Bird pics from the last few weeks

[llong]

Hi all,

I finally got my hands on a 100mm - 300mm lens and I must say that I am enjoying it thoroughly. While I'm still learning what it can and cannot do, I've taken a few shots that I'd like to share. I also have a question for some of you more experienced photographers, what's the secret for taking crisp photos? When I do a tight crop on some of the birds that I thought were crisp, I realize that they are actually soft. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. FYI, these were all shot freehand using whatever was available to help stabilize myself.

Louie

 

[llong]

A few more...
[attachment=27657:attachment]

[attachment=27656:attachment]

[edit: spaced pictures apart]

 

[llong]

and more...

 

[llong]

and finally.

Sorry for posting so many pics. Thanks for taking the time to look.

Louie

 

[Lan-Lord]

that eagle taking off is a sweet shot!
I dont have much experience shooting moving subjects. I suspect that you need to steady yourself better. I've used a monopod before and it makes a big difference.

Congrats on the big glass.. I'm excited to see what comes from it.

 

[foulshot]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lan-lord @ Mar 16 2006, 04:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

that eagle taking off is a sweet shot![/b]

I agree! Looks like you had a little snow also. All the shots are pretty cool!



As far as shooting birds in flight, I usually use the center focus point only, have the camera set to AI Servo and keep the shutter speed up to no less than 1/800th. Aperture depends on the light. But then I usually shoot in Manual.

My advice would be to shoot in Tv mode and set the speed at 1/800th to start. Just work on keeping that center focus point on the subject. I've used a monopod from time to time, but I have found that handheld gave me better results.

This shot was @ 1/800th handheld with my 20D and Canon 100-400L~

This was @ 1/1000th handheld with my DRebel(300D) and Tamron 70-300~

Like everything else it just takes pracitce, but from the looks of your shots your off to a good start. And The better the glass the sharper the pic. Not to say you can't get sharp pics from lower grade glass, but from what I've seen you'll have better results from better glass.

 

[llong]

Thanks for the advice and the compliments guys, I really appreciate it. I usually shoot in manual mode and have been trying lots of different shutter speeds, ISO settings, and aperture settings and recently started shooting in RAW format. I'll give the Tv mode a go and hopefully get some great shots to post up.

Thanks again guys,
Louie

 

[foulshot]

Louie, I always try to stay with the lowest ISO as possible. Both of the shots I posted were at ISO 100.

 

[llong]

Foulshot,

Thats interesting. I've been told by others that I should shoot at 400 for wildlife. You've got some amazing pictures and you're shooting at 100. The proof is in the pudding, I'll give it a shot.

Thanks,
Louie

 

[foulshot]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (llong @ Mar 17 2006, 06:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Foulshot,

Thats interesting. I've been told by others that I should shoot at 400 for wildlife. You've got some amazing pictures and you're shooting at 100. The proof is in the pudding, I'll give it a shot.

Thanks,
Louie[/b]

I think that might be a "film" mentallity.

 

[Lan-Lord]

You might find this "big lens technique" on fm informative.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/336167

He goes on to say that he likes to shoot ISO 400 and 800 so that he can shoot with an extremely fast shutter ( neighborhood of 1/2000sec)