Bird Shots with the 600mm

Remember the 600mm F4?

Well these are the results from my first play with it. No Flamingos I'm afraid - but I have got it again this coming weekend, so may have better luck.

I found the lens a big brute to handle all day - and fairly soft at certain ranges - I think it was better as a frame filler opposed to a zoom for bringing distant shots closer.

Female Wigeon



Male Teal



Female Stonechat - I was particularly pleased with this shot as it was handheld.



Shoveler in flight



Shoveler having a splash



Shoveler about to spring



Gangly heron - taken from about 300m away



Blackheaded gull in winter plumage



Let me know what you think - I'd appreciate any comments you may have on these pictures, and any tips you may have for the next time I use the 600.

Thanks

They're not bad considering how far you must have been!

I like the composition and framing of the shots

Some are them are a tad noisey - are they crops?

Yes Azz - and like a biff I forgot to check my ISO setting - I didnt realise until after that I was set on ISO 800 all day in bright sunshine!!!

Composition is spot on and as said some are a tad noisy.

I have no advice on the lens as I can only.........................................dream .

What body were you using and is a cropped sensor?

If a cropped sensor it would make the effective focal length of nearly 900mm. Now to handhold and get a shot as sharp as that you need a big slap on the back.

Not while you're taking the shot though

Great images jack

steve

I was using my D300 Steve, 1.5 crop factor - and I admit - I was bloody struggling to lift the lens and keep it steady without the tripod. I used the folded arms technique shooting to the side - but still had to crane my neck in an attempt to get to the viewfinder! LOL

Thanks for your comments.

they are great jack esp the heron my fave !

really sharp for the "old folded arm technique"

Really like the Shoveler in flight, and the leggy Heron, think the Heron is my fave, great composition, and it's interesting

Well done, looks like you tamed the "beast" xx

Nice pics JR, im always forgetting to change my ISO setting lol. its not really that noticable on my PC screen.

Same here often forget the ISO, I tink they are really good considering you need a wheelbarrow to move the lens around!!!