Maybe not sharp enough. This Tern was protecting it's territory and buzzing an onlooker that it thought was too close. Unfortunately this is a 50-60% crop, and undoubtedly hurting the IQ. Getting closer is physically easy, but not something I intend to do at this location. I might try the extender next week.
1DX 600II
F/8 1/4000 ISO 400
What a great pose! Looks pretty good IQ wise considering the crop.
Had this been a FF image I would have suggested an even tighter pano crop.
Look forward to your attempt with the extender on!
Gail
Very different and unique pose Robert, hope your extender does the trick and it's nice that you have such a concern for disturbance on your site, thanks for giving us a look.
Robert the first thing that impressed me with your post was your concern for the subject. Secondly of course I think you have a good and unusual image. The TC should provide more opportunities though I suspect it won't be easy with a 600mm & TC.
I will be visiting the Farne Islands, weather permitting, this week, here the arctic terns buzz you was you walk along the path. I will have the wide angle on my camera and snatch a few shots as I walk by but I will not hang around trying to optimise.
We can be our own worst critics at the best of times. I also appreciate your care with regards to the birds' welfare.
It is a really cool head angle on the tern. Don't be shy about using a TC. Best things invented to keep one's distance or to get more into the frame.
Looking forward to the next shot! :)
Really neat pose indeed! Looks like you had beach sand acting a bit as a reflector for under the wings. I too could see a pano crop (and perhaps a touch more sharpening) - you would not lose any more IQ if you kept it the same width but just cropped top and bottom..