Nice shot. I believe I'm going to be moving to FF once the D700 replacement comes out, unless it's a D700s. I don't want video, but a bit higher resolution than 12MP (heavy cropping sometimes)
trenchmonkey wrote:
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1. Wrong! I have the D300 and 200 f2 VR and left 'em home. The noise would have been unbearable, SOOC.
I brought what I know would do the job at that FL and the light I had to work with.
2. Millions/thousands
of places huh Glad you're not prone to exaggeration, Kent!
1. You didn't say what shutter speed you used. I've never had trouble photo'ing larger birds using 1/500 sec. Really, it comes down to shutter speed on these kinds of shots. A D300 with 70-200mm f2.8 VR would have also done the job at ISO 3200, for about 1/4 the cost. Depending on final print size, of course. Can't really tell anything from 72 dpi monitor photo. One thing I've been noticing over the years is that 90% of the general public really doesn't seem to be able to discern relatively small differences in print quality. I once had a gallery showing where some shots were made with 35mm, and some with 4x5. Virtually no one saw much difference. Sad, but true. Still, I note you didn't use the $500 70-300mm VR here. All of the serious photographers I know have much more invested in lenses than in cameras.
2. Actually, I might have understated things. The eastern half of South & North Dakota is "pothole" country. I think I once read in the state FishyGame magazine there were were something like 28,000 places to hunt hunt ducks in SD alone. If there's ducks, there's other waterfowl as well. I've personally seen flocks of snow geese that state biologists told me contained well over 250,000 birds (snow geese.) The size and variety of flocks of birds here is simply astonishing. I live right on the Central Flyway, These are very much wild birds though, and you won't be walking down boardwalks to see them. I've been to FL several times. Honestly, I was very disappointed in the numbers of birds I saw. (Winter would be different, .) I did enjoy some of the species I don't have at home, such as roseate spoonbills etc. Just didn't see the numbers I'm used to at home. Come up here this winter and I'll show you a place that can have over 200 bald and golden eagles. Or, a snowy owl. Note this region is the favorite for Jim Brandenburg for exactly the reasons I've mentioned, plus it's uncrowded. You usually have an entire slough/lake to yourself. The only crowds are the birds. Really, if you are seriously into birds, skip FL and come to the Dakotas!
James Burden wrote:
Excellent shot and fwiw I don't care how or what got it. It ought to be on the wall......
Really, it always comes down to the light, not the equipment. It's the use of light that "hooks" us. The only way to get it is to be out there when it happens.
Chris Dees wrote:
Wow, magnificent.
I'm jealous you get that close to the cranes!
Overhere you need a DX body plus 600mm + 1.7TC
Sure appreciate it, Chris!
Nice shot. I believe I'm going to be moving to FF once the D700 replacement comes out, unless it's a D700s. I don't want video, but a bit higher resolution than 12MP (heavy cropping sometimes)
NightOwl Cat wrote:
Nice stuff there Will. Didn't have those where I was at in that state
Thanks a bunch! They're starting to really roll in now. It's still kinda warm, and I was a little worried.
Glad you're not prone to exaggeration, Kent! 
