American Kestrel and Blue Heron

[wackii]

I captured a few shoots of the American Kestrel today. Unfortunately, my lens can't reach that far and there's a fence blocking it off. I did major cropping on it. I shot the pictures handhelp which isn't come out to be as sharp. I use lightroom to help sharpen it up a little. I kinda know the location now. I will bring a tripod next weekend and hopefully I can to get sharper pictures. He was munching on a lizard. For now, it's a good day. I also got a few shot of the Blue Heron on flight.



1.
2.
3.
4.

 

[bc_steve]

It is too bad the kestrel is out of focus, good composition though. Maybe turn the ISO a bit if you're going to shoot handheld? Noise is better than out of focus.

The heron pictures look nice and sharp. I prefer the second one.

 

[wackii]

Hey bc_steve, I don't think it's the shutter speed too slow. Those two shots were using ISO 400 at 1/1600 shutter speed. I believe it's too far and my lens or my hands shake quite a bit. I couldn't get the camera as steady as I wanted so next weekend I will bring my tripod. Hopefully, that helps... It could be my Sigma lens unable to get good focus at that far distance.

I also like the second picture of the Heron. I have a much better angle and light today compared with the one I took yesterday. Birds photography is addictive.

Thanks,

 

[ryanparker]

Oh wow! These are exquisite. Thank you so much for sharing them.

 

[Aloicious]

yeah, the kestrel looks like a SUPER heavy crop combined with some noise reduction (ala loss of fine details) , sometimes that sort of thing is unavoidable. but the heron is nice, I like #4 too...

 

[JacaRanda]

Nice job Wackii. I have a few of the American Kestrel also. Hopefully I can get time to post it tonight. I have the same problem with not having enough reach. Where the guys there with all the 500mm?

 

[bc_steve]

Hey bc_steve, I don't think it's the shutter speed too slow. Those two shots were using ISO 400 at 1/1600 shutter speed. I believe it's too far and my lens or my hands shake quite a bit. I couldn't get the camera as steady as I wanted so next weekend I will bring my tripod. Hopefully, that helps... It could be my Sigma lens unable to get good focus at that far distance.

I also like the second picture of the Heron. I have a much better angle and light today compared with the one I took yesterday. Birds photography is addictive.

Thanks,

You're right, 1/1600 is quite fast. Maybe it is the lens?

and yes, bird photography is quite adddictive

 

[wackii]

Thanks. Post your pics. It was too far so major cropping is needed in this case. I am hoping that the tripod will help getting a sharper image. There was one guy with 500mm I think. I didn't talk to him. He was having too much fun there while I am struggling w/ my camera entry level D5100. I am actually waiting for more reviews on the D7100 and might hop on board w/ that body. The D4 would be nice but I don't have that kind of money. I can use that 600mm with 2x teleconverter

Nice job Wackii. I have a few of the American Kestrel also. Hopefully I can get time to post it tonight. I have the same problem with not having enough reach. Where the guys there with all the 500mm?

 

[wackii]

It's possibly the lens or my shaky hands. I'll bring my tripod if it arrived by Friday and test that out again.

Hey bc_steve, I don't think it's the shutter speed too slow. Those two shots were using ISO 400 at 1/1600 shutter speed. I believe it's too far and my lens or my hands shake quite a bit. I couldn't get the camera as steady as I wanted so next weekend I will bring my tripod. Hopefully, that helps... It could be my Sigma lens unable to get good focus at that far distance.

I also like the second picture of the Heron. I have a much better angle and light today compared with the one I took yesterday. Birds photography is addictive.

Thanks,

You're right, 1/1600 is quite fast. Maybe it is the lens?

and yes, bird photography is quite adddictive

 

[HL45]

It's possibly the lens or my shaky hands. I'll bring my tripod if it arrived by Friday and test that out again.

Hey bc_steve, I don't think it's the shutter speed too slow. Those two shots were using ISO 400 at 1/1600 shutter speed. I believe it's too far and my lens or my hands shake quite a bit. I couldn't get the camera as steady as I wanted so next weekend I will bring my tripod. Hopefully, that helps... It could be my Sigma lens unable to get good focus at that far distance.

I also like the second picture of the Heron. I have a much better angle and light today compared with the one I took yesterday. Birds photography is addictive.

Thanks,

You're right, 1/1600 is quite fast. Maybe it is the lens?

and yes, bird photography is quite adddictive

Might take a shutter release too!

What lens are you using??

Nice shots, #4 wings down is my favorite of the set!

 

[wackii]

It's possibly the lens or my shaky hands. I'll bring my tripod if it arrived by Friday and test that out again.

You're right, 1/1600 is quite fast. Maybe it is the lens?

and yes, bird photography is quite adddictive

Might take a shutter release too!

What lens are you using??

Nice shots, #4 wings down is my favorite of the set!

I'm using the Sigma 50-500mm OS version. Thanks for reminding me about the shutter release. I've just received an email that my tripod won't be here till Monday... what a bummer! I might take my small tripod for support. I just need to be careful.