Blue Streak

Gallery: AvianPosted August 31, 2012127 views7 comments

I was happy to receive my new Sigma 150-500mm lens yesterday. Though it was about 2:30 p.m. and bright sunshine out, I put it on my camera and took it for a ride. About a half mile from my home, here was a Great Blue Heron standing on a piece of wood in the middle of a small pond, known as "The Greenie".

What a revelation compared to the old 300mm I had been using! The bird cooperated, standing still, allowing me to get 15 or so shots. Then it took off and I was super-pleased at the fast recognition and autofocus of the lens. Smooth and quiet and quick. Very little searching.

Anyway, this isn't the greatest capture and I don't like the shadow cutting across the pond and across the bird. The splashing water is good. But... a first post with the new glass. More to come! D90, ISO-500, 1/1000th, f-8, 500mm HH. Thanks for looking and C&C!

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on August 31, 2012 at 10:11 AM

Bill: Congrats on the new glass. Should provide some good opportunities for you. Your own self critique of this image is very good. My only other issue is wing position. Flat wings like this one don't provide a very appealing look in most cases. I'm sure we'll be seeing some nice new images from you with your new lens!

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on August 31, 2012 at 11:08 AM

Bill,
Congrats on the new lens and well done for HH.

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Karon Welter on August 31, 2012 at 12:36 PM

Good capture with your new lens!

I just bought a Sigma 50-500 a few weeks ago & love it! Herons in Florida are easy to get fairly close to, but in Arkansas I find them very shy. Really need a long lens to even attempt a shot.

Registered on November 10, 2008, 67 Posts, 543 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on August 31, 2012 at 4:51 PM

Bill, congratulations on the 150-500. I have been using this lens for awhile on my Canons, and I have found F-8 to be the best aperture for all around shooting. Looking forward to more of your work with this lens. This heron is a nice start. Thanks for sharing.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on August 31, 2012 at 8:08 PM

Glad to see you out with the new glass, Bill. Nice first shot with it. Good flight position, and it's sure fun to be able to fill the frame.

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on August 31, 2012 at 8:09 PM

Congrats on the new lens - I can see it is already making a big difference for you.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Maile on September 1, 2012 at 6:50 AM

Thanks for the support everyone.

Yes, a fairly cooperative bird, and the 500mm left me in a bit of a new situation here, as I have a few images with better wing position, but they need some canvas in the full frame! I've done that several times, but with the background in a few, not sure it will be easy.

Anyway, I was excited to not hear the lens/camera "searching" and to see some good results. Off again, hopefully some more animals and birds today.

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments