Sacred Kingfisher, one perch sequence at 10 FPS

[nzmacro]

Pre-focused on a perch at the estuary and just waited this particular day. Something I do often and just relax. Set up for a fast burst coming in at 10 FPS. A couple of bursts in there.

1: Heading back with a small crab

2: Sizing up the stump

3: Ready for touchdown

4: The eagle has landed

5: Skull that crab

6: Crab was good, but need another one

7: In search of the next feast

Sony NEX-7, Canon FD 500 F/4.5L, 1/4000, ISO 400 @ F/4.5.

All the best folks.

Danny.

 

[snerd]

All killer as usual! Those pro-grade canon lenses are sweet, but expensive!! Oh well, has to be something I can't have and dream about.

 

[coastalconn]

Nice series, Danny!

 

[dxqcanada1]

Great shots.
This is a great example of wildlife photographers that know their subjects ... habits, environment, location.

Actually the Canon FD 500mm f/4.5 is a lot cheaper than the Canon EF 500mm f/4 ... $1800.00 vs $11000.00

 

[Bamps]

Very nice!!! I like the narration!!

 

[snerd]

................. Actually the Canon FD 500mm f/4.5 is a lot cheaper than the Canon EF 500mm f/4 ... $1800.00 vs $11000.00

Dood............... I'm on the wagon! Why don't you just pull out a bottle of whiskey and tempt me some more?!


:lmao: :mrgreen:

 

[nzmacro]

Great shots.
This is a great example of wildlife photographers that know their subjects ... habits, environment, location.

Actually the Canon FD 500mm f/4.5 is a lot cheaper than the Canon EF 500mm f/4 ... $1800.00 vs $11000.00

Correct The FD manual focus I use is getting old like me, I could afford the new version, but I couldn't afford the divorce settlement that would go with it . The FD tele lenses are all still darn sharp.

All the best and thanks folks.

Danny.

 

[dxqcanada1]

Remember ... us "old timers" did everything with manual focus ... and I often shut off AF to get the best shot.
I still don't really trust AF.

 

[nzmacro]

Remember ... us "old timers" did everything with manual focus ... and I often shut off AF to get the best shot.
I still don't really trust AF.

Yep , same here. I shoot with a few Canon folks using the long fast teles and I get to hear all the swear words when AF doesn't lock on or locks on something else. Always makes me smile, LOL. The secret is the short focus throw, internal focus and the tripod mount is perfectly placed for MF on the 500mm. I also have a Sigma MF 500 F/4.5 APO and its a pain to manual focus because of where the tripod mount is and its front heavy. Enter the Canon

All the best and thanks.

Danny.

 

[dxqcanada1]

Danny ... have you ever tried to hand-hold that 500mm or on a monopod ?
Just asking, as I may consider switching to MF + NEX at some time in the future ... and I am not a tripod user (even though I have one).

 

[baturn]

Wow, what a set! the word that came immediately to mind was exquisite. One more Wow!

 

[nzmacro]

Danny ... have you ever tried to hand-hold that 500mm or on a monopod ?
Just asking, as I may consider switching to MF + NEX at some time in the future ... and I am not a tripod user (even though I have one).

The 300 F/2.8L and the 500 F/4.5L are always hand held for BIF's. If I plan to stay in one spot for sometime, I will mount the 500 on a tripod like these shots. The 500 is a walk around lens. The 800 F/5.6L is always mounted on the tripod Dennis, obvious to see why . Monopods are a large help when you first start out with them, then you learn you don't really need them. I'm going on 60 Dennis, so its not too bad in weight at around 2.5 Kg.

The weight of the 500mm is something you get used to, the secret is how balanced it is really and not so much the weight. The NEX has the focus peaking for MF lenses and once you try it, you will see how easy it can be. I use a couple of techniques for BIF's, but focus peaking is a nice feature to have. 3 colours to choose from and 3 contrast settings for focus peaking, its not perfect, but its pretty darn good to have. I will add a Sony A6000 shortly, I need two bodies Dennis and at around $650 US for the body only, its a bargain IMO. The long "L" teles really suit the 24 meg APS-C sensor, that sensor is amazing for cropping and the res of the lenses seem to hold up well. A good match IMO.

All the best Dennis and any questions, just fire off a PM, no problem.

Danny.

 

[wackii]

Beautiful set... You've nailed it like usual. Love the action #5. Thanks for sharing...

 

[IzzieK]

I not only love the shots but also the story...shots are all perfect, and the entertainment is the bonus. As usual I am jealous but birdography is a very expensive undertaking I should tread on very slowly...

 

[b_twill]

Beautiful as always! The kingfishers around here stay on the other side of the pond or fly in the tree line. I keep thinking their call sounds like they are laughing at me as they fly by! I'm determined to get a good shot of these guys. Feel like a road trip to the States to some tutoring?