A little more birding.
- This topic has 8 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated Jan 12, 2011 at 2:28 pm by
.
-
Posts
-
Tried out the kenco 1.4 tele on the 400 and I’m pleased with the results. The kenco gets a big thumbs up from me.
Higher res.
http://trophyfishingtn.com/smf/index.php?topic=5285.0
Great shots Mike!
I am not a wildlife photographer so I will tread lightly (like Crouching Tiger) on the comments. However, I believe you are now using LR3 for post production and that is where I’ll place the discussion. IMHO (at least on my calibrated monitor) your images are a bit over saturated and “contrasty”, especially in midtones. Your metadata suggests that you pumped up the saturation/vibrance/contrast at least 50% – the end result on a calibrated monitor is a bit rich. This is probably a necessary step if you are using the 400mm f5.6 lens with a 1.4 teleconverter – the light at that distance from the subject is being sucked into a black hole. I really do love the images but I feel that an investment in a faster lens is a necessary next step 😉 But that being said, strong work and lovely photographs.
Thanks guys!
Neal the hawk and heron shots were taken in direct sunset light that was a very yellow light. In person it looked pretty cool but on the monitor I didn’t like it as much. They were shot in Raw so I did do some color, contrast, WB, and sharpen, adjustments. I don’t recall how heavy I got with them but since there isn’t alot of color in the pics I didn’t think I made them bleed.
On the heron I think I played with the water to make it look less muddy colored. I’ll look at the raws when I get in and see. Thanks for the CC btw.
So far from my experience the difference in IQ and sharpness with the 400 5.6 + 1.4 is so minimal that I can’t see it. It does take some light and a steady hand but it’s a very capable combo. Keep in mind these shots are hand held, non stabilized lens, at 730mm.
I may own the 500 F4 IS someday but right now it’s low on the priority list.Also, you know I was kidding about the fast glass, because I have never met a bird photographer that didn’t covet the long fast glass.
I hover a mouse over the add to cart button button everyday… ;D
Then reality sets in.
Critique is always welcome and why I post them here. I don’t mind it at all Neal.
I passed on a friends 800mm Christmas day. Could have done it, probably should have, given I will likely own it one day. However with a move coming in 2 weeks and fallout expenses from that……being responsible isn’t always fun 🙂
So I bought his 16-35 mkii New years day when he listed that as well. Guy was killing me, in the space of a week he listed 2 of the last 3 lenses I want in my arsenol.
Mike.
the 400 takes TCs really well. Theres a wee hit to IQ but it barely perceptible. The biggest downside to using a 1.4 on it, is the hit to focus speed. Which is a big trade off when shooting birds. Basically youll want to decide if your after flight shots or not..If you are, I wouldnt mount it. You’ll get some flight shots, but miss a ton.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.