More Birds

**reddmann** · 02-19-2011, 08:30 AM

A woodpecker and couple of other birds. Woodpecker exif is shutter priority, 1/500th, f8, FL 250, iso 400. Other pic is shutter priority, 1/500, f5.6, iso200, FL250.

**wtlwdwgn** · 02-19-2011, 10:11 AM

I think these are the best two images in your bird series. Reasonably sharp (especially the dove on the right in the 2nd pic) and good exposures. Perhaps in the future you may want to rent a better lens to see if it helps your shooting. It did mine. I've rented the EF 400mm f/5.6L from LensRentals. It's very sharp with very quick and accurate focusing. No IS but it's light enough to hand hold even for me. I got this using this lens.

**reddmann** · 02-19-2011, 01:21 PM

Thanks, wtlwtwgn. I've been thinking about renting a lens, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

**boatwake** · 02-20-2011, 06:44 AM

Wow James. You are progressing big time fast. Keep shoot'n and we will be asking you for tips some day. Enjoy check'n out your work. Tom

**reddmann** · 02-20-2011, 08:33 AM

Thanks, boatwake.

**EricD** · 02-20-2011, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by wtlwdwgn

I think these are the best two images in your bird series. Reasonably sharp (especially the dove on the right in the 2nd pic) and good exposures. Perhaps in the future you may want to rent a better lens to see if it helps your shooting. It did mine. I've rented the EF 400mm f/5.6L from LensRentals. It's very sharp with very quick and accurate focusing. No IS but it's light enough to hand hold even for me. I got this using this lens.

I would agree...

That second shot is very nice!

**Sage** · 02-20-2011, 06:46 PM

James, two excellent images. I can see a marked improvement. The shutter priority mode makes a big difference in bird images even if your lens is not top quality. Try upping your shutter speed to 1/1250 for sitting birds and 1/2000 for BIFs. (In sunlight) Also, for a single bird, use spot metering to get the best focus. The result will surprise you. The first one has great composition and clarity. Maybe cropping more off the left side and bottom would improve it. I love the minimal look. The second one is good, but the dove on the left is OOF just a tad. BUT, the composition and color are super. You are developing an eye and a feel for what you're wanting to do. Glad you're posting your images and continuing to work on your skills.