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        Special Topics 特別主題 >> Black-eared Kite 鳶(麻鷹) >>  Black-eared Kite
        
(Message started by: Anguslau on Dec 16^th, 2005, 10:22am)

Title: Black-eared Kite
Post by Anguslau on Dec 16^th, 2005, 10:22am

MPNR 15/12/2005
1D Mark II, EF600+1.4x, f/8, 1/1250s, iso320
http://www.pbase.com/anguslau/image/53600435.jpg

Title: Re: Black-eared Kite
Post by KK Hui on Dec 16^th, 2005, 3:50pm

Superb sharpness, Angus! ::)
Now this is 600/4 + 1.4x !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It works alright!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The clipped wing is unfortunate. I bet you're saying that as well. You should have used you 'norm' setup without the 1.4x ... ;);D :D

KK Hui FRPS
www.geocities.com/kkhui_001

Title: Re: Black-eared Kite
Post by Anguslau on Dec 17^th, 2005, 10:13am

Yes, I do wish I was not using the converter at that time! ;D Well, the bird became off-centered as it flew in at an awkward angle and I had to bent my body to track him. I guess I can't blame anything except my own skills. :-[

Every now and then I just can't let go with the idea of using the 1.4x converter because this should be the near perfect focal length for many situtations. So this time I tried to see whether it will work by stopping down 1 stop. As you mentioned, I think the results are usable. But it is obviously not critically sharp when viewed at 100%. I have to apply more usm to regain the sharpness seen. ::)

Title: Re: Black-eared Kite
Post by Neil on Dec 17^th, 2005, 3:10pm

Angus,
You can count every feather so detail looks good to me.
I don't know how you guys handle those big lenses with a 1.4x on. I've been using the 300/2.8 with a 1.4x on and I've often lost part of the bird as it approaches the hide/my position. I've got hundreds of photos taken since I got the 300/2.8 with bits of wing or tail missing. Of course , photographing waders is a bit different to photographing egrets/herons/raptors. I suspect by next year I'll have a 500/600 as well. Neil.

Title: Re: Black-eared Kite
Post by Anguslau on Dec 17^th, 2005, 3:59pm

Neil: I think practise is the key! ;D When I first started photographing these feathery creatures, I have trouble tracking them even with a 200mm lens! After lots of practise, now slow flyers such as egrets and raptors should not be a problem even with 1200mm (600+2x) so long as they are smaller than half frame and they are not changing courses suddenly. But fast movers such as ducks and waders are still kind of a hit and miss game. I guess only kk can master that at the moment... ;D

The biggest problem I have with raptors is when they become too large in the frame. I often have their wing tips clipped as they flap their wings up and down even though I have their body centered. Very frustrating! >:(

Neil, given your dedication I bet you'll get your 500/600 lens very soon!!! ;D