Hello all. This is my first posting here. I got the bird photography bug a month or so ago, and immediately began shopping for a quality telephoto lens. The lens arrived just last week, and this morning was my first real outing with it. Out of the many great birding spots in southeast Florida, I chose the equestrian park in Southwest Ranches. It's within walking distance of my home, and is filled with lots of early morning bird activity. At that time of day you can always find loggerhead shrikes, red-winged blackbirds, northern mockingbirds, red-bellied woodpeckers, moorhens, wood storks, herons, egrets, and of course, the ubiquitous grackle.
Here is my first effort, a northern mockingbird. I know the low angle isn't terrific, and although sharp, the detail isn't there as I would like it to be. I am already working to improve the detail. I look forward to your comments!
Details:
One hour after sunrise
Nikon D80
Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF + TC-301 2x
ISO 400, 1/250, f/5.6
Vivitar 285HV @ 1/2 power, head in tele position
Bogen 3021/3047
Cropped about 10% all around
Last edited by Erich Stevens; 06-14-2009 at 03:43 PM.
I can tell you one thing for sure, it is 100% better than my first post. I like the techs, as you said angle could be better. Did you run noise reduction, welcome aboard.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 06-14-2009 at 01:42 PM.
Sweet lens to start !!!!!!! ... thats the way to go !!! :)
Agree with comments and can add tech wise the flash did not do much good. You are at a fairly long distance and shooting at 1/1250 well into HS Sync range ... check your effective range at that shutter speed even at full power and will be way short !!!
For the flash try getting a better beamer since it will extend the flash about twice, when using set the head to 50mm !!! ... btw post the exp compensation.. very useful !!! Looking forward to many more ... will be difficult in the summer but fall is just around the corner !!!!
Alfred, that 1/1250 is a typo. I was shooting at 1/250. I will go back and correct it. I think the flash helped a bit, as there is some good detail visible in his under parts (below the branch) and a hard shadow from the branch on his right wing. I will definitely look into the better beamer to extend my flash distance.
Yes, my lens, a pre-AF Nikkor! I got it, plus the 2x, for a very good price off the 'Bay. I couldn't afford an AF system, but I am very happy with it.
Hi Erich,
A big warm welcome to the BPN family...congratulation on the fine lens...I like your composition and capture...agree with the fine advise and techs. given...looking forward to your next one...:cool:
Hi Erich and welcome to BPN! Agree on the techs and advice already given, but for a first try this isn't too bad. You got the bird in the clear and in focus which is a big part of the battle in bird photography. Just keep working on it, and you should be able to get some real good shots!
Hi - another big warm welcome to the BPN family - good solid advice already given.
Check out the educational resources forum for help and advice also.
Looking forward to your next one :)
Northern Mockingbird
