My first BIF

I was attempting to see how well my father's Pentax 135 mm with a Soligor 2X extender worked on birds. I must say that while I was pleased with the distance, I was ultimately displeased with the amount of abberation I got through the sliding glass door. I will have to try this with a blind, but preferably when it is a tad warmer, for sure. I really love this Pentax glass with my 40D! In any case, I pressed the button a split second too late, at least to miss the tufted titmouse I was aiming at, and instead got this Carolina chickadee! Not bad for a pure accident and some CA.

Beth, it's still a very good shot.

There is room for improvement but keep trying.

Thanks all! Maxis, I normally don't even attempt birds, although I do find them fascinating, mainly because I do not have, nor can I afford, the glass that really does justice to these creatures. This was the first time I tried these lenses out on birds, and it was just more for fun than anything. I may try again at a later date. The most frustrating thing about using this glass was the fact I was having to manually focus, which is difficult at best because the ring is a little bit stiff. My best bet was to focus on an area that the birds tended to congregate at, and hit the shutter, hoping I got something.

Good job Elizabeth, especially with manual focusing.

drevilsmom wrote in post #9592749
Thanks all! Maxis, I normally don't even attempt birds, although I do find them fascinating, mainly because I do not have, nor can I afford, the glass that really does justice to these creatures. This was the first time I tried these lenses out on birds, and it was just more for fun than anything. I may try again at a later date. The most frustrating thing about using this glass was the fact I was having to manually focus, which is difficult at best because the ring is a little bit stiff. My best bet was to focus on an area that the birds tended to congregate at, and hit the shutter, hoping I got something.

If you move to Florida, the birds are closer

Hang in there and keep working at it.

Take care!

With such a short setup, the only way is to get closer. Set up some feeders near where you can set your camera up and remain hidden.