Wood Duck flap with zoom combo

So I am trying to get a zoom combo together for a whale watching trip next week.
I posted one yesterday with the 70-200, 2x & D800.
Not thrilled with the IQ of that combo so this morning I used the
1.7tc and it is much better for those interested in a relatively inexpensive, light, good quality Zoom lens.
I like having a zoom lens and may look at the new Nikon 80-400 when I get back although
the price of the 70-200 w/ tc is about the same with a bit less reach.

1/1600, iso640, f6.3, 340mm (70-200f2.8 w/ 1.7 tc) D800, HH

DSC_6158bp.jpg

Dan:

Excellent wing flap, tail up, sharpness. Good job holding the whites on the eye ring, often blow on these gals.

Looks like you have found the best compromise combo for your outing.

I might tone down the yellows just a bit in the bg only.

Cheers

Randy

It looks like a good combo, Dan. Good IQ and excellent pose. I also use a 70-200 f4.0 but only with a 1.4x TC.
My friend just replaced his 50-500 Sigma with the 80-400 Mark II and he is happy with it.

Striking pose and absolutely wonderful detail!! I agree with toning down the yellows in the BG, and also the contrast in the UR. Nothing should compete with this beautiful bird!

Are you talking about 2x TC III? I prefer the quality of the 2x TC III on all the 2.8 Nikkor lens far better than the 1.7TC II. Of all the TCs, 1.7TC to me was the worst in IQ.

Troy, I know others have said the same but I believe my eyes.
I have the 2x III, which is fine with my 300 f2.8, but has issues with the 70-200.
The 1.7 is excellent IMO, the same IQ as the 1.4 which I also have.
I doubt if I had not disclosed that I used a tc to get this photo, most people would not have known.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dankearl

Troy, I know others have said the same but I believe my eyes.
I have the 2x III, which is fine with my 300 f2.8, but has issues with the 70-200.
The 1.7 is excellent IMO, the same IQ as the 1.4 which I also have.
I doubt if I had not disclosed that I used a tc to get this photo, most people would not have known.

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i agree, the processed shot looks great, I would not have known if you didn't say anything.
I could tell the difference in my images bet the 1.4tc and 1.7tc. 1.4 looks sharper and has more details in unprocessed shots.
Not sure why you are having issue with your 70-200, which version is it?

Great catch on the wing flap, I liked Randy's suggestion for the background. I had a LOT better results with my teleconverters after I microadjusted them--especially the 1.7.

Excellent image with superb wing flap in beautiful lights.
Love the pose,nice HA, tail parallel to wings, water droplets and composition.

Regards,
Satish.

Excellent wing flap captured Dan. You are right on the light angle, and the low angle shooting looks good. Sharp details imo. The bright light quality is solid except for how it has affected the background here. The background has a bit too much light/dark contrast that draws attention from the subject here imo. In flat softer light, this would not have been an issue in this same scenario.

superb image! great POV & pose. details & colors looks great. actually like the BG as presented.

SUch a fabulous wing flap pose, Dan. Awesome detail, super background, and great low angle. Great work.

Hi Dan, great timing for the wing flap, and love the water flying off the tip of the tail. Love the sharp feather detail running down the length of her body, and your low angle has turned out well.

Brilliant pose of this beautiful looking duck with it's wings outstretched and splashing tail. Great feather detail on the bird and the background is nice especially the way it is reflecting into the water. I would have liked a slightly better HA but in all a very pleasing image Dan.

Thanks for the comments,
Nick, the first and last frames (I had 5), had a better HA, turned toward me, but
the wings were not fully extended so I went with this one.
I agree the HA could be better.

Terrific shot Dan!
Love the wing flap action, excellent details, great shooting angle, and great comp.
Well done.

If you don't mind me asking which vr version are you using?

Robert, I have the 70-200 f2.8 vrII.
My favorite lens actually for all around use.
It is an awesome portrait and Landscape lens and
I think the IQ with the 1.7 is very good.
I think you have the 1.7 also and your images also look great.
A very underated TC, I think, surprised that Canon has not made one.

Great shot Dan. Perfect wing flap pose. The detail in the wing feathers is beautiful and I love the overall sharpness and clarity.
The raised tail and the water splash makes for a well rounded and terrific shot.
Well done

Lovely image Dan, the open wings looks nice and a great exposure
lovely details here. raised tail makes it special to my eye

Excellent wing flap captured,excellent details,and great comp.