Rose-Breasted Grosbek & Indigo Bunting

[Bill C]

GROSBEAK not Grosbek

I'm still 'experimenting' with my equipment. This morning I had the tripod and wimberley sidekick setup with the 70-200 2.8 and TC 1.7, and used a cable release on the S5. I got quite a few 'acceptable' shots (at least more than before). oops ... forgot to turn off VR - corrected that and got some better shots, but nothing great. (beginning to think the s5 not as sharp as s2) - as I took everything down and putting it away, I saw this beautiful bird at the feeder - took the shot hand-held with 70-200 (no TC) - looked it up and found that it is a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (still learning my birds : ) ... thought it turned out better than most of mine! 2nd shot is an out of focus Indigo Bunting.
Bill

[Ol'coot]

Bill,

I should have read all of the new post prior to send the previous one where I told you to take the new Sidekick out and get some bird shots LOL! Wonderful shot on the Grosbeak we only see them once in a while here, And nice shot of the Indigo Bunting, I have never see on here but did get a few shots of one while in Tennessee last year. Your hooked now, there is no turning back, once bird photography takes hold you are hooked for life.

[Bill C]

Thanks for the feedback Tony, but my new 'addiction' is due in part to the wonderful bird images you and others have posted here! Next purchase is probably the D700 - then, I think I better lay off new purchases for a while. I survived a layoff and work, but salary was reduced - so, guess I better watch my spending for a while.
It sure is disappointing when you setup for a shot, get it, then find out that it is out of focus ... however, the more I practice the percentage of good shots is improving.
Thanks for the encouragement. (donations accepted for new camera lens :)
Bill

[Ol'coot]

Bill you are doing great, it is easy to see the constant improvments being made, nothing takes the place of shooting, the more you shoot the better the photos and the learning never ends. I am glad you missed the cut at work jobs are really tough to find right now, I work for one of tier 1 auto parts suppliers to all of the major automakers worldwide and with all problems in this industry I feel very fortunate to have a steady job at this time.

[KeithM]

...(beginning to think the s5 not as sharp as s2)...

Bill

Have you got any noise reduction switched in Bill ?? I just read this article about noise (http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/05/noise-is-your-friend.html) on the Online Photographer, and the point is made that we need low level noise to see detail ( and the usual observation that NR does make images look plastic ).

I don't believe the S5 will have worse noise performance than the S2, but Fuji bowed to the need to keep up with the low-noise pack, and have been a bit over-enthusiastic in noise reduction.

Just a thought :)

Keith.

[Auminer]

Bill, take a closer look at those two photos, #1 was shot at f4 and 1/500 with a 300mm focal length...where as #2 was shot at f7.1 and 1/80 with a 510mm focal length.
Watch your speed and get it up there in the 500 range if possible. :cool:Next purchase is probably the D700 -...and you'll never look back! :D
Matter of fact, you'll be shooting these shots at maybe f7.1 and 1/1600 at 540 ISO for example. :woot: ...handheld...

[GaryB]

Frustrating isn't it :) - but you are definitely getting there.....

[Bill C]

Frustrating isn't it :) - but you are definitely getting there.....

Not as frustrating as it was at first, with all the tips and encouragement all my friends here are giving me!
Thanks!
Bill

[Bill C]

Bill, take a closer look at those two photos, #1 was shot at f4 and 1/500 with a 300mm focal length...where as #2 was shot at f7.1 and 1/80 with a 510mm focal length.
Watch your speed and get it up there in the 500 range if possible. :cool:...and you'll never look back! :D
Matter of fact, you'll be shooting these shots at maybe f7.1 and 1/1600 at 540 ISO for example. :woot: ...handheld...
Thanks Dave - definitely looks like shutter speed is the key for many of these shots.
As usual, thanks for the support/tips.
Bill

[Bill C]

Have you got any noise reduction switched in Bill ?? I just read this article about noise (http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/05/noise-is-your-friend.html) on the Online Photographer, and the point is made that we need low level noise to see detail ( and the usual observation that NR does make images look plastic ).

I don't believe the S5 will have worse noise performance than the S2, but Fuji bowed to the need to keep up with the low-noise pack, and have been a bit over-enthusiastic in noise reduction.

Just a thought :)

Keith.
Hi Keith - thanks for the reference. I'll have to look at it tonight as the site is blocked from my work location. I try to be careful with noise reduction, as you are correct, NR can make things look 'plastic'/artificial. I've been using LightRoom to convert the RAW files and trying to minimize the noise reduction settings, and when I use Capture One to convert, there is a point in which results look really bad. I have to keep practicing!
Thanks again,
Bill