Hi there, managed to get a couple of shots of a greenfinch today at home in the garden. The trouble is, I don't know if it is a female greenfinch Or a juvenile. (very new to the world of bird photography)
:confused:

easty-uk :)

and here's another, eating a sunflower seed.

easty-uk :)

Wow those are super sharp. Can I ask what lens you were using? How close were you?

Curious as I am new to bird photography as well.

Hi there Loupey, and thank's for comment.

I took them with the canon EF400 f/5.6L from a distance of around 5m. I have just bought the lens 4 days ago, so I trying to learn how to use it (never had a big lens before nevermind a prime).
For these pictures I used a tripod, 15m extension and cable release.
The lens is fantastic and ultra quick to auto focus. I love it.
The quality of pictures have improved ten times since buying this lens. I just have to learn how to take a great picture now lol

best wishes

Tony

The quality of pictures have improved ten times since buying this lens. I just have to learn how to take a great picture now lol

best wishes

Tony

Tony, then I think you are learning fast :) That bullfinch shot is also terrific.

There is at least one other person running around these parts with the same 400mm prime. His reaction is pretty much like yours - must be a great lens to use! I remember it being fairly light, small, and "short" for its power. All good things in the field.

Hope you'll stick around.

: Super shots, I think its a female, but Paulnj will confirm this.

Its great to see some examples from this lense, and i like what i see! you will probably find bird photography is quite addictive.:thumbsup:

Well done Tony!

Nice, nice, nice!!

Very good capture :) U captured this one with a 400mm and a extension tube ?

Hi there and thank you all for your comments.
Knight, this was just taken using the 400mm, no extension tubes from around 4-5m

Bevb, I'm already addicted. lol

Tony.

Tony, I'd say you're quickly getting the hang of that new lens.
John

I would say it's a female, but I am not familiar with that species first hand being from the US. Young finches are more buffy looking in the US, so I would say the same holds true on your side of the pind :wink:

So in reading your stats I came to the conclusion that you prefocus on the perch and trip the shutter from 15M away as to give the subject a secure distance.

Am I correct in thinking that?

Hi there paulnj,
I'm using the 350d which has 7 AF points. What i have been doing is focusing the 6th AF point maybe 1cm(ish) from the top of the "stump" pressing the shutter button to focus on that point. Then I change the AF point to the center point and maybe move the camera up alittle or left and right untill I get the centrer point to where I'm hoping the birds head will be (a bit of a guessing game), but so far it has worked out ok.
Yes I'm 15m away at the other side of the garden when I press the shutter.
Thank's for you comment.
Tony

So, you prefocus roughly, then recompose. When you hit your shutter release it then focuses perfectly(using the chosen sensor) and fires the shot...... RIGHT?

You can also focus it with AF then switch the lens to MANUAL FOCUS after recomposing and the shutter release will instantly fire the shutter without refocusing :wink: you can even check your depth of field by simply putting an object of the same size centered on the perch.From there just test fire at will until you get the sharp focus range you desire. It's safe to say that 6 inches infront and 4 inches behind all in sharp focus will give you a sharp subject any way it lands on the perch. With the manual prefocus method you will have far less missed images from the subject landing in an odd position and your camera misfocusing.

Nice images and keep them coming.

paulnj,
Thank you for your help and advise, I will try that tomorrow. I haven't done anything today as I haven't told the girlfriend about the new lens yet and she has been home all day ! lol :D

Tony :)

Now that is funny .... You had better be on your best behavior and maybe even do something special for her to make her feel like she wasn't left out :wink:
Good luck :D

left out...... she is going to knock ME out when she finds out ! lol :D :D

Ps, I need ALL the luck I can get.
Tony :D

Oh SH!T, somebody is going to have a bad day .

Tell her I made you do it! My GF blames me for everything, I can handle your's being mad via web posts :LOL:

BTW... Welcome to the N/W forum. I strive to make this forum the most fun , so hold onto your seat and enjoy the view :wink:

I also have one of these lenses. I must say, it is fantastic. I think you are the only other person I know with this lens.

Try pointing it at the moon. hehhehe.... it provides so much detail! Manual focus though, the AF doesnt do justice when taking pics of the moon. With the 350D, it equals a 640mm lens. :eek:

Seems like you're doing well with it, I'll be looking for shots of yours in the photo critique section :p