80-400mm first outing

[Stagecoach]

The first outing with the lens and here's the results...........................

With the tide going out I walked through all the debris that the strong winds coming off the sea recently bought in and found this great log to sit on with many herons on the ground not too far away.
No 1 - 1/1250, f/6.3, ISO280, 80mm


Shortly after along comes this mut and his two mangy mates and cause havoc for ages with their game of chase every heron from the area and cause the photographer to swear loudly.
No 2 - 1/1000, f/6.3, ISO320, 370mm


As things get back to normal a few start getting closer to me.
No 3 - 1/1250, f/6.3, ISO360, 330mm


But those dogs return again I suspect to give me some help at getting a BIF
No 4 - 1/1250, f/6.3, ISO360, 350mm


No 5 - 1/1250, f/6.3, ISO250, 350mm

The herons have now all gone so I drive off to find another location, grab a couple and the rain starts.

No 6 - 1/1250, f/6.3, ISO360, 360mm


Well the weather was not ideal but I got a few. All shots have been cropped somewhat, no noise reduction and just my standard basic PP. Good news is that the weather is forecast as good for the weekend

Grahame

[Krawuntzel]

Hello Grahame
I like your story told - and another reason why I am wary of dogs.
But then: the pictures tell that you enjoyed (and mastered) your new lens.
Erwin

[Shadowman]

Nice workout with the new lens, good captures.

[Manfred M]

Looks like you are giving your new gear a "real" test.

Pretty good for hand held at those focal lengths.

[NorthernFocus]

Yes, I'd say there is a bit of difference from the other lens you were using, Grahame. Nos. 3 and 4 are really nice. In no.5 the bird is a bit far past but the techs are excellent. Looking forward to seeing what produce with this glass.

[HaseebM]

Very good quality from what I can see.

[Texas Dave]

Looks like you have a great lens and even better eye! Sweet combo!

[DEAN01]

+1 to Dave's comment. Looking forward to seeing more.

[rpcrowe]

Very nice images... YOU MUST HAVE A VERY NICE LENS I couldn't resist that!

[Rebel]

Excellent shots Grahame 2, 3 & 6 being my favourites!

[deetheturk]

Great captures Grahame, you can't hide money Looking forward to seeing many more mate

Cheers David

[DonnaK]

Just an excellent first outing, Grahame!!! I love them all and can see that you handled the lens very, very well. You did a great job on the BIF's. I knew you'd like this lens.

[Nicks Pics]

These shots are fantastic. Much better than your previous set if I may say so! A very good example about how much difference the glass makes. And of course, these are well executed as well...

[IzzieK]

Good glass = good photographer? That statement made me chuckle...anyway...all good shots that need to be seen in lytebox..

[bnnrcn]

They all look successful Grahame

[Brownbear]

Great set! My favourite is #4. I can see the difference in the detail captured, and I bet you've noticed how much easier it is to grab focus with that lens. Now that I see this heron again the colouring is very different than a Great Blue Heron. I've never seen one of these.

Congrats on the new lens!

[FootLoose]

Good set, Grahame, you must be happy with the results. Hope the weather is kind to you over the weekend.

[Stagecoach]

Erwin, John, Manfred, Dan, Haseeb, David, Richard, Matt, David, Donna, Nick, Izzie, Binnur & Christina.

Thanks for commenting guys on the results from my first outing with the new toy.

Looks like you are giving your new gear a "real" test.

Pretty good for hand held at those focal lengths.

I like the "real" test description Manfred, at some time no doubt I'll put it on the tripod and shoot a test chart but the reality is that the results are only applicable to shooting charts

As for being handheld I believe the results are significantly influenced by the shutter speeds being used. If I compare results from the non VR 70-300mm at max FL with these I detect no difference in sharpness other than detail.

Yes, I'd say there is a bit of difference from the other lens you were using, Grahame. Nos. 3 and 4 are really nice. In no.5 the bird is a bit far past but the techs are excellent. Looking forward to seeing what produce with this glass.

Dan, comparing one of the BIF shots above with a very similar one taken with the other lens the difference in feather detail is very noticeable. I want the opportunity to get that shot with the bird filling the frame and at good settings to determine it's real potential.

These shots are fantastic. Much better than your previous set if I may say so! A very good example about how much difference the glass makes. And of course, these are well executed as well...

Yes Nick they are better due to the lens but I'm really pleased that I also have had a good chance to practice with and push the Tamron to it's limits so I'm able to compare results.

Great set! My favourite is #4. I can see the difference in the detail captured, and I bet you've noticed how much easier it is to grab focus with that lens. Now that I see this heron again the colouring is very different than a Great Blue Heron. I've never seen one of these. Congrats on the new lens!

Christina, there was not enough opportunity at this session to really assess focus speed but I can say it is certainly faster This heron is the 'White faced Heron'. It's the all white herons I'm after that give great displays of diving down for fish, that's my mission

Grahame

[Barbara Ponder]

Grahame, so glad you are enjoying the new toy and taking GREAT shots right off the bat! Can't wait to see what else you get!

[Brownbear]

Christina, there was not enough opportunity at this session to really assess focus speed but I can say it is certainly faster This heron is the 'White faced Heron'. It's the all white herons I'm after that give great displays of diving down for fish, that's my mission

Grahame

I could just feel the faster focus speed with my 300 mm Nikkor...

I've never seen or heard of a white heron, nor have I ever seen a heron dive for a fish from the sky but perhaps these birds do, and if yes, I know you'll accomplish your mission.