[Marc Langille]

Thanks Marc,

I thought it was a Flicker but quick check of the old field guide confirms you are right.

The light was just perfect this morning when I stmbled on this one.

Tom G

Hey Tom,

Just remember, it normally can take several folks weighing in to identify some birds. We're not ornithologists!!

I may know why that mid-ID happened: if you quickly glance at #2 or #3, it doesn't readily match the RB Woodpecker in any way - no red visible. It sort of looks like a Flicker, but #1 was the giveaway for me.

Regards,
Marc

[8540tomg]

Well, as a matter of fact, Tom, I did get some shots of the same bird this morning (perhaps the same individual--I was using the 1000mm ;~) I'd post it but it's not as good as these (and I'm in the process of uploading a bunch of hockey shots to SmugMug.

BTW, it's a Red-Bellied Woodpecker, not a Flicker.

Thanks Dave,

Guess I'll have to turn in my Boy Scout Bird Watcher badge. On the bright side I got the shot.

Tom G

[8540tomg]

Hey Tom,

Just remember, it normally can take several folks weighing in to identify some birds. We're not ornithologists!!

I may know why that mid-ID happened: if you quickly glance at #2 or #3, it doesn't readily match the RB Woodpecker in any way - no red visible. It sort of looks like a Flicker, but #1 was the giveaway for me.

Regards,
Marc

When I saw the bird my first thought was its a Flicker but then I was zoned in on getting the image and I guess the initial ID stuck in my head. The Flicker and Red-Bellied are found on the same page of my Peterson Field Guide. They must be related although there are distinct differences when you see them side by side in the guide.

Tom G

[imtheguy]

I never realized how much heavier the 400mm is than the 600mm, but I guess all that wide glass has its weight. Have you ever used your lens with the 1.4X-L converter? You'd be getting 90% of the reach of the 600mm and still be a full stop faster, albeit still with the weight penalty.

Yes I have. I shoot regularly with the 1.4xL, AF1.7x and less often, the 2xL. I found the 1.4xL has no obvious (to me) IQ penalty and the 1.7x varies but usually just plain fantastic. The 2xL has a slight IQ penalty even I can see; extra PP required.

[iFoto]

've been shooting lynx today hope you like them
f*600

[mikem]

I picked up a Kenko 1.5x TC to go along with my DA* 300. I had expected the AF to work better than it does, it definitely struggles and hunts though it does work. Still, I'm happy with the combo. Here are a few from a zoo trip today.

[dadipentak]

You should be pleased, mikem! The tone & color in the first is really nice.

[2aron]

iFoto,

Nice pictures of the Lynx. I especially like the third one.

mikem,

The Redhead is a very good shot. Nice and sharp.

I also have the Kenko 1.5 paired with the DA*300 and I too find that it hunts quite a bit more for focus than with the 300 alone. I have not gotten anything I am 100% happy with yet with the combo. They seem just less sharp than I expected.



This is probably the best I have with the combo.

Aaron

[mikem]

You should be pleased, mikem! The tone & color in the first is really nice.

Thanks! This ended up being one of my favorites of the day even though when chimping at the zoo I thought they weren't turning out at all.

mikem,

The Redhead is a very good shot. Nice and sharp.

I also have the Kenko 1.5 paired with the DA*300 and I too find that it hunts quite a bit more for focus than with the 300 alone. I have not gotten anything I am 100% happy with yet with the combo. They seem just less sharp than I expected.
Aaron

Yeah they don't seem as sharp to me either, like the bird above. Perhaps I need to stop down more than I want to! The bird was at f/4.5 and the duck at f/5.6. I'm still shooting with a K10D so I really don't have much room to stop down at all. Both of those are at ISO 800 and 1/60s. Already a slower shutter speed than I'd like. I guess what I need is f/8 and a K-5 .

[8540tomg]

Managed this image of a Robin as they fuel up for the trip south. Kind of sums up this time of year in Southern Ontario for me.



It was a perfect fall day with very good light.

Tom G

[dadipentak]

That's beautiful, Tom--awesome color!

FYI, I have not photographed any Robins recently.

[8540tomg]

That's beautiful, Tom--awesome color!

FYI, I have not photographed any Robins recently.

Guess we got a little out of sync Dave.

Judging by the frost we have had in the mornings of late you could be seeing this guy in a week or so.

The M series lenses don't get a lot of respect but they do have a nice colour palette.

Tom G

[imtheguy]

Guess we got a little out of sync Dave.

Tom G

Com'on you two charactors, get it together. This thread depends on the both of you for entertainment.

[imtheguy]

've been shooting lynx today hope you like them
f*600

A very cool cat. Mr Spock would be envious of those ears!

[8540tomg]

Com'on you two charactors, get it together. This thread depends on the both of you for entertainment.

Damn,

I thought it was our brilliant image making.

Tom G