First shots with 100-400L (and first proper bird shots)

[PaulDB]

Hi all,

I'm totally new to bird photograhy. I got my 100-400L today and went out despite it being 7pm and raining. Had to use ISO 800 to get these and they were hand held at 400mm arround 1/160. Turned out ok considering the light was against me. What do you guys think?

ID's on these would be great and if someone knows a site I can use to do my own ID'ing in future that would be cool.

http://www.photos.bickerd.com/show/bird1-800.jpg

http://www.photos.bickerd.com/show/bird2-800.jpg

I got loads more shots but this is also my first time shooting raw so i need ot convert them. Apologies about the noisy image :(

[canonloader]

Very nice shots. #1 is a real beauty. I like the green light from the canopy.

[stefeb]

I can't help you with the ID, but they are great shots under not ideal conditions.

[Keith R]

Adult male bullfinch and recently fledged blue tit, Paul.

I do like the bullfinch, though I think there's scope for a more flattering crop. For 800 ISO I don't see any noise issues myself: there's some "texture" to the backgrounds, but it hasn't hurt the detail in the birds, and that's what counts - you can always use noise reduction software to sort out background noise as long as it isn't at the expense of detail in the subject.

For ID, the best things are: the Collins Bird Guide (a brilliant book you can buy at any good book store - the UK/Europe bird book); asking here (I'm OK with ID, but the likes of Dave Walters is in another league!); loads of practice and experience; and www.birdforum.net.

[joayne]

I won't venture an ID, but I will say congratulations on the 1-4L and some really wonderful shots. The ambient lighting is beautiful!

[JimLittle]

Wonderful shots---It's a great lens, one of my very favorites for wildlife, so versatile yet sharp as a tack when well used---

[D.E.P]

great shot & very nice green background.

[mrclark321]

Very nice considering the conditions :)

[Canonada]

Beautiful shots. You are off to a great start. keep them coming.
Joe

[cannylad]

Love the Bullfinch, your doing very well with that lens.

[PaulDB]

Thanks for the comments guys, much appreciated. I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot more of me in here.

The funny thing about that lens is, it seems to attract wildlife. I go to the nature reserve very often, mostly for macro. Te day I walk in there with that lens, first bird I see is a woodpecker (will post pic later). I have never even seen one before. Then I see the birds above and a few other types of finch I'm not familiar with. I sat down (in the mud!) and after a while rabbits and even a pheasant came out of the bushes. It was quite surreal. Maybe its not just IS canon put in this lens :p

I am really impressed with the IS. Looking back at my exif the top shot was at 1/125 @400mm wide open and hand held. I wouldn't have expected anything that sharp under those conditions.

[dancad]

The first shot is great! I'd crop it differently though as to not center the bird so much. You will enjoy this lens...

[witchy]

Just love the first one, what a beautiful bird!

[JohnnyG]

Very nice for sure!

[Sindri Skulason]

Very good shots. You are putting this lens to good use. :-)

[kenyc]

Congrats on the lens and great shots, will look forward to many more.

KAC

[Anthony J Howe]

Congrats on your new lens and two excellent shots the bullfinch shot has very good colours, good focus etc, well done.

[cool breeze]

great captures, looking at this lens myself for a possible upgrade. Good work :)