B&W False Creek Pano

Ok I'm open to any critique, but I'm specifically requesting critique on the black and white conversion. I know it's a little dark, does this work? Should I be trying for more even distributions of tone? I really need help with my black & white photography. Thank you for any responses.

Edit: Removed original from flickr

Or should I go for something closer to this, with less contrast and more even tone distribution (I lose a little cloud detail). Possibly combine the sky and ground?
I'm just not sure what the ideal to achieve in b&w is...
_

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

The mix:
_

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

I vote for #3.

When we were in Vancouver early this summer we noticed that Vancouver seems to be the summer nesting grounds for the elusive Construction Crane. Sightings have become increasingly scarce around here and I was afraid that it might be headed for the endangered species list, but it seems to be alive and prospering in Vancouver.

The mix. Hands down.

I would vote the mix as well. The image really improved when you allowed more midtones (and really less black), a lot of detail was revealed. I think a lot of what black and white photography is, is the balancing of tones. The interactions/transitio​ns of the tonal values with each other really seperates a good b/w from a great b/w. The only thing I would try to change now is the halo on the horizon, its a little distracting.

Mix, and I am not seeing a halo

Appreciate all the comments folks. I kinda figured the mix was the way to go. I didn't like losing the sky in the low contrast version, but the higher contrast sky killed the ground.

Not quite sure about the halo you're seeing though. Not saying it isn't there, I'm just not seeing it. It could be remnents from a quick and dirty layer blend.

My vote's for number 3 as well. As a PS guru, I'm sure you've already dodged and burned the clouds.

genodm wrote in post #6178664
My vote's for number 3 as well. As a PS guru, I'm sure you've already dodged and burned the clouds.

Actually I didn't. I used the Black & White conversion and played with the sliders until I found a nice mix.

I've replaced my flickr photo so the original is no longer available.

On the full size image I'll probably visit it with some dodge & burn to see if I can breath more life into it.

B&W is way harder than colour

bill boehme wrote in post #6177760
When we were in Vancouver early this summer we noticed that Vancouver seems to be the summer nesting grounds for the elusive Construction Crane.

Isn't the construction around here crazy? It's so hard to get a nice skyline right now. Once they finish the Olympic Village behind Science World there, the view is going to be something else.

LeuceDeuce wrote in post #6178709
Actually I didn't. I used the Black & White conversion and played with the sliders until I found a nice mix.

I've replaced my flickr photo so the original is no longer available.

On the full size image I'll probably visit it with some dodge & burn to see if I can breath more life into it.

B&W is way harder than colour

Grab Gorman's action for B&W.

http://www.atncentral.​com/Zip_Actions/gorman​bw.zip

I find I like to change the fill layer to something a little lighter and sometimes play with the curves a bit as well.

genodm wrote in post #6178831
Grab Gorman's action for B&W.

http://www.atncentral.​com/Zip_Actions/gorman​bw.zip

I find I like to change the fill layer to something a little lighter and sometimes play with the curves a bit as well.

Thanks Geno, I'll give this one a try.