Posted by Andy Astbury on October 4, 2008 at 7:45 AM
Boring subject no doubt for some, but as a technical exercise I think it just about works.
Manual, matrix metered with -0.7EV off the blank sky giving 1/1600th @ f6.3.
SB800 plus Better Beamer in TTL mode at -2.3EV just to add some lift to the shadow under the far wing.
D300
ISO 800
200-400 AF Nikor @350mm
VR active
AF tracking lock-on OFF
Continuous servo, Big White Rectangle idiot dumbo mode - just right for me!
Cropped for comp top and bottom only.
Now all we need is some more practice and some more impressive subjects
looks about perfect to me Andy, both in terms of exposure and composition. I reckon you'd have got away with ISO 400 though.
I'll be digging my 400mm lens and Better Beamer out any day now.
Matt
Posted by Andy Astbury on October 4, 2008 at 8:21 AM
I wasn't taking any chances Matt - 400 would have put me at either f4.5 or 1/800th - I was after a tack sharp action stopping shot and the D300 is pretty fine at 800.
Interesting Andy, no 'nits' for me! Just be careful with that beamer no one mistakes you for a lighthouse
Posted by David Kjaer on October 4, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Hi Andy
No subject is boring if photographed well and you got it all right with this one!
David
Posted by Paula Graham on October 4, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Looks pretty good to me and not nearly as easy as it looks!
Posted by Rob Howard on October 4, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Hi Andy,
Exposed perfectly with impressive detail in the underwing!!
I find Stonechats in flight a good challenge especially not blowing the white neck patches!!
Good one
Regards
Rob
Posted by David Taylor on October 4, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Excellent. Great capture against a complementary BG.
Posted by Paul Inglis on October 4, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Hi Andy,
This is one superb BIF shot with some stunning detail! Out of curiosity were you hand-holding the 200-400mm? I have found it is quite manageable over short periods.
Posted by Paul Hillion on October 4, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Great shot Andy, looks like the practice is paying off as you've nailed this one perfectly. Look forward to seeing more results from your practice sessions
Posted by Andy Astbury on October 4, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Yes it's hand-held Mr Inglis - you can't (well I can't at any rate!) really track birds this close from a tripod as it's too restrictive.
Discussion
12 repliesManual, matrix metered with -0.7EV off the blank sky giving 1/1600th @ f6.3.
SB800 plus Better Beamer in TTL mode at -2.3EV just to add some lift to the shadow under the far wing.
D300
ISO 800
200-400 AF Nikor @350mm
VR active
AF tracking lock-on OFF
Continuous servo, Big White Rectangle idiot dumbo mode - just right for me!
Cropped for comp top and bottom only.
Now all we need is some more practice and some more impressive subjects
I'll be digging my 400mm lens and Better Beamer out any day now.
Matt
I do take your point though
No subject is boring if photographed well and you got it all right with this one!
David
Exposed perfectly with impressive detail in the underwing!!
I find Stonechats in flight a good challenge especially not blowing the white neck patches!!
Good one
Regards
Rob
This is one superb BIF shot with some stunning detail! Out of curiosity were you hand-holding the 200-400mm? I have found it is quite manageable over short periods.
All the best & speak soon