Flying Fox drinking - haze question please...

[Ofer Levy]

1D Mark IV, Canon 600 f4 IS, 1/3200, f5.6, iso 1000, Miller Solo CF tripod, Miller Arrow 25 fluid head, in chest deep water, 43 degrees....:eek:

Today was my lucky day as everything worked for me. It was VERY hot so bats were drinking from early afternoon, wind was right so they were flying towards me, light was perfect.
I had many opportunities but the vast majority of the shots weren't sharp enough. I am almost certain this happened because of the heat which created atmospheric haze.
Luckily a few were very sharp...
Please let me know whether this heat haze is a good explanation to my poor performance...
BTW - yes this is a male...
Thanks,
Ofer

[Vivaldo Damilano]

The best of the three images IMO, really think this one is over the top Really sharp head and excellent detail, wing position, BG and like the low flying on the water.

I have had the same problem at times with lens not wanting to focus. I find it happens in good light, green backgrounds. The lens also battles to keep focus as well. I would like to hear what the others on this site have experienced.

[Andrew Merwin]

I also think this is the best image of the 3 posts because of the wing position, the bat's separation from the water, the splash, eye sharpness, wing detail & I like the shadows on the wings; especially the bat's right wing. Very, very well captured.

[Steve Kaluski]

Best one yet Ofer.

Great placement within frame, love the detail in the wingspan and POV is perfect, nice and low.

Is this FF or a crop?

TFS
Steve

[Todd Frost]

Agree with the comments above, the best of the series (to date). Nice sharpness and low shooting angle. Heat shimmer is a big problem especially at distance and could very well be your issue with poor focus/sharpness issues. Well done.
TFS
Todd

[Ofer Levy]

Best one yet Ofer.

Great placement within frame, love the detail in the wingspan and POV is perfect, nice and low.

Is this FF or a crop?

TFS
Steve

Thanks for your input and kind words guys!
Steve, this is about 80% of full frame.

[Rachel Hollander]

Ofer - this is my favorite too. Great sharpness, color and wing position.

Congrats and TFS,
Rachel

[Sid Garige]

Best of the series so far Ofer. A+

[Robert Amoruso]

I have encountered the same AF problems due to heat shimmer Ofer.

[Hilary Hann]

This is such a charismatic image, I haven't seen many daylight bat photos and nothing as nice as this. Lovely clarity and the veins in the wings stand out so well. Heat haze would cause problems, in my view, with AF so don't be too hard on yourself.

[Mike Tracy]

This is spectacular action captured. Wish the feet were a little sharper.

Long lenses aimed over water on hot days create all sorts of challenges. I shoot a lot of surfing and encounter less than sharp hazy images regularly.

[Steve Canuel]

Also agree this is the best so far. Had some problems with some heat shimmer affecting some shots this past September over dried grasses, especially the longer lengths.

[Grant Atkinson]

Really nice shot Ofer, I echo all the positive comments above, and of a little photographed creature. Keep them coming. About your heat haze question, it may be of use to know the subject distance that you were shooting at...
cheers
Grant

[Ofer Levy]

Really nice shot Ofer, I echo all the positive comments above, and of a little photographed creature. Keep them coming. About your heat haze question, it may be of use to know the subject distance that you were shooting at...
cheers
Grant

Thanks for your comments and kind words guys!
Grant, this was taken from 15 meters or so.
Cheers,
Ofer

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent Ofer, I am 100% sure any softness is from the haze, we get it here in Cali cost frequently, even at 5m things are sometimes really soft.

Amazing photo my friend! congrats!