new camera/lens new lifer. Australasian Gannet

[Paul Burdett]

So...after lots of contemplating I finally decided on getting a Nikon D500 and a 500mmPF lens (the only one in Brisbane at this point). I'm really seeing how this combo is an upgrade from my Canon gear. Even better as this immature Gannet is a lifer for me. It's been at this location nearly every day...circling and diving for fish. Only a matter of time before I get nail one. Would have liked a more interesting BG, but overall I'm really happy with this one. The D500 menu system is a learning curve, but I'm getting there. Cheers.

D500, 500mm, 1/3200th sec, f5.6, iso500, manual mode, HH.

[David Roach]

A fantastic start, I'd say. Love the pose, framing and SH right down the middle from beak tip to tail. See some noise in BG, may just be from down size. Congrats on the new firsts... TFS

ps
That eye... Looking forward to more, so go play...

[Jonathan Ashton]

Well caught, the eye looks good, the DOF looks a tiny bit shallow, just for curiosity I would see what a little more sharpening does.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Congratulations on the new gear Paul, it's always an exciting time when getting new stuff! Good start too. Nice to get a new subject. Looks good on the face and body. I too am seeing some noise in the sky, as well as on the wings - might be a bit of a crop?

[Paul Burdett]

Thanks all...much appreciated. Didn't see the noise on my monitor, but will check out the processing. Yes, it's a crop, and I used f5.6, so dof is shallow. I have other shots at f7.1 which have better dof and less crop. Expect more...lol

[Robert Kimbrell]

Congrats Paul. A very nice set up you have now. Well done on the Gannet. Hope to see more soon. Agree on the noise in the image.

[Brian Sump]

Way to go on taking the plunge with the new gear. I'm sure you'll enjoy it and looking forward to many great shots Paul!

[Arthur Morris]

Good luck with the new geat. too bad you blew the decision :).Sharp on the eye but the wing positiion leaves a lot to be desired ... I do like the diagonal flight path.

with love, artie

[Paul Burdett]

Thanks everyone.
Artie: what's wrong with the wing position? I like it. I do have others with wings up as well. I feel I've made the right choice here...more reach than Sony and I'm happy with the AF tracking. Also, I still have my Canon 100-400. With all due respect, I'm not in the situation of being able to move from brand to brand or purchase a 600mm prime (Sony is $27,999 here)...and don't forget that you moved from Canon to Nikon a while ago. Sure...with unlimited funds it's easy to make the change. If. however, I end up feeling that I want to move to Sony (or even Canon mirrorless) then selling my Nikon gear would help with the overall cost. Actually, I'm even thinking of selling the Canon gear for a Nikon zoom (200-500 looks good). Cheers.

[Arthur Morris]

Artie: what's wrong with the wing position? I like it. I do have others with wings up as well. I feel I've made the right choice here...more reach than Sony and I'm happy with the AF tracking. Also, I still have my Canon 100-400. With all due respect, I'm not in the situation of being able to move from brand to brand or purchase a 600mm prime (Sony is $27,999 here)...and don't forget that you moved from Canon to Nikon a while ago. Sure...with unlimited funds it's easy to make the change. If. however, I end up feeling that I want to move to Sony (or even Canon mirrorless) then selling my Nikon gear would help with the overall cost. Actually, I'm even thinking of selling the Canon gear for a Nikon zoom (200-500 looks good). Cheers.

PB,

For this from-the-side pose, I actually hate the bent wind position, far preferring wings up or wings fully down. Just my personal preference :) You wrote, "I'm not in the situation of being able to move from brand to brand ..." but that is just what you did :). My thoughts are that the 100-400 is a much better lens than the 2-5 but I can understand you wanting to consolidate.

with love, a

[Paul Burdett]

Hi Artie. Note that you moved from Nikon to Sony in a fairly short space of time...I had Canon for around 10 years before buying the Nikon. Thank you for the 200-500 comment...I think I'll keep my Canon 7Dii/100-400. I highly respect your opinions...you never know...one day I might move to Sony (or whatever comes out in the future!) Stay safe.
Cheers.