Canon 5D, Canon 500mm f4 & 1.4X extender, 1/800 @ f 8.0, Iso 800,
+ 1/3 exposure compensation, Raw.
Beanbag on car window.
Levels, hue/saturation, Neatimage, Converted using Lightroom.
Small crop off of the left.
Posted by Rob Howard on August 24, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Hi Justin,
The colours on this just scream out of the screen at you Really nice effect with Shallow depth of field, giving a OoF FG and BG. Razor sharp and a good composition.
You're enjoying the 500 then
Regards
Rob
Posted by Alan Bryant on August 24, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Great shot, Justin!
Have you taken that Canon 500 on any long walks yet? I`m considering `upgrading` from the Sigma 500mm f/4.5, but am but off by the extra size and weight. (I tend to lug my stuff on foot around the Gower Peninsula with me, and am struggling with the Sigma 500!)
Posted by Dave Bartlett on August 24, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Cracking shot - especially like the bg and dof. A much neglected bird.
Dave
Posted by Major Gilbert on August 25, 2008 at 3:14 AM
Nice one Justin. Showing the Starlings plumage off well.
Have you taken that Canon 500 on any long walks yet?
Hi Jeremy,
No not really. I've been out for a few hours and walked a few miles but not much more than that so far. I thought it would be a lot heavier than it is but I find it very easy to carry over the shoulder especially with the tripod legs extended. I find once you've got the optimum point of balance it doesn't really feel heavy at all. I'll probably eat my words once I've done some more strenuous hikes with it
Prior to getting it I used to carry pretty much everything with me which always made for a very heavy backback. However I now find myself taking just the big lens, a macro lens and a couple of camera bodies, so in actual fact I'm probably carrying a lot less weight than I used to.
I put off buying one for a long time as I tended to walk fairly long distances and liked the light weight and versatility of the 100-400mm. Now I've had first hand experience with the 500mm I don't regret the decision for a second and wouldn't have it any other way.
I'd say go for it, I'm sure you won't find find the size or weight much of an issue, especially as your already used to carrying your Sigma 500mm around.
Justin, thanks for your response. You are obviously a better man than me! I`m still undecided about switching to the Canon, or perhaps the DG version of the Sigma. The main advantages of the Sigma to a weakling (and becoming weaker) like me are the relatively small size, light weight, and handholdability compared to the Canon. Do you find the Canon easy to handhold? (Sorry to hijack your thread!)
Apart from the occasional grab shot I havn't really used it handheld yet, only on a tripod or a beanbag so far. According to a lot of opinions I've read on the web, and I'm sure you have too, handholding the lens isn't especially difficult once you get used to it and I guess with birds in flight you're probably only actually holding it up for reasonibly short periods at a time before being able to lower it to a resting position.
Personally I would rather suffer the extra weight as for me the f4.0 aperture (AF with a Canon 1.4X) and the Image Stabilizer far outweigh any weight penalty.
Discussion
16 replies+ 1/3 exposure compensation, Raw.
Beanbag on car window.
Levels, hue/saturation, Neatimage, Converted using Lightroom.
Small crop off of the left.
Hi,
One from a couple of days ago.
LARGER PANORAMIC VERSION
All comments always welcome and appreciated.
The colours on this just scream out of the screen at you
You're enjoying the 500 then
Regards
Rob
They a awesome looking bird close up.
Absolutely loving it
Have you taken that Canon 500 on any long walks yet? I`m considering `upgrading` from the Sigma 500mm f/4.5, but am but off by the extra size and weight. (I tend to lug my stuff on foot around the Gower Peninsula with me, and am struggling with the Sigma 500!)
Dave
Major
Hi Jeremy,
No not really. I've been out for a few hours and walked a few miles but not much more than that so far. I thought it would be a lot heavier than it is but I find it very easy to carry over the shoulder especially with the tripod legs extended. I find once you've got the optimum point of balance it doesn't really feel heavy at all. I'll probably eat my words once I've done some more strenuous hikes with it
Prior to getting it I used to carry pretty much everything with me which always made for a very heavy backback. However I now find myself taking just the big lens, a macro lens and a couple of camera bodies, so in actual fact I'm probably carrying a lot less weight than I used to.
I put off buying one for a long time as I tended to walk fairly long distances and liked the light weight and versatility of the 100-400mm. Now I've had first hand experience with the 500mm I don't regret the decision for a second and wouldn't have it any other way.
I'd say go for it, I'm sure you won't find find the size or weight much of an issue, especially as your already used to carrying your Sigma 500mm around.
Beautifully sharp and vibrant image-Glad to hear that you are getting on with the lens-it will be your best friend for many years
Dave
Really like this shot - nice to see a common bird featuring in a top shot.
Cheers, Chris
Hi Jeremy,
Apart from the occasional grab shot I havn't really used it handheld yet, only on a tripod or a beanbag so far. According to a lot of opinions I've read on the web, and I'm sure you have too, handholding the lens isn't especially difficult once you get used to it and I guess with birds in flight you're probably only actually holding it up for reasonibly short periods at a time before being able to lower it to a resting position.
Personally I would rather suffer the extra weight as for me the f4.0 aperture (AF with a Canon 1.4X) and the Image Stabilizer far outweigh any weight penalty.