Variable Oystercatcher

[Tony Whitehead]

Another image from last week. I like the banking pose and plumage details with the colours against the monochromatic BG. Disappointed by the missing tail feather:(
D700
Nikon 200-400 +1.4x @ 550mm
ISO 800, f5.6 1/2500s
Matrix +1/3
Handheld, No flash

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Tony, yep, that is a great banking angle, and love the underwing detail. Good exposure throughout, and the OC pops nicely from the BG. I would have maybe added a bit to the bottom.

[Rob Drummond]

Nice one Tony - I agree , really like the banking

cheers
Rob

[arash_hazeghi]

nice eye contact and banking position. good colors too. TFS

[Gerard Satherley]

Wonderful flight shot, with excellent banking position as mentioned. Colours work well.

[Leo Berzins]

A fine image for all the reasons you mentioned Tony. Exposure looks spot on as well.
The tail feather would have merely been icing on an already attractive cake, IMHO.

[David Fletcher]

Super shot and exposure details Tony. Nice color scheme. Tail feather not an issue, but would be the icing on the cake as mentioned. :):)

[Randy Stout]

Tony:

Nicely captured, and the bright bill and eye liven up the monochromatic background. I do agree about a sliver more room at the bottom.

How happy are you with the 1.4 on the 200-400? I shot with one extensively two years ago, and was not thrilled with the shots, enough so that I have held off on the 200-400. The bare lens was fine, just didn't behave gracefully with TCs.

Randy

[Chris van Rooyen]

Lovely posture Tony, and great eye contact! I'm not too bothered by the missing tail feather - its natural. the sharpness is also outstanding, especially with the 1.4 TC. I would like to hear what your experiences are with gthat combination.

[Harshad Barve]

super shot Tony , lovely placement of bird in frame
TFS

[Doug Brown]

The tail feather is a non-issue for me. Very nicely captured Tony! The overcast skies really helped you with your exposure. Great eye contact and wing detail. I like the churning surf.

[denise ippolito]

Beautiful capture Tony. Great details and eye contact. I like the pale color tones to the BG. it really makes the bird pop.

[Tony Whitehead]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. Randy, Chris - I'm very happy with the 200-400 +1.4x combo. I am tending to use it on the D700 in preference to the bare lense on the D300 as the focus seems as good and the D700 gives me more ISO flexibility. The bokeh isn't quite as smooth at times but I find the sharpness fine even wide open.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks Tony, pretty much my experience as well, I have used it with the TC and I am quite happy with the results. But you got to watch your backgrounds as it is not as smooth as a straight 500 f/4 lens.

[James Salywoda]

Excellent banking pose and the exposure is spot on really nice Tony.