First Warbler with Extension Tubes

[David Roach]

So, I got my new primary lens this past summer. Late in the summer, I quickly ordered a set of extension tubes in anticipation of the fall migration. This is my first warbler with the extension tubes. Created at Green Cay in the early morning. I like the bird in the center of this composition because of the oak leaves and the framing. 1DMKIIN 400 DO 2xtc 20mm ext. ISO 400 F11@1/125

REPOSTED per Robert and Artie's comments below...

[Robert O'Toole]

Hi David,

Nice light and good pose and colors.
Image could use a little bit if USM or maybe just a selective s curve. Also you could darken the lower right corner abit with a mask also.

The 400 DO needs an extension tube even with a 2X? Wow I have used a few but I never realized the close focus distance was so poor. Usually the extender itself serves to give the lens some extension I thought.

Robert

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi David,

The BG is terrific. I find the leaves behind the head very distracting.

[David Roach]

Hi Robert,
I really love the 400DO. It works quite well wide open and with both Canon TCs. The one thing I didn't like was the MFD, almost 1 meter more than my 100-400. So, I went out and got the tubes. I believe the MFD is greater than 11 ft. Great lens though as long as you get one made after 2005. Thanks for the suggestions, my friend!!!!! Yes, the original is quite sharp but the resize diminishes that a bit. I should sharpen after the resize, but I sharpen when I get the crop I like before I save as jpeg. I'm too lazy to reprocess for each web site size.

[Robert O'Toole]

Hi Robert,
I really love the 400DO. It works quite well wide open and with both Canon TCs.

Love them too, the only reason I have never owned one is out of the 4 that have used they all had different IQ. Glad to hear you have a good one.

The one thing I didn't like was the MFD, almost 1 meter more than my 100-400. So, I went out and got the tubes. I believe the MFD is greater than 11 ft.

I normally carry my Extenders on a small lowe pro cylinder case with 2 Ext tubes all mounted together. they have really helped with my 600/F IS. With my Nikon 200-400 I dont need any tubes with the convertors as the thing will focus down to a damsel fly.

Great lens though as long as you get one made after 2005. Thanks for the suggestions, my friend!!!!! Yes, the original is quite sharp but the resize diminishes that a bit. I should sharpen after the resize, but I sharpen when I get the crop I like before I save as jpeg. I'm too lazy to reprocess for each web site size.

Yeah it can be trouble some I know how you feel. I am the same way sometimes but the extra time is worth it.

Robert

[David Roach]

Love them too, the only reason I have never owned one is out of the 4 that have used they all had different IQ. Glad to hear you have a good one.
Robert

I did mucho research before the purchase, and it does seem they had QC problems in the first few years. From the internet research, they said any lens manufactured after 2004 is a keeper. I add a year for good measure. Mine was made in 2006. Really is an awesome lens in my experience!

[Arthur Morris]

Yes, the original is quite sharp but the resize diminishes that a bit. I should sharpen after the resize, but I sharpen when I get the crop I like before I save as jpeg. I'm too lazy to reprocess for each web site size.

Hi David, You say that the original is quite sharp... You should be saving your optimized file unsharpened and then sharpen for the final use... Please explain.

I would crop a bunch off the bottom. Nice BKGR but the bird's head is turned ever-so-slightly away. Check out the Head Angle Police thread in ETL.

later and love, artie

[David Roach]

Yes Artie, I did read that on your CD (Great update to the original book, BTW), I need to change my workflow a little. I keep the TIF (from Capture One) without processing and I save one JPG (after all processing including sharpening (right at the end) with the crop I like. Then if I have to resize for web (like here) I don't reprocess from the tiff. I said I'm lazy!!!! As always, thanks for the advice, maestro!!!

[Arthur Morris]

Hi David, Thanks for the plug. If you take five minutes to create an action as described in ABP II and in Digital Basics you can make your BPN j-pegs with a single keystroke in about two seconds.

later and love, artie

[Jody Melanson]

Nice subject and pose. Love the BG colours. I find the leaves behind the bird very distracting since they are so close and almost in focus.

[David Roach]

Thanks again Artie; I will look that up on your wonderful CD!! Just what us lazy folks need!!!