Queen of the 2x - NOT!

[Grace Scalzo]

I seem to have been dubbed the queen of the 2x. Yes, I do use it quite frequently, I admit. But here is one taken at 400mm. This is just shy of full frame as I had to level a bit. I am finding it great fun to work with shorter focal lengths that are easily hand holdable for a long time. But don't expect me to give up the big guns any time soon. :)

By the way, I sat with this bird for at least 20 minutes waiting for him to do something...was even ready in vertical for a while in hopes of a stretch. He did nothing. Zero. Nadda......


Canon 1dx, 100x400vII
1/1000, f8, iso 800

[adrian dancy]

An all round lovely image with lovely light Grace.
He probably did nothing but you have to admit he looks good doing nothing
If ever I get a 100-400 11 I will have no hesitation in using a 2X tele-converter.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I love using a 2x, with good technique you can get quite nice quality images. Naturally, we all know a bare lens would be best though. However, I am not shy and will even stack a 1.4x and 2x together.

Lovely low POV and while I love the inclusion of the green patch on the top, I feel it is a little tight below, as there is way more space above that (for me at least) pushes the compositional balance off a bit.
Otherwise, it is still a nice image, despite no action from his royal highness.
Thanks for sharing

[gail bisson]

Hi Grace,
I think I am the one guilty of calling you queen of the 2X! I assure you it is a compliment because I find it so hard to get tack sharp images using my 2X!
Your technique with the 2X is flawless to get such great images with the 2X.
This is lovely. Great light and terrific POV.
Tack sharp as well.
I like the comp as is because it keeps that lovely blue and green at the top of the frame.
Well done ,
Gail

[Grace Scalzo]

Gail, you are not the only one! But thanks. (I totally meant the title as humorous but I wear the crown proudly) . I am totally enjoying the shorter focal length, ability to zoom and easily handhold. A different way of "seeing". Thanks for your kind words.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Lovely image, Grace. Sweet little bird, thank you for sharing.

[Randy Stout]

Grace:

At least you had the opportunity to work this bird with all possible settings and compositions. I wonder if it has been migrating and is resting up for the next leg?

Lovely light, well exposed, nice catchlight, good POV.

I do see Akos's point about the crop, and might try a version with a sliver off the top ( down to where the top of the green starts.)

CHeers

Randy

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks for the comp idea. I like the blue, but I see your point about balance. This youngster was born at Nickerson. He seems healthy. Every once in a while there is one that doesn't have the usual fear of people. Plus I was flat on my belly and had taken a slow crawl up to where he was hanging out, so I don't think that I was perceived as a threat.

[Karl Egressy]

Lovely image, great low shooting angle, Grace.

[Geoff Newhouse]

Great image with very nice lighting, sharp, clean two-toned background. If you are the queen of the 2x then I probably could be called the king....LOL. I just looked at my final keepers in LR for the past 6 months and at least 50% or more have the 2xTCIII on them. I never shy away from the 2x.

TFS
Geoff

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Grace, love the soft light in this, well exposed on the plumage, and nice and sharp too. I can probably assume your thinking of cropping below as you did, as you didnt want too much OOF FG. I would that space as is, but then crop away a bit onn top, to just below the blue band.

I too, never shy away from my 2X.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Your exposure is spot on and I love the IQ. I'm enjoying the comp as-is. Beautiful bird.