I took this picture 2 weeks ago and wasn't sure if I should post. I kind of like it and it doesn't show the actual mating, so here we go.
1DX
500f4 II + 2X III
1/2000
F10
ISO 800
Evaluative metering off the sky, + 2/3 EV
Manual Mode
Tripod.
Cropped about 25% left, 25% right, and a wee bit at the bottom
I like the quality of the light here and the wing/talon positions as well as the BG.
Wish I had a 600f4, but it will have to wait a little while.
Nice pose from the male with a cool wing position. I agree with Phil about the IQ. Too bad you cant get any closer to the tree. Judging by your series, it looks like you are right at the limits of the gear. Even though you have the best body Canon makes,and I want one bad, you might try borrowing or renting a 7D or 1D to see how much difference the crop factor might make. Might put you right there.
I appreciate all of our comments. I think I missed the AF on this one with the 2X. David, the 7D wouldn't work because of the F8. I'm thinking perhaps I should haul a ladder in. I could get closer but I would lose the height and the mountains in the BG. What do you think? Alternatively, I'm trying to see if I could AF at F8 with a crop body with a canon 1.4x plus a Kenko 1.4x. Or I would breakdown and get the 600f4 II this Summer.
Another great image in the series! I agree that the focus may be a bit off, but still a wonderful capture.
I saw your latest post about the 1.4 and kenko 1.4, as opposed to the 2.0. I tried both on my Nikon set-up (D800 + 500 f/4 VR) and noticed that the 1.4+1.4 weren't acceptable. But results may be a bit different.
I think that if you have the time, the ladder idea may be something to try out. At worst, you lose a day's shoot. But the results would definitely be something different!
White Tailed Kite Takes Off After Mating
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