Thematic The Yard Birds Thread

**ffking** · 04-26-2021, 02:01 AM - **4 Likes**

We were treated to a visit by a mature male sparrowhawk to our balcony as I was making supper. Fortunately I had my camera (K-3) to hand with the 70-200 attached - it was set to an unnecessarily high shutter speed ( I forgot to check in the excitement) which resulted in a higher ISO than I'd have chosen, and it had to be shot through a double glazed window, but bearing all that in mind, I'm very happy with the result.

Last edited by ffking; 04-26-2021 at 06:07 AM.

**dadipentak** · 04-26-2021, 05:58 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ffking

I'm very happy with the result.

As you should be.

timb64 · 04-26-2021, 07:15 AM - **11 Likes**

KP and PLM

**Mbaez** · 04-26-2021, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by Des

Silvereyes on Kangaroo Apples. KP + DA 55-300 PLM at 300mm.

(X-posted from the 300mm+ thread)

Those silver-eyes are so pretty. Excellent pictures.

**Des** · 04-26-2021, 03:04 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mbaez

Those silver-eyes are so pretty. Excellent pictures.

They are a very attractive little bird. Thank you.

**rod_grant** · 04-26-2021, 09:50 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by timb64

KP and

Great set Tim.

pkboy · 04-27-2021, 12:19 AM - **5 Likes**

I really need to get the 55-300 PLM, I have the ED and I love the range I get, but my copy gets really soft at 300mm, tried playing with fine focus adjustments and even shooting at smaller apertures still fuzzy, so I think it's just my copy. Got it used for around the equivalent of 100 USD so I'm not complaining though.

Red Whiskered Bulbul

**ffking** · 04-27-2021, 12:27 AM - **6 Likes**

Here's a bluetit (chickadee sp. for N American viewers

) - at the feeder while another comes in to join it

bertwert · 04-27-2021, 05:37 PM - **8 Likes**

I don't want to post this around too much, but I'm pretty pleased with this sparrow I caught in a tree today...

**Des** · 04-27-2021, 05:43 PM - **9 Likes**

Originally posted by pkboy

I really need to get the 55-300 PLM, I have the ED and I love the range I get, but my copy gets really soft at 300mm, tried playing with fine focus adjustments and even shooting at smaller apertures still fuzzy, so I think it's just my copy. Got it used for around the equivalent of 100 USD so I'm not complaining though.Red Whiskered Bulbul

Still not bad for a cheap zoom, even if it's not a lens for pixel-peeping. The surprise to me is the amount of noise in this image at ISO 500. The 55-300 PLM should give you more resolution than your copy of the screw-driven version, but with its slow aperture (f6.3 at 300mm) you will need to push the ISO in less-than-ideal light, so maybe look at some of the recent software that uses AI for noise reduction, like Topaz or DxO PhotoLab 4?

Originally posted by bertwert

I don't want to post this around too much, but I'm pretty pleased with this sparrow I caught in a tree today...

It belongs here Robert. Great detail and nice processing.

Crimson Rosellas. KP + DA 55-300 PLM

(The third one here is at 3200 ISO. The KP is 1-2 stops better than the K-3 at this point, but I find that the new DeepPrime in DxO PL 4 really helps too.)

jquill · 04-27-2021, 06:28 PM - **8 Likes**

Red-Breasted Nuthatch

pkboy · 04-27-2021, 09:39 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

Still not bad for a cheap zoom, even if it's not a lens for pixel-peeping. The surprise to me is the amount of noise in this image at ISO 500. The 55-300 PLM should give you more resolution than your copy of the screw-driven version, but with its slow aperture (f6.3 at 300mm) you will need to push the ISO in less-than-ideal light, so maybe look at some of the recent software that uses AI for noise reduction, like Topaz or DxO PhotoLab 4?

I will try that, but I recently got some processing profiles for Rawtherapee that does noise reduction so I'll try that first maybe.

**rod_grant** · 04-28-2021, 12:41 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bertwert

I don't want to post this around too much, but I'm pretty pleased with this sparrow I caught in a tree today...

I can see why, Bertie. Nice.
It has a certain natural vignette about it.

**Mbaez** · 04-28-2021, 06:23 AM

Originally posted by Des

Still not bad for a cheap zoom, even if it's not a lens for pixel-peeping. The surprise to me is the amount of noise in this image at ISO 500. The 55-300 PLM should give you more resolution than your copy of the screw-driven version, but with its slow aperture (f6.3 at 300mm) you will need to push the ISO in less-than-ideal light, so maybe look at some of the recent software that uses AI for noise reduction, like Topaz or DxO PhotoLab 4?

It belongs here Robert. Great detail and nice processing.

Crimson Rosellas. KP + DA 55-300 PLM

(The third one here is at 3200 ISO. The KP is 1-2 stops better than the K-3 at this point, but I find that the new DeepPrime in DxO PL 4 really helps too.)

Crimson Rosellas are so pretty, and you pictures so good!
Our local parrots are very skittish that I can hardly see them.

**Des** · 04-28-2021, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by Mbaez

Crimson Rosellas are so pretty, and you pictures so good!Our local parrots are very skittish that I can hardly see them.

Thank you. Most of the parrots to be seen in Australia are certainly not "skittish" (although many of the smaller and rarer ones are) and they are all very photogenic IMO.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Nature Birds From the yard	Terdog	Post Your Photos!	7	01-31-2012 08:08 AM
Some flowers and birds around the back yard	pentkon52	Post Your Photos!	3	07-10-2008 08:25 AM
First time photo post - Birds from the yard	ksdar	Post Your Photos!	12	05-18-2008 01:04 PM
Some Yard Birds	Fl_Gulfer	Post Your Photos!	4	02-26-2008 04:21 AM
Yard birds	sumrall	Post Your Photos!	7	11-07-2007 06:57 AM

04-26-2021, 02:01 AM - 4 Likes	#2266
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,038	We were treated to a visit by a mature male sparrowhawk to our balcony as I was making supper. Fortunately I had my camera (K-3) to hand with the 70-200 attached - it was set to an unnecessarily high shutter speed ( I forgot to check in the excitement) which resulted in a higher ISO than I'd have chosen, and it had to be shot through a double glazed window, but bearing all that in mind, I'm very happy with the result. Last edited by ffking; 04-26-2021 at 06:07 AM.

04-26-2021, 05:58 AM - 1 Like	#2267
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Originally posted by ffking I'm very happy with the result. As you should be.

04-26-2021, 07:15 AM - 11 Likes	#2268
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	KP and PLM

04-26-2021, 08:26 AM	#2269
Mbaez Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: NY Photos: Albums Posts: 3,772	Originally posted by Des Silvereyes on Kangaroo Apples. KP + DA 55-300 PLM at 300mm. (X-posted from the 300mm+ thread) Those silver-eyes are so pretty. Excellent pictures.

04-26-2021, 03:04 PM - 1 Like	#2270
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,422	Originally posted by Mbaez Those silver-eyes are so pretty. Excellent pictures. They are a very attractive little bird. Thank you.

04-26-2021, 09:50 PM - 1 Like	#2271
rod_grant Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wangaratta, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,951	Originally posted by timb64 KP and Great set Tim.

04-27-2021, 12:19 AM - 5 Likes	#2272
pkboy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Lantau Island Posts: 890	I really need to get the 55-300 PLM, I have the ED and I love the range I get, but my copy gets really soft at 300mm, tried playing with fine focus adjustments and even shooting at smaller apertures still fuzzy, so I think it's just my copy. Got it used for around the equivalent of 100 USD so I'm not complaining though. Red Whiskered Bulbul

04-27-2021, 12:27 AM - 6 Likes	#2273
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,038	Here's a bluetit (chickadee sp. for N American viewers ) - at the feeder while another comes in to join it

04-27-2021, 05:37 PM - 8 Likes	#2274
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	I don't want to post this around too much, but I'm pretty pleased with this sparrow I caught in a tree today...

04-27-2021, 05:43 PM - 9 Likes	#2275
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,422	Originally posted by pkboy I really need to get the 55-300 PLM, I have the ED and I love the range I get, but my copy gets really soft at 300mm, tried playing with fine focus adjustments and even shooting at smaller apertures still fuzzy, so I think it's just my copy. Got it used for around the equivalent of 100 USD so I'm not complaining though.Red Whiskered Bulbul Still not bad for a cheap zoom, even if it's not a lens for pixel-peeping. The surprise to me is the amount of noise in this image at ISO 500. The 55-300 PLM should give you more resolution than your copy of the screw-driven version, but with its slow aperture (f6.3 at 300mm) you will need to push the ISO in less-than-ideal light, so maybe look at some of the recent software that uses AI for noise reduction, like Topaz or DxO PhotoLab 4? Originally posted by bertwert I don't want to post this around too much, but I'm pretty pleased with this sparrow I caught in a tree today... It belongs here Robert. Great detail and nice processing. Crimson Rosellas. KP + DA 55-300 PLM (The third one here is at 3200 ISO. The KP is 1-2 stops better than the K-3 at this point, but I find that the new DeepPrime in DxO PL 4 really helps too.)

04-27-2021, 06:28 PM - 8 Likes	#2276
jquill Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ocean City, MD Posts: 2,933	Red-Breasted Nuthatch

04-27-2021, 09:39 PM - 1 Like	#2277
pkboy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Lantau Island Posts: 890	Originally posted by Des Still not bad for a cheap zoom, even if it's not a lens for pixel-peeping. The surprise to me is the amount of noise in this image at ISO 500. The 55-300 PLM should give you more resolution than your copy of the screw-driven version, but with its slow aperture (f6.3 at 300mm) you will need to push the ISO in less-than-ideal light, so maybe look at some of the recent software that uses AI for noise reduction, like Topaz or DxO PhotoLab 4? I will try that, but I recently got some processing profiles for Rawtherapee that does noise reduction so I'll try that first maybe.

04-28-2021, 12:41 AM - 1 Like	#2278
rod_grant Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wangaratta, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,951	Originally posted by bertwert I don't want to post this around too much, but I'm pretty pleased with this sparrow I caught in a tree today... I can see why, Bertie. Nice. It has a certain natural vignette about it.

04-28-2021, 06:23 AM	#2279
Mbaez Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: NY Photos: Albums Posts: 3,772	Originally posted by Des Still not bad for a cheap zoom, even if it's not a lens for pixel-peeping. The surprise to me is the amount of noise in this image at ISO 500. The 55-300 PLM should give you more resolution than your copy of the screw-driven version, but with its slow aperture (f6.3 at 300mm) you will need to push the ISO in less-than-ideal light, so maybe look at some of the recent software that uses AI for noise reduction, like Topaz or DxO PhotoLab 4? It belongs here Robert. Great detail and nice processing. Crimson Rosellas. KP + DA 55-300 PLM (The third one here is at 3200 ISO. The KP is 1-2 stops better than the K-3 at this point, but I find that the new DeepPrime in DxO PL 4 really helps too.) Crimson Rosellas are so pretty, and you pictures so good! Our local parrots are very skittish that I can hardly see them.

04-28-2021, 01:31 PM	#2280
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,422	Originally posted by Mbaez Crimson Rosellas are so pretty, and you pictures so good!Our local parrots are very skittish that I can hardly see them. Thank you. Most of the parrots to be seen in Australia are certainly not "skittish" (although many of the smaller and rarer ones are) and they are all very photogenic IMO.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search