Mark IV Incoming Mallard

[Arthur Morris]

This image was created with the 400mm f/4 IS DO lens (handheld) with the EOS-1D Mark IV as the Mallard streaked towards me. ISO 500. Evaluative metering +1 2/3 stops off the light water set manually: 1/800 sec. at f/4.

Don't be shy; all comments welcome.

ps: To read my brief comments on 7D/Mark IV AF see the January 1th blog post here: http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I like the sense of movement created by the blurred wings. Head is sharp, which is expected. For me it's a touch tight in the frame. Why don't you work some of your PP magic and fix the wingtips? Just a question. :)

Congrats! Must love that MkIV! :)

[Stephen Stephen]

Artie I like the image as posted but I'd also like to see a version as Akos has suggested to compare. In this original the tightness makes it seem as if the bird's coming right at me making me almost want to lean back before I get hit. ;)

I also like the purple on the irridescent purple on the back and side of the head. I've often seen this colouring but I always seem to end up with just a green head.

[Phil Ertel]

Hi Artie, The head approach is quite nice. Being slightly out angle is a plus in my opinion as it provides just enough view of the side of the head while maintaining head on approach. I also like the sense of motion. I'll differ from the pervious comments as I think the crop could go a bit tighter (cut done clipped philosophy). I also think it would enhance the in our face head on approach. Just a suggestion. Please note that I do like it as presented. Thanks for sharing.

[Justin Reznick]

The head is fantastic, super sharp and well lit, image seems tight but what can you do with a prime lens and a bird flying right at you? I've been curious on this issue as I have a pelican shot flying towards me with a partial wing cut off. Is there a case to made where the image still works, despite not fitting in the frame?

[Ilija Dukovski]

Really impressive with perfectly sharp head and blurred body in an incoming flight image.
The one thing that I liked here is the overall color scheme. It has an interesting off-white feel
with the rest of the colors standing out nicely.

[Stu Bowie]

Great wingspread for the landing, and his plumage looks like a wooly jersey. I like the detail and colours on the head.

[Mark Dumbleton]

Like the sense of movement here Artie. Good sharp detail on the head and colours. Just curious as to why you cropped it like this, or is this full frame? Im guessing full frame...

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks all for commenting. Above is the original. With the left wingtips sharp and the right ones blurred, repairing the wingtips would be difficult and time consuming. I considered a tighter crop from the sides for more of a "cut don't clip" look, but I wanted to stay away from a near square..... Though I would have preferred room for the whole wing on each side, I am OK and suspect that some photo buyers might be also.

[Charles Glatzer]

Hello Artie,

I think the image has enough impact as posted to sell w/o the addition of post-production wing-tips.
Head tack sharp as presented? Shot in single or w/ expanded AF point function?
I head to YNP w/ Mark IV in hand tomorrow and hope to test the camera thoroughly.

Best,

Chas

[Arthur Morris]

Hello Artie, I think the image has enough impact as posted to sell w/o the addition of post-production wing-tips. Head tack sharp as presented? Shot in single or w/ expanded AF point function?
I head to YNP w/ Mark IV in hand tomorrow and hope to test the camera thoroughly. Best, Chas

Agree. Head tack sharp as presented. Central sensor only. I am thinking that you will like the camera. Stay warm.