Unfortunately I had solid overcast skies this morning when I was out to test the gear after a fresh micro adjustment on the 500mm and 2x combo. I'd not seen a Pied-billed Grebe before at close range.
Canon 1D MIV
500mm f4 + 2X
1/400 at f8
Aperture Priority
Exposure Comp +1/3
ISO 1000
Overcast days are my favorite. I like this image, nice and sharp with the 2x converter. I only wish for a better head angle and a touch more room on the bottom and right side of the image.
I agree with James regarding overcast days (apart from a brief window of early morning or late evening light:)) and the head angle. I like the textures in the plumage but it looks just a tad soft on my monitor - not sure if it is just a web presentation issue of whether it is a SS issue at 1/400s @ 1300mm equivalent focal length. Good low angle and the OOF lily leaves provide a nice habitat cue. Darkening down the brightish areas in the BG may be worth a try.
James, Tony thanks for the input. I think I have a very similar image with a bit more head turn so I'll have a look at that. I should have bumped the ISO a bit more here to get the higher shutter speed but I was on a tripod. Re the sharpness, one thing I've noticed is that occasionally I will increase the presentation size on the screen by pressing CTRL + when I'm reading something and then forget to reduce it back to normal for image viewing. The images really get a soft look to them when I've forgotten to change it back. This image should be 207 mm wide. I'd be curious if anyone else is noticing this as an issue or if it's just me because I've made a processing error.
Pied-billed Grebe
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