Hoopoe returning to the nest with a snack for the chicks.
Image Copyright 2010: Robert OToole Photography .com
Nikon D700 with MB-D10 and AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR and ISO 3200. manual mode -2/3 compensation (yes you can use compensation in manual mode) 1/2500th @ F11. Full frame, almost no crop except for the top and bottom strips for the aspect ratio.
Hoopoe are so fast at this distance using trap focus was the only way to get something full frame like this since we were in a hide that was set up for a 500mm with a fullframe body or a 300mm on a 1.5-1.6 body. Trap focus is pre-focusing on a predetermined distance and hitting the shutter when you see an orange flash in this case. They like to bank on the way in so it was not easy, even using this focus method.
These guys are unbelievably fun to photograph, Peter Kes and I were photographing side by side and had a great time, Peter got some really good ones also. This image was made during a Photo tour series I led in southern Hungary.
Normally I dont shoot at ISO 3200 but I was using Auto ISO because of the constantly changing light and 3200 was the limit I had set. I had to run a pass of nosieware pro on 80% strength. How does it look on your computer?






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