Twilight Emerald Eye...

[David Roach]

EOS R6 RF 100-500 RF 2xtc @1000 f14 1/60 ISO 3200 HH, Manual EXP, cropped (16/9) from close portrait, created just after sunset

Thanks as always for very valued help on previous posts. Please keep them coming.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Looks sharp enough considering that shutter speed + 2xTC, and HH. These guys' main attraction is their beautiful eye, so this is neat to see such a close up. I love the patterns along the bill, especially the lower mandible. You could opt to remove the tiny tuft of feather at the top of the bill as it is too small to have positive impact IMO.

[Vaughn Larsen]

One of those underrated birds, my favorite type of capture of them, the bill has scaly texture, the wrinkly orange, the flecks around the turquoise eye. Creamy background especially given ISO. Really appreciate seeing some of the ne R6 capability.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi David, based on this and the R6 you could have pushed it to 6400 easily, I've taken the R5 to 10k with very reasonable files so you should be well ahead. I might dodge & burn in some negative exposure over the orange and some along the bill and add some selective sharpening over the bill. Think this is one of your best, well done.

TFS
Steve

[David Roach]

Hi David, based on this and the R6 you could have pushed it to 6400 easily, I've taken the R5 to 10k with very reasonable files so you should be well ahead. I might dodge & burn in some negative exposure over the orange and some along the bill and add some selective sharpening over the bill. Think this is one of your best, well done.

TFS
Steve

First and foremost, thanks to all for very valued inputs. Steve, yes I have had the same experience to ISO 10000 with your expert help. This is another way (besides boosting ISO) I have found to take advantage of new tech. First, the added stop from IBIS to stabilize me in low light. The lens IS (excellent on this lens) is biggest contributor but coordination of lens IS and IBIs takes it that much further. The low light AF is another and the R6 has best in class. The trick I'm finding is the 20 fps (in many digital bodies) combined with other tech improvements. This was part of a 12 frame sequence. The pouch was moving in and out and head was swiveling slightly. However, 2 out of 3 frames in this short burst were tack sharp on the eye. 1 out of 3 had eye motion blur. This close the DOF is razer thin and the eye was still tack sharp. I will say once more, mirrorless in general and this rig specifically (the lens also is lightning fast even at F14) is a paradigm shift to lighter, slower glassed rigs' IQ in low light. Yes, of course ,faster glass will always be better... As always, mate, thanks for the help.:cheers:

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi David, I think too, that 12fps was the right choice, so many folk go to Electronic and wonder why they have 500+ of the same image.

Actually David if you take the OP in PS and make some minor tweaks as above, the file appears to be razor sharp, but would always wish to see the raw for final thumbs up, but the bill is sharp at the tip, it just needs some more work to tease it out as you will see. I'm not 100% on always relying on the IS, having more contacts does really help, even coupled with EF, but I still feel more comfortable with a little more SS, I'm getting older now. :w3

[David Roach]

Hi David, I think too, that 12fps was the right choice, so many folk go to Electronic and wonder why they have 500+ of the same image.

Actually David if you take the OP in PS and make some minor tweaks as above, the file appears to be razor sharp, but would always wish to see the raw for final thumbs up, but the bill is sharp at the tip, it just needs some more work to tease it out as you will see. I'm not 100% on always relying on the IS, having more contacts does really help, even coupled with EF, but I still feel more comfortable with a little more SS, I'm getting older now. :w3

You misunderstood, I was using electronic shutter and at 20 fps it catches the slower motion moments. The 12 was a reference to how many images in this shutter actuation. I have learned to get off it quickly...:bg3: And Artie ruined me many years ago when I totally agree with not needing entire bird in focus as he taught then. The eye brings the bird alive for the non pixel peeping general audience and OOF edges help to lead you to that eye (just my personal preference). I fully understand your points and constantly learn from them...

[Steve Kaluski]

Ah OK, I just wonder if going 12fps as the subject was 'static' the keepers would be higher, as it gives the camera a tad more time, but at 1/60 I see the advantage, however it might have been on the tripod if I was shooting, all locked down and a remote. :bg3:

You must be chewing up that battery life in a day.

[David Roach]

Ah OK, I just wonder if going 12fps as the subject was 'static' the keepers would be higher, as it gives the camera a tad more time, but at 1/60 I see the advantage, however it might have been on the tripod if I was shooting, all locked down and a remote. :bg3:

You must be chewing up that battery life in a day.

Have the BG and batteries are not an issue. Will get two more sometime for what would be a very long day for me. I have been out on a cloudy day with continuous use for 5 hours and was the only time got close to needing more. Two and the grip is more than enough for my use. I could see a travelling pro would need 4 for very long days out (and lots of subjects).

[dankearl]

Nice closeup and I would sharpen the bill a tad.
I think the feather colors have a magenta caste as does quite a lot of yours..

[Dorian Anderson]

Hella sharp view! I would have never suspected the 2x TC had you not noted it. The detail on the face and bill is incredible. I agree with Dan that the bird has a magenta cast. I would also consider backing off the crop just a bit to get a touch more head and neck. But my headshots are pretty formulaic in that respect, and this is a great view regardless. A really strong image.

[Brian Sump]

David, I think this rocks man. A couple of great comments above but the detail and overall colors (sans cast) are really nice.

The eye is like glass. Color is sweet and reflection is as well.

TFS!

[William Dickson]

This is the best image as far as detail goes, I have seen from you....Colours look great here...Well done David, you deserve it.

Will

[John Mack]

Talk about tight and graphic. I like the crop and that great detail Nice and sharp as well.

[Arthur Morris]

My eight cents. Like Daniel I find the tortoise-shell detail on the lower mandible quite amazing. Something about the color and contrast seems off to me. I tried, but ...

with love, artie

[Steve Kaluski]

Something about the color and contrast seems off to me. I tried, but ...

Artie, FWIW this is what I suggested to David based on the OP.

[Arthur Morris]

Good one Steve. I like your color better than mine :)

with love, a

[Steve Kaluski]

Loving the exchanges Artie, great to visually see folks thoughts and interpretations, it’s fun. :S3: