Sand Martins, retake

[Tordan58]

I found a way to come closer to the recycling site, to a location offering opportunites to take photos of the Sand Martins with water as background.

Tried both the E5 and EM1 with the 50-200SWD lens during three photo sessions in various wind and light conditions. I think the E5 performed better looking at AF accuracy but the EM1 was better at finding a target to focus on (but with fewer keepers).

The clearest shots/most shots in focus were with the 50-200SWD alone however not filling the frame as much as I wanted, distance to target was rarely less than 15 meters. Adding the EC14 lowered the keeper rate (but with higher degree of detail), the EC20 was a no-no in spite of good light.

Got some decent results when selecting one with clean background and anticipating their motion a second or two ahead for the AF to acquire focus.

Here are some samples. #1-#7 are 50-60% crops, #8-10 almost full frames.
Thanks for looking

#1 E5 + 50-200SWD + EC14


#2 EM1 + 50-200SWD + EC14


#3 EM1 + 50-200SWD + EC14


#4 EM1 + 50-200SWD + EC14


#5 EM1 + 50-200SWD + EC14


#6 E5 + 50-200SWD + EC14


#7 E5 + 50-200SWD + EC14


#8 EM1 + 50-200SWD + EC14 (a lucky one)


#9 EM1 + 50-200SWD + EC14 (another lucky one)


#10 E5 + 300 (One of few occasions I've been able to approch them perched at close range)

[Phill D]

Re: Sand Martins, retake

You should do lessons Tord, these are a masterclass of how to do BiF with Olympus. Stunning shots.

[Tordan58]

Re: Sand Martins, retake

Thanks Phil for feedback.

It shows that BIF can be done with Olympus gear but truth is most of the results achieved were far from good.

[KeithL]

Re: Sand Martins, retake

Excellent shots - these are fast-moving birds! I got some shots of swallows catching flies over the River Stour in Essex last year, with my Canon but I doubt the M5 would have succeeded in capturing them.

Well done.

[Tordan58]

Re: Sand Martins, retake

Excellent shots - these are fast-moving birds! I got some shots of swallows catching flies over the River Stour in Essex last year, with my Canon but I doubt the M5 would have succeeded in capturing them.

Well done.

Thanks,

These are with the EM1 and E5, not the EM5.

I have considered borrowing a 7D (mk2) to get a feeling how much better that setup it is at BIF.

[Olybirder]

Re: Sand Martins, retake

An excellent series Tord. I wouldn't even consider attempting to photograph these fast flying birds as it's hard enough keeping up with them with binoculars. I would be interested to hear how you get on with the 7D mk2 if you do try it.

Ron

[IanB]

Re: Sand Martins, retake

stunning images; well done!!

[Beagletorque]

Re: Sand Martins, retake

Excellent Tord, as ever. Just getting the birds in the frame is a real test, you must have amazing patience.

[Fearless Leader]

Re: Sand Martins, retake

Wow. Fantastic work.