First time out with a bit of an unusual gear

Nighthound wrote in post #9935659
These are fantastic, very nice quality. I wouldn't have expected such good results from a reflector.

I've shot with my refractors and you're right, focus is a big challenge and when the action starts it gets even tougher.

Impressive work.

Thanks a lot! I was surprised with the quality of pictures myself They needed a touch of PP at first. Reflector itself gives very low contrast but actually I quite like that. No shadows are too deep and no highlights are blown in the original picture.

Kirke wrote:
Amazing. Did any people see you? I can't imagine the interest this thing might be generating.

Hopefully not. I was in the middle of nowhere really. Some 10 km away from the nearest village. I wouldn't dear using this in a park or somewhere public

Thanks, neighboring countries might be a bit too far though But nests would be great. I did see some bigger birds there before but couldn't find their nests. This setup works good when you are stationed in a location that birds like to visit. Since you can be quite far away it is easier and it doesn't intimidate birds that much as a sneaky photographer a couple meters away.

artyman wrote:
Interesting concept, as said I think birds in flight could be tricky

True, I wasn't even trying to get them midflight. This works best when they land somewhere and mind their own business It was really interesting watching them doing this and that. I wish my camera had video capabilities I'd surely try that!

Wow, I didn't expect this much attention when I was posting these! This is really encouraging to go out again and try shooting some more Thank you guys!

canonloader wrote in post #9937025
I'm thinking take the middle seat out of my van and mount it in there so I can shoot out the side door or the rear.

Interesting idea. You can surely try that

I don't know where you live but: http://www.fatbirder.c​om …geo/europe/lith​uania.html

Waldemar Sikorski wrote in post #9937497
I don't know where you live but: http://www.fatbirder.c​om …geo/europe/lith​uania.html

A useful read! I knew Lithuania's wildlife was rich but it was interesting to see the numbers Lithuania is a small country. I guess about 350 km would be the longest straight line you could draw on the land. There isn't any location you couldn't reach in a few hours.

marsaz wrote in post #9937588
A useful read! I knew Lithuania's wildlife was rich but it was interesting to see the numbers Lithuania is a small country. I guess about 350 km would be the longest straight line you could draw on the land. There isn't any location you couldn't reach in a few hours.

Hey, I'm from a country that was in a union with Lithuania but It would be exciting to visit a place that's 30% forests.

Great set of shots. although flight shots may not be in your future, photographing perched birds certainly is, they come out very good...

Dan

canonloader wrote in post #9937025
I'm thinking take the middle seat out of my van and mount it in there so I can shoot out the side door or the rear.

Whatever you do with it Mitch, just don't mount it on your boat. They'll call out the Navy to investigate

David

interesting setup. The MFD of 50 meters made me laugh though....thanks for sharing

David, HAHA, it does look like a rocket launcher, or maybe a torpedo tube.

canonloader wrote in post #9937025
I'm thinking take the middle seat out of my van and mount it in there so I can shoot out the side door or the rear.

I was thinking the same thing....plus the van acts like a blind.

Great pics and great detail.

Guess the trick might be to set up a feeder, focus and let the birds come to you?

sf1 wrote in post #9939186
Great pics and great detail.

Guess the trick might be to set up a feeder, focus and let the birds come to you?

Thanks, yeah that should work great. Almost everything works great with this setup as long as you don't have to move anywhere