Two finches versus a Sigma 500mm zoom lens. You decide the winner.

[ucci]

Taken from our back door. A pair of blue wrens, the brown one is the adult female, the one with the blue head is the adult male.
Okay. The story is......
Taken with a Sigma 500mm lens on a canon 1000D. Shutter speed 1/640, ISO 200. The originals were too dark and had to be lightened. Probably more ISO would have been better. A slower speed was not really an option as these chaps are fast movers who don't linger. And the camera was hand held. Which even if I say so myself was not a bad effort for a feeble geriatric with an advanced case of the 'ducks and drakes!'
If I had tried messing around with a tripod I would have ended up with some great shots of an empty bush, as they would have been long gone by the time I had got myself organized. The female bird was about 9 metres from the camera. The male bird was about 20 metres away. I took multiple burst shots so that I would have a few from which to choose.
As for pp work, basically just some cropping, lightening with curves and a wee bit of sharpening. Also cloned out a couple of distracting background twigs
I have been trying to get a decent shot of these little buggers for some time now

Thanks for viewing and for any comments you may like to post.
old ucci

[Radu Dinu Cordeanu]

Hi,
I like more the first.
All the best!

[ucci]

Hi,
I like more the first.
All the best!

Hi Radu
Thank you for viewing and commenting.
Take care and stay safe
Ken

[Bobobird]

What are you comlaining about? All look excellent.

Ok, a bit of nit-picking but it is just that - nit-picking.
#1 and #2 are better tnen #3-4. #3 is better then #4 which seems a bit soft.
A bit of catch light in the eyes would have made them pop.
Avoid as far as possible "bird on a wire/feeder". If it is a rare bird then anything goes.

A tripod would not have worked. Some people manage it but I find it too limiting. A "wimberly" type head helps for some. If you do need support, try a rifle type brace. You get support and not lose mobility.
Elaborate version - http://www.bushhawk.com
Simple (but better version according to some who have used both)
http://joenoordman.smugmug.com/Photo...70543178_RgPPM

Birds take lots of patience. Since it is your own backyard let them get used to you being there and non-threatening.

All I can think of atm.

[Donald]

I agree that the first two are stronger. Why? Well, a primary reason is the background. There's nothing there to 'compete' with the main subject - the sweet little birdy! And ... the background colour and tone and that of the bird work well together and make a very, very nicely balanced and harmonious image (or images).

A littler hint of light in the eye would have been good. Could always add it in with a paintbrush.

[FrankMi]

Hi Ken, your hard work is paying off. The images just keep getting better and better! I particularly like the detail n the first two and the color in the last two. Perhaps with a natural looking feeder you could get these guys to pearch in an ideal location and pose there for you?

[ucci]

Thanks to all for helpful advice and suggestions
old ucci

[ScoutR]

Hi Ken, I love the first 2. The pose, the background, the perch and composition and colours combine to make a very beautiful image. The other thing that strikes me is how you have managed to capture the detail in the fluffed out feathers. I'd be getting these printed for sure.

Now if only you could get that macho male to hang out in some better locations.

Nice work
Wendy