Practicing HH the 500

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I had an opportunity to practice my HH skills with my 500 the other day. i was happy with this one. I use the * button for rear focus and seem to always spazz out when I shoot flight. I must be letting go of the button while pressing the shutter and panning. Anybody else have that issue? My first two frames are usually sharp then forget about it. I tried the pumping method here and it seemed to work pretty well.
Thanks for the input
Canon 1DMIV 500 mm f4
ISO 800 f7.1@1/2500

[Alan Murphy]

Awesome result for HH that big lens. Like your logo.

[jack williamson]

Well done Cheryl, nice wing position and plenty sharp.

[Randy Stout]

Cheryl:

It is possible to quit pressing the back button when shooting, but you should quickly get over it. I think it took me about an hour to realize that I would never go back to the shutter button for focusing.

Nicely exposed, I like the angle in the frame. I wonder if the head was a bit wet as it doesn't seem quite as sharp as the bill or wings.

Keep practicing, it gets easier over time, and when the birds are coming from all directions and angle, it is def. the way to go over a tripod.

I force myself to leave the tripod home on certain days, so I have to hand hold, and it has helped hone my skills.

Cheers

Randy

[annmpacheco]

What is the pumping method? Pumping iron in one hand and 500mm in the other! Wow, nice detail and positioning of the bird.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

What is the pumping method? Pumping iron in one hand and 500mm in the other! Wow, nice detail and positioning of the bird.

LOL yeah that sounds good. I actually used to curl my 300 and body in between shooting. hey it keps me strong so I CAN handhold. I may have used the wrong term but I meant consistantly pressing the rear focus button for refocusing. you know ...pumping the button LOL:)

[Marina Scarr]

I really like the flight pose here, and I think you did a great job HH. Exposure looks good, as do details.

[Daniel Cadieux]

You did a fantastic job getting this individual sharp and HH the 500. Using the * button came natural virtually instantaneous, so I have not encountered the issue you describe. You did recognize it, and seem to have found a remedy...so well done!! As posted I could see the subject higher in the frame or less canvas above.

[Ed Grella]

With the Godwit's long beak and trailing feet, this would make a nice pano.

[Satish Ranadive]

Fabulous flight shot.Great wing position,beautiful colors and tack sharp bird.Nice composition too.

Regards,
Satish.

[arash_hazeghi]

good work Cheryl, I actually use the shutter button instead of back focus. either way you should get used to it soon. this one is nice and sharp with a dynamic pose and they fly fast!

[Shawn Zierman]

Sweet image. I really enjoy your composition in regards to subject placement and use of empty space.
Gorgeous shorebird too...

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Thank you all for the feedback. It is much appreciated

[PhilCook]

Well done Cheryl, the 500 is no easy thing to wield hand holding, the result is extra good, loving the down swept wings and sharpness.....I think I should get out and practice more with my 500 more

[David Salem]

Hi Cheryl, Great shot of this Godwit in flight. Looks nice and sharp over here and exposed well too.
I do allot of BIF stuff with your same rig and have learned some things over my time shooting with this setup.
I dont use the back focus button. I tried it a while ago and found that for fast moving BIF shots it was harder for me to try to pump the button and fire the shutter at the same time. Especially with a varied BG.
Also I can pump the shutter and sometimes it goes into focus for a literal milli second and then right back out of focus.Using the shutter button, I am able to maybe get that one frame.
I have learned to lead the bird a little bit also. Helps me to get in sync and maybe hit the head.
Lots of practice and good techs will get you there. Whatever way you chose to shoot, Looks like you are off to an awesome start!

[Bill Dix]

Whatever you did, it certainly worked here. Great wing position, and I like the slightly unusual comp. Congrats on HH the big lens -- I need lots more practice, and more time in the gym.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the flight angle, exposure, sharpness and composition. Great job hand holding the 500. Excellent image Cheryl!

[gail bisson]

I don't do the rear focus method so cannot help.
I really like the flight pose and the sharpness. Good IQ.
Is the water that color or am a seeing a very slight green cast? Will defer to you on that one.
Comp is nice but I would like a bit less on top and slightly more on the bottom.
well done,
Gail

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I don't do the rear focus method so cannot help.
I really like the flight pose and the sharpness. Good IQ.
Is the water that color or am a seeing a very slight green cast? Will defer to you on that one.
Comp is nice but I would like a bit less on top and slightly more on the bottom.
well done,
Gail

Hi Gail and thanks for that observation. Actually the water was as drab as it could be because it was the foggiest day I have probably shot in. After post processing I was able to bring back the contrast. I dont see a green cast.

[Melissa Groo]

Good on ya, girl, for handholding that rig and doing such a fantastic job. Great sharpness, pose, and IQ. You are really doing right by that new lens.

[dankearl]

Excellent BIF photo of a tough one to get.
Very nice work and a really good eye level angle.

[Frank Schauf]

Excellent flight pose and sharp details.

Nice logo.