New Lens - Chickadees and Redpolls

[Suzan J]

Hello All: I have just started testing out my new Tamron 150 - 600 mm lens. Unfortunately, there are not a lot birds out right now in the middle of January. The only ones who have shown up are chickadees and common redpolls and they are quite tiny to begin with. The sky has been a solid featureless grey for the last few days.

So far, my biggest challenge has been trying to get a sharp image as using this large lens takes some practice in finding the most comfortable way to hand hold it. It is heavy. I have been testing shots using both single point and continuous focusing. I have also been using a relatively high ISO in order to obtain a faster shutter speed. Most of these images have been at the far end of the zoom range and I realize that this would not necessarily provide for the sharpest results. I'm not sure yet what the "sweet spot" is. These images have also been cropped despite the high zoom. For some reason, with this Tamron lens, my EXIF data does not give the distance from the subject. I would estimate that I was anywhere from 30 to 40 feet away.

Would you folks kindly comment on the image quality. Any tips regarding using this lens would be appreciated.

f 8 SS 1/800 ISO 640 600mm 80% crop of original

DSC_0547.jpg by Soo J, on Flickr



f8 SS 1/1600 ISO 1000 500mm 60% of original


DSC_0637.jpg by Soo J, on Flickr

f8 SS 1/800 ISO 1000 550mm 60% of original


DSC_0462 by Soo J, on Flickr


f8 SS 1/1600 ISO 1000 450mm 60% of original

DSC_0336.jpg by Soo J, on Flickr


f8 SS 1/1600 ISO 1000 550m 50% of original


DSC_0363.jpg by Soo J, on Flickr

[IzzieK]

Susan...these are very nice shots. Too bad I cannot access your EXIF.
#1 is cutie one.
#2 is my favourite of all from this series because of the composition.
#3 looks pitiful down there by the snow looking up.
#4 That is a nicer shot of the pinkish tinge in the bird's chest and head. I wonder if this signifies it is still a baby or something?
#5 No comment...I can't think of one.

[Shadowman]

Suzan,

Technique might not work for everyone but give this a view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDsx3-FWfwk

Nice effort on the shots, I had the change to test out the 150-500mm Sigma and had the same issues handholding.

[Suzan J]

Hi Izzie: Thanks for the comments. My posts are usually linked from Flickr which apparently does not show the EXIF data, so lately I have been adding the basic data in above the pics. As to the pinkish tinge, this is a trait of the male redpoll. The female just has a white chest. I'm not sure whether the juvenile males have it or not.

[FlyingSquirrel]

First, it's impossible to judge image sharpness unless viewed at 100% (these are downsized). But it sounds like you're on the right track with your testing. Does your lens have an image stabilization feature? I'd recommend a tripod.

Second, you might consider setting up bird feeders in your yard. That will bring them in, and within good range.

Good luck and congrats on the new glass