I went out for the first time with my new 200-400 VR yesterday since I got it (curses to the rain we have been having!). I popped down to the WWT in Hammersmith to get in some birding as I haven't been there before.
My favourite picture of the day actually turned out to be this simple Mallard portrait. I wanted to see how close the lens would focus and was surprised to find its VERY close so lots of frame filling close ups are possible.
I know ducks are not the most inspiring of birds and portraits get a little boring sometimes but theres something about this that I really like.
As far as the lens goes, I was VERY impressed with it. Amazingly sharp even wide open at max zoom! As you can see in this shot - the high res file even holds up to %100 magnification and is still sharp as you like!
D200, 200-400 VR at 400mm, 1/160 second at f4 resting on a small beanbag, ISO 200
Hi Richard,nice sharp shot of the female mallard but needs lot more space on right hand side for the bird to look into
Posted by Elliott Neep on May 24, 2006 at 11:01 AM
I think mallard are highly underated! Take a male mallard with its beautiful green iridescent head plumage or this female with the intricate shades of browns and tan. Plus they will give you the best practice for starting out. Have just had a whole bunch accepted by an agent as nobody has been doing them I like this shot, strong composition and bold with great clarity and sharpness. I don't feel that the tightness is an issue.
A very nice portrait of a female Mallard Richard, the bg colour complements the browns and blacks the dull lighting has brought out the detail in the feathers, and normally I would like a little more room but this seems to work and I actually like how tight it is in the frame.
A very pleasing shot Richard the browns and greens set each other off very nicely. My only nit is that its too tight in the frame. I would extend the canvas a bit on the right hand side
Discussion
6 repliesMy favourite picture of the day actually turned out to be this simple Mallard portrait. I wanted to see how close the lens would focus and was surprised to find its VERY close so lots of frame filling close ups are possible.
I know ducks are not the most inspiring of birds and portraits get a little boring sometimes but theres something about this that I really like.
As far as the lens goes, I was VERY impressed with it. Amazingly sharp even wide open at max zoom! As you can see in this shot - the high res file even holds up to %100 magnification and is still sharp as you like!
D200, 200-400 VR at 400mm, 1/160 second at f4 resting on a small beanbag, ISO 200
Nice one
The lens certainly looks sharp - good detail/contrast and a nice BG!
David
Have fun with the new lense - sounds a cracker.
John
Really looking forward to getting out some more when the weather allows, hopefully to get an even better idea of what this lens can do!