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

Got out this morning before the humidity reached stratospheric levels. Went back to get more shots of the Great Crested Flycatcher fledglings, and still haven't nailed my perfect shot. This one is close, just the damn leaf blocking the tail feathers ruins it

MatthewK wrote in post #18904342
still haven't nailed my perfect shot. This one is close, just the damn leaf blocking the tail feathers ruins it

I was so admiring the sharpness all around the bird's head ... did not notice the leaf.

lacogada wrote in post #18904367
I was so admiring the sharpness all around the bird's head ... did not notice the leaf.

Sometimes I’m too critical, thank you for grounding me

MatthewK wrote in post #18904342
Got out this morning before the humidity reached stratospheric levels. Went back to get more shots of the Great Crested Flycatcher fledglings, and still haven't nailed my perfect shot. This one is close, just the damn leaf blocking the tail feathers ruins it

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One from 2 football fields away, not posting for IQ purposes, but b/c I thought it was funny: a hummer buzzing the flight tower at over 400 knots

Hosted photo: posted by MatthewK in
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Testing the 1.4 TC.

Observations:

- f/8 is a challenge in the shady parts
- AF loses a bit of edge. Speed to acquire focus kind of reminds me of using the 2.0 TC on my Canon 600
- barely any loss in sharpness

Very nice Matt, in both samples. To capture a hummer at that distance is nothing short of amazing!

Like the 500PF itself, adding the TC make for a little bit of a change to shooting style.

I agree 100% with lacogada - the leaves are not even noticeable when the subject is that good.

Edit (add): AF performance will increase significantly as light increases.

KayakPhotos wrote in post #18903883
Extra bonus points for amazing TC performance.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gMN​Liu green perch dragon by Daniel, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gMN​L6k standing tall by Daniel, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gMN​L4g threat from above by Daniel, on Flickr

10 star Daniel. Each!

EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18903983
"Shhhhh..... Think I'll hide right here."

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What a portrait Phill!! Who wouldn't love that framing!
I like the one you post at FM too.

MedicineMan4040 wrote in post #18904492
10 star Daniel. Each!

Thanks

Afternoon session, and I ran into a pair of Ruby-throated Hummers. No flowers around here, so I don't have any Phil-level feeding shots, but I was lucky enough to have one chill for a second and let me fire off a few. Pretty happy I have the TC, can now reach out and touch the smallest of the small, which means I'm pretty much prepared for any size... bring on the Warblers!

KayakPhotos wrote in post #18904882

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2gN5​GbR pink wing display by Daniel, on Flickr

Just now, drinking our morning coffee, both Tiff (my wife) and I had one of those "wowwwww" moments when your Roseate photos came up, but especially this one. Marvelous!

Morning walk after some awesome thunderstorms last night. Not as much humidity, no bugs, but hardly any bird activity either. Didn't come back with much.

MatthewK wrote in post #18904885
Just now, drinking our morning coffee, both Tiff (my wife) and I had one of those "wowwwww" moments when your Roseate photos came up, but especially this one. Marvelous!

Thanks. I really enjoyed the chance to get some shots of one.

KayakPhotos wrote in post #18904882

Looks like someone is getting comfortable with the new 500PF!

Very nice, Dan! Like Matt, I really like this one - although all of them are top notch. I know how difficult if can be to capture these guys properly, w/o blowing the highlights & wreaking the beautiful pinks. VERY well done! Were these from the yak, or from shore?

MatthewK wrote in post #18904887
Morning walk after some awesome thunderstorms last night. Not as much humidity, no bugs, but hardly any bird activity either. Didn't come back with much.

Glad to hear the heat has eased up and lower humidity / no bugs is a WIN, in & of itself!

Nice detail! That TC seems to be doing well.

Wow this thread is just happenin! **cough** unlike the 500 F4 Canon crowd

Looking to trade cameras with another nikon user in my area from my work soon, going to see how I like it before dabbling with switching

markesc wrote in post #18905070
Wow this thread is just happenin! **cough** unlike the 500 F4 Canon crowd

Looking to trade cameras with another nikon user in my area from my work soon, going to see how I like it before dabbling with switching

Hey Mark,

What are you considering receiving in this trade? Just curious what body might be coming your way. If you have any questions, be sure to ask. Most likely, someone will be able to help.

As with any brand, some models excel at certain shooting types or genres. For action - birding, wildlife, sports, etc., the D500 is an absolute beast and it can be had pretty reasonably on both new & used markets.