Posted by John Swift on February 14, 2007 at 11:55 AM
1D MKII N, 600IS + 1.4TC, ISO 500, 1/640s @ f5.6, C1 Pro, CS2.
I saw this chap start to hunt the bank from some way off so I grabbed the 600 + 1.4TC and bounded gazelle like up the steep embankment side (OK more like an Sloth with arthritic knees) at the top I crouched down by a bush and rested the lens on one knee cushioned by my hand and shot several images as the Owl hunted towards me. Once inside my nearest focus length I simply watched as he slowly passed me by, hovering every few feet (the owl that is, not me you understand. My yogic flying is still at the novice stage).
I'm constantly surprised by the difference I'm seeing with IS in the long lenses and I'm convinced that this shot would not have been successful with my Sigma 300-800 on my D2x in the same circumstances. Excellent lens though it is and coincidentally still for sale.
Regards
JohnS
Posted by Ian McGuire on February 14, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Stunning shot, John - lovely light, and sharp focus
Ian
Posted by Graeme Lee on February 14, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Stunning indeed. Good skills
Posted by Andy Shepherd on February 14, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Hi John,
This is just superb , the light , the bg and the detail make this an image and an experience to envy , great capture.
ps
Now were back to what this forum does best , great wildlife photography !!!
Envious regards
Andy...
Posted by David Kjaer on February 14, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Beautiful John - I want one!
David
Posted by jack chapman on February 14, 2007 at 1:42 PM
great subject, great action, nice background, wonderful composition, lovely light and razor sharp. I think that's everything. Well done
I really like this shot, but it sits slightly uncomfortable in my eye as every time I see it I think , the subject needs moved up slightly, or the subject needs moved down slightly - but I canot decide which.
Posted by Pete Etheridge on February 15, 2007 at 5:14 AM
I could never bore of shots of Barn Owls! Absolutely wonderful - and like Phil says, an entertaining and interesting story to go with it!
Posted by Mark Sisson on February 15, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Very very good indeed - don't you just love it when it all comes together!
Mark
Posted by Rob Howard on February 15, 2007 at 1:23 PM
Hi John,
A really stunning shot, I love the gentle "S" curve of his wings. I never tire of seeing these fantastic birds.
Well Done
Regards
Rob
Posted by Andy Astbury on February 16, 2007 at 4:22 AM
Just a fantastic shot! The lighting is simply perfect here and highlights the bird's uniquely specialized facial features. And then the bg is colorful without overwhelming the subject. Well done, arthritic knees and all.
Discussion
26 repliesI saw this chap start to hunt the bank from some way off so I grabbed the 600 + 1.4TC and bounded gazelle like up the steep embankment side (OK more like an Sloth with arthritic knees) at the top I crouched down by a bush and rested the lens on one knee cushioned by my hand and shot several images as the Owl hunted towards me. Once inside my nearest focus length I simply watched as he slowly passed me by, hovering every few feet (the owl that is, not me you understand. My yogic flying is still at the novice stage).
I'm constantly surprised by the difference I'm seeing with IS in the long lenses and I'm convinced that this shot would not have been successful with my Sigma 300-800 on my D2x in the same circumstances. Excellent lens though it is and coincidentally still for sale.
Regards
JohnS
Ian
This is just superb , the light , the bg and the detail make this an image and an experience to envy , great capture.
ps
Now were back to what this forum does best , great wildlife photography !!!
Envious regards
Andy...
David
Phillip.
Me like!
Great shot. I've never seen a barn owl at such close quarters, let alone photographed one.
Well done.
Rob
Simon
Martin
Tony B
Tim
Mark
A really stunning shot, I love the gentle "S" curve of his wings. I never tire of seeing these fantastic birds.
Well Done
Regards
Rob
'Nuf said.
Regards
Andy
Raff
Rene de Heer