Cardinal

[Dbl]

Here is a happy dude I found while walking the dog today. He was semi-cooperative for about 1 minute. ISO 400, f8, 1/1600s with the Mark IIN and 300/2.8 and 1.4TC handheld. Cropped maybe 20%.

[Steve Foss]

Sweet grab shots, Dan. I especially like him with his beak open in mid song in the second one.

[mmeyer]

Great shots Dan, Not too often that they're that cooperative.

That's quite a chunk of gear to drag along on a walk with the dog isn't it?

[MN Shutterbug]

Sweeet shots. Having a subject cooperative for a minute, is plenty of time.

[Dbl]

Thanks guys. What do you think about the cropping in #1 and #2? If I cropped off the bottom a bit like in #3 you could clone out the branch to the left of the main branch. Opinions? Does it matter?

I usually don't spend much time cloning, it is what it is. Any thoughts on this one?

[Steve Foss]

Dan, to me cropping out the branch won't make much difference because I don't find the branches overpowering as they are. If they were full of oak leaves I might feel differently.

Just IMO.

[MN Shutterbug]

I have to agree with Steve. That branch isn't distracting at all. Actually, I think it adds to the scene.

[mountaindew]

Such sweet sharp shots man! You gotta love the f2.8 feature!! Nice shots!

[Dbl]

Thanks Steve and Mike I was kind of thinking the same thing, just helps to get a few opinions. Not a big deal not printing these or anything special.

MD thanks, the 2.8 feature really didn't come into play here at all. These were shot at f8. Most bird and or wildlife shots I take are in this range to get enough DOF to keep things sharp. If this was shot at 2.8 the whole bird would not have been in focus at the range these were taken at.

[buzzsaw]

 Originally Posted By: Dbl

Thanks guys. What do you think about the cropping in #1 and #2? If I cropped off the bottom a bit like in #3 you could clone out the branch to the left of the main branch. Opinions? Does it matter?

I usually don't spend much time cloning, it is what it is. Any thoughts on this one?

Hey Dan, nice image! I would say I like #3 the best, but would crop off some of the right hand side for comp purposes... not so centered ya know.

[Dbl]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate the feedback.

[finnbay]

Some great shots, Dan! Interesting angle as well.

[dukhnt]

Very nice shots. I like the 2nd one for some reason.

[Royce Aardahl]

Awesome. Gottta love tose cardinals.

[mountaindew]

Dan,

No, I know it didn't come in for bright conditions. But I'm saying I just LOVE the fact that you can shoot birds in a much low light conditions..for example, like indoor sports.

[jwhjr]

The second shot is my favorite as well. Great pics!

[Dbl]

Thanks for the comments everyone!