[Canada_Rockies]

While I get the feel of that 400mm Tak, I'm still keeping my hand in with the DA*300, which I've been pairing recently with the 2x-S TC.

A Phoebe, I think--or Kingbird



Not sure about an ID for this woodpecker either

That looks like a hairy woodpecker to me. The downy (slightly smaller, but hard to differentiate unless side by side) has some feathers at the base of the bill that I do not see.

or this hawk for that matter. It was engaged in some sort of family business with two other hawks this morning.


I've paired the 400mm up with a Kenko 1.5x, btw--in part, as an adaptor work-around. A duel at 600mm between the DA* and the Tak seems inevitable.

[imtheguy]

Sometimes I amaze myself, not because I ever think I am a "good" photog, but because I realize I am trainable. This shot is an ok shot of a common critter, nothing spectacular until you realize this is a handheld pic with my old 800/8 reflex lens I got new for $199 and gave up on as soon as I got real glass. But after a a couple years learning how to shoot with long glass and getting trained by members of PF here, I find I can make shots that are actually reasonable and so much better than i could do 2 years ago. Handheld, 800mm at f8, 1/2000s, iso-1600. Cropped about 40%. I have days I can't get a shot even this decent with the A*400/2.8. I will be going out more with the little reflex that could.

[imtheguy]

That looks like a hairy woodpecker to me. The downy (slightly smaller, but hard to differentiate unless side by side) has some feathers at the base of the bill that I do not see.

I agree 100% with your assessment but I was NOT going to be the one to say that DadiP's pecker was Hairy. Not me.

[borno]

Sometimes I amaze myself, not because I ever think I am a "good" photog, but because I realize I am trainable. This shot is an ok shot of a common critter, nothing spectacular until you realize this is a handheld pic with my old 800/8 reflex lens I got new for $199 and gave up on as soon as I got real glass. But after a a couple years learning how to shoot with long glass and getting trained by members of PF here, I find I can make shots that are actually reasonable and so much better than i could do 2 years ago. Handheld, 800mm at f8, 1/2000s, iso-1600. Cropped about 40%. I have days I can't get a shot even this decent with the A*400/2.8. I will be going out more with the little reflex that could.

That's really nice Lee! I drink way too much coffee to get much good over 600mm.

[Squier]

Really wouldnt know that was an 800mm mirror unless stated.

Very impressive shot Lee.

[traderdrew]

and a 100% crop:


The shutter speed is excessive, I know but, while I'm generally pleased, what I'm concerned about in the crop is the smearing of some portions of the bird. Can anyone help me understand that?

1/8000s f6.5, ISO 1250

Anytime you know you are going to crop fairly heavily you need to use low iso. I like to keep my iso at 500 or under. I would have used iso 200 for that shot. You can easily trade off your higher shutter speeds for lower iso. I would have used 1/1600 or maximum or 1/3200 for that shot. You could also have set one or your focus points on the main subject "AF SEL" on a K-7 or K-5.

Try this and see what you get.

[traderdrew]

Sometimes I amaze myself, not because I ever think I am a "good" photog, but because I realize I am trainable. This shot is an ok shot of a common critter, nothing spectacular until you realize this is a handheld pic with my old 800/8 reflex lens I got new for $199 and gave up on as soon as I got real glass. But after a a couple years learning how to shoot with long glass and getting trained by members of PF here, I find I can make shots that are actually reasonable and so much better than i could do 2 years ago. Handheld, 800mm at f8, 1/2000s, iso-1600. Cropped about 40%. I have days I can't get a shot even this decent with the A*400/2.8. I will be going out more with the little reflex that could.

I didn't know a reflex lens could produce such good results. I'm sure you filled up your frame with that shot. I'm also sure you had the sun in back of you.

[dadipentak]

Anytime you know you are going to crop fairly heavily you need to use low iso.

Makes sense and a helpful tip. Of course, in this case, the crop was for evaluation purposes only. Interestingly, I found the same sort of "smearing" in a shot of a different woodpecker I took with the DA*300 & a different body so I think it's characteristic of the species.

And, Lee, if you had such a fine 800mm reflex, why would you buy an A*400mm f2.8? LBA?

[excanonfd]

What camera bag is everyone using to carry their big lenses out in the field? I have a Lowepro 200 sling bag and I have to drastically rearrange the compartments to carry any MF 300mm lens or even Tamron 30A, and accessing the camera/lens without setting the bag down is out of the question. I walk about 5 to 10 km when I go out shooting around my local area (need the exercise) and I would not want to do that carrying a shoulder bag.

Thanks,

[Canada_Rockies]

I use a LowePro Photo Trekker back pack that I have had for over 20 years when I carry the 400. The down side is that I must remove it when changing lenses. When I am using a lesser set of lenses, and am not going too far, I use a LowePro Slightshot 300 AW which allows quicker access, but gets uncomfortable after 20 or 30 minutes.

[dadipentak]

What camera bag is everyone using to carry their big lenses out in the field?

I generally don't use a bag if I'm just using a big lens but, if I'm bring other lenses along, I'll use my holster bag with the side-saddle lens cases with the big lens on a BlackRapid strap and I usually carry two cameras.

[excanonfd]

Canadian Rockies,

Lowepro AW300 sling, can you carry your 400 with the camera mounted in the default compartment configuration as seen in the product brochure? I agree the sling bags are not too comfortable for long treks but it's better than a shoulder bag.

Dadipentak,

Can you tell me the model number of the Holster bag for which focal length lens? I want to carry a Tamron 60B, 300/2.8 or CZJ Sonnar 300/4.0 and some TCs and other smaller lenses.

Thanks,

Arrrg! Those oversized images posted by guinessman is playing havoc with reply with multi-quote, and is a pita to navigate this sub-forum.

[dadipentak]

Can you tell me the model number of the Holster bag for which focal length lens?

It's a Tamrac but I don't know the model number. It's certainly not big enough for those lenses--it just barely takes the Sigma 70-200mm with hood reversed. I like it because I can attach lens cases on either side: I'll typically have a normal zoom in one and a long-ish macro in the other. I've been known to clip a couple primes on it as well--very flexible. Like I say, I use the BlackRapid strap for big lenses.

[BillM]

Use a bag something like Albert's at times,have both M and A 400/5.6's.
Said I was going to part with M,just couldnt do it.Really like both those lens.
Found out M400/5.6 and particular version of SMC 1.4x(L) TC I picked up
couple month ago arent compatible,has this always been the case?

@#*!%^# starling thru A400/5.6 & 1.4L on K20 wide open

[angus]

I recently bought a used 400/5.6 EDIF 645 lens and will post pics as soon as I work out, why it doesn't work - haven't used up my quota...hmmm. It works a treat and is very lightweight at just a touch over 1300g with adapter.