Bokeh -post your best pls

[dhughes]

135mm f/2.0

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=42320&stc=1&d=1133695274

[jsimon724]

ok - here goes
85/1.8
kodok c-41 b&w
flatbed scanner (sigh)

[baboymo]

http://i.pbase.com/o4/52/556552/1/53038440.forwebCRW_4642copy.jpg

....best water in the Philippines!

http://www.pbase.com/pixelshift/bored&page=2
(http://www.pbase.com/pixelshift/bored&page=2)

[kross]

Nice thread and shots..... Maybe there be a thread on "post your best perspective shot" later on....:lol:

Here's my little contribution...:)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Kkross/9ee569e0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Kkross/1e72e40f.jpg

Cheers.....

[nevermindthat]

http://www.thesevenmethod.com/nevermindthat/meagan_rs.jpg

My neice playing with her tea set in front of the christmas tree :)

[rklepper]

Here is one. I know it is dead, but I like it.

[CorruptedPhotographer]

klepper, i love it!
reminds me of this one i took with my bigma :

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/6034/picture6737pp.jpg

[JohnCollins]

These are all great shots! But that Christmas tree. . .WOW! That is awesome.

Doc Klepper, dead or not, that is really a nice shot. Yours, too corrupted. Love this thread!

John

[CorruptedPhotographer]

thanks John!

I concur, this thread is wonderful.

[Technological]

http://images14.fotki.com/v219/photos/4/413925/2756392/Flower1-vi.jpg
Taken with an old school Pentax K1000 unsure of the lens..

http://images15.fotki.com/v234/photos/4/413925/2756392/P5150112-vi.jpg

http://images12.fotki.com/v241/photos/4/413925/2756392/PA110014-vi.jpg

Last two both with my Olympus C8080.. i miss the super macro function :( Need to buck up and buy a macro lens for the XT. 100mm me thinks

[thebrewer]

http://www.richmichaels.net/images/purple.jpg

[JimAskew]

Hi,

Here is a shot with my Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 Prime.

This is an awesome lens. This is a 100% crop of the original.

Enjoy,

Jim

[nevermindthat]

These are all great shots! But that Christmas tree. . .WOW! That is awesome.

John

Thank you so much! I am really very new to digital photography and it's nice to hear that I did something right :) I have another one of her in the critique corner in a thread called "Neice"

[Brainiac5]

Not an interesting photo but I loved how the background was blurred.

[CorruptedPhotographer]

welcome Brainiac5!
Gotcha! first post!

[dgcorner]

Here's one that I've titled: "Waiting for the Sun" -- I really find it amazing how petals of certain flowers will fold up when the sun is gone, and then re-open when the first few rays hit them... the wonders of nature.

[Brainiac5]

:) Thanks!

Yes, I've been visiting these forums for quite a while but finally created an account and posted.

welcome Brainiac5!
Gotcha! first post!

[Screamer]

I'll throw another on the pile of fine examples!

From today, 70-200 2.8L IS:

http://www.macinophotography.com/potn/boo.jpg

[GeneMan88]

I like that one... very nice. There's near and far bokeh.

[Tom W]

Keep it going, folks. There's some fantastic shots on this thread!

[GeneMan88]

Here one of my wife... this was taken about a week ago, while we were out in the evening. Shot with my 1D, Tamron 28-75 @ f2.8 ISO 1250

[b16pwrdej1]

Taken with 50mm f1.8
http://static.flickr.com/25/55336337_f61c726745.jpg

[Screamer]

I like that one... very nice. There's near and far bokeh.

Thanks! Nice shot too! It sure looks greener down there!

We had a lot of fun today...here is another:

http://www.macinophotography.com/potn/booandsamson.jpg

[GeneMan88]

Wow!! Double the fun! Great captures... we're you throwing the stick and shoot photos? Or was somebody else doing the throwing?

[Screamer]

Wow!! Double the fun! Great captures... we're you throwing the stick and shoot photos? Or was somebody else doing the throwing?

Wife was doing the throwing, I was @ ground level. Thanks again!:)

[luckyart60]

How much do you need?

http://i.pbase.com/g3/45/100045/2/53124263.CRW_6201_R.jpg

[JohnCollins]

That's amazing! Looks like a flight of fighters in trail formation!

[luckyart60]

Hi John, Thanks for your comments
To be honest it was just a lucky shot after a otherwise morning of no keepers. Thats life I guess

[JohnCollins]

Hey, that is life. You ever read how many shots pros go through on a National Geogr. project to get stuff like that? I remember when we subscribed back in the film days a 20 page spread, with maybe 40 photos might have required hundreds of rolls of film. Hundreds! That's a terrific shot.

[Raymate]

Here one of my wife... this was taken about a week ago, while we were out in the evening. Shot with my 1D, Tamron 28-75 @ f2.8 ISO 1250

Very nice image, super sharp. Going to check out this Tamron lens :)

[sorashell]

Hopefully I've got the right idea, here...

Taken with the 350D and the kit lens.

[JohnCollins]

You have the idea, that's for sure. That's temendous!

[sorashell]

:D Thank you!

[towatana]

First post here. From San Francisco Zoo.
(20D + 70-200 2.8L IS)

[Eagle]

Personally I think the owls would really be a kick a** pic if they were both in focus.

[towatana]

Another one.
According to the keeper, this owl is 43 years old. (Came to SF zoo 20+ years ago)

[VesselinG]

350 + kit...

[Carzee]

Off sensor - no PP. Needs a 1:1 crop to cut out the sky and maybe a go over the dress and some USM. This was 3 days after I got my 20D.

http://mishilo.image.pbase.com/v3/58/572458/2/51311641.tia17101.jpg

[b16pwrdej1]

Carzee - absolutely stunning photo. I hope you have that printed and hanging on a wall because it definately deserves to be.

[No.9580]

What do you think? Shot with 20D and Kit lense 18-55mm this past june
http://www.51oak.com/myspace/canon/red.jpg

http://www.51oak.com/myspace/canon/Yellow.jpg

[PatrickZ]

70-200 f/4

[Desertraptor]

Very nice shots. No.2 is gorgeous

I have found my 70-200 f4 gives best bokeh also.

[2005GLI]

Here's one of my best and favorite.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/2005GLI/My%20F150/snowonbadge.jpg

[Neilyb]

Tamron 70-300, using the Macro focus feature...not the best bokeh pic but I don't have that many strangely. Taken in Cuba at the side of a road.

44375

[Neilyb]

Found this one too, Tamron 18-200...Cuba

44376

[1goodshot]

CayoJutias.jpg

That picture sould be in a beer comercial.

[Neilyb]

Funnily enough, when I took it, I thought "I wish the bar was open could kill a Buccanero!" but the bar was trashed by the last hurricane.....

[PatrickZ]

trip to south africa, again 70-200 f/4

[Neilyb]

That 70-200 does a nice job!

[PatrickZ]

It's a great lens. Just ordered the 85mm f/1.8, can't wait to try that one out.

[::John::]

Does this fit the 'model'?

50mm 1.4 lens @2.2

[mgchan]

Taken with the 24-70 f/2.8:

http://www.dailysnapshots.com/photos/uncategorized/20050904_the_whopper.jpg

[tripletaker]

http://x33.xanga.com/0c68600b7343122271807/w15824624.jpg

No cropping, no color adjustment, no photoshopping...
Taken a hour ago...

This is my first post :)

[jyrgen]

Some pure bokeh :D

Christmas Market at Town Hall Square, Tallinn - EF 28/1.8 wide open:

http://www.hot.ee/lumumba/051204_8832.jpg

Same place, kids with their parents queued up to meet Santa, big christmas tree top right - EF 28/1.8 wide open:

http://www.hot.ee/lumumba/051204_8833.jpg

And one more with EF 28/1.8 wide open, this time of some amateur bowling equipment:

http://www.hot.ee/lumumba/051105_0063.jpg

[DavidEB]

tripletaker -

welcome to the forum, and that's a nice shot.

[sshbiker]

Canon 50mm @1.8

[joayne]

Here is my Double Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot, Tefe...Caught the Christmas tree in the background
50MM 1.8


44527

[JohnCollins]

Jyrgen, those are almost like paintings--very nice!

[yellow_belly]

http://www.lifeinthewild.co.uk/cop/albums/userpics/10001/mrs-blackbird.jpg

Canon 20D, Sigma 120-300, probably f2.8 (ish), no PS but slight crop.

Terry

[Neilyb]

...and another one...

44600

[sorashell]

http://www.lifeinthewild.co.uk/cop/albums/userpics/10001/mrs-blackbird.jpg

Canon 20D, Sigma 120-300, probably f2.8 (ish), no PS but slight crop.

Terry

Now that's what I'm talking about! Beatiful!

[waldograce]

Posted mine here:
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=120955

Should have saved OldGlass1 for this thread...

[rwenglish1]

http://www.allmounts.com/IMG_2105.JPG


Canon 20D
Canon EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens w/ Hood
Canon 580X flash
Wish list:
EF 40 X 70 L f/2.8 USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM 70-200

[Lotto]

Bump for the great Thread

http://home.pacbell.net/coolbit/eyes.jpg

[Michael L]

http://Aryn.smugmug.com/photos/47966845-L.jpg

[TeamSpeed]

great thread, I will contribute this one, it should pass for decent bokeh...

http://cgerber.fotopic.net/p23895901.html

[Ballen Photo]

great thread, I will contribute this one, it should pass for decent bokeh...

http://cgerber.fotopic.net/p23895901.htmlAside from being an excellent image, IMHO, this is one of the better examples of bokeh I've seen in this thread. ;) Very subtle and smooth.
-Bruce

[busterboy]

great thread, I will contribute this one, it should pass for decent bokeh...

http://cgerber.fotopic.net/p23895901.html



Great image, You certainly nailed the focus point with that shot..;)

[verty]

im new to photography...
went down to Port Kembla in Wollongong and took this shot..
i think its ok for a beginner.. what do u think??

http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs8/i/2005/351/a/5/Port_Kembla_by_verty.jpg

[JohnCollins]

lotto, one of my faves!

[TeamSpeed]

Aside from being an excellent image, IMHO, this is one of the better examples of bokeh I've seen in this thread. ;) Very subtle and smooth.
-Bruce


Thank you, this was taken with my G2 Powershot, and lots of patience. Now with the XT, I will try to learn how to use it to get similiar but better shots.

[acura nsx pilot]

Its not even half as good as what I have seen here so far but here is something from my collection.

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/612/025it.jpg

[acura nsx pilot]

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1358/027po.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/8915/020mf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[JohnCollins]

Playing around with Christmas lights last night at Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania, USA. these were kind of fun.

Taken with Rebel XT (350D) with 50mm f/1.4 lens
Manual exposure, ISO 1600, 1/125 @ f/1.8

[CorruptedPhotographer]

NSX near Ferrari



nice nsx

[acura nsx pilot]

nice nsx

:D :D :D Thank You

[MALI]

Here we go...

MALI

[reewik]

http://static.flickr.com/40/74904305_accf6df199_b.jpg

[CorruptedPhotographer]

nice shot Eric. Which lens? Aperture if u can find out.

[reewik]

Lens: 70-200 f4 L
Aperture: f4.0
TV: 1/200 @200mm


Thanks...

[rwenglish1]

http://www.allmounts.com/2221_vert_cropped.jpg

Canon 20D
BG-E2 Vertical Battery Grip 20d-ordered
Canon EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens w/ Hood
Canon 580X flash
Wish list:
Canon EF 17-40L F4
Canon EF 40 X 70 L f/2.8 USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM 70-200

[Greg_C]

My Go
No2 isn't the best - you can see the blades in the OOF highlights
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image5550.jpg


http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image4228.jpg

[2005GLI]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/2005GLI/Canon%20pics/spikestaringcrop.jpg

[Carzee]

This is James.

http://i.pbase.com/v3/58/572458/2/50412263.jamie_01.jpg

[Carzee]

This is Steven.

http://i.pbase.com/v3/58/572458/2/50412271.stevie_03.jpg

[Huckaback Photo]

A contribution from me
Note this picture has been resized in Photoshop and thats the only processing applied.
it was shot with the EF 135mm f2.8 Soft Focus lens, in fact its very sharp and yet has all the soft focus qualities, I have not been able to get the same effects with PS.

Martin (Huckaback Photo)

[JohnCollins]

Those are great, Carzee! Details? Fill flash used, obviously, very nicely, I might add. What lens and other info?

John

[Carzee]

The 'Dull Day' football gallery has more - 135L. ISO 200. f2.

No flash or reflector. Just saw that the boys were in the backyard and that the light was dull, almost to the point of rain. Along way from day in day out endless bright and harsh light - the dull light improves colours a lot and negates most of the facial shadows.

http://i.pbase.com/v3/58/572458/2/50412265.jamie_03.jpg

[JohnCollins]

Wow, you're not kidding! I would have thought for sure you used fill to get lighting that even. Did you leave AWB or select cloudy WB? Those are really nice shots!

[MALI]

it was shot with the EF 135mm f2.8 Soft Focus lens, in fact its very sharp and yet has all the soft focus qualities, I have not been able to get the same effects with PS.

Huckaback, do you have more images taken by this lens? A link would be great if you have them somewhere online. Thanks.

MALI

[Alan B]

"Bokeh" is it.Well here you go ;)

(All taken with the 100-400 L IS)
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=ya93ey&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yaw91b&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y7r52n&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y86py5&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=ye5t30&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

[Larry M]

One of my first practice shots with my new 20D and the 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens.
ShutterSpeed 1/60 seconds
ApertureValue - F 4.00
FocalLength - 70 mm
ISOSpeedRatings - 400
Larry M.

[reewik]

Alan B.....Awsome

[jyrgen]

Canon 28/1.8 and some Christmas tree decoration thingies:

round bokeh wide open:

http://www.hot.ee/lumumba/051221_0182.jpg

7-sided bokeh f/2.8:

http://www.hot.ee/lumumba/051221_0180.jpg

[Randyc2800]

I like this one!

[willg]

http://www.spideronthefloor.com/pictures/nature/3.jpg

super multi coated takumar 135mm f/3.5

[timnosenzo]

Here's a couple for me. :)

First one taken with my 17-40 f/4L and the 2nd taken my my 24-70 f/2.8L (wide open).

[cdifoto]

Another cute baby shot...but I like the isolation on this one:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/kyle/20051127-051.jpg

[trippinbillies40]

Here's my best so far:

http://home.cinci.rr.com/davidstaco/ncsfw/Nutcracker%202.jpg

[rklepper]

Canon 28/1.8 and some Christmas tree decoration thingies:

round bokeh wide open:

http://www.hot.ee/lumumba/051221_0182.jpg

7-sided bokeh f/2.8:

http://www.hot.ee/lumumba/051221_0180.jpg

These ones could also be called self portraits.:lol:

[jyrgen]

These ones could also be called self portraits.:lol:

LOL, yes I am too shy to post in People section, so I hide behind bokeh or similar vague concepts :D

[Lotto]

Well, my tool box never looks like this with naked eyes.. 50mm @ 1.4

http://home.pacbell.net/coolbit/toolbox.jpg

[Alan B]

Some more :)

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yc4rv8&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

(hmmmm looks just like my avatar ;) )
http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=ya93du&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y8db1g&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=y8d48i&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yctdq6&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

:D

[busterboy]

Another Bokeh shot..:)

http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~tprocter/Various/climber.jpg

[CDBlue]

Although this is nothing compared to most of the great shots in this thread, here a couple of my favourites taken with my previous camera, Fuji S5000 (still haven't taken these types of shots with my EOS 300D yet)

http://images.fotopic.net/original/y3k00c.jpg

http://images.fotopic.net/original/y3k00b.jpg

[jimyen]

Hello good people, first post here :)
Interesting thread, so many talents around.
Here's two of mine.

http://www.jimmyyen.net/cat.jpg

Thanks for looking :D

[tdaugharty]

Using a Canon 100mm Macro and an EF-25 extension tube. Shallow DOF

http://www.daugharty.com/bokeh/IMG_1372.JPG

http://www.daugharty.com/bokeh/IMG_1373.JPG

[JohnCollins]

Some Merry Christmas bokeh. Merry Christmas!

John

[JohnCollins]

One more Merry Christmas bokeh.

John

[JDrex05]

I just got my 85mm f/1.8 today, so this is all I got sofar:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/runnerdrex/85mm/woodbear.jpg

[stanc30]

:oops: Sorry, what is Bokeh photo?

Rookie with alot of nice toys/tools:lol:

[greg20d]

trying to figure out how ...I think I got it :)

[Maureen Souza]

What a great thread.... there is an unbelievable amount of talent here, wow!

Here is a link to my humble offerings.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=117821&page=2

[Eagle]

Kinda like these two

[Souwalker]

Please forgive my ignorance but what is 'bokeh'? I'm new to these termanology.
Thanks

[Maureen Souza]

Please forgive my ignorance but what is 'bokeh'? I'm new to these termanology.
Thanks

It has been discussed throughout this thread if you want to read back through it. Mainly, bokeh is the pleasing blurred background created with a shallow DOF of the main subject.

[Konthai]

Just got my new toy ... :lol:

http://idisk.mac.com/welinglim-Public/paisit/xmas.jpg

[rwenglish1]

EOS 20D Canon EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM @ 85 mm 800 F 5.6 ISO 100
http://www.allmounts.com/2125-rs.JPG

EOS 20D Canon EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM @ 85 mm 800 F 5.6 ISO 100
http://www.allmounts.com/2118-rs.jpg


Canon 20D POTN Strap
BG-E2 Vertical Battery Grip 20d
Canon EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens w/ Hood
Canon 580X flash
Carl Zeiss Jenna Sonnar 135mm 3.5( just purchased on ebay )
Wish list:
Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens
Canon EF 40 X 70 L f/2.8 USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM 70-200
Wanted:
Canon EW73B Lens Hood for the EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM SLR Lens

"Canon lenses are like John Deere tractors,it doesn't matter what model, buy them, use them, take care of them, and you will get back your money."
rw

[L.Morey]

Here is my attempt if you look close you can see me in her eyes.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TruTurn/IMG_0105.jpg

[warrior6901]

Many great shots in this thread. Here are two that I particularly like. Comments are most welcome.

[cyber_m0nkey]

I only had the 50 1.8 for a few days, before it locked up on me (but the silver lining is that I'll probably replace it with a 1.4)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c238/cyber_m0nkey/20051223_IMG_0272_resized.jpg

[rfreschner]

It has been discussed throughout this thread if you want to read back through it. Mainly, bokeh is the pleasing blurred background created with a shallow DOF of the main subject.
In addition to what Maureen pointed out, bokeh refers to how each out of focus point of light appears. Simply put, sharply defined edges with dim centers = bad bokeh; undefined edges with sharp centers = good bokeh. If you want a more detailed, technical explanation - here's one. (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm)

[Sprout Crumble]

85mm f1.2L at f1.2


http://sproutey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/POTW-14-01.jpg

[Eagle]

If you want a more detailed, technical explanation - here's one. (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm)

Nice little explanation / article, thanks for sharing it.

[G3owner]

... bokeh refers to how each out of focus point of light appears. Simply put, sharply defined edges with dim centers = bad bokeh; undefined edges with sharp centers = good bokeh. If you want a more detailed, technical explanation - here's one. (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm)

That's a very good technical explanation! I think everybody should read it before posting in this thread. Very many pictures here show no bokeh at all... (just out-of-focus softness).

I think it would be nice to see more pictures showing real bokeh, with included details on what lens has been used. Then one would be able to compare the bokeh of different lenses and various conditions...

Bamce

[In2Photos]

My wife took this one on Christmas. Would this be considered good bokeh? I am refering to the lower left corner of the image.

46675

XT, Tamron 28-75, 75mm, iso 400, 1/60, f/4

[CorruptedPhotographer]

85mm f1.2L at f1.2




Am I diseased? As soon as I saw your picture I instantly said, that looks like the 85 L on a 1.6 crop cam @ about f1.4

Then I scrolled up... :shock::shock::???:

[busterboy]

Am I diseased? As soon as I saw your picture I instantly said, that looks like the 85 L on a 1.6 crop cam @ about f1.4

Then I scrolled up... :shock::shock::???:


Yes indeed.... The very lens I have been looking at buying for some time.:D

[Belade]

This isn´t a great photo in my opinion neither a great bokeh, but is my definition of bokeh.
Please correct me if i´m wrong.
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/6443/img7456flor4jk.jpg

This was taken on a 20D with nikon 50mm 1.8 (experiments)

[Sprout Crumble]

I believe you're right. As pointed out above, that is the technical description of bokeh, but to many its more about the quality of the background blur and the ability of a lens to highlight the plane of focus from its surroundings in a smooth manner. I may be wrong, but the original Japanese use of the word wasn't the most specific definition in the world.

[JohnCollins]

Sprout, I agree with you. I think in English, the Japanese word bokeh means something akin to "fuzzy" from what I've read. But "best bokeh" to me means something exactly the way you've phrased it.

I was referred to the work of forum member Schmoelzel in another thread, and I've become a big fan of his. He posts some of the finest people pix I've ever seen, anywhere, many of his daughter, Julia. I hope he won't mind my referencing one of his posts here.

The shot in the post linked below, I think, illustrates what you are saying. Notice how Julia's right elbow (foreground) is just the slightest bit fuzzy? And her left elbow (behind her) is even more so, and the background is just a complete blur. Schmoelzel has isolated the plane of focus here beautifully, in just the way you described.

Plus there is the visual quality of the bokeh imparted by the lens itself, in this case a 135mm L, I believe. So there's the skill of the photographer, which is always paramount (Schmoelzel would probably do great work with my vintage Argus C3!), and then there's the quality imparted by a good lens.

Hope these two posts clear things up for folks who have dropped in recently an wonder what's going on! Thanks to Schmoelzel!

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=108606&highlight=schmoelzel

John

[Sprout Crumble]

Couple more.....


http://sproutey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/benball.jpg


http://sproutey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/padlock.jpg

[barrettbonden]

I am non-worthy! I am non-worthy!
masters, to know that put me in the way of knowledge
greeeeeeat pics and great idea!

[Belade]

In the first photo, the "bokeh" is more well controlled than my post above, but still a little hard, giving a unusual background. I like it. In the second it´s a blurred background, period. And in the third despite the lights could be a point of attraction it gives some "charm", i think :confused: . Sorry about my english but i´m portuguese and i don´t practice much.
http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/4920/img7322rioteixeiraforum5go.jpg

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/780/img7273mecasaforum9aq.jpg

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/2717/img7357rioteixeiranew1f4ml.jpg

[buffalophotographer]

http://www.relan.com/flowers.jpg

[mikegoat]

85 1.2L wide open

http://www.ebizcraftsman.com/imagehost/uploads/2283ff6414.jpg

[SgWRX]

http://www.gruenet.com/IMG_3345.jpg

http://www.gruenet.com/IMG_3346.jpg

[Mizaki]

So many excellent pictures here. Well, here's my contribution. Yes. Should have used a bit bigger f-number to get the nose in focus, but at least this should show some bokeh.

[JohnCollins]

Actually, I think it's a perfect shot! The tip of the beak is not out of focus enough to bother me at all, and I'm immediately drawn to the eye and the intensity of the bird's gaze. The background looks like a nice studio muslin. Perfect!

[ranchonodinero]

A couple from yesterday, 70-200 f4/L

[Mizaki]

Actually, I think it's a perfect shot! The tip of the beak is not out of focus enough to bother me at all, and I'm immediately drawn to the eye and the intensity of the bird's gaze. The background looks like a nice studio muslin. Perfect!

Thank you John. Actually, the gaze in the first shot is something that I like too. Perhaps I am just too critical for my own shots...

Anyhow, now that I started to go through my bird shots, I think that some other shots, like those attached to this message are technically better (sharp beak at least in the second one ;) ), even if a bit duller. Well, one just can't have everything. At least they should have good bokeh. It is just quite hard to succeed with these kind of shots with shallow DOF, but not too shallow...

[am_pitbull_terrier]

Mizaki, Those shots are amazing..... Here is one of my better ones.
http://img321.imageshack.us/img321/6239/img037a15ig.jpg

[Sprout Crumble]

They are great shots Mizaki and that is a gorgeous looking bird. Reminds me a little of The Dark Crystal..

[Sprout Crumble]

Different lens this time. Sigmas superb 150mm f2.8 at f16.


http://sproutey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/3871crop.jpg

[tdaugharty]

Different lens this time. Sigmas superb 150mm f2.8 at f16.

Nice shot!! F/16 .. Really?

[Sprout Crumble]

You'd be surprised how little depth of field there is in a macro shot. At 5x and f16 for example, the MPE-65 has a DOF of just 3/100th of a millimetre! The base and tip of a spiders facial hair won't both be in focus.

[20D_Newbie]

Mizaki, what lens did you use for the eagle shots?

[L.Morey]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/TruTurn/IMG_0105.jpg

[noname]

All taken with my 50mm 1.4 wide open

http://static.flickr.com/37/78799484_0cd6717bcc.jpg (http://static.flickr.com/37/78799484_0cd6717bcc_b.jpg)

http://static.flickr.com/40/77480332_8b5711843f.jpg (http://static.flickr.com/40/77480332_8b5711843f_b.jpg)

http://static.flickr.com/40/77480330_5799c5724c.jpg (http://static.flickr.com/40/77480330_5799c5724c_b.jpg)

[Mizaki]

Thank you all for your comments.

The lens I used for these pictures is just a 200/2.8L prime (used in all three), which IMHO is excellent, but sometimes forgotten piece of glass.

However, to be open about the background, two things.

The first reason I got these shots with such shorts lens, is that these birds are from one reservoir, where the birds are rather tame - not too shy about people. Hence, I don't think that these qualify as true nature shots. Merely they are just nice shots of certain birds of prey.

The second reason is apparent. As you can see, the shots are square, which means these are heavy crops, covering about 50% of original (other shots are about the same, width should be original). Below you can see the second shot as shot (small, but a whole shot still). However, as per this bokeh topic, I cropped the shots to emphasise the bokeh aspect. I suppose that to get these kind of shots out of 1.6 crop camera, you would probaply need something like 400 to 600mm tele.