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Thread: Nice to see they are back!

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Default Nice to see they are back!

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    A couple of weeks ago I went back to see if there were any signs of the Little Owls this year, after five days of numerous hours one finally made an appearance towards the end of a long a very grey day! For three days I could hear them calling out, but could I see them, all I knew was they were somewhere behind me - until...

    Not sure how much time I will have this year, but good to know they are around, however I think this is one of last years brood as he/she have found pastures new, but close by, although they seem to be nesting in the same place, so fingers crossed.

    The 1DX comes up trumps again in both low light & ISO, so the MKII has really got to be great for the UK weather.

    Thanks to those who viewed or posted a comment on the previous thread.

    Steve

    Subject: Little owl (Athene noctua)
    Location: UK
    Camera: Canon 1DX
    Lens: 500f/4 MKII Gitzo/Uniqball head
    Exposure: 1/1600s at f/11 ISO5000 EV +1
    Original format: Portrait, about a 50% crop
    Processed via: LRCC (2015) & PSCC 2015

    Note: The subject is fully wild and completely unconstrained. Besides the potential impact of my presence, nothing has been done to intentionally alter or affect the ongoing behavior of the subject and, of course, there has been no use of any form of bait or other form of wildlife attractants (including vocalisations) in the capture of this image.
    Last edited by Steve Kaluski; 05-04-2016 at 11:13 AM.

  2. Thanks Robert Kattanek thanked for this post
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    Absolutely lovely bird, and I certainly envy you for the 1DX and its ISO capabilities. With the 7D Mark II, I can take photos at 5000 and make them somewhat presentable, but certainly not this clean.

    One question, "f/111" should probably mean "f/11"? May I ask why you are using such a small aperture, would the DOF be too narrow otherwise?

    Kind regards,

    Robert

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    Nice to finally manage to get the bird and with en eye level view. The 1DX is indeed super capable. ISO5000 was unimaginable a few years ago. Just out of curiosity, can you post a 100% magnification shot of the RAW? Thank you.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    One question, "f/111" should probably mean "f/11"?
    Just wanted to see who read things Robert, thanks .

    I have shot these at f/5.6 - f/11 and I like the f-stop, it gives me what I want, you'll see what I mean as and when I post another. I always maintain a high SS these days, with whatever f stop required as the 1DX ISO just delivers time and time again.

    Cheers

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    Steve I really like the low POV, it makes for a very different and appealing image. The background really suits this image, looks like snow or a waterfall perhaps? Lovely and clean image from the 1DX, only wish I could justify the expense, there may be some price reductions now that the MK2 is released. Meanwhile back to the 7D2!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Just wanted to see who read things Robert, thanks .
    You're very welcome!
    I have shot these at f/5.6 - f/11 and I like the f-stop, it gives me what I want, you'll see what I mean as and when I post another. I always maintain a high SS these days, with whatever f stop required as the 1DX ISO just delivers time and time again.
    Thank you for the explanation, I was just curious since I am pretty much at the beginning of my learning curve.
    Right now, I always try to shoot with 1/1250s, but am seeing more and more clues that even that may be too slow at times. I'll try to increase SS even more, but am of course a bit limited in the ISO department.

    Looking forward to more shots of the Little Owls, perhaps I can get some inspiration for a workshop in June where I will be able to photograph one as well.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Just out of curiosity, can you post a 100% magnification shot of the RAW? Thank you.
    Lorant, should always review text, the OP is about a 50% crop, click on the previous image in the Library, should have aded the 1.4.

    Note that this is SOC and NO sharpening has been applied, as LR, as Default will add a minimal amount automatically. Visible dust bunny too, all gear is going back into Canon on Friday for a 'wash & brush up' before departing again.

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    FWIW this is FF.

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    The background really suits this image, looks like snow or a waterfall perhaps?
    Thanks David it's OOF trees, crap light at around 3.30pm onwards, but no use in complaining.

    only wish I could justify the expense, there may be some price reductions now that the MK2 is released.
    There will be quite a few on the market once the MKII hits big time, but they still will retain a good price. One of the 1Dx's I will be trading in, is all in it's original boxed with all the original bits & full Canon service history, all setting waiting for Canon!!!

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    I'll try to increase SS even more, but am of course a bit limited in the ISO department.
    Indeed, but Daniel Cadieux is the real Master with the 7D & MKII. IMHO you really need to nail the expire with this body to get the best from it, but the weather is improving so fingers crossed.

    erhaps I can get some inspiration for a workshop in June where I will be able to photograph one as well
    Where, in Germany???

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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Where, in Germany???
    No, in Scotland. :)

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Just sent you a PM as we are going slightly Off Topic now.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Lorant, should always review text, the OP is about a 50% crop, click on the previous image in the Library, should have aded the 1.4.

    Note that this is SOC and NO sharpening has been applied, as LR, as Default will add a minimal amount automatically. Visible dust bunny too, all gear is going back into Canon on Friday for a 'wash & brush up' before departing again.
    Thanks, Steve. It is exactly what I wanted to see for the noise. Very good:).

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    My favourite little Owl - thank you for sharing Steve, so glad to see they are still around!

    Superb techs and truly a noiseless, well exposed image with great IQ. Nice POV and lovely pose from your feathered little friend, the perch is awesome. I like the "wind-blown" look of the subject, it might have only been a gentle breeze but I get the impression this little one is holding tight and slightly annoyed with the wind, what a nuisance really when one has to look for a little worm or two!

    Beautifully processed and I a happy with the composition, sharpness in good measure, great detail and colours look natural - I am so glad to come across this image tonight, appreciate this post, hope you see them Owls again soon and delight us with some more, many thanks Steve!

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Lifetime Member David Salem's Avatar
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    Nice looking frame Steve and I like the pose and the perch. The light has limited the colors but looks good for what you were working with. Really glad to hear that they are back. Look forward to more of them.

    Sadly my owls have been run off by the encroachment of man kind and I don't think I will ever see them back in my location. I had four great years with them and as it is with most nature photography, it eventually comes to an end :( although I do have hundreds of great owl shots and tons of great memories. Good luck and shoot as much as you can.
    Come join me for a Custom Raptor Workshop starting this November 2019- January 2020.
    P.M. me to inquire on dates, pricing and availabilities. Thank You.
    www.davidsalemphotography.com

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Thanks Gabriela, perhaps some Pel's Owls later, lets see who knows what may show???

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    I had four great years with them and as it is with most nature photography, it eventually comes to an end :( although I do have hundreds of great owl shots and tons of great memories. Good luck and shoot as much as you can.
    Thank you David, but the reply is with sadness and I'm very sorry to hear the news, as your owls brought a lot of fun, inspiration and enjoyment here on BPN and will be hugely missed. They are great fun to work with and gaining their trust delivers so much enjoyment as you know oh so well. But you never know, when you least expect things something surfaces, so fingers crossed buddy.

    All the very best.

    Steve

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    Steve you are always on to a winner with me with those wind blown feathers and that fixed stare.Top IQ as always .

    Keith.

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    Cheers Keith, hope you are managing to get the time in on your current projects too.

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