Ok so a fellow FM'er (Noelle) has thrown down the gauntlet and challenged me to improve my skill in shooting with the not-so-easy-to-use 400mm f/5.6 that we BOTH have recently acquired. So with a homemade bushman/monopod and some luck I went out to see if I can out-do whatever Noelle has got for me! Hehe.... If you are new to the 400mm or shoot with ANY 400mm you are more than welcome to contribute! I hope to learn BIF shooting techniques as well as exploit any weaknesses I might have using the 400mm/50D combo. Thank you all for indulging us this small pleasure! . These were taken today and yesterday.
I've been taking tips from everyone here as I admire the work and am at awe at the sheer amount of knowledge one can gain just from reading a few threads! I thought it would be nice to show what a little humility and lots practice can do! Again thanks to everyone for helping me pick out the right gear and teaching me how to use it properly!
_SBS_ wrote:
Great shots Conrad! I have been following your progress and the Noelle's, trying to gleam as much information as I can thru both of you
Hey thanks! I was using a monopod with one end kinda wrapped up with a towel for padding to simulate a bushhawk-style brace when I shoot. It really really helps as I shake A LOT when I shoot. Haha! Funny It kind of looks like I'm wielding a bazooka. Haha!
Conrad, I am getting confused here, but I think I've finally found the "challenge" topic. Now, you have to hear from Noelle.......I think she is also practicing like mad. So it's gonna be a tough competition.
PetKal wrote:
Conrad, I am getting confused here, but I think I've finally found the "challenge" topic. Now, you have to hear from Noelle.......I think she is also practicing like mad. So it's gonna be a tough competition.
Thank you Allen, I am passionate about getting it right. I am not only looking for sharp images but also well composed and well lit.
I also brought out the tripod for the floating duck shots and I really see a difference in the sharpness.
I am going to try my new JOBU for panning and see if I can get sharper BIF also. I am really looking for that sharp "eye" to me if the eye isn't sharp it's not a keeper.
I have tossed many shots where the wings are perfectly sharp but when you get to the face it is not. Working on technique while panning is key for me!
Wow Sean! I've always wanted an eagle shot about to catch a fish in the water. Fantastic! Sean Bellay wrote:
Your working with the best BIF lens available. With practice you will be able to get fantastic stuff!
Very nice Noelle! I especially like the angle in the last one. Almost like you were IN the water! Hehe... I also like the Canadian Goose shot. I know what you mean though. Timing is so key. Sometimes I feel like I've become a spray-n-pray guy Hehe... Ok I'll try to get some more today from San Francisco Bay itself. I want to get a seal shot like yours!
noelle wrote:
Ok ... here are mine from yesterday.
Hehe... Ok I'll try to get some more today from San Francisco Bay itself. I want to get a seal shot like yours!