No Time For Play

Gallery: AvianPosted November 26, 2010199 views13 comments

I don't even know were to start. This image is huge for me. I am on vacation in Florida and decide to buy the Sigma 150-500mm at a shop down here before heading out to do some birding. Not usually my thing but with this new lens I might be hooked. This lens has exceeded my expectations the 1st time using it.
This was taken early this morning just a little after sunrise. The eagle was perched on a pole for a while, when it suddenly swooped down in the field in front of me and picked up this clump of straw and headed off for its nest. Just an amazing sight that I have never whitnesed before and couldn't be more siked that I captured it so well.

Thanks for looking- C&C appreciated ( large posted as well )

Nikon D700
Sigma 150-500 f/5-6.3 OS APO HSM
500mm HANDHELD
1/1250 @ f/6.3
ISO 400

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on November 26, 2010 at 5:30 PM

This is indeed a nice image Jonathan. This is how it starts. Get one good BIF shot and you never go back. You are hooked! I like the light and the grass the eagle is carrying. Nice exposure too with good detail and sharpness in the larger version. I might add a bit more room behind the grass and take a bit away from in front, but comp preference is a very personal thing. Well done.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Macdermott on November 26, 2010 at 6:26 PM

No wonder you are happy its a stunning flight shot Jonathan

A bit tight top and would like to see more room the straw behind but thats minor

Registered on January 31, 2008, 15 Posts, 135 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Marquart on November 26, 2010 at 7:17 PM

Nice catch Jonathan, good exposure, I agree with Ron's comp suggestions. Again very nice!

Registered on October 24, 2009, 126 Posts, 799 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on November 26, 2010 at 10:24 PM

Excellent, Jonathan. Great work, particularly with a new lens. The detail looks excellent, and you have great light as well as the interesting subject.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on November 26, 2010 at 10:59 PM

Welcome to the joy of hand-held flight shots!

This is a wonderful image, especially for a brand-new lens. Really good detail of bird and grasses, and nice BG.
My only suggestion would be less room in front and more behind..

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on November 26, 2010 at 11:35 PM

Beautiful lighting and exposure Jonathan. I agree with a little more room behind and less in front. Congrats on the new lens!

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by James Campbell on November 27, 2010 at 4:25 AM

This is awesome! Great flight posture and interesting behaviour - the space at the back doesn't bother me at all... Nice one

Registered on January 12, 2009, 48 Posts, 377 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on November 27, 2010 at 7:52 AM

Lovely light and action Jonathan. I agree with the comp/crop suggestions. The light really brough out some nice detail in the eagle's plumage and the background works very well for me.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on November 27, 2010 at 8:35 AM

Great shot! I could go either way as far as the space behind and in front of the eagle. Really like the sharpness and detail. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by David E Lester on November 27, 2010 at 12:21 PM

This is a great shot...!!

Registered on March 24, 2010, 155 Posts, 793 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on November 27, 2010 at 12:29 PM

Awesome capture every way around... though I think you could do a little less room in front. Perfect exposure.

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Geoffrey Baker on November 27, 2010 at 6:39 PM

What a capture