griz cubs wrestling

[Charles Glatzer]

This image is copyrighted material as indicated, and is watermarked! Unauthorized use or reproduction for any reason is prohibited

MT

That ear bite has got to hurt! Especially, when the one cub started to drag the other bear by it.

1Ds Mark III, 300mm f/2.8 w/2x
Manual, SPOT OFF SNOW PLUS 2.3EV, 1/800 @ f/6.3, ISO 800
Post-production-LR3, CS4

See you where there is light, or at the computer

Chas

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like this a lot! Great interaction, exposure control and mood. Someone should have told them to play nicely. :)

[Steve Kaluski]

Chas, great image with interaction that has attitude!

I am also impressed to see a 2x used and below f/11, ISO800. Rarely do I use my one, purely because you need truck loads of light and if it is not 'BOLTED' down, any movement is amplified so much with this converter.

Hats off to you Chas :-)

Steve

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Chas,
Lovely image. The composition is good. I love the interaction, the barred teeth and the exposure treatment. Harsh winter hasn't dimmed their playful mood and their survival instincts. Thanks for sharing.

Steve,
I use a 400 f2.8 IS with a 2x and get good results. At times, I get images that doesn't have critical sharpness, but that is more due to the man rather than the equipment.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[David Fletcher]

Excellent image Chas. Superb details and fabulous action.

[DanWalters]

Great image. Really like the interaction and the snow surrounding the cubs. Great details in the bears as well.

[Charles Glatzer]

Chas, great image with interaction that has attitude!

I am also impressed to see a 2x used and below f/11, ISO800. Rarely do I use my one, purely because you need truck loads of light and if it is not 'BOLTED' down, any movement is amplified so much with this converter.

Hats off to you Chas :-)

Steve

Steve,

Both the 300 and 400 f/2.8 lenses are among the sharpest lenses produced, much sharper in fact than the 500/600. I have found both the 300/400 f/2.8 w/2x to be as sharp as the 500/600 primes when stopping down at least one stop from wide open. You mention f/11, this is stopping down one f/stop when using an f/4 prime with 2x, do not forget I am starting with f/2.8 w/2x = f/5.6, so one stop down would be f/8.

FYI-my 500 is slightly sharper than the 600, and I try not to use the 1.4x with the 500/600 when I cannot stop down accordingly or with the 2x at all unless I have no alternative. There is a huge difference in real world viewing of the images when they are taken wide open and stopped down with converter use. It is readily apparent we all have different sharpness standards, and what is acceptable to one may not be to another. I went through no less than 8 Mark III bodies before being satisfied with the cameras (now in hand) ability to render critically sharp images, stationary or otherwise. Many say I am overly critical, I think I just know the difference ;)

I have been at this a while now and I can tell you without hesitation, most photographers do not come close to being able to utilize the potential of the equipment in hand. Purchasing the latest and "greatest" equipment is not the answer, education and time spent in the field will yield far greater dividends.

Best and HAPPY HOLIDAYS,

Chas

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Chas

An very informative and useful reply, thank you.

The 500 f/4 is the 'work horse' for me and I would be lost without it. The 300 f/2.8 is without doubt the 'sharpest' tool in Canon's box. Regarding stopping down, yes I was referring to the 500, as I have never used the 2x on the 300, would be interesting to see the results when I get the time & the light.

Both MKIII bodies have been calibrated to the respective lenses by Canon in the hope of a sharp image, unless by operator error, LOL.

Finally, I have not tried the 400 or 600 for obvious reasons, however I am always hopeful that Canon will bring out a 200-400mm f/2.8.

All the best
Steve

BTW I must make an effort to get across the pond :-)

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Chas,
Wonderful action shot and yes, I bet that bite hurt - that's quite a set of gnashers...
Best,
Nicki

[Alfred Forns]

Mighty fine looking bears Chas ! Love the fur detail and interaction .... can't imagine a better setting for them !!!

[Fabs Forns]

Very nice interaction in "cool" surroundings.

[Kurt Bowman]

Terrific action and detail in this shot Chas!

[Marc Mol]

Great interaction Chas with the eyes & teeth and fine detail with the 2X tc.
I gather you were locked down with a tripod for this one?

[Harshad Barve]

yet another winner from you Chas
TFS

[peter delaney]

love the look on the face of the bear thats been bitten... very cool image ...


love it

peter

[Steve Canuel]

I like the facial contact between the two.