Testing out a new ballhead

[scott-devon]

These guys are always around when you want a subject it seems.

I spent the morning out shopping with the wife and of course found time to slip into a camera store where I broke down and bought a new Manfroto compact ball head for my tripod as my old ballhead had a sloppy fit on the quick release plate. So on arriving home I switched out my old one and went out for an hour to try it out. It was worth every penny, much tighter fit on the quick release and a single control for the ball instead of the two my cheaper ballhead had. I immediately felt more secure carrying the camera mounted to the tripod over my shoulder.


Anyhow, here's a shot from that quick walk...

[A.M.D.A.]

It's always nice to get new gear and it works well.

I haven't been to a camera store/section in quite while, since I pretty much know that if I do go I will probably "break down" as well, buying something which isn't on my high-priority list. Right now I'm saving up for an AF tele-zoom lens, about halfway there, last thing I need is spend on something else...

That ball head seems to be working well for you, chickadee looks very sharp, and tripods/monopods help ease a heavy lens' weight. I love how the chickadee is looking at the camera, those little birds always seem to be full of expression... but you have to capture it quickly. Also your frame choice really "spices up". :thumbsup:

The only thing I wish were improved a bit is the background, try an automated washed-out-highlight-repair tool in an editing program. Or select by colour wand and apply a light blue gradient.

[scott-devon]

Good point on the background Alex and thanks for the suggestion. I had no idea I could repair that. Darn snow anyhow...where's spring?

[mn shutterbug]

Great capture and I love his pose.