This is third post here. Each time I the cc has helped me learn something. I know I have a way to go but I am going to keep trying.
January here in Michigan and it is very cold here today. Wind chill was below zero when I took this out back earlier. I don't have much of an opportunity for more exciting subjects this time of year so I have to work with what I can find. Several doves came in to get the fallen birdseed. I wanted to test my new/used Nikkor 300mm f/4 that I got the other day to see how sharp it is. It is definitely different than either my 80-200 2.8 which is sharper or the 70-300VR which is possible to handhold and still get pretty crisp images. Would appreciate cc on image and thoughts on lens sharpness. Thanks for looking and any input.
Hi Jeffery - looks pretty sharp - one thing to keep in mind is your shutter speed - 1/80th is a tad slow at 300mm - generally you want to be at 1 over your focal length as a minimum to ensure sharp images. so here 1/300th, dont hesitate to increase your ISO - The d90 should be good to at least 800 ISO!!!
Like the sharp details, good HA and eye contact.
A little too tight at the bottom and you have also cut the poor fellows tail off - best to include all the bird unless you are deliberately making a composition choice by cropping in a particular way.
Also try getting down to a lower shooting angle if possible - will make a huge difference.
Looking forward to seeing more :)
Difficult to make sharp images with the low shutter speed and you did well !!! Processing wise looks a bit warm !! .. btw if you want to have fun with these birds try getting closer (food helps) and do some head shots !!! I don't mind shooting them at all and always go for best available !!!
Cold Dove
