Posted by Phil Shaw on January 22, 2007 at 8:33 AM
Booted Eagle(Hieraaetus pennatus)– Masai Mara, Kenya.
Canon EOS 1D2N, 600/f4 + 1.4ex, beanbag.
Manual exposure mode f8, 1/640, iso 800.
RAW image processed in Capture One; sharpened in Photoshop CS2, full frame.
I think a lot of people are reluctant to use higher ISO settings, even though the image they are trying to capture would benefit from a higher shutter speed or more depth of field. During this last trip to Kenya I was forced to shoot at ISO 800 or 1000 a lot of time because of the low light levels and I’m perfectly happy with the results: this is an example. No noise reduction software has been used in processing.
With my camera (1Ds2) I have no issues with using 400ASA, however dependant upon the BG I try not to go above 800ASA as you tend to see nise in any dark backgrounds (the joys of photography in the UK).
It has been said before you get less noise the further right you go on that histogram, hence if (as with the above) if the BG is a nice light hue I will venture to 800ASA if required.
I sometimes wish that Canon would let you set the shutter speed and aperature on their top end models and the ASA varies to give you the correct exposure.
Posted by Chas Spradbery on January 22, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Fabulously clear & sharp especially at that ISO level.
With the 1Dmk2 I own, I am not reluctant to use it above ISO 800 if needed. I think 1200 is the max I would go, without NR.
I really like the pose of this eagle. I could not ID it by heart though. Brown raptor, yellow feet, yellow base of bill, brown eyes. Could be anything I am not questioning that you did the ID right
Hi Phil is it a dark phase bird the only ones I've seen have been lighter in colour all over with very pale legs, either way it's a very nice image I quite often use ISO 800 and Hi 1 as it is on the d2x, the only trouble with the d2x iso1600 really isn't 1600 and can be anywhere from 1250 2000 mine is closer to iso2000 when set to Hi 1.
Phillip.
Posted by szekiat chan on January 22, 2007 at 11:50 AM
how does this look in print? say about A3 sized?
Posted by Elliott Neep on January 22, 2007 at 1:53 PM
Posted by John Swift on January 22, 2007 at 3:44 PM
That is quite simply a stunning eagle image in every way Phil.
On the noise question, having just changed system from Nikon to Canon I've been very pleased indeed with how much better the Canon system performs and have no reservation going to ISO1250 to get the speed I need for a shot. However, I would also echo Toms’ comments with respect to noise being far more intrusive in darker tones and I look for lighter backgrounds in these circumstances.
Regards
JohnS
Posted by Paul Williams on January 22, 2007 at 5:11 PM
Great..... what super luck that the eagle landed on a great perch too.
A pleasure to view and thanks for sharing Phil...
Posted by Mark sellings on January 23, 2007 at 6:39 AM
no nits from me, just great work as always
Mark
Posted by Philip Kirkham on January 23, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Hello Phil
Excellent capture, I must say that I totally agree with your comments about ISO, we don't need to be afraid about increasing it to obtain better shutter speeds.
Best wishes
Phil
Posted by Graeme Lee on January 23, 2007 at 6:03 PM
Incredible......... so much so it almost pi**es me off
Inspiring image Phil.
Graeme
Posted by Tony Beazley on January 26, 2007 at 1:37 AM
Very nice and well done...what a frame!!!
Still waiting for a day like this for me
Discussion
15 repliesBooted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) – Masai Mara, Kenya.
Canon EOS 1D2N, 600/f4 + 1.4ex, beanbag.
Manual exposure mode f8, 1/640, iso 800.
RAW image processed in Capture One; sharpened in Photoshop CS2, full frame.
I think a lot of people are reluctant to use higher ISO settings, even though the image they are trying to capture would benefit from a higher shutter speed or more depth of field. During this last trip to Kenya I was forced to shoot at ISO 800 or 1000 a lot of time because of the low light levels and I’m perfectly happy with the results: this is an example. No noise reduction software has been used in processing.
With my camera (1Ds2) I have no issues with using 400ASA, however dependant upon the BG I try not to go above 800ASA as you tend to see nise in any dark backgrounds (the joys of photography in the UK).
It has been said before you get less noise the further right you go on that histogram, hence if (as with the above) if the BG is a nice light hue I will venture to 800ASA if required.
I sometimes wish that Canon would let you set the shutter speed and aperature on their top end models and the ASA varies to give you the correct exposure.
I really like the pose of this eagle. I could not ID it by heart though. Brown raptor, yellow feet, yellow base of bill, brown eyes. Could be anything
P
Phillip.
Raff
On the noise question, having just changed system from Nikon to Canon I've been very pleased indeed with how much better the Canon system performs and have no reservation going to ISO1250 to get the speed I need for a shot. However, I would also echo Toms’ comments with respect to noise being far more intrusive in darker tones and I look for lighter backgrounds in these circumstances.
Regards
JohnS
Just a great image. Enough said
John Lee
A pleasure to view and thanks for sharing Phil...
Mark
Excellent capture, I must say that I totally agree with your comments about ISO, we don't need to be afraid about increasing it to obtain better shutter speeds.
Best wishes
Phil
Inspiring image Phil.
Graeme
Still waiting for a day like this for me