Pipit

Seen lots of these birds today but it is so difficult to get close enough for a decent shot. I would have prefered him to have been looking towards me and shot with a smaller aperture and the wind not blowing, but you only get a few clicks of the shutter then they are off

I'll need to get my self a portable hide to allow me shots of these small birds and I'm also planning a visit to my local RSPB centre which have 3 bird hides to try and capture a much more varied species of birds than I have showing on my website, especially the smaller ones.

1/1000 sec, f5.6, ISO1600 Canon 50d, 400mm f5.6 L

Nice shot DJ

It almost looks a little computer generated, when you look at the top right of the pole

You've done well DJ. Thse things bob about like nobody's business.

I can tell it's windy by the 'back combed' neck feathers - but at 1/1000 it looks good despite the ISO 1600

Good to see the 50D is still in use.

Are you using it for speed ?

Thats the effect (quality you get when using a sharp & calibrated 400mm f5.6 L (at f5.6) on a 50d body. I call it the 3D look

Oh yes (cue Churchill dog I love the 50d Phil and yes, I use it for speed. I can get great quality images from it that compare with my 5d MkII.
It does, however,tend to underexpose and ISO above 2000 is not so good unless subject is very close and in good light. Because of this I will eventually get the 7d with new metering, faster fps, AF and better noise handling at high ISO than the 50d, but will see how the reviews go first.

any sign of your arm getting back to normal?

Not really DJ

I'm managing OK one handed but we'll have to wait and see.

My strappy thing is fixing my arm so I can use my right index finger for typing 'two handed'.

It's a bit soon to know what the outlook is in terms of the recovery but I should hopefully know a bit more over the next week or so. I think it's going to be a long road back - if at all - from what's been said.

Anyway - I was looking at a 322 head a while back but I'm toying with the idea of one of these for my holiday to the cottage at Loch Sunart.........

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/224...mpaign=pid2243

........as it's one (left if you get my point) handed.

I was already thinking of one of these.....

http://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Manf...eavy_Duty_Head

.........but as far as i know they're only right handed ?????

Thats the one I have Phil, the RC2 322. I'm left handed but the rc2 can be reversed to suit left or right handed use. It also has a friction wheel and needs to be quite tight if you are using your camera in portrait orientaion otherwise it will slip. I find it quite annoying at times when shooting vertical with my cam as I was constantly tightening the friction knob when orientated like that. It's not so bad if you remember to tighten it while shooting that way. It's a great head for the money.

I did'nt know about the joystick head from Manfrotto, that actually might be better for your use rather than the RC2 322.

Lovely shot DJ. I love that he's facing "The Wrong Way", I think it adds character to the shot - and I love his ruffled feathers

xx

Ah I did't realise it could be changed to the left hand side. I think that would make more sense regardless of the duff right hand.

Looks like it's been set for the left in some of these images. How you you make the change ??? Is the handle grip turned upside down ???

Beautiful shot Grant.

Thanks everyone.

Phil, the rc2 322 head is basically double sided, you just remove two allen screws (allen key provided) and then reverse it. It comes setup for right handed use.