Last Saturday

[Tom Wilson]

As some of you know Last Saturday we had an impromptu meeting at the local duck pond for those of us who not only love the birds, but also love to photograph them. It did not turn out the way we had hoped as far as the weather, but we had a good time anyways. I had a good time and it was good to hang out with Buzzsaw, Hobbydog, and The Duckslayer.

I though I'd post a couple of the photos from that day. I think most of you have heard me whine and complain, about having to shoot with consumer grade glass before, so I won't go through that again. I have taken many wonderful photos with my Sigma lenses, but due to the expense have never been able to afford any Nikon Prime lenses. Hobbydog actually owns one of the lenses that is on my "must buy as soon as possible list". Not only did he show up, but he was kind and gracious enough to let me shoot with that lens for the better part of the day in order to try it. Thank you again for that Bill, I just can't tell you how much that meant to be able to spend the day trying that lens out. The photos I am posting here in this thread were all taken with that lens. I shot them all in jpeg (which I never do), and could not believe the results when I got home. As cloudy and dark as it was, I was shooting at ISO 800 just to be able to have enough shutter speed for the flyers. The VR on that lens is incredible also allowing for steady flight shots at speeds as low as 1/180. One of the other things I noticed was the amazing color rendition, and the difference between the two lenses in color. Lastly is the amount of seperation in the photos. The ducks just seem to leap off the page, and have visible seperation from the backgrounds, something that just doesn't happen with the consumer grade glass (if you look at some of my older posts you can see what I mean). The bokeh on this lens is amazing as well (the creaminess of the blur in the background). I was truly fascinated by this lens, and even my wife just walking behind me at the computer said "he let you use that lens didn't he?". After looking through what I took under those dark conditions, she said "Imagine that on a sunny day". Then she followed it up with "I guess you'll have to get one when we get our taxes back" Hurray for me! Anyways, here's the photos, and again guys--I had a good time, and Jimbo, it was great to meet you finally.

Tom W

Hobby--Even the large flock shots came out. I did have a few that were fooled, but for the most part they turned out like this one. Very awesome.

[polarsusd81]

I guess it really goes to show what good glass will do. I shoot Canon and am looking at getting a nice lens, but am in the same boat, broke. I am gonna have to pinch pennys elsewhere I guess. Those are some great photos, I really love the flock shot you have there, the mallards just come alive. Awesome. I would have loved to come out and shoot with you guys, but I was in Arkansas shooting with the gun. Friday night I was out trying to shoot with the camera, but it was right before sunset and really dark clouds, so for the most part the photos were not the best, but I will weed through and try to post a couple.

Tom

[buzzsaw]

Nice pics Tom! I'll see you down at the pond in a few hours.... I must go make a sale now to keep mama happy.

[The_Duckslayer]

WOW... the birds do seem to just off the page right at you! Great pics, thanks for posting! I had a great time, will have to do it again! Was great to meet all of you guys! Have a good one and N Joy the HUnt././Jimbo

[hobbydog]

Yer welcome Tom. I told you it would get you into trouble You forgot to mention that the lens was combined with TC 1.4 teleconverter. As we talked about...... the lens would be even better on a better body. The D70 AF is OK but no match for what the lens can produce. It was nice of Buzz and Jimbo to leave when they did so the sun could come out