Heron trial with new 1.4 TC

[Stagecoach]

Not too active lately but I had a first chance to test out my new 1.4 TC. This was purchased specifically to give me more opportunities of capturing fishermen when the tide was far out

Lighting was from the evening very bright low sun behind, so not ideal, hand held using the 80-400mm whilst being attacked by sandflies

All shot at 1/1250 or 1/1600, f/8, 550mm (400 x1.4)

No 1


No 2


No 3


No 4


No 5


No 4 & 5 were recovered from extremely underexposed captures of -1.7 and -1.0 EV respectively (yes both mistakes) but demonstrate to me the advantages I now find with the D800 newer technology.

Grahame

[Shadowman]

Good detail especially on 4 and 5.

[JBW]

Not my area of expertise(?) ut if I took these shots i would be one happy camper.

[FootLoose]

Nice set, Graham. The tc is obviously reaping rewards.

[Chrisclick]

Nice shots and acceptably sharp, don't you think, Grahame? I think these are good results given the the back/side lighting, and a good first test for the T.C.

I have the Canon equivalent T.C. and found that when it was initially attached to my EF 400mm f/5.6L, I needed to calibrate the lens/T.C. combo before I could achieve sharp results. Luckily, you can save the calibration so there's no need to do it every time.

Expect the results to vary depending upon focus distance.

[Ndukes]

I haven't used a TC in the modern age having read the groundswell of opinion about their use with modern super-zooms especially slower ones. But these shots seem to contradict much of that in my view. Clearly you have a good match between camera, lens and TC and you have used the combination to great effect.
We can expect great things!

Beautiful sharp and well considered images, especially no.5.

[Stagecoach]

Good detail especially on 4 and 5.

Thank you John

[Stagecoach]

Not my area of expertise(?) ut if I took these shots i would be one happy camper.

It's not my area of expertise either Brian but I'm having fun and can now get more shots without scaring them

[Stagecoach]

Nice set, Graham. The tc is obviously reaping rewards.

Thanks Greg, yes it looks promising so far.

[Stagecoach]

Thanks Chris

Nice shots and acceptably sharp, don't you think, Grahame? I think these are good results given the the back/side lighting, and a good first test for the T.C.

I think they are acceptably sharp (have had basic PP) for screen viewing at this size and considering the conditions, maxed out and lighting. At some time I'll do some controlled testing.

I have the Canon equivalent T.C. and found that when it was initially attached to my EF 400mm f/5.6L, I needed to calibrate the lens/T.C. combo before I could achieve sharp results. Luckily, you can save the calibration so there's no need to do it every time.

Expect the results to vary depending upon focus distance.

It seems quite common that the TCs and lens need calibrating from what I have read so I'll keep an eye on things although from having another go tonight at both ends of the zoom it looks like I may be lucky.

[Stagecoach]

I haven't used a TC in the modern age having read the groundswell of opinion about their use with modern super-zooms especially slower ones. But these shots seem to contradict much of that in my view. Clearly you have a good match between camera, lens and TC and you have used the combination to great effect.
We can expect great things!

Beautiful sharp and well considered images, especially no.5.

Thank you Neville.

I read many opinions on the suitability with a zoom but with f/8 now being my min aperture zoomed at max I have found no problems so far focussing and DoF is still on the tight side for these subjects.

[Dave Humphries]

Good results Grahame,

I was going to say ..., but Chris and Neville already have, so I won't repeat.

Cheers, Dave

[Wavelength]

Very nice set of images... This subject never seems boring, because it always has a curiosity in every moment it makes...In the first image you may please clone out the blurred mass seen near to the head
Regards

[John 2]

Definitely good results Grahame and a nice series. I have a 1.4 which gave acceptable (but not good) results with my 70 300mm Nikkor before I exchanged it for the 150 - 600mm Tamron. Used with the Tamron though, it is quite disappointing. I put it down to using it with a zoom rather than a prime but your shots belie that theory. Looking forward to some more from you with this lens combination.

[Ziggy]

Look good. Nice job of catching the eyes.

[SamRothstein]

Not my area of expertise(?) ut if I took these shots i would be one happy camper.

Exactly what I was thinking. Good shots!

[Brownbear]

Hi Grahame,

I'm rushing off to work so I have to be brief but just to say they are all great, beautifully focused/sharp with lovely detail and soft light, and wonderful poses. I love the foot up in #1 and #4 and the moment in #2...

[Stagecoach]

Good results Grahame,

I was going to say ..., but Chris and Neville already have, so I won't repeat.

Cheers, Dave

Thanks Dave,

[Stagecoach]

Very nice set of images... This subject never seems boring, because it always has a curiosity in every moment it makes...In the first image you may please clone out the blurred mass seen near to the head
Regards

Thank you Nandakumar,

They are certainly not boring as constantly moving so you are chasing that focus

As for cloning that clump of seaweed I'm not sure removing it would really improve the image warranting the time and effort to get it right. It also raises the question of how much you should change the environment in a nature shot but then again I have no concerns cloning out floating rubbish

[Stagecoach]

Definitely good results Grahame and a nice series. I have a 1.4 which gave acceptable (but not good) results with my 70 300mm Nikkor before I exchanged it for the 150 - 600mm Tamron. Used with the Tamron though, it is quite disappointing. I put it down to using it with a zoom rather than a prime but your shots belie that theory. Looking forward to some more from you with this lens combination.

Thanks John,

I'm sure there will be some more coming soon.