Purple finch...

[Geoff Newhouse]

Just a simple portrait I took in my yard during the first few days of testing my new-to-me 500 E FL. I shot a 600/4 since getting the Mk II Canon version back in the first batch in 2012...but lately have been getting tired of handholding that big of a lens and also having to travel to Central, South America and other locations with it (often not bringing it because of the size and then regretting it as a long prime is what you want in most of those rainforest locations). So after borrowing a friend's 500II last year for a day, I decided that in Nikon land I have much higher MP bodies that I trust (versus the 7D2/5DSR I had in Canon land) in the D500/D850 and therefore decided the 500/4 would be a better option for me this time around. So far I'm very happy with my decision and lucky I found a pristine used copy in Canada (which is very tough to do).

This one is shot with the D500, 500E, TC-14EIII at f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO 180. Shot handheld while sitting in my lawn chair...this tree is a very small apple tree with a small feeder hanging from it and I use it to test lenses and cameras as there are a regular selection of song birds and woodpeckers attracted to the black oil sunflower seeds available.

I'm considering removing the upper branch on frame left above the finch....do people think that would be an improvement? I did sort of like the way it framed the bird in a wedge shape but the leaves are a bit bright and compete with the bird I think? Let me know what you guys/gals think.

Thanks

[Bill Dix]

You have captured his raspberry color nicely, I don't think the upper branch adds anything.

[Geoff Newhouse]

You have captured his raspberry color nicely, I don't think the upper branch adds anything.

Thanks Bill, I will do a version without it and repost later today.

[John Mack]

Like the colors here. Nice view of the finch and a nice perch as well.

[arash_hazeghi]

Good pose with excellent sharp details, not over-sharpened and just the right amount, this is what you want. Agree with Bill re. the top branch doesn't add anything and since it is OOF it distracts, takes 2 second to clone out. I wish the tail was not partially blocked. Since this is your setup, you can prune your perches and "open" an area for him to land so that we can see the feet better too. nice BG too.

TFS

[Geoff Newhouse]

Here is the branch gone repost...did this in LR with Spot Healing brush in about 2 seconds...also brought in the crop a little to eliminate the yellow leaf at left border of the OP...

[Jonathan Ashton]

Lovely shot I think it looks better, if you do prune Arash has a good idea particularly regarding feet visibility - but be careful you don't want to see cut edges, it may be possible to just rub off some small leaves and stems but at all costs keep any cut edges to the rear/far aspect.

[Daniel Cadieux]

The finch is beautifully processed, great colours. I like the branch being removed, but I prefer your original crop as the left edge is now messier. You can simply also clone out the yellow leaf if you do not like it. I'd also prefer the bird higher in the frame. Nice BG and good details!

[Alex Becker]

The finch looks great and the colors and detail are great. I agree the bird a bit higher in the frame would help. I like the perch. TFS