brian_sp wrote:
outstanding Keith!
love the Purple Martin
Brian, thanks!
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Lance B wrote:
Superb stuff, Keith!
Lance, thanks!
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Birdbrooks wrote:
And the bar is raised again... getting a clean, sharp capture of a very dark and non-contrasting, highly erratic moving purple mountain... just, wow.
Birdbrooks, thanks!
The autofocusing on the purple martins was really good (using the D500 and 300mm PF lens). Given the issues you mentioned, it is impressive, indeed. I plan to use this combination on tree swallows that have finally arrived in my neighborhood. In fact, I plan to use this combination a lot!
I had more problems with focusing the D500 on the 800mm lens. The first day out was not good, but the second day out was much better. Couple reasons, in retrospect. First, tracking at 1200mm is not easy. The targets often fell outside the active region of focusing (I was using 72 point area). Second, that first day had pretty bad heat shimmering, which was made worse at 1200mm. On the second day, I did better tracking and keeping the birds in the active region of focusing. And, since it was much later in the day, the heat shimmering was hardly noticeable. The second day produced much better results.
All in all, I really like the D500 for bird photography.
Just great stuff everyone is posting.
I am so impressed by the talent displayed.
Here's a couple of shots from a ballet recital dress rehearsal.
All shot with the D500 and 70-200mm at f/3.2 1/400sec iso 1250.
Since I knew there was already a lot of long glass photos being shared, I've been playing with the 35-58mm range of things. Today I dusted off my 85/1.8 (which I never use) and for the first time I am getting nice files. Also playing with the metering system. Not because I want to but because the D500 demands it for best results (whereas the D750 is just matrix 24-7). Anybody with tips on this, please share
cvrle59 wrote:
That's a good question. I understand you're seeing it too, it's not just me.
I really wouldn't question if it's ISO 6400 or above, but this is just 1250.
it's not jpeg. capturing raw i have not been happy with skin tones.
i struggle to describe it but it was suggested that i turn off matrix metering. another thread (i think on preview) suggested highlight weighted metering to a dad having terrible results with blown out caucasian skin tones. honestly, as an amateur i've been happy to just set my D750 to matrix and forgetabouit. can't get away with that here.
it's easy enough to just turn the dial so i'm playing with metering. (can't even trust auto iso either). unfortunately, i only have the rental for this weekend and may not be able to figure it out in time
I don't take pictures of flowers (shut up, already, with the obviously ) but it's nice to share what we are seeing with this camera as i know a lot of people can not make a purchase due to the earthquake slashing production and availability
Tried the Sigma 18-35 this afternoon. It's exposure varied wildly!!!!!
As a typical parent my style is run and gun and I probably would never take this lens out again. After running all over the park and all over the dials I think I found the secret sauce with auto iso, highlight metering, and +1 exposure. (this is in my typical aperture priority with min 250 shutter)
One big positive if you enjoy people photography, you can focus very close (spec sheet says 11" (27.9cm)) and get focus on the go. Overall, though, the 3D AFC was not as good as with my Nikon glass. Albeit, short term testing.
^ You really need to fine tune that lens
Used the D7K and the 18-35 f1.8 shooting my grandkids
for over a year. AF-C 9 pt and the keeper rate was obscene.
trenchmonkey wrote:
^ You really need to fine tune that lens
Used the D7K and the 18-35 f1.8 shooting my grandkids
for over a year. AF-C 9 pt and the keeper rate was obscene.
i didn't get the dock with my rental, but clicking around the house i only noticed that it's focus acquisition and tracking was not as good as my nikkor samples. i see here that its grabbing nose rather than eyes and could use some fine tune but i hadn't even noticed during my little playground test as it was the crazy distracting the way it would throw light from moment to moment. i couldn't believe it!!
OK last day of testing. It goes back wednesday and I am working the next two. Nobody would get a 14-24 for this camera, but since I had it and it's probably my favorite (for travel on the D750) I figured I would take it out and play.
I'm still having a hard time with metering. For better skin tones I'm trying to stay in highlight weighted but in alternating sun/shade and fast moving children it's not giving a consistent output except with the 85/1.8. They always ask me at Borrowlenses, "so what did you think?" and it's usually an easy answer. D500 = Fun but I don't know
the 85/1.8 is insane on this body. i'm getting shots that i've never been able to on my D750 (i should have bought that 85/1.4 but talked myself out of it after watching matt granger's review)
