I made this image in my favourite raptor photographic destination, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. The species used to be called Black-shouldered Kite, and it is closely related to North American species of the Elanus genus (White-tailed Kite). I knew the bird would take off in my direction (because of the favourable wind direction), therefore I anticipated the need for a deep depth of field to get it sharp from bill to tail. Fortunately the good light in the dessert allows high shutter speeds even at f/10 at ISO 400. All comments welcomed.
Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Date/Time: 2005:03:14 1664
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 10
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: -1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Lens: 500mm
Focal length: 700mm
I wish he was turned ever so slightly so as to see both talons and pupils. That being said when I first opened up your post I said "cool " which isn't a feeling I get with most images.
Over the top Chris, especially that stare. You did well anticipating the action and having the camera ready - that is 9/10ths of the battle that makes for a succesfull image.
Very nice image, Chris. I like the intense stare, wing position, and the bird coming at you. The red eyes and blue sky go well together.
BTW: I think you only needed about F8 to accomplish your goals with the 1.3 crop camera. You would have needed about F10 with a full frame camera and F6.3 with a 1.6 crop camera. The cameras with mag factors give you free DOF, but they can't go as shallow as full frame cameras.