Puff-throated Babbler

[Paul Kusmin]

Shot this bird from a portable blind at Khao Yai Thailand in December.

Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal Length: 500 mm
ISO Speed: 250
Exposure Bias: -5/3 EV
Flash: No Flash

Been trying out a new (for me) sharpening technique and am excited by the results so far.
Sorry about the clutter, but it was a muddy patch right next to the restrooms. :)

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I don't think I have seen this species before, thanks for sharing. I like the angle, soft light and details and wish for more head turn toward you. I would crop a bit off the bottom and find the BG busy but there is not much you could have done about it.

[Fabs Forns]

Very nice pose and detail. You could try blurring the BG or burning it a bit to soften the distraction?

[Rene Quenneville]

Amazingly sharp for 1/30s on such a small and nervous bird. Why did you keep the ISO this low with this long of an exposure? ISO 800, f/5.6 would have given you a narrower depth of field, which is desired in a busy environment and a way faster shutter speed. For the last few years, I have chosen to do noise reduction for higher ISO and increase my take rate in sharpness. Food for thought!

[Paul Kusmin]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Rene, I'm glad you brought up the point about ISO, I still have much to learn and will indeed consider your advice "food for thought".
cheers!