Pried the 400mm off of the D90

[rtbaum]

After nearly a year of having my Sigma 400mm never separated from the old D90, I decided that I do indeed have other lenses. With this in mind, I trucked up to Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge this morning.


Big Bluestem Pool @ 17mm


Draba @ 90mm macro


Yarrow @ 90mm macro


Hoary Puccoon @ 90mm macro


Large Beardtongue @ 17 mm


Lupine with tiny ant @ 90 mm macro

I was not entirely successful, darn 400mm kept sneaking back on


Trumpeter Swan on Nest


Blue-Winged Teal taking a siesta


Red-Winged Blackbird...on guard duty

[Mike Buckley]

The 17mm image works best for me. Creative, colorful, stylish, different and executed very well.

[Shadowman]

Some nice captures, were you feeling inadequate without the 400mm, afraid you'd find a subject just burning for the extra reach? I try to break out of a routine myself, but usually prefer having my familiars close at hand.

[rtbaum]

Some nice captures, were you feeling inadequate without the 400mm, afraid you'd find a subject just burning for the extra reach? I try to break out of a routine myself, but usually prefer having my familiars close at hand.

Actually.....There was this Brown Thrasher.............!!

[bnnrcn]

Nice shots Randy

[chauncey]

I hear ya Randy, once ya find something that truly works, it's hard to put it down.
I most exclusively use a 300mm and a 180 macro.

[John 2]

The 17mm image works best for me.

Nice set Randy but same here. I particularly like the Large Beardtongue.

[Shadowman]

Actually.....There was this Brown Thrasher.............!!

If it isn't having the wrong lens, it's having noisy hikers (the talkative ones) sneak up behind you when you are focusing on that rare bird shot.

[Saorsa]

There is a boardwalk through cypress that I sometimes head to. Unfortunately a number of condos have been built across the road from the park. The nice fitness freaks discovered the boardwalk and find it a great place to jog. Unfortunately, heavy rhythmic vibrations on the boardwalk travel into the water and scare everything off.

One day, I gave up and was heading back to the car. I ran across one who asked me pleasantly if I had found anything to shoot. I told him what I had and he said "Wow, I never see anything like that along here.".

[rtbaum]

The biggest problem that I have with the 17-50 is composition; there so much more in the image that tends to distract the viewer. I try to have elements in foreground, middle ground, and background. I find it difficult to visualize what would make a decent image. Telephoto and macro are a piece of cake to compose for me now in this regard. I suppose that a year from now I will look back and say "why was I having so many problems, this is so easy!"

I will also mention the first photo of the pool was the first time that I mounted up the ND grad and am pleased with the result. The beardtongue was made with my CPL mounted and I was not happy with the rendering of the sky, obviously that also will take some work

[Mike Buckley]

The beardtongue was made with my CPL mounted and I was not happy with the rendering of the sky, obviously that also will take some work

You may decide not to use the polarizer when using such a short focal length and photographing the sky. Your problem would have been much worse if you had been using a horizontal orientation. Even so, I don't find the sky objectionable in this particular image.

[jamn4ex]

Randy this is a good day shooting. That said , I agree with Mike and John. I think both of your images shot at 17 mm are the best of the lot. You may want to try the short end for awhile. Or atleast pry the 400 off a little more often.

[kdoc856]

You may decide not to use the polarizer when using such a short focal length and photographing the sky. Your problem would have been much worse if you had been using a horizontal orientation.

Completely agree. If I have adequate light, I rarely remove the polarizer EXCEPT when I go wide angle with a clear blue sky- the luminance variations can be maddening and just ruin an otherwise good shot- The portrait orientation saved the Beardtongue shot.

[Brownbear]

My favourites are the first image (beautifully photographed) for the gorgeous colour and reflections, and also the Beard tongue flower for the the same reasons but especially for the unique perspective.

[rtbaum]

My favourites are the first image (beautifully photographed) for the gorgeous colour and reflections, and also the Beard tongue flower for the the same reasons but especially for the unique perspective.

Both were taken for the purpose of familiarizing myself and becoming comfortable with the lens and underutilized filters (CPL and Grad), I am glad that you liked them. I am beginning to see potential subjects in my daily travels, today I found a lovely road passing old farm houses mixed with multimillion dollar homes and rolling hills.....I will return some weekend in better light!....Oh yeah and a Bobolink

One more that you may like


Lupine

[Mike Buckley]

My kind of shot: a nice, tight crop.

Lupine

[Brownbear]

Indeed, it is a beautiful image that I love. Gorgeous colour and detail.

I can picture that scene in my mind and I'm very much looking forward to seeing your photos of it.

I also have a Bobolink which comes in handy for inspiration.

Both were taken for the purpose of familiarizing myself and becoming comfortable with the lens and underutilized filters (CPL and Grad), I am glad that you liked them. I am beginning to see potential subjects in my daily travels, today I found a lovely road passing old farm houses mixed with multimillion dollar homes and rolling hills.....I will return some weekend in better light!....Oh yeah and a Bobolink

One more that you may like


Lupine