White-tailed Kite, slightly graphic

[Dan Brown]

The Kites are still cooperating with me and this time in better light. I wish for light on both wings here but the eye contact is nice, IMO.

I have been able to compile quite a few behavior images with this pair. Here is a link to my Raptors gallery if you are interested in looking and seeing this image at a higher res - http://naturestoc.smugmug.com/Birds/Raptors/4684439_QDWc3s C&C welcome.

Camera Model: NIKON D300, HH
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Manual
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 800
Lens: 80 to 400mm
Focal length: 400mm
Focal length: 600mm (in 35mm film)
Subject distance: 19 m

[Ofer Levy]

Slightly more than slightly I would say! :w3 Great pose and catch. Can't see much fine detail.

[arash_hazeghi]

great catch Dan, agree with Ofer about IQ but I don't blame you these raptors are tough to get sharp

[Dan Brown]

Slightly more than slightly I would say! :w3 Great pose and catch. Can't see much fine detail.Thanks, Ofer. IQ is a product of slow focusing lens and as Arash says, these guys are just tough with the soft plumage!

[arash_hazeghi]

Thanks, Ofer. IQ is a product of slow focusing lens and as Arash says, these guys are just tough with the soft plumage!

I agree with 80-400 lens there is just no way you can get a sharp WTK flight image. You have to wait until they land and try to get close for a nice perched shot. If I were you, I would def rent a proper lens (like the Nikon 500VR) and take advantage of such rare opportunity.

[Dan Brown]

I agree with 80-400 lens there is just no way you can get a sharp WTK flight image. You have to wait until they land and try to get close for a nice perched shot. If I were you, I would def rent a proper lens (like the Nikon 500VR) and take advantage of such rare opportunity.I am thinking of getting a D800 and then a 300f4+1.4. What do you think? I am seriously considering the rental though!

[arash_hazeghi]

I am thinking of getting a D800 and then a 300f4+1.4. What do you think? I am seriously considering the rental though!

If you are interested in avian quality photos you need to get a 500VR. There is really no way around that.

[Dan Brown]

If you are interested in avian quality photos you need to get a 500VR. There is really no way around that.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ sorry to hear that! I sort of knew:e3 Do you think that the 300f4 would be any better than the 80-400, if you don't mind me asking?

[arash_hazeghi]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ sorry to hear that! I sort of knew:e3 Do you think that the 300f4 would be any better than the 80-400, if you don't mind me asking?

I did have a 300 f/4 when I had a D700, it's a nice lens in terms of optics, but it's old (no VR) and too short for birding and with TC AF is not good enough for flight. You might be able to get away with a 300 f/2.8 VRII though. Serious bird photography starts with 500mm.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Dan, IQ loss could be due to crop. is it a big one? SS looks good and you've stopped down here..which helps sharpness.

you got the bird at excellent angle...and with prey. thats awesome. If mine, I'd place the bird to the left.

[Dan Brown]

Dan, IQ loss could be due to crop. is it a big one? SS looks good and you've stopped down here..which helps sharpness.

you got the bird at excellent angle...and with prey. thats awesome. If mine, I'd place the bird to the left. No, Kaustubh only about 25% from FF. I think Arash has nailed it, the lens! I will upgrade to the D800 and then see, but lens rentals are in my future! I will add though, this jpeg doesn't do justice to the master tiff, just saying!