Black-necked stilt with 1DX2

[arash_hazeghi]

Black-necked stilt in flight. I got a chance to try my 1DX MK II last weekend, I have to say the AF significantly improved over the 1DX which itself set the benchmark for me before I tried the MKII. I was impressed with the number of sharp images in a row from a flight sequence with complex backgrounds


Hope you like this frame



1DX MK II 400 DO II + 2X III. ISO 1250 f/8 at 1/3200sec. Hand held. processed with DPP 4.4

[arash_hazeghi]

here is the frame right after this one...there 30 frames in the sequence all tack sharp

[Gerhard Weldhagen]

No nits from me. I like the second frame better - one can appreciate the DOF accross the outstretched wings really well.

[gail bisson]

I love both frames and would be doing my happy dance if I had either of these frames.
Both tack sharp and PP is topnotch. Love the hint of iridescence on the wing and the red in the eye.
I have to say that I am sure the camera is as excellent as you say, 90% of these images are excellent because of your technical skills!
Gail

[Arthur Morris]

Wicked. 2nd frame looks a tad sharper. Love both wing positions. 1DX II AF is surely superb but I firmly believe that the skill of the operator is a more important factor in successful flight and action photography than the camera's AF system...

Folks can learn more about my early 1DX II experiences on my blog: here, here, here, here, and here; the topics covered include AF with the 600 II and the 2X III TC, 65 Point AF, AF with the 100-400 II and the 1.4X III, and ISO 4000 and 8000. With lots more to come.

In short, I now go to the 1DX II for flight, action, and high ISO situations. I continue to use and love the 5DS R for bird and wildlife portraits, flowers, scenics, and urbex. a

[Steve Kaluski]

Nice work Arash and can only echo Artie's comment about the operator!

In short, I now go to the 1DX II for flight, action, and high ISO situations.

I've been a long campaigner Artie for pushing the ISO on the MKI, now with the MKII the images just get that much better, I will enjoy this new acquisition in Botswana shortly.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent flight shots. Wonderful colors, superb details and nice composition.


Regards,
Satish.

[arash_hazeghi]

Wicked. 2nd frame looks a tad sharper. Love both wing positions. 1DX II AF is surely superb but I firmly believe that the skill of the operator is a more important factor in successful flight and action photography than the camera's AF system...

Folks can learn more about my early 1DX II experiences on my blog: here, here, here, here, and here; the topics covered include AF with the 600 II and the 2X III TC, 65 Point AF, AF with the 100-400 II and the 1.4X III, and ISO 4000 and 8000. With lots more to come.

In short, I now go to the 1DX II for flight, action, and high ISO situations. I continue to use and love the 5DS R for bird and wildlife portraits, flowers, scenics, and urbex. a

Thanks for your kind words Artie

They are are actually sharp at pixel level. The dof is a bit different though.

And I agree the skill is a big factor and most important but the right tool sure makes it easier ☺️ With the same humble operator, a 5dsr would have had ZERO in focus frames in this situation i.e. with the 400DO II and 2X TC! (I tried a couple of weeks ago at the same location).


I think the 1DX II + 400 DO 2 + 2X II TC is the best light weight combo for flight currently on the market

[Frank Schauf]

Wow, great work.

[arash_hazeghi]

Here is a 100% crop from RAW from another frame in the sequence. There ere 32 frames in the burst and every one of them is tack sharp, really impressive!

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Arash, given the speed of this subject, it's good to see you use only centre point for ultimate accuracy rather than expanded/cross four, illustrates well your skill set. Thanks for the additional info.

The handling seems more natural, or perhaps it's the simple refinements from I to II???

[keith mitchell]

Hi Arash,both those frames look excellent to me,it's great to read the comments and perhaps learn a little from them.

Keith.

[arash_hazeghi]

Hi Arash, given the speed of this subject, it's good to see you use only centre point for ultimate accuracy rather than expanded/cross four, illustrates well your skill set. Thanks for the additional info.

The handling seems more natural, or perhaps it's the simple refinements from I to II???

Hi Steve,

I am not using the center point only, I am using center expansion. the advantage of 1DX II is that all AF points are active f/8 thus enabling you to use 8-point expansion

best

[annmpacheco]

smashing good Arash, just when i thought you couldn't get any better... you have! it is really helpful to see your explanations and images, thank you...

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Ari, excellent wing position, tack sharp, and you are the master of BIF.

[Bill Dix]

Amazing stuff. Excellent exposure, great tracking and sharpness across the whole series. TFS.

[shane shacaluga]

Nice work!

[Arthur Morris]

Nice work!

Hi Shane, Thanks for commenting. If you like an image, please let us know why you like it. We work hard to avoid becoming just another "great shot" Forum and we need your help. a

[shane shacaluga]

Hi Artie

my comments were more related to Arash's review of the new camera and his thoughts/opinions backed up by cracking images. I feel these posts help a lot

in this case i felt i couldnt add much more critique type comments to be honest other than wishing that those were my images

Point taken though. All the best

[David Salem]

Im sold!! Great to know its better. Awesome wings down pose and sweet details. Nice job tracking too

[arash_hazeghi]

Im sold!! Great to know its better. Awesome wings down pose and sweet details. Nice job tracking too

did you order yours? see you soon

[Marina Scarr]

These are 2 killers frame. Love the flight poses, details and colors. Thanks for info on the body. Do you feel as though the 1Dx2 feels better in your hand than the first version...as in comfortable?

[arash_hazeghi]

These are 2 killers frame. Love the flight poses, details and colors. Thanks for info on the body. Do you feel as though the 1Dx2 feels better in your hand than the first version...as in comfortable?

Hey Marina, the grip is a bit different but overall feels about the same which is comfortable for me when hand holding it.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Lovely images Arash, great sharpness and clarity, beautiful colours. I like the framing, subject stands out beautifully against the BG. Wing positioning is perfect. Techs are spot on as far as I am concerned:)

This frame certainly deserves a lot more than "nice work" or "great work", in my opinion your technique in the field is superb and so is your processing - a lot to learn from just viewing your images.

Enjoy your new gear, I certainly hope you delight us with many more!

Warmest regards,