Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM

[S.E.V.]

Nice one! Love the BG colors, they blend well with the bird.

Sevan

[Neilyb]

Damn. I see a mkIV in my future. Although I think the 7D is a better wildlife cam than the 1DIII.

[S.E.V.]

Damn. I see a mkIV in my future. Although I think the 7D is a better wildlife cam than the 1DIII.

I wouldn't doubt it seeing that my 40D got more use then my 1D3 in wildlife shooting. But I have also heard that the 1d4 is not really worth the jump. Better wait till the 1d5 comes out.

[FlyingPhotog]

Don't sell half-again as many MPs short...

Just that little bit of extra crop-ability makes a difference IMO.

[AdamJL]

But I have also heard that the 1d4 is not really worth the jump.

From the 40D? It is :)

[S.E.V.]

From the 40D? It is :)

Yes, but not from 1D3 to 1D4. ;)

[Cicero]

Yes, but not from 1D3 to 1D4. ;)

Belive me, the difference is big.
Had 7D, than 1Dmk3 and now 1Dmk4 and this is the best camera I have ever had.

[Methodical]

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v25/p537221418-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v24/p675400543-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v20/p976373567-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p990005102-5.jpg

[Neilyb]

Second shot is SWEET Methodical!

1DIII I find too loud for alot of wildlife, shutter slap is like church bells compared to the 7D's whispering shutter ;) Yes i can shoot stealth mode but not at decent FPS.

[S.E.V.]

Second shot is SWEET Methodical!

1DIII I find too loud for alot of wildlife, shutter slap is like church bells compared to the 7D's whispering shutter ;) Yes i can shoot stealth mode but not at decent FPS.

Yeah I get that a lot, also the better beamer flash will startle them. But the 1D3 does have a silent shutter mode but it is only single shot and not burst. I find it help full when multiple shots are not needed. The shutter sound is also quieter when shooting in live mode as well.

[Neilyb]

If only live view could focus worth a damn. Better beamer is only used for birds, trashes mammal eyes ;)

[palaima]

Methodical, absolutely stunning work. bw!

[S.E.V.]

If only live view could focus worth a damn. Better beamer is only used for birds, trashes mammal eyes ;)
Yea, You can't even AF in live view on the 1D3 only MF. A good feature on the 1D4 I think. I know the 5D2 does and I even get the 5D2 to AF in Live view with the 2xTC @ f8, it's freaking awesome and the shots is spot on, go figure.

[Methodical]

Thanks Neil and Palaima


Second shot is SWEET Methodical!

1DIII I find too loud for alot of wildlife, shutter slap is like church bells compared to the 7D's whispering shutter ;) Yes i can shoot stealth mode but not at decent FPS.

Methodical, absolutely stunning work. bw!


http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v19/p565024547-5.jpg

[Nighthound]

Great series Al.

Cicero, that Starling shot is one of the best I've seen of that bird.

Neil, your work is always outstanding.

Here are a few recent captures with the MK IV and 500L:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/willetshaker_11_5.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/willetshaker_11_8b.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/willetshaker_11_1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/ocflight2b.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/ocflight4.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/oclook1.jpg

[Neilyb]

Great series Al.

Cicero, that Starling shot is one of the best I've seen of that bird.

Neil, your work is always outstanding.

Here are a few recent captures with the MK IV and 500L:


Likewise dude!

[Silverfox1]

Some outstanding captures on the previous page ! ;)

[Methodical]

Nice Steve. Still in Florida. I will be in Myrtle Beach again this year and will visit the Huntington Beach again. This time I plan to walk out to the the Jetti to see what I can capture out there. I plan to purchase a backpack to hike out there (don't want to walk the beach for 1 mile with my rig over my shoulders). I also will go to the nature center so that I can get some more (better) shots of the Painted Bunting.

[Scuff]

This peacock was flying around a local urban area and landing on house rooftops. I have never seen one fly, it looked like a real effort for the bird :)

http://www.gtmedia.com/photos/flying_peacock.jpg

[Cicero]

Tried 2 TC today

1DmkIV , EF 500mm + 1,4xTC+2xTC @1400mm

http://www.shrani.si/f/3m/Kq/42wc2HVz/skorec12.jpg

[Methodical]

Turned out nice. I should give this a try

[Cicero]

@Nighthound

You pictures are just wauuuu :)

[Neilyb]

2 converters....oh yeh, I need to get out :)

[S.E.V.]

Turned out nice. I should give this a try

Yeah I tried this out and it works but you need to be a god enough distance, shooting far a far is not suggested when stacking a 1.4 and 2x TCs. Also the nice part is that the 1series will still AF cause the 2xtc read and set it at f8. A nice clean path between you and the subject will make for a nice image, but MF in live view might be the best option and a standing still subject is even better. Also good light helps as always.

[Nighthound]

Tried 2 TC today

1DmkIV , EF 500mm + 1,4xTC+2xTC @1400mm

http://www.shrani.si/f/3m/Kq/42wc2HVz/skorec12.jpg

Wow, impressive. Might have to give that a whirl.

[Nighthound]

@Nighthound

You pictures are just wauuuu :)

Thanks very much Cicero.

[Neilyb]

Back to the top with this thread!

1.4TC 50%ish crop

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/Nature/Mammals/i-3DFB84b/0/O/closeup.jpg

[Cicero]

@Neilyb

Great capture :)

[Cicero]

one more with stacked TC @1400mm

http://www.shrani.si/f/1H/B0/3GPrR3qU/zelenec15.jpg

[TaDa]

Nice shots everyone. I wonder if it's ever going to stop raining so that I can get out and shoot.

[Methodical]

Neil Cicero beautiful shots. I've got to give the stacking a go. I think I will try it this weekend.


http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v19/p496438010-5.jpg

[dioladetus]

Used the 500 for shooting soccer yesterday, fc copenhagen vs fc midtjylland,
a bit on the long side, but definately fast enough.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5255816/fck-fcm.jpg

[butterfly2937]

Tried 2 TC today

1DmkIV , EF 500mm + 1,4xTC+2xTC @1400mm

http://www.shrani.si/f/3m/Kq/42wc2HVz/skorec12.jpg
Was that the version Canon 11 2x or the version 111 2x? Awesome pic and the IQ looks great too.:smile:

[dolina]

Used the 500 for shooting soccer yesterday, fc copenhagen vs fc midtjylland,
a bit on the long side, but definately fast enough.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5255816/fck-fcm.jpg

How difficult was it to shoot soccer with the 500mm IS?

[dioladetus]

I have usually been using the 300 2.8 IS, and that is a lot easier by all means. Using the 500 is not hard, but you miss more shots because of the distance/framing. I think its fun to use the 500, the worst downside is f/4 though.. I definately prefer f/2.8

[Cicero]

@butterfly2937

I used canon 1,4xTC II and Kenko 2xTC DGX

[Nighthound]

Nice Steve. Still in Florida. I will be in Myrtle Beach again this year and will visit the Huntington Beach again. This time I plan to walk out to the the Jetti to see what I can capture out there. I plan to purchase a backpack to hike out there (don't want to walk the beach for 1 mile with my rig over my shoulders). I also will go to the nature center so that I can get some more (better) shots of the Painted Bunting.

No, I'm back home Al. When do you plan to travel to Myrtle Beach?

[S.E.V.]

I have usually been using the 300 2.8 IS, and that is a lot easier by all means. Using the 500 is not hard, but you miss more shots because of the distance/framing. I think its fun to use the 500, the worst downside is f/4 though.. I definitely prefer f/2.8

DITO!!! I shot my cousin high school soccer games with the 500 and the 1d3 I found it hard to be on point, then I switch bodies to the 5D2 and it gave me more room but still tight, that's when I said the 300mm f2.8 would kick arse. Now i'm saving up for one. ;)

Here is the result of the 500mmand soccer.

1D3 f5.6 iso400
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5449227155_63195397a3_o.jpg

and the 5D2 f4 iso800
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5449213617_ae3f481bc4_o.jpg

The perfect lens would be the 400mm or the 300mm, but the 500mm make you work for the shots. even if you shoot from the far out side point as possible. I also took the 70-200 f.28L IS and it came in handy.

Sevan

[Cicero]

one more with 2xTC

http://www.shrani.si/f/3Z/LS/2gvn0Zn0/sivi-muhar.jpg

[TaDa]

Can anyone take a picture of the sun for me? I've forgotten what it looks like.

[Nighthound]

Can anyone take a picture of the sun for me? I've forgotten what it looks like.

Sure, here ya go:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/POTN%20Gallery/sunjbmethodfn.jpg

:-)

Sorry to hear your weather woes continue, hope it clears soon.

[TaDa]

hrm, round, yellow...yeah, have a vague memory of it

[kinghong1970]

hrm, round, yellow...yeah, have a vague memory of it

no kidding... weather sux in NYC these days...

but i think i saw a wee bit of sun on my drive today...

[S.E.V.]

Can anyone take a picture of the sun for me? I've forgotten what it looks like.

I don't have a pic of the sun, but here what it looks like when he sun is out and lighting up the birds.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5753920904_fe8c076070_o.jpg

Sevan ;)

[jeev]

http://rajeev.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p423753109-4.jpg

http://rajeev.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p956678849-4.jpg

http://rajeev.zenfolio.com/img/v23/p842964362-4.jpg

http://rajeev.zenfolio.com/img/v24/p308678866-4.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

Nice adds Jeev! :D

Tail Dragger Dragging Tail... The back end kind of quit flying on him!
http://crosswindimages.com/img/v26/p166205104.jpg
1DMkIII + 500mm f/4L IS .. 1/180 @ f/13 ISO 100

[Neilyb]

This lens is all good. Must try the 2X but prefer the 7D to the 1D at the moment.

with 1.4, bit of shimmer so slightly less sharp ;)
http://neilburton.smugmug.com/Nature/Mammals/i-JqMBsWQ/0/O/roedoe2.jpg

[Methodical]

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v26/p246436961-5.jpg

[Nighthound]

Excellent shots Jay, Neil and Al. All very frame-worthy shots.

Black-necked Stilts near and far. MK II and 500L

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/stiltdayfr2.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/stiltdayfr1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/stiltdist3.jpg

[jeev]

Thanks!!

As always great shot from you :D

Nice adds Jeev! :D

Tail Dragger Dragging Tail... The back end kind of quit flying on him!

1DMkIII + 500mm f/4L IS .. 1/180 @ f/13 ISO 100

[jeev]

very nice Al..
http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v26/p246436961-5.jpg

[jeev]

Steve, you must have been on your knees for these excellent takes?

Excellent shots Jay, Neil and Al. All very frame-worthy shots.

Black-necked Stilts near and far. MK II and 500L

[TaDa]

I love starlings. They may be a nuisance bird, but damn pretty

[S.E.V.]

They may be a nuisance bird

Invasive species. ;)

[Nighthound]

Steve, you must have been on your knees for these excellent takes?

Thanks, actually I was on my belly in very wet sand/mud. The camera and lens were mounted on the Wimberley II and Skimmer ground pod (high and dry).

[Methodical]

Thanks Steve and Jeev. SEV like the Tit. Steve like the Stilts



http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p881789106-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p754882270-5.jpg

[TaDa]

Was able to finally get out. With the help of some of my friends in the bird forum on the IDs, was able to catch a female red-winged blackbird and a male common yellowthroat

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IhpFVqt_1zs/Td_AiyjriII/AAAAAAAACNw/J688dA5uNBA/s800/IMG_5219.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lX5yAIbLUOc/Td_wZkN877I/AAAAAAAACOY/xLI3yxZFPnA/s800/IMG_5248.jpg

[S.E.V.]

SEV like the Tit.

WOW, I don't know how to take that................................:rolleyes: LMAO. Thanks Al. Most Excellent snack catch, perfect BG and pose.

Sevan

[S.E.V.]

Accidentally found this one on my flickr. Shot this across the street from my house after I pulled up from work back in 2010.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/4580834838_f2d229b30b_o.jpg

Sevan

[Methodical]

Oops, should've said Titmouse:D. Love the background colors, in addition to the bird, on the last shot^^^^

WOW, I don't know how to take that................................:rolleyes: LMAO. Thanks Al. Most Excellent snack catch, perfect BG and pose.

Sevan

[Silverfox1]

Accidentally found this one on my flickr. Shot this across the street from my house after I pulled up from work back in 2010.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/4580834838_f2d229b30b_o.jpg

Sevan


^^^

You need to ask the neighbors if you could hang a feeder off that limb !

You could get some great shots with that BG while those flowers or whatever is blooming.

Regards, Ron ;)

[Methodical]

A couple Bluejays

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v23/p1070998605-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p346564673-5.jpg

[S.E.V.]

Thanks Ron, that,s actually a tree with another tree in the BG I forgot the name of the tree but the sun was behind me and it worked out perfectly.

Al, Thanks and those Blue Jay shots are sweet, but you chopped off the tail on the first one. Poor bird, hehehe.

Sevan

[Neilyb]

Back to the top with this beastie!

Taken with Caon and Kenko 1.4TCs stacked. strangely I can AF on the 7D with this combo (outer points) but not with a taped 2XTC :(

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/Nature/Mammals/i-ZLwf3TR/0/O/buck.jpg

With 1.4TC
http://neilburton.smugmug.com/Nature/Mammals/i-r8M75wS/0/O/notbuck.jpg

[S.E.V.]

Back to the top with this beastie!

Taken with Caon and Kenko 1.4TCs stacked. strangely I can AF on the 7D with this combo (outer points) but not with a taped 2XTC :(

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/Nature/Mammals/i-ZLwf3TR/0/O/buck.jpg

With 1.4TC
http://neilburton.smugmug.com/Nature/Mammals/i-r8M75wS/0/O/notbuck.jpg

Excellent Job Neil. Have you tried to use AF while In live view? I know I can get my 5D2 to focus with the Canon 2xTC on the 500mm @ f8 while in live view on C1. I set it up so that C1 was my video settings 1/30th shutter, f13, iso100, manual exposure and the liveview setting are Still+Movie, movie display, grid display 2, mode 1 30sec metering AF mode Live mode on 1080 24fps. When ever I need to focus on a stationary subject with the 2xTC I switch to C1 focus then go back to AV or TV or M and it is spot on.

But the oddest thing is that I can't do it while in M mode in live view, must of been the Live mode focusing setting fr the movie that enables it to AF. But warning it is SUPER SLOW!

Sevan

[S.E.V.]

One from this afternoon while out looking for the Indigo Bunting, never found it just heard it. O well till the next time.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5785094580_8b89011a3d_o.jpg

Sevan

[Neilyb]

Yeh, with live view I can AF, but not much use for action ;) Nice sparrow ;) the BG rocks!

[S.E.V.]

Yeh, with live view I can AF, but not much use for action ;) Nice sparrow ;) the BG rocks!

That were the 1D series kicks ass. AF on f8 no prob. ;)

[Neilyb]

Yeh but 7D at low ISO crops well with huge detail, I find my 1DIII shots less satisfactory with the 500. The 7D with 1.4TC just works out better and I can shoot at 5.6 instead of 8....now if I had a mkIV...

[TaDa]

Yeh but 7D at low ISO crops well with huge detail, I find my 1DIII shots less satisfactory with the 500. The 7D with 1.4TC just works out better and I can shoot at 5.6 instead of 8....now if I had a mkIV...

Canon has refurb IVs back in stock for $4k ;)

[Neilyb]

Try living in Europe and keeping up with Canon :|

[S.E.V.]

Try living in Europe and keeping up with Canon :|

Not so well I take it.

[Neilyb]

Convert the 4K into Euros and you got....4€k.....dammit.

[TaDa]

For the price difference, you can come visit me in New York and fly back with a brand new 1D4 :)

[macroshooter1970]

My first shot with this lens. Thanks to Steve (Nighthound) for his advise with my 500mm lens questions. Now I'm having some real fun, can't wait till the sun rises again.

[Cesium]

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/Nature/Mammals/i-ZLwf3TR/0/O/buck.jpg



What kind of bird is this?

[Neilyb]

Furrytailedhornkopf! :)

[S.E.V.]

Furrytailedhornkopf! :)

I have heard of the species. It is the most rarest species on the planet. ;)

[Canonswhitelensesrule]

I have heard of the species. It is the most rarest species on the planet. ;)

Got any photos of it in flight?:p

[macroshooter1970]

60D, 500mm L

[Nighthound]

60D, 500mm L

Looks super Mike, nice and sharp and great low angle. I'd say you got a nice copy of the 500 there.

[macroshooter1970]

Thanks Steve.

[FlyingPhotog]

Welcome to the club Mike. Nice Duckage...

[macroshooter1970]

Thanks Jay.

[S.E.V.]

Eye level with a baby Pied-Bill Grebe. Any lower and I would of been "IN" the water.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/5784536769_25dd9cf2df_o.jpg

Sevan

[Neilyb]

Got any photos of it in flight?:p

Yes but taken with the 300 2.8 ;)

http://neilburton.smugmug.com/Nature/Mammals/deerwaitforme/782107952_KYnrm-S-1.jpg

[Methodical]

Nice shot SEV.

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v26/p1030589296-5.jpg

[View_Finder]

Eye level with a baby Pied-Bill Grebe. Any lower and I would of been "IN" the water.

Amazing shot!

[View_Finder]

A couple from this year's warbler migration:

Black-throated Blue
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/5733895862_4a3608f89b_b.jpg

Cape May
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/5733896308_1be8448a88_b.jpg

Northern Parula
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5733350717_3dc8d7ff41_b.jpg

Blackburnian
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/5735708448_6f937b782b_b.jpg

[Neilyb]

In the water would have made that shot brilliant ;) my 500 aint going near water.

[Silverfox1]

In the water would have made that shot brilliant ;) my 500 aint going near water.

^^ :lol:

Dont blame you on that sound precaution !

Some folks will try some inventive camouflage techniques to get nice horizontal plane shots. A buddy of mine uses a twin bed mattress in a 12ft. flat bottom boat to lay down in and he does get some remarkable close captures sneaking up on mid lake & shoreline species with his 500/f4 IS.

[Methodical]

Hideta, those are some nice warbler shots. You've gotten them in better light than I'd ever been able to.

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p733344185-5.jpg

[Lennyh]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/snappylen/

A couple of shots taken with my new 500mm lens, more than happy with it.

Len

[Neilyb]

Hideta, those are some nice warbler shots. You've gotten them in better light than I'd ever been able to.

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v21/p733344185-5.jpg

2 words. Fill. Flash. ;)

[Neilyb]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/snappylen/

A couple of shots taken with my new 500mm lens, more than happy with it.

Len

...and you only took 2 shots? :rolleyes:

[S.E.V.]

In the water would have made that shot brilliant ;) my 500 aint going near water.

Come on Neil, you know it's waterproof. Hahahahaha

Thanks Guys ;)

[S.E.V.]

...and you only took 2 shots? :rolleyes:

Some one needs to check the Exif. hehehe

Camera Maker: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Image Date: 2010-03-20 21-42-31 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 500.0mm
Focus Distance: 10.1m
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure Time: 0.0020 s (1/500)
ISO equiv: 400
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Manual
Flash Fired: No
GPS Coordinate: undefined, undefined
Copyright: Al Conner: All Rights Reserved - 2010: Unauthorized Use Prohibited


Buy wait, unless you fired the flash off camera with a wireless trigger, then it won't register in the Exif. So whats the answer AL?

[LiberationFrequency]

2 words. Fill. Flash. ;)

My question would be, is tripod the only option when it comes down to stabilizing this lens when using fill flash due to sync speed or is there something Im missing? HSS not included...

[TooManyShots]

500L meets time trialing...:) The lens won't work if the weather is too humid with high UV index. The long shooting distance required for cycling would render the lens useless. Today's weather is nice but at times the sun was too strong. You can see heat waves coming off the ground.

Shot with a lowly 30D.
http://www.oneimagingphotography.com/Cyclings/Floyd-Bennett-Field-Time-Trial/Foundation/i-JctwC82/0/L/headingtoturn4th14-L.jpg (http://www.oneimagingphotography.com/Cyclings/Floyd-Bennett-Field-Time-Trial/Foundation/17388265_tnkTKp#1321814905_JctwC82-A-LB)

[S.E.V.]

My question would be, is tripod the only option when it comes down to stabilizing this lens when using fill flash due to sync speed or is there something Im missing? HSS not included...

Usually whenever I use fill flash I am shooting in manual mode so I can control the shutter speed. Cause in AV mode you may run into shooting at like 1/80th or a low shutter speed. So then stabilizing with a tripod or even a monopod would work.

But if the shutter speed in AV mode is is anywhere from 400+ I will engage HSS on the flash and just shoot in AV mode, if the shutter speed is too high then I might increase the exposure bias to lower the shutter speed in order to get the fill flash in.

You can also use a rock, a tree branch, sometimes I sit on the ground with my knees in front of me and use a knee to rest the lens collar on and shoot. Even a tree branch will work, you just need something to sit solid on for a few seconds anything crazy.

Sevan

[View_Finder]

Hideta, those are some nice warbler shots. You've gotten them in better light than I'd ever been able to.

Thanks, Al!

Here's another one - this one in crappy lighting in heavy shade but I thought the action was cool:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/5755928218_669522409e_b.jpg

[AdamJL]

Found this in my folders. Loads of pics of this bird too. Quick and dirty edit.
Mk IV, Florida, which is just one big zoo.

[Methodical]

Hideta that is some good action.

Adam that's a really nice shot of that Hawk.

Not much action today, but I got these.

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v25/p495875412-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v25/p92646929-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p450445471-5.jpg

[andrewhuxman]

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t47/ahuxman58/2011/8debdb12.jpg

[Cicero]

I had some luck today :)

http://www.shrani.si/f/16/Uk/43bzv4L/vijeglavka2.jpg

[Nighthound]

I don't get by here enough, so many awesome shots everyone. Excellent work.

A few recents with the trusty 500 –

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/railcls1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/railcls2.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/pwthelook2.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/prothsing.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/Rookery%202011/egretchicks3b.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/Florida%202011/redrunner3.jpg

[macroshooter1970]

I don't get by here enough, so many awesome shots everyone. Excellent work.

A few recents with the trusty 500 –












Nice

[Silverfox1]

+1 ^^^^

Nighthound, those are outstanding captures ! ;)

[Goincarcrazy]

Holy crap Nighthound! Those are incredible!

[Nighthound]

Nice

+1 ^^^^

Nighthound, those are outstanding captures ! ;)


Thank you both very much.

[FlyingPhotog]

Beautiful captures Steve!

[Nighthound]

Holy crap Nighthound! Those are incredible!


Thank you very much.

[Nighthound]

Beautiful captures Steve!

Thanks Jay, much appreciated.

[andrewhuxman]

Steve is DA MAN for sure.

[FlyingPhotog]

I know less than nothing about birds but Steve's images always convey a wonderful sense of "personality" in each species.

His work reminds me that I have a long way to go in Photography!

[Cicero]

@Nighthound

I can just say... WAUUUUU

One more from me:

http://www.shrani.si/f/2s/uS/13tQt5WE/vijeglavka3.jpg

[Cicero]

http://www.shrani.si/f/2z/10N/2xDiE0Cl/liscek8.jpg

[Neilyb]

Its just the best thread this....appart from the 600 f4 and 800 5.6 threads of course ;)

[S.E.V.]

Well played on all the images on this page. Wow.

Sevan

[Joe52]

Holy crap Nighthound! Those are incredible!


Couldn't agree more, stunning set Steve.

[jeev]

Great shots everyone...

[Methodical]

Nah. I think we got them beat.

Its just the best thread this....appart from the 600 f4 and 800 5.6 threads of course ;)

[Nighthound]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments.

Andrew, hope you're doing well buddy.

Jay, that's about as nice a compliment a bird shooter could receive. I do work to capture special moments that say a little something about the birds or convey their interactions best for that day. It doesn't always work out that way but that's what I look for in my selection process. I definitely wouldn't say you have a long way to go, I'm a big fan or your work and I can learn a lot from what you do.

Cicero, thanks. I'm curious to what species the first bird above is. It's marked like a Nightjar (although I know it's not one). Incredible bark-like camo.

[Cicero]

@Nighthound

Do you mean that bird:

http://www.shrani.si/f/26/cx/E0jiMeE/vijeglavka6.jpg

This is Jynx Torquilla - Eurasian Wryneck :)

[Nighthound]

@Nighthound

Do you mean that bird:

http://www.shrani.si/f/26/cx/E0jiMeE/vijeglavka6.jpg

This is Jynx Torquilla - Eurasian Wryneck :)

Yes, that's the one. Thanks.

[macroshooter1970]

Might be my best so far with the 500mm, hand held after running sprints :lol:. Been practicing everyday since I got it.

[FlyingPhotog]

Very Nice Mike!

[macroshooter1970]

Thanks Jay.

[FlyingPhotog]

What is it?

[macroshooter1970]

A Killdeer

[Nighthound]

One of the better Killdeer flights I've seen Mike. Your practice is certainly paying off. I knew you'd have that 500 singin' in no time. Great shootin'.

[macroshooter1970]

Thanks Steve.

[Goincarcrazy]

One of the better Killdeer flights I've seen Mike.

Yeah, I'll second that. Those are some zippy, erratic little birds. Awesome shot!

[S.E.V.]

Might be my best so far with the 500mm, hand held after running sprints :lol:. Been practicing everyday since I got it.

Well done. Reminds me when I was shooting them and their nests. A few from those days.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4855660302_10cbc0f3f2_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4855037279_0aa67e7d0c_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4862262894_7b8ab6cd1c_o.jpg

Sevan

[FlyingPhotog]

RWS (Red-Winged Stearman)
http://crosswindimages.com/img/v21/p377681633.jpg
1DMkIII + 500 .. 1/180 @ f/13 ISO 100

[JonK]

^^ AWESOME

[FlyingPhotog]

Both with 1DMkIII + 500mm + 1.4x TC

Swiss-built Pilatus PC-12 .. 1/180 @ f/16
http://crosswindimages.com/img/v22/p35713421.jpg

One of Intel Corporations shuttles that run between Arizona and Oregon .. 1/500 @ f/6.7
http://crosswindimages.com/img/v26/p124106078.jpg

[Shadowblade]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5233/5833187010_de1c9f1f78_o.jpg

[HKGuns]

http://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/v26/p298382533-4.jpg

http://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/v19/p838030696-4.jpg

http://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/v19/p44189092-4.jpg

[Cicero]

http://www.shrani.si/f/g/4p/2ruL2YiI/bela-pastirica9.jpg

[fnothaft]

One of Intel Corporations shuttles that run between Arizona and Oregon .. 1/500 @ f/6.7
http://crosswindimages.com/img/v26/p124106078.jpg

You see tons of those out of San Jose... explains it now...

[FlyingPhotog]

They definitely come through there too.

[fnothaft]

They definitely come through there too.

It's like Intel WHQ is 5 minutes away or something. ;)

[FlyingPhotog]

It's like Intel WHQ is 5 minutes away or something. ;)

And we have a major Intel fabrication presence here in AZ with, I think, considerable R&D up in Oregon.

[agv8or]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5233/5833187010_de1c9f1f78_o.jpg

That was a great "Catch of the Day"

[S.E.V.]

By the Beach with fill flash baby!!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2688/5814465472_f7d464b154_o.jpg

Sevan

[FlyingPhotog]

Love the sailboat at sunset. Looks almost CGI...

A major re-touching job:
http://crosswindimages.com/img/v25/p263958542.jpg

Started out like this:
http://crosswindimages.com/img/v26/p99327164-4.jpg

[fnothaft]

And we have a major Intel fabrication presence here in AZ with, I think, considerable R&D up in Oregon.

Yeah, most of their design work goes on in Hillsboro, OR now, as far as I understand. Good ol' Intel... one of the few companies to fabricate their own chips. And they're damn good at it too! :cool:

[FlyingPhotog]

Yeah, most of their design work goes on in Hillsboro, OR now, as far as I understand. Good ol' Intel... one of the few companies to fabricate their own chips. And they're damn good at it too! :cool:

Lord knows they're a ginormous chunk of our tax base in Chandler, AZ and since one of their plants is literally just down the street from me, they've gone a long way towards keeping our subdivision's property values by and large above water!

[Methodical]

Last few sets of birds (planes included) are some nice captures

Visited the Osprey family. Here's pappa. The 2x was a little too much, but he came in from nowhere and surprised me while I was trying to capture some tight closeup of the little ones and I was standing on a very narrow boat dock that's about the width of the tripod spread, so no quick, sudden movements or I'd be doing some fishing. I had to quickly point the lens and fire off some shots.

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p49619950-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v26/p361377094-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v22/p440769527-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/v23/p513204110-5.jpg