First usefull 135-400 Results

[scanny]

Hi All

Today i managed to get the combination of glorious sunshine and no uni so i finnally got a change to try and use the 135-400. I managed to get two shots i thought were useable. They are put to shame by the other users shots from this lens so ill be hopping for a lot more sun and less lectures to practice some more. Ps ive not tryed framing any of my shots before so the novelty has yet to wear off. I think the first is a sandpiper and the second a condorant or shag, its been a while since i knew them as a child

Steve

[StephenL]

Re: First usefull 135-400 Results

Hi - the first is an Oystercatcher, the second a Cormorant. Both surprisingly difficult to catch in flight, so although they are showing signs of focus error or movement, they are not bad for a first attempt with a new lens.
How does the lens handle - is it heavy, well-balanced or what?

[scanny]

Re: First usefull 135-400 Results

Thanks stephen the names are coming back to me. The lens is surprisingly well ballanced compared to bigma, i was surprised with the dimensions, it is not much longer than a 50-200 and a few hundred grams heavyer so it feels at home on an E1 or the E500 which i had out today, my complaint with bigma was it was a lens you knew you were out with- carrying a bag for it, monopod, it was a heavy beast so not practicle for a day trip out traveling light- this feels fine balanced and i wouldn't hesitate to have it on for a walk or trip into the wilderness. The downside is a construction that is adequate but is the same "plasticy", its not a pleasing tactile experience as the ZD50-200 is.

I cant complain it was something of a bargin when i got it so heres to more bright days

[Guest]

Re: First usefull 135-400 Results

Looks like a good start with the lens, and you started with the most difficult targets - birds in flight.

The 135-400 does like to be a little stopped down - especially for long distance work, it also repays close watching of the histogram.

Can't comment on your settings as I don't see the exif in the images.

Nick

[scanny]

Re: First usefull 135-400 Results

Ah i hadn't noted the exif was not presant On the Oystercatcher i was at f7.1 with 1/1250 @iso 200 and for the cormorant it was f8 with 1/500 @iso 200. I was using my brothers E500 whilst my usual e510 is on lend to a friend so i didnt want to use too as high an iso as i would have on the 510, im happy with it up to iso 800 using in camera filtering.

With birds in flight is it better to go for the highest shutter speed possible and try to freeze it in flight or to allow a little lower and almost pan it

Thanks for all the advice

Steve