Nikon D200, 600mm AFS (non-VR), f/4, spot exposure on aperture priority set shutter speed at 1/200, ISO 400, AF-C with center sensor on bird's breast, cropped in Capture NX after some levels and curves. Forgot to sharpen for output.
Sharpening may help, but I think much of the softness is due to the low S/S. Maybe stop down to f/8 to increase DOF a little and crank up the ISO. He must have been pretty high in the tree, given that you used a 600mm and we're still looking up at him. He'd look better if he'd cooperated and jumped down a few branches. ;)
Still, nice bird and an interesting contrast to our Western Kinkbird here in Colorado.
Hi - good looking bird, spot metering is not usually your best choice - usually go with Matrix metering.
The steep angle and slow SS have not helped here - rule of thumb guide is 1 over the focal length as a minmum SS - so here 1/600th +.
As presented looks a tad soft and F4 was not enough DOF if your point of focus is on the birds breast - would always have the point of focus on the head/eye area - as you want that sharp and in focus.
Keep em coming :)
Does the 1/focal length rule apply even if I'm using a tripod? Yes, I should have used a smaller aperture, but the D200 is not great at high ISOs. :-(
I normally use my D3, but the crop factor of the D200 is nice for birds (and that's the only body I took with me on my trip). Having just spent a lot of money on lenses, I don't think the D300 will be on my shopping list anytime soon. Maybe just wait for the D400....
Also, how do you guys focus on the eyes? They are generally smaller than the sensor.
(And thanks to the comments thus far. I hope to learn quickly from you all.)
Hi Agree with above comments regarding shooting angle and softness of the subject. The lighting does appear soft and even which is a positive. I might crop a bit off the top...
When the lens is mounted on the tripod you can use much lower shutter speed .. how much lower? Depends on how well you can do. Using a good technique makes all the difference ... test with a target and see how well you can do !!!
Noise wise the D200 is not bad just make sure to expose to the right ... and yes we do try focusing on the eyes for the still subjects .. flying is a little harder !! Agree with Lance on all points and looking forward to the next one !!!
Eastern Kingbird
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