Birds

[PhilD]

Couldn't get a good focus on some of these birds for some reason, but here's some more of the locals:

[Hunner]

I found that on the D300 using the more narrow field of focus sensors works better when there are surrounding objects. Maybe 9. Like in the bird in the tree if you had 11 or 51! ha ha it was trying to get it all in focus rather than just the bird. Using the spot metering and focus will be "spot" on. In Nikon View you can have it highlight the focus point to see where you had it centered. The other thing Im still not certain of is that when I shoot birds in the water with some lapping waves if you have wide sensor area and continuous focus on rather than single the dang thing will keep trying to focus on the different wave heights rather than the bird. These things are smart but need human intervention to show them who's boss You might know that but I thought I would throw it out.
I had a case of NAS (Nikon aquire syndrome) and trying to keep up with F5stop I got a 70-200 2.8VR for some indoor sports (I'll let your imagination run on that one) I tried the 14E TC but my test was during really cloudy conditions like we have had forever. I figure for the money and added mm the 17E TC would be better if the IQ stays up there. They did not have one in stock. Right now the best solution for reach is already in my bag. I bought the 80-400VR before the new 70-200VR was available. No problem on sharpness.
I sold my 10.5 and got a 16-85VR to use for most things. I have a huge 17-55 which is a touch sharper if you really test it, that I use for studio work.
Now if the sun would come out!!

[PhilD]

I found that on the D300 using the more narrow field of focus sensors works better when there are surrounding objects. Maybe 9. Like in the bird in the tree if you had 11 or 51! ha ha it was trying to get it all in focus rather than just the bird. Using the spot metering and focus will be "spot" on.

Thanks, I came to the same conclusion... ...after I'd taken the pics

I'm going to set up one of my programs for a narrow field of focus and think that will help.

I do need something with more reach than my 18-200 VR for this type of shot though, and will take a look around, the 80-400 sounds about what I need.

[beavis]

Nice birds!

1) Inca Dove
2) Brown Pelicans, Laughing Gull, Great Egret
3) American Oystercatcher
4-5) Roseate Spoonbill
6-7) Reddish Egret

[PhilD]

3) American Oystercatcher

Thanks, I wasn't sure about that one.

6-7) Reddish Egret

I had that one as a Little Blue Heron, and thought the one below was a Reddish Egret, but I may well be wrong.

[PhilD]

BTW I was real pissed the Spoonbill pics came out so out of focus, I will try again and get some better ones this weekend.

[beavis]

Ooops!

Your right Phil, I looked too fast!

6-7 are Little Blue Herons and that new pic is a Reddish Egret.

[PhilD]

Thanks, I thought that was the case, but my old eyes aren't what they used to be!

[Rich]

We don't have such interesting birds up here.

We've been getting some awesome butterflies in the yard - I'm going to keep the camera a little more handy and try to get some pics.

[Rich]

I was lucky enough to spot this guy AND have my camera handy on a camping trip this past weekend. I rushed to get the pics I could and just left the camera on auto. I would have loved to have more time to use different settings and get some really good pics.

Pics do this guy no justice. He was very impressive in person.

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[PhilD]

Nice

[Seth]

Wow, I have never seen a bald eagle in the wild. That is so cool. Magnificent creature. I am glad you got some pictures.

[West OZ H2]

Guys,

Great pics, enjoyed looking at them, interesting to see similier birds with different colouring to here in Aus.

Al

[PhilD]

A cormorant trying to camouflage himself in a palm tree:

[Charles Helm]

That's a cool shot, but it may be too cold here for me to properly appreciate it!

Did the weather turn off bad down there?