Kingfisher portrait (300VR+2X TC wide open)

From the past weekend with my friend Pepe Reigada. We had a lot of fun with this very cooperative female (Alcedo atthis) and I tried all the Nikons TCs with the bird. The performance of the 2X, at least the one I own, is outstanding in terms of image quality when the subject is near the lens and the light is good. The AF performance is, of course, very slow for the action but good enough for static subjects. I obtained no differences betwenn the performance of the combo at f5,6 and f8.

Nikon D2X AFS Nikkor 300VR + 2XTC ISO 320 f5,6 1/800s tripod and whimberly head. Croped for web presentation

Great details and BG. I might lighten the eye and increase the saturation a few points.

Sharp and quite lovely. I have been looking for one of those cooperative females for year; you guys were lucky! Great BKGR and great feather detail.

I have never seen one so I will say I like the colors as they are, though I don't know if they are true to life. If anything I might tone down the shine on the bill. I think this is lovely.

Muy bonito Juan:) I love the sharpenes and the colors.

Great details,colors,pose and fantastic.................bg!!!

Outstanding detail and portrait of this kingfisher

Wow! This is one of the best kingfisher images I have seen. Your background is great and really complements the bird. I agree with Axel about sharpening the eye. Congratulations!

Wow! Bravo.

Extraordinary!!! I just posted one with the same combo. It's not something I'd use all the time, but it comes handy on occasions.
Proper technique is indispensable.

Love ethe detail in the feathers an it IS sharp, enhorabuena!

Hi Juan!

This is awesome, and I really enjoy the fantastic details! I would not change a thing!

Congrats Juan! Tremendous detail and a great BG. Well done.

Man, that's incredibly detailed! BG and plumage all perfect for me. Outstanding to say the least. Thanks for sharing.

Excelente Juan! I love it! Colors, BG, just wish for a little bit more head turn (not total profile, just a bit more). Congratulations!

Que mas se puede decir?
Wonderful image in all respects! Details and colors are great.

Great close up portrait with feather details and good light to boot. Although labelled Common Kingfisher, they are anything but common here!

chien

A wonderful study in detail.