.
Thanx, Gary, I am with you there, I do not even own any flash/speedlight today....I feel the real game starts in subdued light and semi-shade, and I am really pleased with the 800L performance on slow/static targets in low light.....it is excellent for an f/5.6 lens, even on an old body such as 1DsMkII, and the high performing IS certainly helps.
Again, low light work with 1DsMkII + 800L, monopod mounted. This sort of images are best viewed on a large monitor, for those that have one.
p.35 #11 · Summer photography with Canon equipment
Thank you MrKyle, Fred and 15Bit....I am glad you like those shots.
Very nicely done Egret, Fred....you are clearly far from a novice to shooting birds.
That combo you have used is quite powerful, I think: 700mm f5.6 and one can carry it with ease.
15Bit, I haven`t used 1DX lately because I do not have any suitable targets to verify the last AF performance aspect of it yet: fast approaching head-on targets. For stationary and slow targets my old 1DsMkII works great and I am used to it.....as comfortable as an old well worn shoe.
Here`s one more 1DsMkII + 800L image which I haven`t finished post processing properly, so it is still a rough sketch.
p.35 #13 · Summer photography with Canon equipment
Fred reminded me to show something to the regulars of this thread, and to Psych specifically who is looking to get 500 II lens. The question always arises: how well does 500 II perform with 1.4xTC ?
I think the combo 500 II +1.4xTC MkIII works very well. Here is my IQ test target....no ISO charts, no $ bills. Shot with 1DsMkII handheld at f/6.3 and 1/1000 sec.
p.35 #15 · Summer photography with Canon equipment
Thanks for sharing everyone. These images are very inspiring. I especially like Peters green heron images. Seeing them in the shade like that really showcases what I am used to seeing on early mornings out on the kayak .
p.35 #17 · Summer photography with Canon equipment
Fred Miranda wrote:
Love the lighting Peter! Thanks for sharing them. (PS: don't delete them!)
I took this one a couple days ago testing the 1DX + 500 II + 1.4XIII extender @700mm (Handheld)
Hey Fred,
Really nice image of a Great White
I'm guessing the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, northern part near PCH and Warner Ave or elsewhere?
Did you shoot early morning or late afternoon/evening?
How's the bird population doing these days?
It's been a few yrs (4 due to health issues) since I've been there, usually shoot from the bridge or the north end; wheelchair access wasn't the greatest last time I was there so my opportunities are limited. Finally picked up a 300 and 1.4x, and a 50D from here on FM, hope to get down there this month. Will probably check out the ponds near the Huntington Library as well!
p.35 #20 · Summer photography with Canon equipment
VKM2F wrote:
My first summer not only with my Canon 5D Mk3, but with Canon at all. Really loving the equipment and having fun re-discovering my backyard.
Wow, nice! Your backyard kicks the crap outta my back yard!
Good one! Our first clue will be when Peter starts posting some images shot at a low angle on the water! 
