Testing New Lens on GBH

[LeuceDeuce]

So my Sigma 70-300 was delivered this morning, and like a big kid I ran out at lunch to try it out.

Not being too sure that I'll use a telephoto that much I didn't want to drop any hard coin on one until I know I'll use it. After much research I decided on the Sigma, and I must say that for the price this is one fantastic lens. It performed very well, and I can only hope I get better using it.

Here is a couple of samples of a GBH I took with it:
_

[PhotosGuy]

They look pretty good. I especially like #1 with the GBH doing an imitation of a vulture. :D

[LeuceDeuce]

I'm very happy with it.

The size reduction has done the image absolutely no favors. As a wallpaper on my monitor it looks fantastic.

I'm not used to it yet, but I'm getting the idea that for smaller wildlife you still need to get pretty close to actually fill your frame at 300mm even on a crop body.

The forecast is rain for the next while again, but I can't wait to walk around the city to see what I can do with it.

[Flo]

Good for you Chris! You are going to have a ball with that lens.....
I agree about the compression here for seeing the best of your photo.I have alot that look great full frame, but look not so great when put here.....

The sun is trying to shine here....you are going to get addicted to bird shots now!

[LeuceDeuce]

Good for you Chris! You are going to have a ball with that lens.....
I agree about the compression here for seeing the best of your photo.I have alot that look great full frame, but look not so great when put here.....

The sun is trying to shine here....you are going to get addicted to bird shots now!

Thanks Gail :)

I'm looking forward to getting out with it again very soon! I'll keep you posted with all my urban wildlife shots :)

[chauncey]

While I've not taken many GBH shots, :lol: let me tell you my technique.
I shoot in manual AI Servo at a SS of 1000 (he might take off), as open as the lens will allow.
I also tend to use my ISO to adjust exposure in spot metering mode or use live view to adjust ISO for the bird exposure.

Yours was a little underexposed for the bird and you have a decision to make next time...proper bird or background exposure.
With a crop body using a 300mm...try to get within 50 yards

Careful though, the damn things are addicting. :lol:

[LeuceDeuce]

While I've not taken many GBH shots, :lol: let me tell you my technique.
I shoot in manual AI Servo at a SS of 1000 (he might take off), as open as the lens will allow.
I also tend to use my ISO to adjust exposure in spot metering mode or use live view to adjust ISO for the bird exposure.

Yours was a little underexposed for the bird and you have a decision to make next time...proper bird or background exposure.
With a crop body using a 300mm...try to get within 50 yards

Careful though, the damn things are addicting. :lol:

Thanks for that chauncey.

I also shoot ai servo (all the time with focus on the *). I totally agree that these shots are under exposed for the subject, and I should have pushed it more. I used eval metering and boosted my exposure, but not enough.

I can also see I need to get much closer than I did. I'll have to use some ninja skills to creep closer when they're on the ground :)

[Titus213]

Nice captures, they look crisp, but you are correct - you need to get closer. I see these guys every day and don't even try any more with my 70-200/2.8 IS. It just isn't long enough and I can't get close enough. You probably can with the reach of that 300.

[Metalstrm]

Yes, closer would be great, but I like the second pic!

[chauncey]

Should add that I have mixed feelings about the "fill your frame" shooters with regard to wildlife.
Oftentimes I want to see the environment that the critter occupies.