Low light Mallards (pt. 1)

[dankearl]

I have not photographed local birds for a long time but decided to get out the last couple of evenings and
shoot Mallards (the only ducks in the pond in summer), in very low light and try to come up with
some interesting photos out of a mundane subject. I also wanted to really work at getting usable nice files
at high iso. A must I think for any wildlife/avian photographer. Maybe the most important thing if you want
to photograph birds in the best light.
I think with proper exposure and processing, iso 6400 files can be perfectly acceptable.
Let me know what you think....

1/1600, iso6400, f5.6, 600mm (300 w/ 2x) D610, HH
PP in ACR, PS6, NR with Topaz Denoise plugin, NX2

610_3357bp.jpg (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=154578&stc=1&d=1439440423)

[Tony Whitehead]

Great low angle, BG and plumage textures, Dan. I like the symmetry and the speculum colours. Head angle and eye contact not so great:bg3:
Great result for ISO 6400. I have had great results from D810 at 6400 too.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Love the POV and the comp. THe only thing I wish for is for that bright area not to be there on the RHS.
Still a pretty darn good shot! And at a nice ISO too!

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Killer IQ for 6400! Love the details.

[adrian dancy]

My only wish is a bit more room. Whilst the ISO is impressive you are still better getting the shot in better light IMHO. I like these slightly quirky shots:)