Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR Lens !!

So far, this is the best shot I got with the D850 today.

<Re-post - from portrait mega-thread>

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EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18903062
Very nice, Dan.

How does the rig handle in the boat?

It's really amazing to observe the different perspective and opportunities the yak offers - in addition to "fitting in" with the wildlife.

The reflection shot is neat.

The lens works better than anything I've ever used in the 'yak. The small size makes it easy to maneuver around. I use a "hybrid" kayak (looks more like a canoe) and I can place my camera and lens on my dry bag and simply drag the bag towards me when I'm ready to take photos and push it forward while I'm paddling. The smaller the lens, the easier it is to do this.

EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18903070
So far, this is the best shot I got with the D850 today.

<Re-post - from portrait mega-thread>

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Really nice. I like how you showcased the flowers and stem. I'm a fan of environmental portraits like this.

EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18903070
So far, this is the best shot I got with the D850 today.

<Re-post - from portrait mega-thread>

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Outstanding Phil.

KayakPhotos wrote in post #18903081
Really nice. I like how you showcased the flowers and stem. I'm a fan of environmental portraits like this.

MedicineMan4040 wrote in post #18903089
Outstanding Phil.

Thanks guys - much appreciated.

Robert - where'd you get they pelican dive? Very nice!

EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18903065
Saw some hummers today...

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Eye-bleeding levels of crisp and sharpness, dayum..

EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18903068
I set out this morning with three rigs in the front seat, ready for whatever I might see.

1) D850 + 500PF
2) D500 + (wifeys) 500PF
3) Z6 + 300PF

When this fella landed and sat for a little bit, I figured I'd try with both the D500 & D850. Admittedly, not very well controlled, but same subject, same spot, similar light, captured within 3 minutes.

Try as I might, I was never able to capture the hummers with the Z6.

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Very useful post, being able to see the fov differences b/w the D500 and D850. The buttery backgrounds still bug me, because they aren't supposed to be that smooth with the PF and f/5.6 aperture

I'm heavily debating getting a D850, with my biggest hesitation being that 500mm on FF isn't enough reach for small birds, and I'd be cropping in anyways and using a TC 100% of the time. When I was shooting w/ the Canon 500 f/4 II, a majority of shots came out of the 80D for the same reasons, so I already know this to be true for me. All that to say, the D500 just makes more sense, and I should just sit on my hands and enjoy what I have.

EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18903070
So far, this is the best shot I got with the D850 today.

<Re-post - from portrait mega-thread>

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Yep, this is sensational.

A few images with my new 500 PF. All of these were taken from my kayak.

1.)

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gMT​dkg

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gMF​KuA

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gME​bZg

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gME​UzG

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gMG​dMM

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gMG​7HN

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gME​uGX

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gMD​DXw

MatthewK wrote in post #18903258
Yep, this is sensational.

MatthewK wrote in post #18903253
Eye-bleeding levels of crisp and sharpness, dayum..

MatthewK wrote in post #18903254
Very useful post, being able to see the fov differences b/w the D500 and D850. The buttery backgrounds still bug me, because they aren't supposed to be that smooth with the PF and f/5.6 aperture

I'm heavily debating getting a D850, with my biggest hesitation being that 500mm on FF isn't enough reach for small birds, and I'd be cropping in anyways and using a TC 100% of the time. When I was shooting w/ the Canon 500 f/4 II, a majority of shots came out of the 80D for the same reasons, so I already know this to be true for me. All that to say, the D500 just makes more sense, and I should just sit on my hands and enjoy what I have.

MatthewK wrote in post #18903258
Yep, this is sensational.

Thanks a bunch, Buddy!

I have more thoughts on the big glass after another day of comparisons...

KayakPhotos wrote in post #18903318
A few images with my new 500 PF. All of these were taken from my kayak.

Very nice, Dan!

Have I mentioned that I am most envious of your location? Lol!

Keep'm coming!

A couple creatures from a morning walk....

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I saw this Scissortail sitting on the log, in a field adjacent to the road as I passed. I turned around & went back to see about photographing him & got a couple quick shots before he flew.

To my total surprise, he flew into the tree I had stopped under and landed directly above me. I was afraid he could be closer than MFD, but I was able to focus - leaning out the window, shooting straight up at him. Kinda scruffy... Likely a juvi.

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EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18903478
Thanks a bunch, Buddy!

I have more thoughts on the big glass after another day of comparisons...

Let’s hear ‘em!