A day of "light" shooting - Just having fun - Random images

[Canon_Bob]

Ever have a day where you just wanted to shoot for fun, and didn't care WHAT subjects showed up? That was me today. If it landed, I shot it Enjoy!

"Aren't I a handsome fellow!"


Adult Brown Thrasher


Juvinile Brown Thrasher (note the eye color as compared to the adult above)


Mourning Dove


Famale Gackle

[Canon_Bob]

Downy Woodpecker (Shot at considerable distance, with pretty bad backlight. Tried to flash to compensate, but still not too good).


Here are some Male Cardinal images:




Tried a portrait crop here, not sure I like it.


And last but not least, what I call the "missed" shot of the day. Had everything lined up perfect. He had his crown up, had head tilted to the side, good catch-light. Then, just as I was about to fire the shot, he dropped his crown and looked straight at the camera!

[Loupey]

Ever have a day where you just wanted to shoot for fun, and didn't care WHAT subjects showed up? ...

I think many of us (me included) do that on almost every outing

Great detail as usual, Bob. I can see that most of these are flashed - brings out the detail but I'm not sure I like the evenness/flatness it creates. Tough compromise. I think most buyers would not notice anyway.

Thanks for posting.

[Canon_Bob]

LOL - I usually go out with a particular species in mind, but seldom find the ones I'm after.

[paulnj]

I go out with a goal IN MIND at times, but if it moves I blast it

That first set is great, but my favorite is the first cardinal image.

[Loupey]

Then you two are not normally macro shooters

When macro hunting, one often gets what he gets.

But I do understand where you're coming from - I've gone on a few bird species-specific outings.

[Canon_Bob]

Funny you should mention that! I'm looking at some macro lens options now (for purchase after I buy the 600L).

[Loupey]

Funny you should mention that! I'm looking at some macro lens options now (for purchase after I buy the 600L).

Canon 180mm macro. Or at least mine - I haven't used mine since I bought it 6 months ago This blasted birding thing - now what were the 10 steps to get unhooked?

I am seriously looking into the 500L. I came across a Scarlet Tanager in the woods today. It landed not 10' away at nearly eye level which I found exhillerating. Then it caught a large green caterpillar which took about 20 seconds to eat - all out in the open about 15' away. Couldn't get one clean shot using my 300mm+2x. May post those images if I'm brave enough.

I heard through good sources that Canon will be updating the 500mm (and probably the 600mm) very soon so you may want to hold off just a little.

[payn817]

I like the cardinal portrait most, nice details.

I never have a plan either. Just take two bodies with one lens each. Usually a macro and a tele, unless there's a good chance for a scene (never) then take a wide angle on the belt, in a case.

[Yarrow]

Oh the Cardinal is gorgious..

..I've been stalking the reddest Cardinal I have ever seen flying about my neighborhood...he eludes me every time..Always out of my lens range..I'll get him one day

[Canon_Bob]

Canon 180mm macro. Or at least mine - I haven't used mine since I bought it 6 months ago This blasted birding thing - now what were the 10 steps to get unhooked?

I am seriously looking into the 500L. I came across a Scarlet Tanager in the woods today. It landed not 10' away at nearly eye level which I found exhillerating. Then it caught a large green caterpillar which took about 20 seconds to eat - all out in the open about 15' away. Couldn't get one clean shot using my 300mm+2x. May post those images if I'm brave enough.

I heard through good sources that Canon will be updating the 500mm (and probably the 600mm) very soon so you may want to hold off just a little.

I'm thinking October/November for the 600L - Maybe a bit later if I hear a new version is coming. I just need it before Spring migratory season. That 180L has had my eye for the Macro lens. have heard good things about it as a straight 180 tele as well. Has a reputation for being razor sharp. That 500L is a great lens. Every serious birder I know has one. I'm still torn a bit between it and the 600L, but I think my shooting areas (Ding Darling, and Corkscrew Swamp) are really well suited for the bigger 600L, so it shouldn't be a big deal. Bad part is, you have to invest another thousand into a Gitzo tripod with Gimball head for either the 500L or the 600L! Definitely not a cheap commitment.

[Loupey]

Either the 500mm or 600mm (or perhaps both) are being revamped (again, just hearsay) with the DO optics. So both the size and weight should be greatly minimized. Would make a great improvement IMO. I would think they would put in a next generation IS as well. But, can't wait forever - at some point gotta pull the trigger.

As is, for me, the 500mm seems like a better fit - smaller, 30% lighter, a grand or two cheaper. I'd probably just use a monopod.

[Canon_Bob]

The biggest reservation I have with the 600L is the minimum focusing distance of 18'. If it were 12' or less, I wouldn't even be considering the 500L. I'd like to be able to use it for some reasonably close blind photography, but 18' is just not that close.