Ian,
You were dealt a tough hand with this "shooting" situation.
The subject is indeed beautiful and worth the effort, unfortunately the low light and lack of camera support really hurt.
Due to the low light and no tripod you were forced to shoot wide open (F2.8) resulting in the very shallow DOF. The slow shutter speed reduced the sharpness that your camera and lens combo are capable of. The underexposure resulted in excess noise.
Was is overcast, or is it always that dark in there?
I feel you may have been better served going to ISO 800 and exposing as far right as possible. Then a little noise reduction.
Don't be afraid to bump up your ISO to increase your SS. If you shoot to expose to the right( ETTR) you will be fine with some noise reduction.
Welcome to BPN,
Gail
James covered all the points very well. I also think you've cropped it very tight. Some room around the subject is always a good idea. Gorgeous bird...hope you get more chances.
First a question: where were you with no flashes allowed?
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Many thanks for all advice. Understood. Farm called Refugio Paz. Organised out of Tandayapa Lodge. Extremely steep. Almost total canopy. "Cock of the Rock" viewing station, plus one more. Birds jumpy, farmer worried about flash. One question: how far can we push 7DISO without losing quality tonality, or whatever?
Many thanks for all advice. Understood. Farm called Refugio Paz. Organised out of Tandayapa Lodge. Extremely Lodge. Extremely steep. Almost total canopy. "Cock of the Rock" viewing station, plus one more. Birds jumpy, farmer worried about flash. One question: how far can we push 7DISO without losing quality tonality, or whatever?
Can't find it in your very helpful 7D Users' advice.