White fronted Bee Eater take off.

[Stu Bowie]

I visited a new location on saturday for Sunbirds, when a couple of Bee Eaters arrived. I couldnt resist practising some take off shots. A sky BG was the only option.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300F/2.8 +2X TC = 600mm
1/4000
F/6.3
ISO 800

Exp comp +0.33
Hand held

[Dvir Barkay]

Really great shot, love the colors and facial position. I just got a 300/2.8, and I just wanted to ask how well it works with the x2 TC when it comes to AF on BIF like this, thanks?

[christopher galeski]

nice capture Stuart,loverly flight pose,great detail,well done.

[Leo Berzins]

Nice take-off pose captured Stuart.
Great wing and tail spread.

[Robert Kimbrell]

Nice colors, I like the lifted head, sure looks like the was checking you out. You Really froze the wing tips with that shutter speed,

[Arthur Morris]

Wow, wow, wow. Was this with active AI Servo AF or was it pre-planned with no AF?

[Kaido Rummel]

Marvellous photo!

[Arthur Morris]

Marvellous photo!

Welcome Kaido. If you like an image, please let us know why you like it. Thanks.

[Stu Bowie]

Was this with active AI Servo AF or was it pre-planned with no AF?

Thanks Artie. In this I moved my focus point to the top right corner and yes, shot A1 Servo AF. Moving my focussing point, it allows the BE to fly into the frame when he takes off, as they are pretty quick on take off and in flight. Hope that helps.

Thanks everyone else for your feedback.

[Arthur Morris]

Wow again. Active AF makes this one even more impressive. I was doing hand held flight with the 300 II/1D X/2X III combo the other day and a very bad shoulder and it took its toll.... For me, AF is less than instantaneous with that combo.... All i all, kudos!

[Karl Egressy]

Great flight pose with the forward wings and nice head turn, Stuart. You don't see too many BIF shots of Bee Eaters, so I assume they are very fast.

[Grace Scalzo]

A real cracker jack of a photo. Love the top side view with the blue base of the tail showing, and your composition is brilliant with the bird coming from that top right corner and perfectly angled toward you.

[Richard Flack]

Wow, cracker image Stu! Well done man, that is a real keeper. Where were you by the way?

[John Robinson]

All been said really no pointin repeating it. But its a great piece of work. Positioning just right.
Cheers
JR

[Joseph Przybyla]

I echo all the previous comments, nice image and work in capturing it.

[Binu John]

What a stunning shot, Stuart! You nailed the focus! Love the pose, colors and details! Wish it was mine.

[David Salem]

Killer shot Stuart!! One of your best IF shots!! Great subject perfectly captured. Very Nice!

[Stu Bowie]

Thank you all so much for the feedback and comments everyone. Always appreciated.

[Satish Ranadive]

Spectacular take off pose you have captured, Stuart Sir.
I like the symmetrical wing position, very nice HA, beautiful colors and details.

Regards,
Satish.