I went out looking for BOP this morning and was unbelievably lucky - I found a juvenile black-shouldered kite. Lucky I looked at my photos on the camera while I was there and realised it was a parent and juvenile, not a pair, so I could take lots of photos - 200+!
Hey they are sensational Birdgirl . That Juv is really pretty isn't it?
What kind of zoom were you on to get them so clear and sharp at that distance? You can obviously hand hold very steadily ? I am history as far as that is concerned these days.
Well done and thanks for showing us
Love 'em :)
Birdie
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Hi birdie
I've got a pansonic lumix fz50. THe lens is 35-420 and I have a 1.7x teleconversion lens. That's why I can get images of BOP flying, but they are fuzzy because they are really far away. I was sitting in the car, using a ss of 1/1000 sec + leaning the camera against the window frame. I'm happy but they are still softer than I'd like - I prefer absolutely sharp photos - I have never been a fan of soft focus, although I might need it for myself in my old age!
I try using 1/1000 to control shake, but it just doesn't do it as my hands are just too jittery these days... old age setting in I guess :)
I was trying to catch a Brahminy Kite at it's nest the other day and I kept looking round for a tree to lean against , but each time i found one I had a branch in the way or I couldn't relocate the bird!
A tripod is not really helpful when you are looking up at an angle of 45 degree minimum! Not that I had one with me anyway of course.
I think most of us would like our shots to be pin sharp, but sadly it is not always possible.
Your camera/lens set up does a great job anyway.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
I never use a tripod - I haven't met any birds that stay still for a photo!
I agree with birdie, six fine shots of the imm BSK Birdgirl.
The best raptor shots from you so far, I think :)
@ birdie, a monopod may be helpful.
Cheers,
al
Cheers,
al
Central Victoria
https://sites.google.com/site/blackhillreservekyneton/home
Very nice shots Birdgirl
Hi,my favorite bird of prey ,i'm lucky to have a pair nesting across the road from where i work in carrum downs and have been able to watch the young learn to hunt and move on over the last 6 years.
SOFT!!!!
it amazes me what people expect from what is basically a compact with a great lens.
Your photos are great,i know people with gear worth tens of thousands and still cant take a decent photo!
keep up the good work,and heaven help us if you got your hands on a SLR and a mono pod cheers sparrow
Al, I do have one and I even carry it in the boot of my car permanently these days, but I still don't seem to have it near when I need it. Is it really useful even when you are looking skywards? I get in such a panic when I am trying to catch birds in flight that I wouldn't have chance I don't think.
Al did you see my Osprey shots, under "a day at the beach" I think I posted them. I had such a stiff neck that day!
The the next day I found the Brahminy and made it even worse. they were not spectacular shots so I didn't post them. What a magnificent bird though, and the nest was humongous!!
Cheers
Birdie
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Oh Sparrow.... you took the words right out of my mouth! Soft indeed.... I don't think so!
Sunshine Coast Queensland
okay - I admit I am thrilled with the photos because they are the best I've taken so far and the bird is exquisite - it's just that if I get a perfect photo opportunity I want to take a perfect photo. It's not all bad - it keeps me trying to do better and better.
Sparrow I had my slr, a Pentax k1000 - fully manual - for about 24 years. When I got this one I quickly converted to the joys of taking endless photos at no cost and checking photos straight after taking them, also downloading and posting of course
Birdgirl, the K1000 was one of the best and most solid old workhorses that was ever invented! Many a photographer started out on one of those that is for sure. The colleges and techs used to run them as their standard years ago , and they would never die. But it is fun to get into doing so many and not having to pay , isn't it? Unfortunately for me, when I worked for Canon, I got to play with all the good stuff, and see lots of work done by great photographers with it, but have never been able to afford it since! it kind of spoils you , but we have to work with what we have and you are right, push what you have to do the very best you can do with it.
You are doing just that I reckon!
Cheers
Birdie
Sunshine Coast Queensland
you too - it's great to see you getting some shots of BOP too. It gets addictive!
I got years of great photos with the k1000. I knew it really well too, I had read the whole manual - unusual for me!
I was being a bit tongue in cheek about the SLR there's obviously nothing wrong with the camera your using your photos are brilliant and getting better with every post
I do know people with kits we can only dream about and there photos still stink!
I think these are your best yet and eagerly await your next post.
i just meant " soft " is a way of saying ,i didn't quite get it and im not alone in saying " you nailed it ".
cheers sparrow
The pics are just sooooo good Birdgirl.
Al
Unreal Birdgirl....I love #5, top shots.
Lovely photos, I've seen them once hovering and you couldn't get within 100m of them! Agree with Tassie #5 is a showstopper, well done
stunning shots birdgirl. Thanks for sharing
Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
Awesome photos!
Great photos Birdgirl, I agree with sparrow- these photos are sharp, and there are a lot of people with a top of the range kit but can't photos that are commensurate to their kit.
Oxalis is not my friend
Thanks everyone. The juveniles are so pretty. I went out again today and found the parent with 2 juveniles! I'm about to post today's shots.
Hev good to hear from you - I was wondering where you'd gone!