Canon 1D Mark IV, 500 mm f/4 L IS 1/3200 second at ISO 800, f/4 in early morning light, manual exposure. I used the 500 on a tripod with full Wimberly. I had the custom function regarding AF acquisition speed on fast because there was often just a second or so from acquisition to when the bird changed direction and quickly moved out of the frame. In this shot, the bird was making this kind of a swoop down and then up close to me and I managed to keep on it. This is about a 50% crop.
From distance data, it seems the birds were flying at about 15 to 20 meters per second.
Hi Roger, well done for capturing this very fast flyer in the middle of your frame. The angle may be a bit high, but it does show of the underwing detail nicely. I like the full wingspread and fanned tail, and the sky BG works well here too.
I know from trying to capture Tree Swallows that these guys give new meaning to fast and they swerve . So, well done with a nice tail and wing spread as well as catchlight.
I have yet to get a flying swallow that I am happy with . This looks good and I know you worked hard to get it especially on a tripod. I'd say you did good. My only wish would be for the ha to be tilted down a tad but hey, I'd be happy to get this one as well.
I would regard almost any shot of this, or similar species, captured in focus, to be something of an achievment and to manage the same using a tripod doubly so. The head postion does make the subject a little detached...but I can live with that. A grand effort.
Just a note about hand held versus tripod: I've always found I can track smoother and more consistently with the 500 f/4 when on a tripod and gimbal mount, especially the 500 f/4 which is a heavier lens, and especially when working with TCs. When I use my 300 f/2.8, I usually hand hold. I do occasionally hand hold the 500, but prefer the tripod. There are pluses and minuses to each method.
Another Cliff Swallow in Flight
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