Great Horned Owl at 400mm, 700mm and Closer...6 Images

This is my follow up to Ted's post from yesterday that captured the great opportunity we had to see and photograph this amazing owl. I am convinced it is one of the Owls we had been photographing from nest to fledgling and afterwards beginning in March of 2006 through to June. I had seen them again in July and then noticed one alone in August ( the two owlets then juvies were always together before when I saw them)

It was well worth the river crossing and my hiking boots are almost dry but not quite. All shots ecept for the 2 crops at the end are very close to full frame.

The first shot is taken from the river with the 400 F5.6 on a monopod 1/320 sec at F5.6 ISO 500. The curent could be felt running up the mono and some shots suffered for it but many were good. I retraced my steps from this point as the water and current were too high and then approached the island from a different angle. Once on the island there were no more issues except to take photos . The second and third shots were also taken with the 400 F5.6 and monopod. Slow shutterspeeds of 1/100sec F8 ISO 400 and these were some of the last photos I took. Ted let me try out the 500mm F4 with the 1.4X attached for a 700mm F5.6 reach,,,very nice and the tripod set up with the Gimble Head was marvelous. This and the cropped shots that follow were 1/100 sec at +1/3 exp. comp at F5.6 ISO 320. ....I have said enough...

From the river 400 F 5.6

First to reply on these stunning shots? Wow!

All are 1st class with great lighting, clarity, contrast and background and great unobstructed view of the owl. Very, Very Nice with the 1st one being my fav for the environment, composition and the fact you can actualy make out the leaves in the back. Brings the viewer in the owls elements.

PS: So when are you pickin up the 500F4?

All beautiful shots, sharp, well exposed and composed.

Super stuff Gary! It definitely looks well worth the walk through the river indeed.

I think I'll have enough saved up for my 500 this winter, so I'm chomping at the bit as it were

= Ed =

Gary Fairhead wrote in post #2010318
This is my follow up to Ted's post from yesterday that captured the great opportunity we had to see and photograph this amazing owl. I am convinced it is one of the Owls we had been photographing from nest to fledgling and afterwards beginning in March of 2006 through to June. I had seen them again in July and then noticed one alone in August ( the two owlets then juvies were always together before when I saw them)

It was well worth the river crossing and my hiking boots are almost dry but not quite. All shots ecept for the 2 crops at the end are very close to full frame.

The first shot is taken from the river with the 400 F5.6 on a monopod 1/320 sec at F5.6 ISO 500. The curent could be felt running up the mono and some shots suffered for it but many were good. I retraced my steps from this point as the water and current were too high and then approached the island from a different angle. Once on the island there were no more issues except to take photos . The second and third shots were also taken with the 400 F5.6 and monopod. Slow shutterspeeds of 1/100sec F8 ISO 400 and these were some of the last photos I took. Ted let me try out the 500mm F4 with the 1.4X attached for a 700mm F5.6 reach,,,very nice and the tripod set up with the Gimble Head was marvelous. This and the cropped shots that follow were 1/100 sec at +1/3 exp. comp at F5.6 ISO 320. ....I have said enough...

love the head feathers

These are great shots. I like the different perspective from the side in one of the images. Your close-ups are great. What lovely detail and sharp too. Well done. For owl photography it really works when the eyes of the owl are wide open. You know what this means....I must go back! Dang, the shoes are almost dry now. Oh well, all in the name of nature photography. I must go back!

HOLY OWL SHOTS...Batman! What a series.
Absolutely beautiful captures. truly amazing quality shots.
You really make these images shine. I found myself stroking the monitor to feel those feathers..
Close-up portrait is a dandy. All excellent ! Super job Gary !
Anytime you want to use the 500.....

wow. those shots are unreal. very nice

700m? fantastic.
Great series of the GH-Owl Gary, beautifully composed shots and well worth getting your boots wet for.
The details of the feathers and eyes are quite outstanding in all the shots. The last shot amazes me to see the head feathers popping up. Well done.

Wow, wonderful shots. Makes me yearn for the 500 even more

yes very nice shots even the 400mm but doesn't the 500mm just shine through when you get a chance like this yes it quite exspencive but shots like this make it worth every penny.
Rob.

Sharp, detailed and crisp even with 1.4X TC and cropped. Outstanding job Gary.

A wonderful series of shots of the Great horned Owl, the layered texture of the feathers on the front breast area are shown quite nicely. Your trip through the water has paid off with a fantastic set. Well done!

Fantastic shots

I can vouch that the 500 on a gimble head is awesome, and its the best thing i've bought so far .

I've yet to capture my first "wild" owl, so seeing shots like these drives me mad .

Well done

Beautiful shots. I really like the 5th shot, great job. That 500 f/4 is some lens.

Love these,. what a bird!
Shots are wonderfull.