Birds from the San Antonio Zoo

[Blair01]

Here are some new photos from the local zoo. Let me know what what you think:











Thanks for looking,
Blair

[Loupey]

Blair, of these, I think the macaw is your strongest image. Focus point is slightly off (behind the eyes) but the composition is nice.

Although the wood duck is a pretty fellow, IMO "looking down" on any bird (or any subject for that matter) is rarely a flattering angle. As a general rule of thumb, try to shoot at the subjects level.

[Blair01]

Thanks loupey!

I'm actually having a problem with the auto focus on my Cannon Zoom Lens EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6. The auto focus always seems to be very soft. Yesterday's trip to the zoo was an experiment to see how it did if I kept the aperture open more. I shot all the outdoors shots at ISO 400 and f9 - f13 and tried to keep the shutter speed at 125 or above. It was on and off sun so I really didn't have a problem doing this. I set the auto focus to the center focus point so that I could be sure to put it on where I wanted the focus to be ( the Hyacinth Macaw is a prime example....The focus point was right on it's eye but the lens focused behind the eye........off by just a little bit) . This did improve the success some but still everything was soft. Can anyone suggest a lens that would take the place of the one I'm using but with a faster and sharper auto focus.

I don't mind spending the money either if the lens will do the job........

Thanks,
Blair

[Loupey]

What focal length do you want to be around - 200mm, 300mm?

The 70-200mm f/4L (non-IS version) is a great little gem. I'm fond of primes so the 135 f/2L, 200mm f/2.8L, and 300mm f/4L are all great (although the first two are faster with respect to AF).

Do you plan on using teleconverters? If so, the 1.4x or 2x? All these sound early to ask but better to know now so that you can purchase the right gear with which to grow.

If I lost all my gear and had to start over, my ideal gear would be:

24mm f/1.4L
50mm f/1.4
85mm f/1.8
200mm f/2.8L
300mm f/4L

Oh, my new 180mm macro too

[paulnj]

.Although the wood duck is a pretty fellow......

Manderin duck

[Blair01]

LOL......I wasn't going to say anything..........

[Loupey]

Now I never said anything about being a bird nerd

Last time I try IDing off the seat of my pants

[Blair01]

It's ok Loupey......I understand....... :thumbsup:

[paulnj]

That's a common mistake . We still love ya