Bald eagle hard bank in snow

[D. Robert Franz]

Another image from my recent eagle trip. This was captured during some pretty tough AF conditions. I was experimenting a bit with the mk4 and shooting will all the Auto AF point selection (ring of fire). Another guy on the tour had me try the Nikon version of this (3D tracking) with his D3X, he was having some issues aquiring focus. Anyway I had some impressive results cosidering the snow and varied BG.. Shown full frame just to demonstrate the AF. I know it's a bit centered.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Copyright: D. Robert & Lorri Franz
Shutter speed: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: 3.2
Exposure mode: Manual
Metering mode: Evaluative
Drive mode: Continuous
ISO: 500
Lens: EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM
Focal length: 300mm

[Stu Bowie]

Impressive banking angle, and just love the wing position. Good DOF, tack sharp, and I do like the inclusion of the falling snow. If this were mine, I would move the eagle back to the right a touch, as I feel its too central as is.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Robert I don't think there's much wrong with your ring of fire! Excellent focus & exposure & contrast and you get this close with a 300mm? Folks would die for that over here in UK!! Great shot

[arash_hazeghi]

Great image, dynamic pose and snow really adds! good exposure too. I'd run a bit of NR on the BG

Nikon D3X AF should have no issues if the photographer knows what they are doing. Also this one worked out great but generally, I wouldn't use all-points AF on the MK4 as it would become unstable for faster/smaller birds or when they are flying farther. center point plus expansion usually works best for a variety of birds and conditions.

[D. Robert Franz]

Arash,

I usually use center point with or without expansion.. We were doing some experimentation. I find that with the 300mm F2.8 that Auto AF point selection works very well with larger birds, even very fast ones. This is true with the mk4 and the 7d in my experience with them. I will be anxious to try it with the 5d3 as well.

[arash_hazeghi]

Arash,

I usually use center point with or without expansion.. We were doing some experimentation. I find that with the 300mm F2.8 that Auto AF point selection works very well with larger birds, even very fast ones. This is true with the mk4 and the 7d in my experience with them. I will be anxious to try it with the 5d3 as well.

makes sense if you were experimenting. My 5D should be here this week hopefully!

[Grace Scalzo]

This is beautiful. Sharp as can be, great bokeh.

[stuart wanuck]

wow! great

[gail bisson]

Really nice! I like the wing position " the bear hug". Good complimentary BG. I would clone out or burn the white in RLC
Gail

[Don Lacy]

Wonderful pose and the snow just adds to the image

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

what a shot. the wrap-around wing position, the falling snow, the subject angle...many things have come together. Your execution was also perfect. you must've been quite close.

[Dave Leroy]

Lovely image. Looks like a real nice dof with the 300mm also.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Very nice eagle and image!
I also believe that some NR on BG is fine. Lovely scene of the falling snow tells the story. Eye contact here is great.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Really nice. I agree with Stuart on crop

[Morkel Erasmus]

Love everything about this, Dale!!